5 Incredible Viewpoints in Trás-os-Montes and Alto Douro

Azeite a Norte Blog
15 hours ago
7 min read

There are places that make us stop. That force us to take a deep breath, slow down, and simply contemplate. Trás-os-Montes and Alto Douro hold some of the most impressive viewpoints in Portugal. Nestled among deep valleys, olive groves stretching to the horizon, and traditional villages, these five observation points offer privileged views over a region that still preserves its authenticity. Discover where to stop, contemplate, and marvel at the landscapes of Trás-os-Montes.

1. Penedo Durão Viewpoint (Freixo de Espada à Cinta)

The King of the Viewpoints of the International Douro

The Penedo Durão viewpoint is one of the most impressive in the Alto Douro. At 550 meters above the Douro River, this enormous rock formation in the Douro International Natural Park offers breathtaking views. From the top, the Douro meanders below between steep cliffs, and beyond the border, the Spanish landscape stretches in layers to the horizon [1,2,3].

Built in terraces, it also functions as a picnic area, inviting visitors to extend their stay and savor not only the view but also the local produce. Imagine having a picnic with olives, sausages, and traditional bread from Trás-os-Montes while observing one of the wildest and most preserved landscapes in Portugal [2,3].

This is also one of the best places in the country for birdwatching. The cliffs of the Douro International are home to griffon vultures, Egyptian vultures, golden eagles, and peregrine falcons. Watching the silent and majestic flight of these creatures, gliding on the thermal currents above the river, is an experience that reconnects us with nature in its purest state. Spring is the best time for this observation, when the birds are most active [4].

What not to miss: Freixo de Espada à Cinta is home to important olive groves for olive oil production, especially the Negrinha de Freixo variety. Between February and March, the almond trees in bloom create a unique spectacle that complements the ancient terraced olive groves.

2. Olhos do Tua Viewpoint (Carrazeda de Ansiães)

In the heart of the Tua Valley Regional Natural Park (PNRVT) lies one of the most photogenic viewpoints in the region — the Olhos do Tua viewpoint. Located on the edge of the village of Castanheiro, in Carrazeda de Ansiães, this observation point offers a wide and unobstructed panoramic view over the Tua River valley, where the landscape unfolds in layers of green, gold and silver [5].

The Tua Valley is nestled between the Douro Wine Region and the Terra Quente Transmontana, encompassing five municipalities (Alijó, Carrazeda de Ansiães, Mirandela, Murça and Vila Flor). Here, vineyards and olive groves coexist harmoniously in the 25,000 hectares of the natural park.

Best time to visit: In autumn, when the grape harvest ends and the olive picking begins, the landscape takes on shades of gold, orange, and brown, creating an unforgettable chromatic spectacle. In winter, if you're lucky enough to have snow, the contrast of white against the olive groves and vineyards creates picture-postcard scenery.

3. Fraga do Facho Viewpoint (Torre de Moncorvo)

In the Serra do Reboredo, this viewpoint stands out for its iron structure, which has become a symbol of Torre de Moncorvo. From the top, the view encompasses the town, the Vilariça valley, the Sabor and Douro rivers, and in the distance the lands of Alfândega da Fé, Freixo de Espada à Cinta and Mogadouro [6].

Torre de Moncorvo is, without a doubt, a kingdom of olive trees in Portugal. Olive groves cover the gentle slopes of the Vilariça valley, taking advantage of a unique microclimate that combines Mediterranean and continental influences. These are ancient olive trees, some with impressively sized trunks, silent witnesses to centuries of work and dedication. In spring, when the almond trees in bloom create a spectacle of color that attracts visitors from all over the country, the olive groves offer a silvery counterpoint that further enhances the beauty of this unique landscape [6,7].

Access: Dirt road (4x4 vehicle recommended, but possible with a regular car with caution).

Other viewpoints: Torre de Moncorvo has 16 signposted viewpoints, including Santa Leocádia (paved access), Fraga do Cão (natural rock formation) and Talegre no Castedo (with the famous Baloiço do Sobreiro).

4. Sanctuary of Nossa Senhora da Assunção (Vila Flor)

Located at an altitude of 760 meters near the village of Vilas Boas, this 19th-century sanctuary offers 360° views over the region. Here, the horizon seems endless; within a 100-kilometer radius, you can see the Montesinho Natural Park, Mirandela, and even Sanabria in Spain [8].

The real spectacle happens at the end of the day, when the sunset paints the sky orange, pink, and gold, bathing the entire Transmontane landscape—including the extensive olive groves that define Vila Flor.

About Vila Flor: One of the main olive oil producing areas in Portugal, with traditional olive groves covering slopes and valleys. From the sanctuary, you can see how the olive groves are distributed across the landscape, often in conjunction with vineyards and almond orchards.

Suggestion: Combine the visit with the trail between Vilarinho das Azenhas and Ribeirinha (3 km along the old Tua railway line, passing through olive groves and vineyards).

5. Douro Internacional Viewpoints (Miranda do Douro)

Windows Over the Cliffs

Miranda do Douro is a border town in every sense—not only because it borders Spain, but also because it marks the boundary between the cold Transmontana region and the Mirandese Plateau, between the harshness of the Douro cliffs and the sweetness of the Mirandese language, between preserved ancestry and arriving modernity.

In recent years, the city has invested in the creation and requalification of viewpoints that allow visitors to contemplate the unique landscapes of the Douro International Natural Park. Two new viewpoints stand out and have quickly become must-see attractions:

Cathedral Viewpoint: Located in the heart of the city, where you can see the famous "2" — a natural rock formation in the shape of the number 2 that stands out on the cliffs. This viewpoint was designed with easy access for all visitors, allowing the contemplation of this unique natural landscape that characterizes the International Douro [9].

Fraga do Puio Viewpoint (Picote): In the heart of the Douro International Natural Park, the viewpoint offers one of the most impressive views over the deep canyon of the Douro River, where the water meanders between granite cliffs that seem sculpted by time. The suspended platform — reconstructed with wood, steel and glass to better integrate the landscape — invites deep contemplation of the territory and the natural contrasts that define this unique place [10].

The cliffs of the Douro International are habitat for griffon vultures, Egyptian vultures and golden eagles. The flight of these birds over the rocky walls that plunge steeply to the river is a spectacle in itself.

The region: Miranda preserves the Mirandese language (the second official language of Portugal), the Pauliteiros dances, and a gastronomy that celebrates local products. The traditional olive groves of the Mirandese Plateau produce olive oil adapted to the extreme continental climate of this region.

Other viewpoints: Castro de São João das Arribas (Aldeia Nova) and Vale de Águia.

Practical Tips for Your Visit

Best time:

Spring (March to May): This is perhaps the most spectacular time. The almond trees in bloom create a white and pink carpet covering the slopes, the fields explode in green after the winter rains, and the mild temperatures invite long walks and contemplation. The olive groves come alive with flowering, in a discreet but fundamental process for the future harvest.

Summer (June to August): Temperatures can be high, especially in lower areas like the Douro Internacional, but the afternoons lengthen and the sunsets are memorable. It's a calm time in the olive groves, when the olives begin to develop slowly, preparing for the autumn harvest. High-altitude viewpoints, such as the Sanctuary of Our Lady of the Assumption, benefit from refreshing breezes even on the hottest days.

Autumn (September to November): The olive harvest season brings a special bustle to the region. The olive groves come alive, the olive presses begin to work, and the aroma of new olive oil perfumes the air. The landscapes take on golden, orange, and brown hues, creating scenes of rare photogenic beauty. It's a perfect time to combine visits to viewpoints with participation in olive oil tourism experiences.

Winter (December to February): The cold can be intense, but the landscapes gain a special purity and serenity. On snowy days, the viewpoints transform into true postcards, with white covering olive groves and vineyards. The clear air allows for extraordinary views. It is also the time when the olive presses are still processing the oil from the last olives, offering unique opportunities to taste freshly extracted olive oil.

Essentials:

Own vehicle (essential)
30-60 minutes at each viewpoint
Comfortable clothing and footwear
Sunscreen and water
Binoculars for bird watching

Combine with:

Meals at traditional restaurants
Hiking trails in the region
Accommodation in rural tourism establishments
Visits to olive oil mills or olive groves

Views That Stay in Your Memory

These five viewpoints reveal different facets of Trás-os-Montes and Alto Douro — from the dramatic cliffs of the Douro Internacional to the endless olive groves of Torre de Moncorvo, from the verdant valleys of the Tua River to the transmontane horizons seen from the Sanctuary of Vila Flor.

More than just observation points, they are places that help us understand the relationship between the people of this land and the olive groves that have shaped the landscape over centuries.

When planning your next visit to Trás-os-Montes and Alto Douro, set aside time for these moments of contemplation. Climb to the viewpoints, take a deep breath, let your gaze wander over the landscapes stretching out before you. Observe the olive groves that shaped this land, the villages that have withstood the test of time, the rivers that gave life to it all.

Discover more experiences in Azeite a Norte and plan your next getaway in Trás-os-Montes.