Ecotourism and Olive Tourism in Trás-os-Montes and Alto Douro: A Fascinating Itinerary for Everyone in the Heart of Nature

M. Araújo
Aug 11
5 min read

Nature tourism is one of the best things to do in this region.

Nature tourism and ecotourism are found throughout this wonderful kingdom.

When you think of nature getaways, Trás-os-Montes and Alto Douro are destinations that defy all expectations. Here, the horizons are vast, the mountains hold ancient secrets, and each season reveals natural wonders to those who venture along these trails. At the heart of this experience, the Azeite a Norte project fits perfectly – more than olive oil, it's culture, tradition, and an invitation to intensely experience everything the land has to offer your curiosity.

Why choose Trás-os-Montes and Alto Douro for nature tourism?

This region stands out nationally and internationally for its natural heritage, the high percentage of protected areas, and the authentic experiences it offers. It's not just the parks or nature reserves—it's also the picturesque villages, centuries-old windmills, ancestral traditions, and welcoming people that make it all unique. terrasdetrasosmontes+3

If you're looking for a destination to experience ecotourism and olive tourism, you've come to the right place. Here you can:

Discover breathtaking landscapes.
Observe rare birds and native flora full of colors and aromas.
Take unforgettable hikes.
Hear the bellowing of deer in autumn or explore flower-filled trails in spring.
Meet the Mirandese donkeys or visit Vinhais Park.
Taste unique olive oils from ancient olive trees.
Integrate yourself into local routines and traditions that still stand the test of time.

The Natural Jewels of the Region

This territory concentrates some of the richest natural spaces in Portugal and has a valuable network of protected areas, with emphasis on: 9passos.cim-ttm+2

Protected Area	Category	Activities
Montesinho Natural Park	Natural Park	Bird watching, wildlife, trails
Douro International Natural Park	Natural Park	Birdwatching, trails, viewpoints
Protected Landscape of the Azibo Reservoir	Protected Landscape	River beach, canoeing, trails
Serra das Meadas Biological Park	Biological Park	Environmental education
Alvão Natural Park	Natural Park	Trails, waterfalls
Vinhais Park	Forest and organic park	Native animals, nature
Tua Valley Regional Natural Park	Natural Park	Bird watching, wildlife, trails

In addition to these, there are multiple areas of the Natura 2000 Network and themed walking trails, many of them integrated into the Nove Passos (CIM-TTM) project, which covers 9 natural and cultural trails spread throughout the region, each with a distinct theme. 9passos.cim-ttm+1

What you can do: Activities for all tastes

Birdwatching and Wildlife Observation

This region is a birdwatching paradise: viagens.sapo+1

In the valleys of the Douro Internacional, you'll see griffon vultures, eagles, and black vultures.
On the banks of the Azibo Reservoir or along the trails of Loivos, you can encounter dozens of species, from the common bee-eater to the Iberian imperial eagle.

Furthermore, in autumn, the roaring of the deer transforms the woods into an incomparable auditory and visual spectacle.

Hiking and Trails

With hundreds of marked routes and dozens of themed trails: terrasdetrasosmontes+1

Flavor Trail (Alfândega da Fé)
Carvalho Trail (Bragança)
Azibo Reservoir Trail (Macedo de Cavaleiros)
Faia da Água Alta Waterfall Trail (Mogadouro)
Among others, along the Chestnut Blossom Route, biodiversity trails, forest trails, etc.

The difficulty varies, there are trails for beginners and experienced hikers.

Activities with Mirandese Donkeys

One of the most memorable experiences for families and children is a visit to the Miranda Donkey Enhancement Center, with guided tours, educational programs, and the opportunity to sponsor a donkey and contribute to the preservation of this native breed.11burros11destinos+1

Olive Tourism: From the Olive Grove to the Olive Oil Tasting

With the Azeite a Norte project as a driving force, olive tourism gains prominence: azeiteanorte+1

Visits to ancient olive groves with local producers.
Guided tastings of excellent DOP olive oils.
Olive harvesting workshops during harvest time.
Tours of traditional and modern mills.
Gastronomic experiences: pairings of extra virgin olive oil with regional products (Posta Mirandesa, sausages, Transmontano bread).
Visit to the Olive and Olive Oil Museum in Mirandela.

This approach allows each visitor, young or old, to journey through the origin and authenticity of the product – and understand how sustainability and respect for the territory are essential to excellent experiences.

Other Ecotourism Experiences

Canoeing and SUP on reservoirs and rivers.
Bicycle and electric boat tours – with no ecological footprint.
Flora observation: oaks, cork oaks, chestnut trees, holm oaks, even mushrooms and medicinal plants on dedicated trails.
Hot air balloons, yoga in nature, and rural tourism on farms and villages. booking

Olive Oil in the North: A central role in boosting tourism

Azeite do Norte is not just a product – it is a hub of cooperation between producers, nature guides and tourism agents, which works with municipalities and local projects to develop integrated tourism offerings. This means that: azeiteanorte

Packages can combine visits to olive groves, nature trails, and gastronomic experiences.
Sustainability is emphasized, with utmost respect for the environment and heritage.
The region's promotion is carried out in partnership and with the integration of different audiences and interests.

Furthermore, olive tourism activities are inclusive, seeking to attract both young people (environmental education, ecological practices) and older people (knowledge of the land, tastings, collective memory).

Tips for planning your trip

Spring and fall are ideal: mild weather, lush landscapes, and special activities like deer roaring, olive harvesting, or flower trails.
Winter is harsher, but perfect for seclusion. The olive oils tasted during this time are the freshest!
Check out the Nove Passos project itineraries to explore unique trails in each municipality. saberviajar+1
Book guided programs to ensure an enriching experience, especially birdwatching and olive tourism.
Enjoy the river beaches in the summer, perfect for relaxing between hikes. azeiteanorte
Experience rural tourism accommodations, where contact with the local population is an enriching reality. booking

Must-see places and suggestions for all ages

Young people

Mirandese donkey rides, creative workshops, and ecological challenges.
"Biospot" trails to explore biodiversity.
Water activities in the reservoirs, such as stand-up paddleboarding and kayaking.

Seniors

Olive tourism and gastronomy itineraries, tastings, and museum visits.
Observation of flora and agricultural cycles, heritage tours, and guided tours of community villages.
Birdwatching and gentle hikes in natural parks.

Families

Environmental awareness educational programs.
Visits to theme parks, animal sponsorship experiences, and interactive activities.
Trails and activities to discover regional traditions.

Why is ecotourism in Trás-os-Montes and Alto Douro combined with olive tourism unique?

Here, every experience is authentic, natural, and respects the rhythms of the land. When you integrate olive tourism activities into your nature tourism itinerary, you gain access to the most genuine: the expertise of olive growers, award-winning olive oils, and a landscape that is a living presence of Portugal's history. azeiteanorte+1

The Azeite a Norte project enhances all of this, facilitates access to innovative routes, promotes partnerships with local producers and entities, and multiplies your experience, so that you take with you lasting memories – not only of the taste of the olive oil, but of the aromas of the land, the trails traveled, the animals seen and the stories told around the table.

Conclusion

If you're looking for nature, adventure, and authentic flavor, Trás-os-Montes and Alto Douro are must-see destinations. Ecotourism in this region is made up of authentic experiences, amidst mountains, villages, and olive groves where time passes slowly and the olive oil shines like liquid gold.

Let yourself be guided by the spirit of "Azeite ao Norte": immerse yourself in the trails, observe birds and wildlife, taste unique olive oils, and feel the pulse of a region that welcomes you like family. Every season, every trail, every experience awaits you!

Get ready, bring enthusiasm and curiosity – Trás-os-Montes and Alto Douro win with nature, knowledge, and flavor. The future of sustainable tourism lies here. Are you coming to find out?

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