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Transmontana Description
This area basically covers the north-east to the central-east part of Portugal.
Covering areas known as the Trás-os-Montes, Beira Alta and Beira Baixa, the main
towns of this vast Transmontana area are Bragança, Castelo Branco, Chaves,
Guarda, Vila Real and Viseu. Most of these towns are close to the Portuguese
border to Spain and have been historically much involved in defending the
kingdom. The only other main town in this region is Covilhã which was a popular
settlement for shepherds and was granted its status as a town in 1166. It later
developed as a centre for the textile industry but in more recent history was a
health resort due to its good air and waters.
Most of the highest mountainous areas are found in Transmontana which includes,
Serra de Aço, Serra do Alvão, Serra de Bornes, Serra da Estrela, Serra da Lapa,
Serra do Larouco, Serra da Leomil, Serra do Mogadouro, Serra do Montezinho,
Serra da Morofa and Serra de Reboredo. Of all these mountains one of the most prominent is the Serra da Estrela
which
rises up to 1.993 metres (6.539 feet). During winter the very top area of Serra da Estrela provides a ski resort but with somewhat limited runs for any
experienced ski enthusiast. The past weather conditions have not been
sufficiently reliable to create a large resort for this sport. The bare granite
of this range of mountains has virtually insufficient vegetation to support more
than the grazing of sheep. These sheep provide the most rated cheese of all in
Portugal and is known by the trade name of "Serra". Like most mountain areas
this is a popular location for walkers offering fascinating flora and panoramic
views. The area has also developed a special breed of dog after which it is
named. These dogs are generally prove to be very intelligent, brave and loyal to
their owners. Their thick heavy coat helps as a natural protection to survive
the regions cold winter climate.
Transmontana region also abounds in historic castles which acted from
medieval times as a line of defence against the often invading Spanish and
French armies. In many town visitors can find castles and forts that have for
the better part withstood the results of battles and misfortune. Many of these
monuments are associated with small medieval villages and even standing alone in
the countryside. Starting from the northern boarder the most interesting
locations are Montalegre, Chaves, Monforte de Rio Livre, Bragança, Algoso,
Ansiães Numão and Freixo de Espada á Cima. Moving further south there is
Penedono, Marialva, Castelo Rodrigo, Trancoso, Pihel, Almeida, Celorico da
Beira, Linhares, Belmonte, Sabugal, Sortleha, Penamacor, Monsanto and
Idana-a-Velha.
Economically this whole area is generally considered one of the poorest in Portugal and
it has been a tradition for many of the younger people of this area to emigrate
to other countries in order to make a sufficiently good living to be able to
send funds back to assist their families. An exception to this situation can be
found on the lower slopes of mountain ranges, and in the valleys where the
locals reap their living from forms of agriculture. A particularly richer region
is to be found in the middle River Douro area which has concentrated for some
centuries on the maintaining of vineyards for the important production of some
of Portugal's fine wines and the even more famous "port wine". Visitors may
visit or join conducted tours of most of these vineyards and sample their
produce. An interesting historical fact is that in 1756 the foundation of the "Companhia
da Agricultura dos Vinhos do Alto Douro was the first demarcation of wine areas
introduced in the whole world.
Transmontana Map (Click Here)
Transmontana Weather
     
Transmontana Golf
Montebelo ·
Vidago
Transmontana Information
 800 296 296 - Support to Tourists
112 - SOS
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Portugal Golf
