Inhabited since the prehistoric times, it possesses a vast architectural and cultural heritage, with focus on the manors, convents, castles, churches, bridges, as well as the cities and villages, namely Chaves, Mirandela, Vidago, Pinhão or Bragança, with their historical centres and museums full of history and tradition. The region also possesses a vast biodiversity, providing visitors with a range of nature activities, with focus on the protected areas, such as the National Park of Peneda-Gerês, the National Park of Alvão, International Douro and Montesinho. One can still practice nature sports, watch the birds that fly over the Douro cliffs, or go on boat or train tours, enabling us to discover the best estates and wineries of this region.
The gastronomy of Trás-os-Montes recalls the identity of its landscapes and people. The cuisine of Trás-os-Montes is based on the ingredients provided by the land all year long, and on the meat of this region's breeds, such as Maronesa, Mirandesa and Bísara. Among the traditional dishes, a special focus on the Mirandesa beef steak, Feijoada à Transmontana (traditional bean and meat stew), cod with rye bread crust, the alheira de Mirandela (Mirandela sausage), wild rabbit, or the bola Mirandesa (traditional Easter sweet). Regarding the delicacies, the region is known for the best cheeses, delicatessen, and olives in the country. In terms of sweets, there are the traditional chestnuts sweet, os pitos de Santa Luzia (made with pumpkin and cinnamon) and cristas de galo (made with almond and egg paste in a buttery pastry dough), both original from the convent of Santa Clara and also the cavacórios (made with eggs and wheat flour), also used as a chalice to drink Port wine.