Boticas: a Tour through Terras de Barroso

The magnificent Boticas Park - Nature and Biodiversity is, at the same time, a Nature conservation project and an interesting tourist unit. Crossed by the Beça River, it is an attractive green space with impressive biodiversity, offering accommodation in Natur Houses, hiking, biking or kayaking, tree climbing, sport fishing, among other activities.

The region's water courses allowed the creation of leisure and well-being spots, as Ribeiro do Fontão Park, on the banks of the stream with the same name. It has an outdoor gym, a children's playground and a sports center, allowing visitors to combine contact with nature with physical exercise.

Integrated in the network of the Ecomuseu de Barroso, the Rural Museum of Boticas is part of an old agricultural unit and aims to show visitors what characterizes Boticas' municipality. Here you will be able to learn about the specific aspects of material and immaterial culture, the interaction of Man with the physical and spiritual environment and the local culture in its various shapes. It is a good starting point to get to know the local inhabitants!

Did you know that the well-known Carvalhelhos waters have some thermal baths that are known as Caldas Santas due to their healing power? Particularly recommended for dermatological, digestive and circulatory diseases, they are located at the foot of the Castro de Carvalhelhos. At 800 meters of altitude, in a pleasant wooded area of 25 hectares, it is a true well-being source!

The Castro de Carvalhelhos, an old fortified village where the walls stand out, with internal access ramps, and buildings’ remains, is an example of the big prehistoric heritage of Boticas, and a witness to its centuries of history. Located at an 860 meters altitude, this settlement is considered one of the most important fortified settlements in the Peninsular Northwest.

To learn a little more about the vast Archaeological Heritage of Boticas, we recommend a visit to the European Center for Documentation and Interpretation of Castreja Sculpture, a center of knowledge and framing of citizens with castreja sculpture, with emphasis on the Castro do Outeiro Lesenho.

To extend your stay and get to know Boticas calmly, and enjoy all that this beautiful town in Trás-os-Montes has to offer, we recommend Boticas Hotel Art & Spa. With a contemporary and charming style, it pays homage to the artist Nadir Afonso. Here you will find his artwork. Relax with treatments at its Spa & Health Club and eat in its restaurant, with a menu with the best Barroso flavors, by Chefs Justa Nobre and David Nobre.

Right next door, take the opportunity to visit the Nadir Afonso Arts Center, which perpetuates the family connection that the well-known architect and painter Nadir Afonso had with Boticas. Here, 80 of his works are permanently displayed, receiving exhibitions from other artists and also housing a library with themes related to painting and a painting school.

Vilarinho Seco is one of the most characteristic barrosãs’ villages. Its historical and architectural heritage is well-preserved, and it is possible to appreciate several granite granaries, some buildings that still preserve the typical thatched roofs, mills, a cross, a chapel and the community oven where bread is still baked today.

Boticas gastronomy has as its stars the barrosã steak, ham, trout and smoked meat. At Taberna do Ti João you can taste some of these regional delicacies, such as barrosã veal, smoked meat and pork products. Be sure to try the Cozido à Barrosã,theBarrosã Veal Loafor theCastrejo Ribs Rice.

If you've never heard of the “Vinho dos Mortos” (Wine of the Dead), don't be scared! The name of this wine was born at the time of the French Invasions, when the wine was buried so it wouldn't be stolen. When it was unearthed, they discovered that the wine had new properties, it was surprisingly tastier! This is how “Vinho dos Mortos” was born, a nectar that you have to taste on your visit to Boticas.