Trás-os-Montes

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fissured by broad tectonic collapse zones.

Climate

Its relative distance from the Atlantic reduces the moderating oceanic influence on the climate. This is a region of raw winds and widely fluctuating temperatures, marked by precipitation (often as snow in winter) that decreases towards the east.

Population and Economy

The host of archeological evidence shows that Trás-os-Montes, like Minho province, is an area of prehistoric settlement. Now as in the past population is clustered in the fertile valleys (especially the upper Douro valley), where the soil is good for growing grapes and fruit. The bare, dry arid plateaux provide grazing for sheep and goats. In addition to agriculture the region has a long tradition of handicrafts such as weaving, lace and pottery.