Located in the heart of Trás-os-Montes, the municipality of Boticas is a territory where nature and tradition intertwine harmoniously. Integrated into the emblematic Serra do Barroso, this is a place of breathtaking landscapes, characterized by gentle mountains and deep valleys, shaped by the passage of time and human presence.
Boticas is part of the Gerês-Xurés Transboundary Biosphere Reserve and the UNESCO Barroso Biosphere Reserve, a recognition of its rich biodiversity and how local communities have managed to maintain a traditional and sustainable way of life. Here, villages preserve their typical architecture, with granite houses that blend into the landscape and tell stories of generations.
Life in Boticas is marked by a deep respect for roots and customs. Agriculture and pastoralism still play a central role in the local economy and culture, keeping ancestral practices and knowledge alive. The territory is crisscrossed by clear watercourses and offers a serenity that invites discovery of its most genuine corners.
The municipality is also known for its thermal waters of Carvalhelhos, which spring from the subsoil with recognized properties. The history of Boticas dates back to immemorial times, with traces of human occupation since prehistoric times, and the Roman presence that left its mark on the local landscape and culture.
Exploring Boticas means immersing yourself in authentic Portugal, where rural identity remains strong and the pace of life invites contemplation and contact with nature and its people.
Authentic flavors that tell the story of our land
Barrosã Meat is a Protected Designation of Origin (PDO) product, originating from an autochthonous bovine breed from the Barroso region. It is characterized by its tender texture and unique flavor, resulting from the animals' natural diet and extensive grazing in the mountain pastures. It is a pillar of local gastronomy, often served roasted or stewed, honoring the region's livestock tradition.
Barroso smoked meats, such as chouriça, salpicão, and presunto, are the result of ancestral curing and smoking techniques for pork, passed down from generation to generation. Their artisanal production, combined with the region's climate, gives them an intense and characteristic flavor and aroma, making them fundamental ingredients in many traditional dishes and a reflection of the local pig farming tradition.
Cozido à Barrosã is a robust and comforting dish that reflects the region's traditional cuisine. It combines tender Barrosã Meat with a variety of homemade sausages, such as chouriça and salpicão, local vegetables, and potatoes. Slow-cooked, this dish highlights the authentic flavors of local products and the richness of its gastronomic culture.
Feijoada à Transmontana is a rich and flavorful delicacy, typical of Trás-os-Montes. Made with beans, various pork meats – including local smoked sausages like chouriça and orelha – and cabbage, it is a dish that evokes the warmth and substance of mountain cuisine, perfect for colder days and for sharing at the table, following local tradition.
Bôla de Carne is a stuffed bread, traditionally with smoked meats and local sausages, common in festivities and picnics. The leavened dough envelops the intense flavors of the meat, creating a combination of textures and flavors that is a true symbol of popular cuisine and the ability to make tasty use of local products.
Weather Boticas
On-duty Pharmacy Boticas