We are delighted to welcome our new member Azeite a Norte to the “Routes of the Olive Tree” Network — an inspiring initiative that highlights the cultural and gastronomic richness of the mountainous Trás-os-Montes and Alto Douro region in northern Portugal.
This region, with its centuries-old tradition of olive oil production, is home to ancient olive trees and traditional stone oil mills (lagares), preserving a living heritage passed down through generations.
Azeite a Norte focuses on Olivotourism, a form of special-interest tourism that blends nature, culture, and gastronomy through immersive experiences centred on olive trees and olive oil. Although olivotourism is gaining momentum worldwide, it remains largely underexplored in this part of Portugal — a gap that Azeite a Norte seeks to fill.
Working closely with local producers, cooperatives, restaurants, accommodations, and cultural sites, the project offers visitors rich and authentic experiences such as:
- guided tours of olive groves and traditional mills
- premium olive oil tastings
- interactive workshops featuring local products
- thematic routes and cultural itineraries
The aim of Azeite a Norte is to establish the region as a distinctive and attractive olivotourism destination, appealing to travellers in search of authenticity, meaningful encounters with nature, local flavours, and cultural immersion.
Beyond tourism, this is a holistic initiative that supports local communities and economies, showcasing the olive tree as a symbol of culture, sustainability, and regional development.
The inclusion of Azeite a Norte strengthens the international dimension of our Network and highlights the shared Mediterranean cultural identity rooted in the olive tree.
We warmly welcome them and look forward to inspiring collaborations ahead!
