Portugal
History, culture, and nature in perfect balance.
Portugal has an exceptional range of well-protected landscapes and nature areas, lots of leisure activities, and an overwhelming cultural heritage, where tradition and modernity blend together. Its cuisine, fine wines, and hospitable people, make this a great destination for the responsible traveller. In March 2019, Portugal won the Best of Europe Award for sustainable tourism at ITB Berlin, the world’s leading tourism fair.
Not sure where to go?
Explore the options for a responsible trip
GOOD PLACES TO VISIT
Explore destinations that were certified for their sustainability efforts
GOOD TRAVEL BUSINESSES
Discover accommodations, restaurants, shops and activities that are committed to sustainability. Their efforts are summarised in a SCORECARD (click on the picture). For the Good Travel Seal, the higher the number of stars or the level (level 3 is the highest), the more aspects of sustainability are checked by an independent auditor.
- Activities
Clube do Paiva
GTS 2 Star
Clube do Paiva was born in 2003 and since this date is the reference of Rafting in Paiva River. We used to be called The River Experts. Since 2015 we have developed summer activities like Canyoning, River Trekking and Canoeing.
All of our activities are adaptable to children from 5 years old and people with special necessities.
Based in Alvarenga in Arouca, we are situated in a Mundial Geopark of UNESCO and work to improve sustainability.
GOOD PRACTICE STORIES
Get inspired with stories from places and people that are acting for a fair and responsible tourism
Alto Minho
Alto Minho is being increasingly sought after by tourists due to its diversified offer. However, most of its cultural/patrimonial tourism offer does not fulfil the basic conditions of accessibility, for example not being qualified to receive tourists and visitors with functional diversity. To improve these universal accessibility conditions a diagnose of 50 cultural spaces and 10 events/festivals of ten municipalities were carried out. The diagnosis was evaluated for each of the spaces, events and festivals. The conditions of physical accesiblity (for example parking, access and entry, interior, adapted toilets, exhibition rooms, reading rooms, auditoriums, show rooms and outdoor events), communication (information in Braille, tactile replicas, audio-guides with audio-description, video-guides with LGP – Portuguese Sign Language or Universal Signs and signposting). As a result sixty improvements and ten implementation plans were prepared, one per municipality, to help the responsible person for managing the spaces/events/festivals and to support political decisions.
KNOW THEIR STORY
Amarante
The territory of Amarante has an enormous tourist potential, especially culturaly and historicaly. This has generated a very positive impact on the city. However, despite the positive influx of tourists, the truth is that tourist activity is concentrated in the city center, inevitably leading to a neglect of small localities. There is effectively little cultural visibility in these peripheral areas, which leads to the loss of traditions. This is an increasingly common phenomenon that we are witnessing and, in this sense, it was important for Amarante to find a solution to mitigate this problem and keep alive the pride and traditions of its communities, giving them a voice and the opportunity to show their identity. And the solution came in the form of an initerant event called “Andar no Laréu”! This event came with the goal of valuing the local identity of the villages of Amarante through the experience of local traditions, the promotion of local associativism and the involvement of the community. This good practice was implemented through a set of initiatives, which resulted in a great success!
KNOW THEIR STORY
Braga
The Municipality of Braga has, on its territory, the monumental complex of Bom Jesus do Monte, ex- libris of the city. It is one of the grandest, the most majestic, the most symbolic and the most poetic monument built in Europe, where religious, baroque, rococo and neoclassical architecture stand out. Managing an asset of this importance does not come without its difficulties and this Good Practice Story reflects all the exhaustive work that is being done to preserve this Paradise. Bom Jesus do Monte has more than 600 years of rich history, maintaing a pretty imacculate state of conversation until today. For it to be where it is today, thriving and improving everyday to become a sustainable and pleasant tourism attraction, there were several success factors that contributed to its current state.
KNOW THEIR STORY
Castro Daire
The municipality of Castro Daire has always lived from livestock and nature, thus shepherds and cattle have always been present in the past of this destination. The presence of these two elements resulted in a unique connection during the Transhumance. This was a practice done by the shepherds and the animals, which moved with the seasons, i.e., they exchanged places between winter and summer pastures and vice-versa. In this sense and given the importance of keeping alive the traditions and memories of local communities, an event was created that recreates exactly the last route that was done, which was named “The Last Transhumance Route”. Arised from this event, other initiatives were put in place to promote local culture and traditions. You are about to embark on a journey through the lands of Castro Daire, where cattle and people leave their homes to welcome you!
Lagos
In the captivating story of the rehabilitation and restoration of the dune cordon of Meia Praia in Lagos, Portugal, a remarkable transformation unfolds. Faced with challenges such as damage caused by unregulated human activity, the negative impacts of climate change, ecosystem degradation, and the presence of invasive species, the municipality embarked on a comprehensive requalification project. Through meticulous planning, sustainable design, and the involvement of experts, the project successfully navigated the hurdles. Invasive species were removed, walkways were erected, and palisades were implemented to protect the dunes. Environmental education and mobility initiatives were launched, promoting responsible behavior and ensuring accessibility for all visitors. Monitoring studies provided valuable insights, and resting stations, bars and restaurants enhanced the visitor experience. The direct results were a healthier lifestyle for visitors, active contribution to dune conservation, and visible growth in the dune size. Indirectly, the project stimulated the local economy, fostered a deeper connection between people and nature and aims to inspire other destinations.
Nazaré
Considered by many as the most typical beach in Portugal, it enchants visitors with its natural beauty. The mild climate, the friendly and hospitable people, the magnificent light, the traditions and the fishing arts made Nazaré the muse of painters and artists, celebrated all over the world. However, the path to get to where it is was not easy. Going back to the 20th century, the beach and sea of Nazaré were often associated with suffering, uncertainty and death. Over time, the village of Nazaré gained an extraordinary reputation and, as mentioned before, is now a modern and lively town, known internationally, thanks to the dedicated work of the town council, specially after 2018, which is considered to be a turning point for the current results to have been possible. Embark with us on this transformative journey that has improved Praia da Nazaré and transformed it into one of best beaches in Portugal. This transformation includes the preservation of culture and traditions, several certification programs, protection of the sea and, last but not least, the incredible transformation in terms of accessibility for people with some kind of imparity.
KNOW THEIR STORY
Torres Vedras
The former Assenta Tax Guard post was converted into an Interpretation Center for the Foz Azul Local Nature Reserve, with the aim of developing and promoting activities to raise environmental awareness and promote the cultural traditions of the region, associated with the sea. This interpretive center aims to increase local oceanic and coastal literacy, based on an integrated approach and focused on aspects of training, education, awareness and sensitization of tourists and residents. This equipment is a privileged space to deepen knowledge about coastal ecosystems, paleontology and the culture and traditions of coastal communities through educational, training and scientific activities.
Sustainability
Portugal has a strong commitment to Sustainable Tourism which is the main focus of the National Tourism Strategy 2027. The “+ Sustainable Tourism Plan 20-23” , recently launched, is also an important tool to stimulate circular economy, carbon zero and a responsible recovery in tourism sector.
The Portuguese “Green Destinations” here presented are important stakeholders to reach Portugal’s sustainable goals.
Travel tips from our editors
Getting there
In mainland Portugal, main towns and cities are well connected by trains and coach services.
By car there are two types of motorways: the traditional motorways with toll booths and those with an exclusively electronic toll system.
By rail: CP (Portuguese railways) offers train services from Vigo, Madrid and Paris.
By coach: International routes are operated by Eurolines, Internorte and FlixBus.
By air: Airports all over the country facilitate international connections. Don’t forget to offset your carbon footprint if you choose to travel by plane.
Waste separation for recycling
For separate waste disposal, remember this color code: GREEN bin for glass, BLUE for paper and cardboard, YELLOW for plastics and metal, RED for batteries and WHITE for reusable clothing.
Religious celebrations
Portugal is rich in religious local celebrations, they are precious and deserve our full respect. These are not events created for tourists, so apart from Carnival, please do not interfere. However, if there is a market connected to a celebration, this is your opportunity to buy the best local products available in the region.
Hot or busy in Lisbon?
Lisbon offers you some nice day trips. You can take a local ferry from Cais do Sodré to Casilhas, crossing the Tejo river and offering wonderful views towards the capital. For day trips, consider the train to Sintra’s lush woodlands and romantic cultural heritage; the beaches of Cascais; or to taste great wines in Torres Vedras. Plan ahead to experience your green holiday in Portugal to the fullest!
Tourism & People
Portuguese people are genuinely friendly and hospitable and human rights are very well respected in Portugal. In the pandemic situation that we live since march 2020, the tourism sector is all mobilized to provide the sanitary security requirements through the adoption of the Clean and Safe Stamp. Portugal was the first country in Europe to get the “Safe Travels” Stamp from WTTC, recognizing our commitment with providing safety for all.
Nature & Wildlife
Portugal’s natural landscapes are as diverse as they are beautiful. From the rugged coast of the Algarve to the lush forests of Madeira, the country offers a rich tapestry of ecosystems. The Douro Valley is renowned for its terraced vineyards, and the Azores boast volcanic craters and vibrant lakes. Birdwatchers can spot various avian species, and the Ria Formosa Natural Park is a haven for flamingos and other wading birds. Portugal’s commitment to conservation shines through the array of protected areas and reserves, ensuring that its unique flora and fauna continue to thrive.Whether you’re hiking in the Peneda-Gerês National Park or exploring the cork oak forests of Alentejo, the country’s natural beauty is a treasure to behold.
Sustainability Recognitions
Brazil has 9 destinations featured in the Top 100 Sustainable Destinations 2021.
Other sustainability certifications can be seen here (English) and here (Portuguese).
Luís Araújo
President of Turismo de Portugal
Turismo de Portugal, the national authority for tourism, is committed to proceed a path of Sustainability, helping our stakeholders – private and public – to implement the best practices in order to preserve our natural and cultural values, to reach a balanced development for communities and business and of course, to provide an authentic and unique experience to all tourists.
This commitment is also reflected in several initiatives that Turismo de Portugal has taken at European and global level: we recently joined Global Sustainable Tourism Council (GSTC) and the Portuguese Plastics Pact and we maintain an active participation in the World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC) and in the presidency of European Travel Commission (ETC).
Our purpose remains: to make Portugal one of the most competitive, safe and sustainable destinations in the world.
Visit other destinations nearby?
Get in touch
Support
We are a multicultural, creative and dedicated team working to promote sustainable tourism. Join us in our fight against the climate crisis, single-use plastics and over-tourism!
