Mondego Valley Walkways

The project emerged from the need to revitalise the rural and natural heritage surrounding the city of Guarda, counteract territorial desertification, and create sustainable tourism alternatives aligned with environmental protection and inclusive access to nature. The area, rich in biodiversity and cultural value, had been underexplored, despite being part of the Natura 2000 network. The territory also faced demographic decline, low economic dynamism, and insufficient visibility on the national and European tourism map.

The Municipality of Guarda designed the strategy as a nature-based infrastructure project that would promote territorial cohesion, strengthen the local economy, and improve the quality of life for residents and visitors. The strategy aimed to create a safe, accessible, and ecologically integrated pedestrian route of approximately 12 km along the Mondego River, linking the Caldeirão Dam to the villages of Videmonte, Trinta and Aldeia Viçosa.
 

Main objectives included: enhancing access to natural and cultural heritage; supporting sustainable tourism and local entrepreneurship; promoting environmental education and awareness; encouraging healthy lifestyles; and strengthening the urban-rural link in a medium-sized city context. The project’s strong points include its careful integration into the natural landscape, avoiding invasive construction and preserving the ecological balance of the area. The walkways were designed using materials and construction techniques suitable for sensitive habitats, ensuring resilience to climate impacts such as erosion or flooding. Infrastructure includes footbridges, stairs, rest areas, signage, viewpoints, and educational panels, enhancing both safety and experience.

The results are highly positive. Since its opening, the Walkways have attracted tens of thousands of visitors, stimulating local business (hospitality, crafts, restaurants), fostering regional identity and providing educational opportunities. Environmental interpretation and cultural promotion have been key elements, with schools and associations using the space for activities. The project has helped to position Guarda as a reference in sustainable tourism and green infrastructure in inland Portugal.
Implementation was fully led by the Municipality of Guarda, through a multidisciplinary internal team, and co-financed by the ERDF under CENTRO 2020. Enabling conditions included strong political support, availability of natural capital, alignment with national and European environmental priorities, and a growing interest in ecotourism and active lifestyles.

Challenges included: ensuring full compliance with Natura 2000 requirements; adapting infrastructure to rugged terrain without harming biodiversity; managing logistics and safety during construction; and maintaining long-term sustainability of the infrastructure. These were overcome through careful planning, phased implementation and continuous dialogue with stakeholders.

Since its opening, the walkways have received over 100,000 visitors, revitalising rural areas and boosting local businesses. The project enhanced the visibility of the region, improved access to natural heritage, and supported ecotourism. Local surveys show high user satisfaction and growing interest from national and international tour operators.

This strategy offers a replicable model for medium-sized cities aiming to enhance territorial cohesion, valorise natural heritage and promote sustainable tourism. Its success lies in the integration of nature-based infrastructure with local identity and economic development. Key recommendations: build on existing ecological and cultural assets; ensure strong political and community support; align with national and EU environmental goals; and adopt inclusive, low-impact design. The model is especially suitable for rural or mountainous regions.

https://passadicosdomondego.pt/