Environment and Sustainability: Our Priority

At Portugal Green Walks, one of our core values is the preservation of the environment, ensuring that all our clients can explore the beauty of Northern Portugal in a sustainable way. We are committed to protecting the natural wonders that require our care to be enjoyed by generations to come.

For us, travelling is much more than reaching a destination. It is about connecting with nature, respecting the environment, and leaving a positive impact on the world. That is why sustainability is at the heart of everything we do.

 

Programmes That Respect Nature

All our programmes are designed to minimise the environmental impact of those who follow them. To achieve this, we adhere to the guidelines set by the Portuguese Nature Conservation and Forestry Institute (ICNF), which works to protect and preserve areas of outstanding natural beauty and ecological importance.

Whether you wish to experience the breathtaking landscapes of the Douro Valley, the wildlife of Peneda-Gerês National Park, the Atlantic Coast of Northern Portugal, or cycle the Camino de Santiago, we create experiences that promote mutual respect between people and nature.

We develop routes that allow you to immerse yourself in endless landscapes, stunning beaches, charming villages, vibrant cities, and enchanting forests. Along the way, we encourage sustainable practices to preserve these wonders.

We provide our self-guided clients with a comprehensive briefing and detailed route instructions, including a traveller’s code of conduct. These guidelines help minimise waste and ensure responsible interaction with the environment.

On our guided programmes, all our guides are local and environmentally conscious, ensuring both they and our clients protect and respect the surroundings.

Whether you choose historic trails or wine regions, we guarantee every experience will be in harmony with the environment.

 

Partnerships with Local Communities

Sustainability is also about supporting local communities. That’s why we collaborate with small businesses, artisans, and regional producers.

By doing so, we ensure that the benefits of tourism reach those who keep traditions alive. This approach brings much-needed opportunities to remote villages that often lack the resources available in larger cities.

Our packed lunches and picnic baskets are sourced from local suppliers, and we encourage our guests to try traditional Portuguese dishes at family-run restaurants. These meals are typically made from fresh, locally sourced ingredients, offering a taste of the culture while supporting the local economy.

We also promote responsible tourism practices, respecting local cultures and encouraging mindful consumption.

The 5 R’s of Sustainability (+1)

Rethink, Reduce, Refuse, Reuse, Recycle – these are the five principles we believe everyone should follow to tackle the challenges of global warming. By adopting these practices, we can increase sustainability and respect the environment.

We’d like to add one more “R” to the list – Respect. Let’s explore these principles together:

• Rethink: Consider your choices before buying. Do you really need it? Will you use it regularly?
• Reduce: Avoid single-use plastics. We encourage travellers to bring reusable bottles and containers.
• Refuse: Politely decline items you don’t need during your journey.
• Reuse: We practise this daily by recycling travel materials and partnering with suppliers who share our values.
• Recycle: This should be part of your routine, both during your travels with us and throughout the year.
• Respect: The extra “R” we believe is essential. Respect local ecosystems, ensuring they remain unspoiled for others to enjoy.

 
We encourage you to embrace these principles in your daily life, just as we do. The environment will thank you for it.

 

Initiatives for a Sustainable Future

We are constantly seeking new ways to contribute to a more sustainable world. From selecting eco-friendly accommodations to minimising transportation in our programmes, and offering clients a dedicated app to reduce unnecessary paper use, our priority is ensuring tourism has a positive impact—not just in Portugal, but worldwide.

We invite you to stay connected with us as we continue to develop initiatives that protect the environment and make sustainability one of our key goals.

Walk alongside us, knowing that every step we take together is guided by care and respect for the planet.

 

EXPLORE PORTUGAL’S WONDERS WITH PORTUGAL GREEN WALKS. WE BELIEVE THE FUTURE DEPENDS ON HOW WE TRAVEL TODAY.
DISCOVER OUR PROGRAMMES AND ENJOY AUTHENTIC EXPERIENCES THAT RESPECT NATURE AND VALUE LOCAL COMMUNITIES.

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