Portuguese Tourist Hotspots Overwhelmed New Hiking Trail to Restore Balance

Portugal is preparing to open the world's longest circular hiking trail, spanning 3,000 km - Palmilhar Portugal (Walking Portugal).This project aims to divert tourists from popular destinations such as Lisbon and the Algarve, directing them to lesser-known scenic spots across the country. The trail will pass through 100 lesser-known tourist attractions throughout Portugal.

The opening of the first section of the route will take place in the small town of Alenquer, located north of Lisbon, in July this year. The next section will be created on the Alentejo coast in southern Portugal, followed by the mountainous Trás-os-Montes region in the north.

Fifteen routes are expected to be open by the end of the year, with the project completion anticipated within three years. Although Palmilhar Portugal will not be the world's longest trail (this title belongs to Canada's 24,000 km long Great Trail), it will be the longest circular trail, comparable in length to the European Via Francigena route. Despite being called "Walking Portugal," the project is open to cyclists in some sections and includes trails accessible to people with reduced mobility.

The trail will be complemented by an app providing current information about the next section of the route, as well as opportunities to book accommodation, meals, and tickets to sporting and cultural events. The project involves local councils and businesses, so nothing is guaranteed, but a digital and physical "passport," which can be stamped along the way, is also planned.

The first section of the trail will pass through Alenquer, known as the "crib town," famous for its archaeology, paleontology, and history, as well as wine tastings. The main tourist event here is the Fair of the Ascension, held in May or June each year.

In 2024, the route will extend to the remote Trás-os-Montes region in the northeast. This area, known as the "Hot Land," features a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a biosphere reserve. Tourists can enjoy olive groves, orchards, and vineyards, as well as see carved granite pigs, ancient almond trees, and hidden gorges.