Throughout November, the Alentejo Regional Tourism Authority, in partnership with the Rota Vicentina, will be organising a series of environmental awareness actions inviting the local community, students, and visitors to actively participate in the preservation of the Southwest Alentejo and Vicentina Coast.
These initiatives are part of the “Natural is Better” campaign, within the scope of the Southwest Alentejo and Vicentina Coast Branding and Communication Program, and reflect a shared commitment to valuing the territory and promoting sustainable tourism practices.
The actions will take place on November 5th, 15th, and 29th, on different routes of the Rota Vicentina, following the format of “maintenance walks and bike rides,” a model already recognised for its positive impact on trail conservation and environmental awareness among participants.
The first activity, scheduled for November 5th, takes place on the Fishermen’s Trail, between Almograve and Cabo Sardão, and involves students from the Polytechnic Institute of Beja. In this activity, theory and practice intersect in a field learning exercise, where direct contact with the Southwest and Vicentina Coast Natural Park complements the content taught in the classroom.
On November 15th, the maintenance walk on the Charneca de S. Teotónio Circular Route, starting at 9 am and meeting point at the village’s Central Square, invites tourists and the local population to rediscover an 8.5-kilometre route of great symbolic and environmental value. The activity, which will be attended by the president of Alentejo Tourism, José Manuel Santos, combines contact with nature with a practical action of maintaining the paths.
José Manuel Santos emphasises that “these actions play a fundamental role in building a sustainable development model for the region,” highlighting that “the promotion of responsible tourism must go hand in hand with the preservation of ecosystems, the appreciation of local communities, and raising awareness among everyone—visitors and residents—about the importance of regenerating the territories.”
Closing the program, on November 29th, the Maintenance Bike Ride will take place in São Teotônio, starting at Casa Nova da Cruz. This action adapts, for the first time, the maintenance methodology to the cycle path network of the Rota Vicentina, bringing together mountain bikers, residents, and visitors. It aims to highlight the region’s potential for active tourism and reinforce community involvement in the preservation of the routes.
During all activities, participants will collaborate in repainting markings, cutting vegetation, collecting waste, and identifying situations that require technical intervention. At the same time, the guides of the Rota Vicentina conduct awareness sessions on topics such as the impact of wildfires, ecosystem recovery, and the importance of preventative maintenance. Each activity ends with a social gathering in local cafes, symbolising the collaborative spirit that defines the project.
Participation in the activities is free, and registration is available on the website rotavicentina.com or by email at voluntariado@rotavicentina.com.
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