Oeste West Portugal – natural beauty by the Atlantic

Top 100 destination aims to generate truly sustainable tourism entrepreneurs

The Oeste Region (Western Region of Portugal) with its beautiful landscapes and gentle climate, blends coast and country into one lovely area. Warm. Hospitable, with great local food, a natural, natural park and many exciting activities – it’s a truly refreshing experience for visitors.

And now, as part of the top 100 global sustainable destinations – the region’s total commitment to giving visitors a truly authentic natural experience gets its rightful global showcase.

The unique region is full of rich and exciting cultures that have centuries of fascinating maritime and fishing traditions, and a history full of vineyards and wine growing. But Oeste’s great treasure is its natural environment.

The Natural Reserve of Berlenga, protected underwater maritime environment. consists of the main island of Berlenga and the adjoining reefs; Estelas and Farilhões-Forcados. This area features fabulous beaches, the S. João Baptista Fortress and lighthouse. If you enjoy scuba diving, this is paradise. The clear waters of the Berlengas ensure good visibility of the marine fauna and flora, exotic fish, not to mention several sunken ships to explore, including the São Pedro de Alcântara.

Serra de Montejunto Protected Landscape The Serra de Montejunto or Hill of Montejunto features the highest point in the Oeste Region. It is a  large hill dotted by dozens of coves and gullies across  the beautiful landscape. The protected Landscape features a plethora of beautiful flora and fauna, in effect an ecosystem creating a microclimate created by the transition between the sea and land. For birdwatchers and nature lovers, the Serra de Montejunto makes the perfect natural retreat.

Added to all this glorious natural environment there are Oeste’s famously dramatic cliffs , the magical Swamp of Tornado Swamp of Tornada, and the Óbidos Lagoon.

All this natural beauty, all this history and culture – how to preserve this glorious legacy and enhance it for future generations, for local communities and for visitors?

The Oeste Region is determined to succeed, already it has Blue Flag beaches and a Platinum qualification from Quality Coast  Now it is set to add value to regional communities through empowering local entrepreneurs to market local products.

Now a dynamic entrepreneur culture is being created with loans and grants for local businesses, to build on the area’s cultural, historical and food and wine heritage to develop unique local offers for visitors.

The local daily markets are already full of superb local, seasonal foods and wines add to this the development of events such as the Medieval Market of Obidos  , and Torres Vedras Carnival  provide many opportunities for local businesspeople that add to the visitor economy.

All in all the beautiful Oeste region is well on the way to creating a vibrant visitor economy and offering guests a truly authentic and heartwarming experience.

Valere Tjolle