The ecotourism activities of the program ‘Vive o Rio Minho’, organized by the Deputación de Pontevedra for the weekends of this month in the Galician and Portuguese border municipalities, continue to be very popular. According to Uxío Benítez, Deputy for Transboundary Cooperation, the 50 spots for this Sunday’s activity, on the 20th, were filled in just 30 minutes after registration opened. For the Saturday activity, the quota is almost fully booked, with only a few spots remaining.
The activities of the ‘Vive o Rio Minho’ ecotourism program, developed under the Visit Rio Minho project and funded by European funds from the Interreg V-A POCTEP 2014-2020 program, aim to provide a tourism alternative that allows participants to explore the transboundary Minho territory in a calm, safe way – following COVID-19 health protocols – while enjoying nature, culture, and all the richness of the area.
Last weekend, supported by good weather, the activities were also very well received by participants. On Saturday, there was a visit to Melgaço and a hike along the Deva River to the Cova da Moura, and on Sunday, rafting took place on the Minho River along with a visit to Arbo.
This coming Sunday’s session – already fully booked – will include a guided tour of the historic area of Monção and the Wine Museum, as well as the Brejoeira Palace. Participants will meet at the Pinheiros river beach to first complete a 15 km circular hiking route of medium-high difficulty. At the end of the day, weather permitting, those who wish may take a bath in the thermal area along the Minho River.
Last spots available for the Saturday, September 19 route in Salvaterra do Minho
The Saturday activity, for which a few spots remain, consists of a 17 km circular route of medium difficulty, suitable for children aged 12 and older who are used to walking. The route will include a stretch of the Minho River, the Lobeira stream, and the Tea River, followed by a visit to the historic center of Salvaterra and the Wine Museum. A group of up to 40 participants is expected.
As anti-COVID-19 measures, the organizers will ensure that participants and guides maintain social distancing during the activity, and wearing a mask is mandatory. For entry into indoor spaces, subgroups will be formed to maintain interpersonal distance.
The next session, on September 26, includes a cycling route along the Minho eco-trail between Valença and Vila Nova de Cerveira, with a guided visit to Valença and Tui. On Sunday, September 27, there will be a hiking route between the mouth of the Tamuxe River and the port of Goián, a visit to the fortress, and a kayaking segment along the river. Finally, for October 3–4, a full weekend is planned, combining hiking routes, birdwatching, guided visits, and a dramatized visit to the Santa Tegra Castro.
All activities are free of charge and open to the general public. Registrations for events can be made from the Monday prior at 9 a.m. until Thursday at 11 p.m., if spots are not filled beforehand (between 40 and 50 participants per event).
