Alentejo Walking Festival 2025 is set to be a milestone event in the eco-tourism calendar of Portugal, flaunting the charm of the Alentejo region and its own cultural and natural heritage. After the success of the inaugural edition, in which registrations for the majority of the 50 hiking trails were sold out, the festival will continue its aim to establish Alentejo as one of the world's best hiking destinations. With more than 800 visitors in the last edition, the festival offers an ideal platform for showcasing the region's rich culture, heritage, and biodiversity as well as promoting sustainable tourism practices.
Alentejo Walking Festival is promoted by both the Alentejo and Ribatejo Regional Tourism Board (ERT) in association with regional municipalities. By blending eco-tourism with real, community-based tourism, the festival enables people to get in touch with the raw beauty of Alentejo, as well as with the local customs, food, and lifestyle.
The festival highlights the vast array of ecological trails that span the Alentejo region, each offering a unique opportunity to explore the untouched landscapes, mountainous terrain, river valleys, and historic villages of Portugal. From rolling hills to vineyards, olive groves, and oak forests, Alentejo's terrain provides a diverse and immersive hiking experience for visitors of all ages and fitness levels.
This year's festival will see the introduction of a new, exciting trail, the "Pyrite Belt Walking Trail Network", which will be presented during the "Municipal Walking Trail Networks" Conference on October 30, 2025. The Pyrite Belt is one of the region's most important geological and historical landmarks, and this trail will allow visitors to explore its significance while walking through ecologically rich and culturally important landscapes.
The trails are designed to cater to everyone, whether you are an experienced hiker looking for a challenge or someone just beginning their outdoor adventure. Walking tours range in difficulty, allowing participants to choose a route that suits their experience level. With varying levels of difficulty, the festival aims to make hiking accessible to everyone -- ensuring that Alentejo's beauty can be enjoyed by anyone who participates, regardless of age or experience.
Other cultural activities during the festival include local traditional dancing workshops, which introduce visitors to the lively and festive music that is an integral part of Alentejo's cultural identity. These immersive experiences give visitors a deeper understanding of the regional culture and community life, further enhancing the overall experience of the festival.
The festival's success is a result of collaborative efforts between the municipalities of Alentejo, the Regional Tourism Board, and local businesses. This cooperative approach ensures that the festival is deeply integrated into the region's tourism strategy and economic development plans. By fostering partnerships between local authorities, businesses, and community organizations, the festival creates a model for sustainable tourism that can be replicated in other regions of Portugal and beyond.
Looking ahead, the Alentejo Walking Festival is set to grow even further, with plans to introduce additional hiking trails, expand tourism offerings, and attract more international visitors. With a growing interest in eco-tourism and nature-based travel experiences, the Alentejo Walking Festival will continue to position Alentejo as one of Europe's leading green tourism destinations.
The Alentejo Walking Festival is free of charge for all participants, but prior registration is required through the festival's official website. The website offers detailed information on the festival's trail options, schedule, and cultural events, allowing visitors to tailor their experience to their interests and fitness levels. The festival organizers encourage early registration to ensure a spot on the desired walking tours, as demand is expected to be high, especially during the weekend hiking events.
Alentejo Walking Festival 2025 provides an exceptional and unforgettable chance to discover one of the loveliest areas of Portugal. From an expert hiker wishing to test oneself on challenging paths to someone who merely wishes to appreciate Alentejo's landscapes and cultural gems, the festival offers a varied and accessible means by which to explore everything the region has to provide. Through the integration of eco-tourism, local heritage, and culture, the festival is a model for sustainable tourism and travel development in Portugal and the wider world.