The Historic Villages of Portugal are now more accessible and inclusive thanks to the improvement of road signs, both in the 12 towns that make up this destination, and in the surrounding areas. A project that enhances the tourist experience of all those who let themselves be fascinated by this territory.
A destination that are 12, with a wide historical, cultural, patrimonial, tradition, nature and adventure offer. Aldeias Históricas de Portugal aim to offer guests authentic, unique and unforgettable experiences. In this sense, the general accessibility of these towns has been improved once again, through the installation of road signs that facilitate the visit to the territory. A project that is in line with the commitment to sustainability of Aldeias Históricas de Portugal, which has recently received the 'Biosphere Destination' certificate - the first worldwide network destination, and the first national destination to win this distinction.
Thus, a signaling installation project has been completed on the main road axes: Highways, Main Itineraries (IP's) and Complementary Itineraries (IC's). The project is now followed by the improvement of signaling in national roads (EN) and municipal roads (EM). There will even be signs for the most comfortable and secure routes.
On the other hand, and with the aim of publicizing the various routes and points of tourist interest in the 12 villages, directional, interpretive and informative signs will also be subject to improvement. In fact, the Association of Historic Villages of Portugal has developed a specific design, created in conjunction with the municipalities and the Regional Center of the Culture Directorate. The description includes information in Braille and QR codes, which will give access to the website of Aldeias Históricas de Portugal, so that people of all nationalities can have access to detailed and varied information about the territory.
Pedestrian signage, which includes 16 short-distance roads and Grand Route 22 (GR22) has also been strengthened. Regarding the GR22, it offers a good interpretation of the area, with a logical network that connects the 12 Historic Villages of Portugal and consists of 19 municipalities: the 10 that make up the Network (Almeida, Arganil, Belmonte, Celorico, Figueira of Castelo Rodrigo, Fundão, Idanha-a-Nova, Mêda, Sabugal and Trancoso) as well as the municipalities of: Castelo Branco, Covilhã, Hornos de Algodres, Gouveia, Manteigas, Pampilhosa da Serra, Penamacor, Pinhel and Seia.
The improvement plan of the current signaling also aims to give visibility to the ‘Aldeias Históricas de Portugal’ brand, thus promoting the territory as a whole.
In short, this project of improvement and uniformity of the road signs of the 12 Villages seeks not only to facilitate accessibility to those who visit and live in these places, but also to promote an authentic and unique destination that is 12. An initiative that has the support of the program of valuation of Tourism of Portugal and the Economic Program of improvement of the endogenous resources (PROVERE) 2020.
