PORTUGALNTN implements certified walking trails

Whether they are Short Routes (PR) or Long Routes (GR), PORTUGALNTN applies the same rigorous and professional criteria in their implementation, always aiming for official certification, which guarantees both safety and sustainability.

Implementing certified walking trails ensures quality and safety, promoting hiking in a responsible and sustainable manner. Furthermore, certification helps with the recognition of the routes through specific signage, making them easily identifiable for hikers.

The certification of walking trails, carried out by the Portuguese Federation of Camping and Mountaineering (FCMP), follows specific regulations that require the promoting entity to submit a project to the FCMP. This is followed by an analysis and an on-site inspection after implementation. If everything complies with the rules, a Certification Letter is issued.

PORTUGALNTN manages the entire certification process directly with the FCMP, relieving the promoting entities of these responsibilities. It delivers fully certified walking trails, meaning they can be used with complete confidence and guaranteed safety.

The certification is valid for five years and requires continuous maintenance. It is not enough to simply create a trail—it must be regularly maintained to ensure safety, including tasks such as cleaning, replacing damaged signage, and more. These services are also provided by PORTUGALNTN, which closely monitors all trails under its responsibility to ensure that safety standards are always met.

Beyond normal wear and tear, there are also unexpected situations, such as severe weather or forest fires, which may damage signage or obstruct the trail. PORTUGALNTN remains vigilant in these cases as well, ensuring a swift return to normal conditions.

Sustainability and safety are key pillars in Nature Tourism infrastructure—and they are also core values in the work of PORTUGALNTN.