Why Northern Portugal?

Wed, 03/27/2019 - 10:00 - 
Iris

As I received a growing demand from European travelers to offer a sustainable destination closer to home than Costa Rica and Botswana, I started investigating several countries.  It was a very interesting challenge in our hectic continent to search for a region where mass tourism was not present yet, without big hotel resorts, with enough authenticity, an intriguing culture, variation, local people who want to provide lodging and activities in a fair trade way, and on top of that it had to be a place of remarkable natural beauty. All of this combined of course with local organizations and governments who actually support and promote sustainable tourism, as well as the protection of fauna, flora and culture. I believe to have found an excellent mixture of all that in Northern Portugal.

Northern Portugal

Northern Portugal also was awarded at the worldwide Sustainability Awards this month at ITB Berlin, in the category BEST OF EUROPE. It is no surprise that this region is the favorite holiday place of the Portuguese themselves during summer months. In this area, which unfolds itself north of the Douro River and the city of Porto, you will find the green Minho region and the wild Tras-os-Montes but also pristine, sandy beaches, small fishing harbors and world-famous cultural cities.  If you like to know more about Northern Portugal, please read my blog Away from the crowds in Northern Portugal or have a look at the website for some inspirational travel itineraries.

The prize BEST OF EUROPE was not only attributed because of tourism management today but also because of the set guidelines for future responsible tourism in this region. In a very unique way, they combine welcoming travelers and the protection of their varied nature, pristine beaches and cultural heritage.

The choice of our local partner

Our local partner consists of friends who share a love for nature and who have founded their own business to promote the region they live in.  Their goal is to show you the real Portugal, the hidden corners, the best local restaurants, the traditions, the nicest walking and biking  trails. They know every stone, tree, every locally owned rental house with or without swimming pool, every B&B and small-scale hotel. During a YŪGEN adventure you support local entrepreneurs while having fun. The local team will always be just a whatsapp or phone call away as you will receive a contact number which you can use during your journey.

It is fantastic that within our modern Europe there are still places where you can travel back in time and where the inhabitants and the government realize that it is important to preserve the local culture and to protect nature. The Portuguese have an admirable respect for their environment, traditions and old values, which we may have forgotten to value in our hectic modernized world. Relax while enjoying a delicious picnic lunch at a fresh waterfall, realizing that you need nothing more than that to be truly happy.

On our website I have created example itineraries to give you an idea of the possibilities. All can be customized in any way to your personal wishes. Feel free to contact hello@yugentours.com for any inquiry you may have.

Share your smile, go yugenstyle!

 

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