54. The walkways landscape in Portugal - Amieira do Tejo case-study

Matos, R. S., Azevedo, A., Freire, F., & Silva, L. (2025). THE WALKWAYS LANDSCAPE IN PORTUGAL: – AMIEIRA DO TEJO CASE-STUDY. European Countryside, 17(1), 172–190. https://doi.org/10.2478/euco-2025-0009This paper examines the ethical, aesthetic, economic, and social roles of walkways in inland Portugal, focusing on the Amieira do Tejo case. Inland areas have suffered depopulation and agricultural decline since the 1960s, and walkways are presented as a tool to counteract “social desertification,” improve accessibility, and foster rural tourism. The Amieira do Tejo walkway, inaugurated in 2021 and co-funded by the EU, spans 3.6 km with attractions such as a suspension bridge, skywalk, and birdwatching station. Using questionnaires with 120 visitors and interviews with seven local stakeholders, the study found overwhelmingly positive perceptions: 90% supported the investment, with landscape beauty as the main attraction. Locals noted economic and social benefits, though direct returns to the village remain limited. Concerns included lack of amenities, overcrowding, and visual impacts. The study concludes that walkways enhance quality of life and tourism but require better infrastructure, ecological monitoring, and careful planning to ensure sustainability.