iNature – Turismo de Natureza

iNature brings together 12 classified natural areas in Central Portugal under a single nature tourism network. These include the Serra da Estrela Natural Park, the Serra do Açor and Serra de Montejunto protected landscapes, the Naturtejo Geopark and the Serras de Aire e Candeeiros Natural Park, among others. The network lists walking and mountain bike trails, river beaches, restaurants and accommodation across these territories, from rural guesthouses to glamping domes and historic hotels. Based in Fundão, at the Eugénio de Andrade Municipal Library building, iNature works with several intermunicipal communities and municipalities in the Beira Baixa and Beiras e Serra da Estrela regions, including Castelo Branco, Manteigas, Sabugal and Idanha-a-Nova. It runs a monthly newsletter covering trails, events and support programmes for local tourism businesses. The project organises and promotes seasonal activities. The Grande Rota da Transumância, launched in 2026, takes walkers through 10 stages between May and October, following one of the region's oldest traditions of seasonal livestock movement. The first stage started on 8 May in Castelo Branco. iNature also promotes birdwatching outings in the Serra da Estrela, such as the Percursos da Biodiversidade series, and shares content on foraging, forest bathing and local gastronomy. Through its social media and newsletter, iNature interviews people connected to the land, from shepherds to agricultural researchers, and highlights events like the Feira da Badana livestock fair in Idanha-a-Nova and the ASTA solidarity walk and mountain bike day in Almeida. The network positions nature tourism as a way to sustain both the landscapes and the traditions of the region.