Tourism of Portugal formalized yesterday the first three financing contracts within the funding line for the creation and qualification of Climate Refuges, for a total amount of 210,000 euros, destined for projects in the parishes of Arroios in Lisbon, Valdujo in the municipality of Trancoso, and Praia de Mira in the municipality of Mira. The interventions represent a total investment of more than 282,000 euros, as announced in a press release.
According to the same source, the signing of the contracts took place at the Goethe-Institut Lisbon, a space already integrated in the Climate Refuge Network | Stay Cool.
The three projects aim to qualify public spaces by strengthening green areas, creating shade and resting zones, and installing solutions that help reduce the impact of high temperatures. The interventions aim to improve thermal comfort and the well-being of residents and visitors, while simultaneously reinforcing the ability of territories to adapt to the effects of climate change.
Carlos Abade, president of Turismo de Portugal, emphasizes “Climate Refuges are a concrete response to the challenges that climate change poses to territories and to the way we live and visit our destinations. Through this support, Turismo de Portugal intends to contribute to the creation of greener, more accessible public spaces that are prepared for periods of higher heat, promoting the quality of life of communities and better welcoming conditions for those who visit us.”
Three projects, three territories
In Lisbon, the Parish of Arroios will redevelop the surroundings of the Mercado do Forno do Tijolo, creating a climate refuge with open access for residents and visitors. The project includes the installation of shade structures, the strengthening of the tree canopy and green areas, the creation of seating and resting areas, and the provision of potable water points. The total investment is €74,592.77, with Turismo de Portugal support of €59,674.22.
In the municipality of Trancoso, the Parish of Valdujo will qualify the Motorhome Service Area and the surrounding leisure space. The intervention includes planting trees and native vegetation, creating routes and green pockets, installing pergolas with misting systems, and placing urban furniture. In addition to improving thermal comfort, the project will enable valorization of the existing tourist infrastructure and strengthen its use by the local community. The investment amounts to €93,743.27, of which €74,994.62 will be supported by Turismo de Portugal.
In the Parish of Praia de Mira, in the municipality of Mira, the Praia de Mira Stay Cool project foresees the creation of three spaces: Jardim do Mar, near the coastal front, Largo Calcinhas and Varanda Verde. The interventions include strengthening the green areas, installing shading structures, using permeable pavements and light colors, providing potable water and creating resting areas.
Cooling mist systems are also planned in two of the spaces and bicycle parking. The total investment is €113,867.12, with a €75,000 grant from Turismo de Portugal.
With these first contracts, Turismo de Portugal reinforces its commitment to the qualification of destinations and to the development of solutions that contribute to more resilient, sustainable territories, and prepared to respond to climate challenges, benefiting both local communities and visitors.
What is a Climate Refuge
Climate Refuges are understood as spaces, interior or exterior, free access and without obligation to consume, open at least between 11:00 and 17:00 on the hottest days, and with the possibility of extended hours in alert situations or when extreme heat waves occur. They must provide seating and access to potable water and ensure thermal comfort in indoor spaces or significant shade and cooling solutions in outdoor spaces.
The location of Stay Cool refuges can be consulted through the interactive map available at https://refugiosclimaticos.turismodeportugal.pt/, allowing any citizen or visitor to quickly identify the nearest space during episodes of extreme heat.
