Eight kilometers of wooden walkways for a ride like no other
When the year comes to an end -and although many would prefer to forget the number '2020'- it is time to review and proclaim winners. This is how those responsible for the World Travel Awards, known as the 'Oscar' of tourism.
These awards, with multiple categories ranging from the most general to the most specific - such as best travel club, best sports academy or best beachfront resort - are awarded by a jury made up of by travel industry professionals and the public , which this year has had an unusually high turnout. Says Graham Cooke, founder of the organization: "The World Travel Awards 2020 program has received a record number of votes issued by the public. This shows that the appetite for travel and tourism has never been stronger, and bodes well for the future of the industry as the global recovery begins."
PORTUGAL, BEST EUROPEAN DESTINATION
Among the winners of this edition we have found well-known names, of course, but also small gems that we did not know our neighboring country had, the absolute winner of this edition. In the section of places to visit, it has been done with the greatest recognition: that of best european destination . Portugal already won this world title last year, and perhaps it will do so again this time, when the final awards gala is held.
Likewise, the paradisiacal and still little exploited environment of the Azores Islands has been recognized as the best adventure destination, one that more and more people dare to explore.
Azores, the new 'place to be' for adventurers
The country also holds this year the award for best beach destination 2020 : it is, specifically, the magical region of the Algarve that takes the award, just as it did last year. And it also stands out in the category of best urban escape, in which the captivating city of Porto triumphs, as it has been doing no less than five years in a row!
TWO PORTUGUESE JEWELS HIDDEN IN THE PALMARÉS
Although it is more than likely that all the names we have mentioned ring a bell, you may not know the Arouca Geopark, protected by UNESCO, where the Passadiços do Paiva walkways have won the award for best tourist attraction. Last year, he also won the world trophy in this category.
And if you haven't heard of this park, it's not for lack of attractions. The main one lies in its eight kilometers of wooden walkways , which run parallel to the Paiva River, in the municipality of Arouca (Aveiro). The walk is carried out through a virgin territory, " an authentic natural sanctuary throughout the descent in rough waters, quartz crystals and species in danger of extinction in Europe", as explained by its managers, with a stop at the river beaches of Areinho and Espiunca.
A few days ago, a new point of interest was added to the area: the opening of the longest pedestrian suspension bridge in the world . to their amazing 516 meters we must add its height, 175. It can be seen from the very ground, as it has been built with a metal fence for greater enjoyment of the landscape.
175 meters separate the center of the bridge from the ground. Who said vertigo?
Another attraction that stands out in the country? Dark Sky Alqueva, a protected area and internationally certified as a Dark Sky reserve, which covers an area of nearly 3,000 square kilometers. In it, thanks to the efforts of the municipalities located around the Alqueva lake, which, during the night, dim street lighting to a minimum to allow better enjoyment of the night sky, constellations and planets can be seen without the need for a telescope . It has won the award for the best European tourism development project, as well as recognition for tourism responsibility.
OTHER DESTINATIONS WITH AWARD
The magnificent Russian capital, Moscow, has triumphed this year in the categories of best European urban destination and destination with the best heritage of the continent. In the category of emerging tourist destination, meanwhile, stands out Batumi , in Georgia. This town located to the west of a country that is already starting to hit hard in the traveling world is an explosion of amazing skyscrapers. You just have to see the curious Alphabet tower or the Radisson hotel, which is also home to a university and has a Ferris wheel inside the building itself!
The leading excursion destination in Europe is also another great unknown that, however, has more eyes on it every day. We talk about Azerbaijan , whose capital, baku , was one of our 21 favorite cities last year.
Spain , this time, is satisfied with only two awards in the places to visit section, with Barcelona rising as the best destination for events and festivals and Madrid as the leading destination in Europe for meetings and conferences.