Tourism in Portugal began to develop in the late 1950s, initially centered on key destinations such as the Algarve coast, Lisbon, and the religious hub of Fátima. This focus made tourism largely a coastal activity. However, rapid growth and overburdened infrastructure in these areas led to saturation and a crisis in the sector. To address this, efforts were made to promote alternative destinations, appealing to a new wave of tourists looking for more sustainable, authentic, and locally immersive experiences.
In this context, Rural tourism has become a vital strategy for diversifying Portugal's tourism offerings and boosting the socio-economic development of inland regions. Now recognized as one of the most promising sectors in rural areas, it plays a crucial role in revitalizing local communities. Supported by territorial and rural development policies, rural tourism has also benefited from funding through community initiatives and other strategies focused on sustainable growth.
