Guimarães
We are not a perfect city, but definitely on the right track’ (Guimarães 26)
Guimarães – just 65 km inland from Porto – has been elected European Green Capital 2026, the second Portuguese city to win the title after Lisbon in 2020.
The European Green Capital Award – organized by the European Commission – recognizes and rewards local efforts to improve the environment and the quality of life in cities. Tangible results include 600,000 euros in financial support, which will be used for sustainable projects.
The town is considered to be the birthplace of Portugal because it was here that Afonso Henriques – the first king of Portugal- was born. Founded in the 10th century, the historic centre became the first capital of Portugal in the 12th century.
Its historic centre is extremely well-preserved and an authentic example of the evolution of a medieval settlement into a modern town. Its rich building typology exemplifies the development of Portuguese architecture from the 15th to the 19th centuries.
A particular type of construction was developed in the Middle Ages, featuring a ground floor in granite with a timbered-framed structure above. A technique that was later transmitted to the Portuguese colonies in Africa and the New World.
Today this historic city has evolved into a beacon of cultural and environmental excellence, mixing its rich heritage with forward-thinking commitment to sustainability, which was embraced as a cornerstone of its local culture. Innovative businesses are increasingly aligning with the city’s environmentally conscious policies.
Designated a UNESCO Heritage Site in 2001, Guimarães has since then earned prestigious titles: European Capital of Culture (2012), European City of Sport (2013) and most sustainable municipality in Portugal for three consecutive years. These achievements underscore the city’s innovative spirit despite its modest and relatively young (nearly half under 30 years) population of 157.000 residents.
The municipal ecological footprint initiative serves as a guiding framework, steering Guimarães toward becoming a ‘One-Planet City’ and a member of Zero Waste Europe. Meanwhile, the city has pioneered groundbreaking strategies such as PAYT (Pay-As-You-Throw). Over 95% of its residents assess the air quality as good or very good.
Wander newly created green city oases and artfully repurposed heritage buildings, or stroll along the banks of restored riverbanks, with a fleet of electric buses linking together the historic palaces and futuristic galleries. The British broadcaster BBC recently highlighted this green and confident city as one of the best places to visit in 2026.
The opening ceremony of the European Green Capital 26 took place on the 9th of January, and during the year various events are planned, from the Spring Festival (in March 21-22) and the Green Week Guimarães (in June 4-7) to the National Urban Cleaning Meeting (in September 8-10).
Enjoy the festivities Aproveite as festividades (Pic Sapo/Unesco)
