Young European volunteers help improve the Interior Route
Twelve young volunteers from Spain, Italy, the Czech Republic, Sweden, and Portugal traveled the Interior Route in the second half of July, between Viseu and Chaves, with the aim of contributing to the preservation and enhancement of the path. The group took part in the “Camino is a Team Work – Jovens pelo Património e Sustentabilidade” (Youth for Heritage and Sustainability) action, part of the “New Footsteps on the Camino” project, promoted by the Portuguese Federation of the Camino de Santiago under the European Solidarity Corps.
During the walk, the group collected waste and interacted with local communities. Other tasks established under the program included trail maintenance, identifying needs, improving signage, and planting native species. The protection of natural and cultural heritage was also addressed through awareness-raising activities for residents and pilgrims. Producing digital content to promote the route was also part of the work plan.
Participants received initial training and support throughout the action, including time for reflection and an evaluation of their work. The learning outcomes were recognized through Youthpass, a European tool that identifies and documents the skills acquired in Erasmus+ Youth and European Solidarity Corps projects. Organizing the activities in international teams aimed to strengthen collaboration among participants, encourage active citizenship, and promote intercultural dialogue.
The route began in Viseu and passed through Castro Daire, Lamego, Peso da Régua, and Santa Marta de Penaguião before reaching Vila Real. In Lamego, the volunteers left behind a collective intervention at Albergue de Magueija. In Santa Marta de Penaguião, they took part in the Saint James Day celebrations and carried out an awareness-raising activity with local businesses. They then continued through Vila Pouca de Aguiar and Chaves before finishing in Santiago de Compostela on July 31.
During its time in Vila Real, the group attended a reception at Town Hall. Councilwoman Mara Minhava and José Maria Magalhães, president of the Vila Real Parish Council, welcomed the volunteers and highlighted the importance of their work for heritage preservation, sustainability, and cooperation among different territories and cultures. The municipality linked the reception to its commitment to Jacobean heritage and sustainable practices.
