The results presented in this work result from research that was carried out between 2020 and 2022 within the scope of the Project supported by Lab2PT (Landscape, Territory and Landscape Laboratory) of the University of Minho entitled “Assessment of the type of landscape, tourist resources and assets and services existing on the Portuguese Way of Santiago”.

Based on these assumptions, we chose to construct the following four starting questions:
1. What type of landscape can be experienced on the route through the municipality of Barcelos?
2. What types of difficulties exist on the route through the municipality of Barcelos?
3. What is the perception of service providers about this route?
4. What can be improved in the short and medium term?

Based on these starting questions, the main objectives of the research carried out between 2020 and 2022 were the following:
1. Analyze the main characteristics of the landscape of the route that crosses the municipality of Barcelos (e.g., route status, information, route signage, infrastructure, support equipment and existing risks);
2. Evaluate the perceptions of service providers regarding the impacts of the route that crosses the municipality;
3. Propose a plan to improve, in the short and medium term, the route that crosses the municipality of Barcelos.
Our investigation was carried out in two different seasons: summer (in 2020) and winter (in 2022) with the first approach having the collaboration of the councilor of Barcelos City Council. This made it possible to construct the types of landscape and goods and services that are offered to pilgrims in different seasons, which could contribute to a different evaluation by them. In reality, the landscape and other features change throughout the year with the succession of seasons. In order to respond to the objectives set, we opted for a quantitative and qualitative approach (mixed approach) and primary and secondary sources were used. (Excerpt from Introduction, pp. 9-10)

This work deals with the section of the municipality of Barcelos of the Portuguese Way of Santiago.

This Path is considered the oldest and provides unique experiences, especially in terms of of experiencing the landscape. The main objectives of the research carried out were to analyze various characteristics of the landscape of the route in the municipality of Barcelos, evaluate the perceptions of traders regarding the impacts of the Path and propose an action plan to improve the route that crosses the studied municipality.

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