Evora, Portugal, Aug. 20, 2026 (Lusa) - A total of 18 locations spread across five districts in Portugal's interior Alentejo region are now part of the «Stay Cool» Climate Refuges network, with amenities such as temperature-controlled environments, drinking water and rest areas.
In a statement issued on Wednesday, the Alentejo and Ribatejo Regional Tourism Authority (ERT) indicated that it is committed to «creating a regional network of climate shelters», which already covers the districts of Almodôvar and Cuba in Beja, Arronches and Castelo de Vide in Portalegre, and Mourão in Évora.
«Other municipalities will follow,» promised the ERT, describing the initiative as «strategic».
The aim, it argued, is for «the Climate Refuge Network to spread across the entire region, helping to boost the destination's competitiveness, particularly in summer, by providing thermally more stable and pleasant indoor and outdoor environments».
«In the climate refuges, visitors will be able to enjoy temperature-controlled environments, drinking water and rest areas, amongst other amenities,» it explained.
The «Stay Cool» certification, under the Climate Refuges – «Stay Cool» programme promoted by the Portuguese Tourism Board, already covers 18 locations in the Alentejo: specifically, seven in Almodôvar, another seven in Cuba, two in Mourão, one in Arronches and another in Castelo de Vide.
Under the «Grow with Tourism» Programme, the Tourism Board launched the specific tender notice for the Climate Refuges Network – «Stay Cool» at the start of the month.
«With a budget of €1 million, the programme aims to support the creation and upgrading of climate refuges across the country,» the regional tourism authority noted.
The funding is intended for local councils and parish councils, which may submit applications individually or jointly.
The support, it noted, takes the form of a «non-repayable grant» and can cover up to 80% of eligible expenses, up to a maximum of €75,000 per application.
Quoted in the press release, the president of the Alentejo and Ribatejo Tourism Board, José Santos, stated that «this programme is very important» for the region, «particularly for inland areas».
«We are very committed to promoting it across the region,» he emphasised, adding that ERT, in collaboration with the Portuguese Tourism Board, is «in constant contact with the municipalities, helping them to prepare applications and submit proposed sites for climate retreats via the platform».
José Santos also highlighted that, «through Turismo de Portugal's support scheme, it will be possible, for example, to fund the creation of shaded urban areas and green spaces, improve street fixtures and install sprinklers».
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