Atlantic Axis of the Northwest Peninsula

The Eixo Atlántico del Noroeste Peninsular is a cross-border association that brings together municipalities from Galicia (Spain) and northern Portugal, with the aim of promoting the economic, social, cultural and territorial development of this region of the Iberian Atlantic arc. Founded in 1992, Eixo Atlântico is today one of the most important cross-border cooperation organizations in Europe.

Members

The Eixo Atlántico is made up of cities and municipalities located along the northwest of the Iberian Peninsula. In Portugal, cities such as:

• Braga

• Porto

• Viana do Castelo

• Vila Nova de Gaia

• Guimarães

• Vila Real

• Keys

• Matosinhos, among others.

In Galicia, cities such as:

• Vigo

• A Coruña

• Santiago de Compostela

• Lugo

• Ourense

• Pontevedra

• Ferrol, among others.

This grouping covers a region of around 6 million inhabitants with deep historical, cultural and economic ties.

 

 

Main Projects and Initiatives

Eixo Atlântico has promoted a wide range of projects in areas such as:

• Mobility and Transport: defense of high-speed rail links between northern Portugal and Galicia, improvement of road and intermodal infrastructures.

• Atlantic Culture and Identitypromotion of shared culture through events such as the Eixo Atlántico Art Biennialcultural exchanges, festivals and exhibitions.

• Sustainable tourismThe creation of joint tourist routes (e.g. Caminhos de Santiago, Rota do Românico, Rota das Cidades Históricas), and participation in international tourism fairs.

• Education and Youthschool exchanges, literary and scientific competitions, support for student mobility between member cities.

• Innovation and Urban Developmentsharing good practices in local governance, digitalization, energy transition and sustainable urban planning.

Tourist importance of the region

The Eixo Atlántico region has a diverse and high-quality tourist offer. From the historical heritage of cities such as Braga, Porto, Santiago de Compostela or Lugo, to the natural landscapes of Gerês and the Rias Baixas, passing through unique festivities, renowned gastronomy and excellent wine products, this territory is a veritable mosaic of attractions.

Furthermore, cooperation within the Eixo Atlántico has made it possible to develop common tourism promotion strategies, reinforcing the "Northwest Atlantic" brand as a sustainable and competitive international destination. Cross-border routes, integrated tourism products and joint events increase the region's visibility and attractiveness.