ART&TUR E-Magazine 2016 nr 2 | Page 12

Vila Nova de Gaia: «A Whole World» of discoveries Gaia is a mythical name which is associated with nature and its balance, with the fruitful and prosperous life inspired by the sap of life, with livelihood and sustainability, with balance between man and nature, and mainly, with human humility before the mysteries of Nature. Gaia is a cultural world where history and heritage take us back to the birth of nationality. Gaia is present and future, innovation and creativity. Creativity in technologies, in arts, in the policies of social innovation, in the environment and in the valorisation of different generations. Gaia is a place of life, experiments, experiences and visits always as surprising as admirable. Gaia is water, fisheries on the river and sea, devotion to the divine protection and a feeling of celebration, of festivity and sociability. Gaia is "A whole world." WELCOME TO GAIA! One in every 33 Portuguese live in Gaia. The human potential is therefore unquestionable. This huge human potential is combined with an excellent geographic location. Gaia is a vast municipality which assumes itself as a pool for neighbouring municipalities. It is an interface that makes each of them stronger. It has a very rich past history and is made of natural contrasts ranging from the forest, the river, the city and the sunny beaches. All ready to explore! Gaia receives a million tourists per year. It is a territory populated by strong local identities that convey a great personality and sense of belonging. Nevertheless, it is a land facing the world. What has Vila Nova de Gaia to offer?       Space Quality of life Genuine local products (Broa de Avintes, the Velhotes, Teas and Infusions) Vineyard heritage (the Porto wine cellars, Rabelo boats) Many of the best beaches nationwide Extensive river shores