Welcome to Palmela by Palmela Mayor
To hold the European Orienteering and Trail Orienteering Championships, EOC/ETOC 2014, in the Municipality of Palmela, between the 9th and the 16th of April, is, for us, a matter of great honor and, simultaneously, of great responsibility.
The high level of the competitors - the best in Europe and even of the world - and the technical challenges of the various races that will take place here have received from the organization - which we are proud of being part of, with enthusiasm, from the first moment - full attention and commitment, so that we may receive, in the best way, these events and its thousands of athletes, support teams and companions.
The relevance that Orienteering has obtained in the Municipality of Palmela, over the past few years, result of the intensive work carried out by our Schools, led to a fast growth of this sport among our young people, who have achieved remarkable scores, both at national and international levels, within school and federated sports.
During these eight days, I invite you to enjoy our territory and our landscape, with excellent conditions for Orienteering and other sports, in contact with nature, from Arrábida, World Heritage Candidate, to the vast plains where our vines, that produce wine of international recognized quality, grow; and also through the Natural Reserve of Sado Estuary, a privileged site to observe the local flora and fauna, in which we highlight the existence of one the largest populations of dolphins in Europe.
Culture, heritage, crafts and a rich and diverse gastronomy are some other proposals that Palmela has to offer.
I hope you feel at home!
Welcome to Palmela!
Álvaro Balseiro Amaro
The Palmela Mayor