The Path of the Senses

The "Ruta dels Sentits", or Path of the Senses, is an innovative project designed to promote sustainable tourism, social inclusion, and local economic development in Tavernes de la Valldigna, Spain. The project aims to enhance the cultural and natural heritage of the area while providing educational and recreational opportunities for residents and visitors.

The project started in 2015 and has since received national recognition for its environmental values and accessibility characteristics. The practice is also included in the Local Strategic Plan "Missions Valencia 2030: Tavernes de la Valldigna".

Among other infrastructures, the Path of the Senses includes the adaptation of trails and access routes, and the installation of iron panels that simulate relief history, depicting landscapes of Tavernes. It also features a vertical garden that enhances the scenic ensemble of the route. The Path of the Senses is marked with informative signs that include texts in braille, and QR codes linking to explanatory audio guides in Valencian, Spanish and English, accessible via mobile phone. 

The project has created employment opportunities through its development and ongoing maintenance, particularly for young people through employment workshops funded by the European Social Fund. Local residents were actively involved in the planning and implementation stages, fostering a sense of community ownership and pride. 

By engaging all five senses, the route provides a holistic experience that promotes a deeper connection with the environment and community. The Path of the Senses seamlessly blends cultural heritage with natural landscapes, highlighting the interconnectedness of the urban and natural environments. This integration helps to preserve local traditions and history while promoting ecological awareness.

The development and maintenance of the route has involved local residents from the start. It is designed to be accessible to a wide range of visitors, including families, the elderly, and people with disabilities.

The project promotes sustainable tourism, emphasising the importance of preserving natural and cultural resources. By attracting tourists, this also boosts other activities in the local economy. The promotion of local products and services, such as artisanal goods and local cuisine, encourages visitors to spend money within the community, supporting small businesses and fostering economic resilience.

By offering educational activities and workshops, the Path of the Senses raises awareness about environmental conservation, cultural heritage, and sustainable practices. And, it has led to the enhancement of local infrastructure, such as improved signage, accessible pathways, and better facilities. Finally, by encouraging walking and outdoor activities, the path also promotes physical health and wellbeing. 

This initiative has counted on the collaboration of local citizens and associations from the beginning. For example, they participated in surveys and needs analyses supporting the creation of the path. They continue working every year to improve the route.

Since its launch, the project has had the support of ONCE (National Organization of Spanish Blind people), the State Reference Center for Personal Autonomy and Technical Aid, the Regional Ministry of Environment, and the Environmental and Consumer Education Association (ADEAC), among others. The initiative involves unemployed individuals who, every year through social programmes like Employment Workshops, clean and restore natural spaces along the entire trail, from the mountains to the beaches. 

Every year, the initiative includes activities of civic participation, for example the "Jornadas de puertas abiertas" where volunteers can participate in cleaning and improving the path.

The initiative also involves primary and secondary schools, local associations, and other local groups. These activities can be related to culture and creativity in order to connect the green values of the path with society.

Finally, efforts are made to associate the Path of the Senses with local products and services, in order to contribute to the development of the local economy. 

The project is promoting responsible tourism practices that minimise environmental impact, encouraging visitors to appreciate and preserve natural resources. 

Tourists visiting the Path of the Senses bring increased revenue for local businesses, including shops, restaurants, and accommodation providers. The route’s development and maintenance has also created jobs. And employment workshops funded by the European Social Fund provide practical skills and training for young people to improve their employability and future job prospects.  

A sense of community and ownership has grown among local residents involved in the path’s development and maintenance. By highlighting local traditions and heritage, the project has also helped preserve and promote the cultural identity of Tavernes. 

The route’s design, which ensures accessibility for people with disabilities and other marginalised groups, has promoted social inclusion and equity. Workshops and informational signage raise awareness about the local environment, cultural heritage, and sustainable practices. 

These enhancements to the local infrastructure have made the area more navigable and enjoyable for both tourists and residents. Overall, the improved urban environment and increased recreational opportunities have enhanced the quality of life in the community. 

This practice could be adapted to other territories pursuing inclusive, sustainable goals. The model promotes civic participation and monitoring to respond to real needs, as well as collaboration with diverse territorial agents and associations. It includes volunteering, civic participation processes and social inclusion work programmes. 

The Path of the Senses is an example of a local initiative aligning with multiple Sustainable Development Goals – particularly 15, 11, 4 and 8 – by supporting:

• the conservation and sustainable use of terrestrial ecosystems through the cleaning and restoration of natural spaces.  

• sustainable tourism in the local community, promoting responsible use of natural and cultural resources and local economic development. 

• inclusive environmental education activities, raising awareness about the importance of conservation and respect for the environment. 

• workshops and employment opportunities for unemployed people. 

The initiative aligns with various regulations and legislation at the national level to promote sustainable tourism, accessibility and environmental conservation. For example: Law 42/2007 on Natural Heritage and Biodiversity; Universal Accessibility Regulations such as Law 6/2022 on the rights of people with disabilities and their social inclusion; and Sustainable Tourism Guidelines.  

Any city adopting this practice would need to work with associations and official organisations linked to accessibility and the environment – and collect the real needs of future potential users. Strengthening citizen support, and ensuring their participation in the process, is vital. Cities would also need accessibility and environmental advice, for example on biodiversity studies and work to improve the environment. 

Having featured in national and international forums such as the international tourism fair FITUR, this initiative has already raised interest among municipalities in Spain and other parts of Europe.