The Atlantic Gateway is a space for touristic and educational appreciation of the natural and cultural heritage values ​​of the Viana do Castelo Sea (marine environment - infralittoral to the intertidal; and transition - beach and dune), but also for promoting and deepening the scientific knowledge in the scientific and/or thematic domain of the Sea.
The Atlantic Door has the North Coast Observatory - Collaborative Laboratory for the Knowledge of the Sea of ​​Viana do Castelo, in addition to promoting sea literacy, it aims to support and encourage research in the municipality of Viana do Castelo and contribute to bringing it closer from scientists to school communities and the population, essential aspects for promoting the protection and conservation of classified natural and cultural elements.