North Coast Natural Park

Located in northwest Portugal, this charming park overlooks the wild Atlantic. The fierce winds blowing from the ocean helped shape the extensive sand dunes that characterize the area. Long grasses ripple in the wind, while seabirds soar dramatically and the nature park is a haven for a wide variety of birds that come here to nest and breed. 

 

The desolate dunes accumulate and behind them the grasses begin to grow, protected by the damping they provide from the winds. The secluded area makes for peaceful and scenic walks as the untouched and untamed nature surrounds you, welcoming you to discover its hidden delights.

Alvao Natural Park

With its lazy features that slowly and quietly descend from a height of 1,339 meters at most to just 260 meters, the Alvao Natural Park comprises two distinct topographies and as such, the varied landscapes are beautiful to behold. Although small in size, its two distinct and very different ecosystems make this park worth a visit. 

 

In the upper zone, the mountainous area full of hills provides great walking and the rocky cliffs and granite formations are cut dramatically to reveal the Bazal Zone below. Marking this sudden schism is the beautiful waterfall of Fisgal, which gracefully plunges into the ground, covering the surroundings with a hazy spray. 

 

The Olo River runs through the park and the rocky river beds are delightful to explore as they give way to forests lining the banks on both sides.

 

Douro International Natural Park

 

Located on the border with Spain, this park is really the border, as it is the path that leads the river that marks Portugal from Spain; hence the name International Douro Natural Park. The river makes its way through the landscape, winding through the cliffs and ravines that the water has eroded over the centuries. 

 

With the banks of the Douro rising sharply on both sides, the static rocky cliffs contrast beautifully with the fast-flowing river below them. The scenery is beautiful to behold and the areas on either side of the river are lush with vegetation due to the life-giving water flowing through. 

 

Small watercourses and rapids punctuate the Douro from time to time and only add to the scenic feel of the natural park.

Ria Formosa Natural Park

Popular with sunbathers and birdwatchers, the stunning scenery of the Ria Formosa Natural Park is a beautiful setting to soak up the sun and enjoy all the park has to offer. Located in the south of Portugal, in the Algarve, the pleasant mild climate attracts visitors to its shores throughout the year. 

 

If lounging on the beach is not your thing then Ria Formosas lagoons, wetlands and endless sands are a real treat to explore as they are simply spectacular to see. Birds migrate to the area on their migratory routes, and at these times of the year, the skies above the park are full of flocks of birds flying from side to side.

 

An opera takes place before your eyes as the competing bands play a symphony above your head, moving as one to and from the sea.

 

Montesinho Natural Park

 

A biodiversity hotspot, the beautiful exposed landscape makes the Montesinho Natural Park worth a visit and, as one of the largest parks in the country; There is certainly a lot to see. Rolling hills and valleys give way to slippery streams and tranquil lagoons before thick covered forests cover their path. 

The trails wind through the mountain that gives its name to the park and from the top there is a beautiful view of the surroundings. With a large number of large mammals residing in Montesinho, lucky visitors can catch a glimpse of an Iberian wolf, lynx or delicious common genitalia. 

Rare and indescribable, the presence of these animals makes parks such as Montesinho even more important because they protect their natural habitat.

 

Serra da Estrela Natural Park

 

This amazing natural park certainly has a lot to offer. Comprising the largest mountain range in the country, Serra da Estrela is also home to Portugals highest peak, the Torre, which rises to just under 2000 meters in height. Beautiful valleys and canyons mark the countryside and, due to the parks varied topography, an abundant variety of fauna and flora grows at different heights. 

Lakes and forests are interspersed between the mountains and stumbling across crystal clear waters or deliciously secluded woodland paths make visiting this park a magical experience.

 

Southwest Alentejo and Vicentine Coast

 



Going to the southwest corner of Portugal, you will find sea, sun, sand and a surprising natural park, all waiting to be explored. 

The endless beaches of the Algarve are incredibly beautiful and framed by the cliffs that overlook them; Youll never want to leave this part of the coast again. 

Bathed by the sun, the soft underfoot sands, which sometimes give way to rocky beaches, provide delightful walks with the sun shining in the nearby waters. Peaceful and relaxing, you will definitely feel rested and fresh after visiting this beautiful nature park.

Arrábida Natural Park

 

With beautiful sandy beaches, beautiful rocky cliffs lined the coast and low mountains lush with inland vegetation that stretches inland, Arrábida Natural Park has a wealth of natural delights for visitors to enjoy.

The heated Mediterranean climate produces an abundant variety of fauna. and flora that paint the landscape in a myriad of colors. Inland, the yellow plains give way to dark green patches of forest that cover the rolling hills that line the white coast below. 

A popular getaway for people living in Lisbon, pristine beaches like Figueirinha and Galapinhos are particularly pleasant amid all the other riches on offer. Lovely peaceful walks abound in this scenic area and slowly strolling along the coastal paths will calm your soul as the gentle ocean breeze cools your skin.

Peneda-Gerês National Park

Located in the far north of Portugal, it is the only national park in the country: Peneda-Gerês. Built to protect and preserve this unique range of landscapes, the rugged, wild Geres Mountains are fascinating to explore. Although there are some mountain peaks in the park, it is the two highest (thus Geres and Altar doe Cabroes) that offer the best panoramic views of their surroundings. 

 

Trails and paths meander around the parks untouched environment, and there are plenty of interesting places to visit, from interesting rock formations to the old barns that were built by the regions early settlers. There are a number of beautiful waterfalls to visit within Peneda-Gerês and one of the most memorable views are the ruins of Vilarinho das Furnas. 

 

This old village was deliberately submerged by filling a local reservoir and the ruins emerge during the dry season when the waters recede. Strange ways to contemplate, albeit strangely beautiful, the ruins are unmissable in this unforgettable park that perfectly enhances all the natural wonders of Portugal.