Portugal is renowned for its captivating beaches and charming cobblestone city centers; however, it also boasts a diverse range of natural attractions, including breathtaking mountain landscapes and wildlife-rich wetland reserves.
Portugal’s protected wilderness provides numerous opportunities to reconnect with nature and explore some of the country’s most stunning scenery. You can hike along rugged cliffs overlooking crashing waves, engage with local shepherds along rocky highland trails, or find your own secluded paradise on an uninhabited island in the Algarve.
Here are five essential parks and natural areas in Portugal that every nature lover should explore.
Parque Nacional da Peneda-Gerês: A Blend of Culture and Wilderness
Wolves and ibex roam the upland forests of Parque Nacional da Peneda-Gerês, the only designated national park in Portugal. Spanning approximately 700 sq km (270 sq miles) in the far northern region, this mountainous reserve protects both regional biodiversity and the traditional lifestyles of local residents. The park is dotted with around 100 small granite villages, where visitors can witness ox-drawn carts and black-clad widows, alongside shepherds guiding their livestock to higher pastures during the warmer months.
There is a plethora of activities available, from hiking ancient trails on the Via Geira Roman Road to kayaking on the Cávado River. You can delve into history by visiting megalithic sites or medieval fortifications, such as the impressive 13th-century Castelo de Lindoso, overlooking the Spanish border. The charming spa town of Vila do Gerês serves as a fantastic base for adventures but don’t hesitate to venture to more remote areas like Pitões das Júnias, an isolated mountain hamlet within the park.
Year-Round Activities at Parque Natural da Serra da Estrela
The Parque Natural da Serra da Estrela is a prime destination for outdoor enthusiasts throughout the year. Explore narrow mountain roads that lead you past high-altitude lakes and dramatic overlooks within Portugal’s largest nature preserve. In spring, vibrant wildflowers blanket the hillsides, while autumn presents a stunning display of golden and auburn leaves from birch, beech, and chestnut trees.
This 890-sq-km (344-sq-mile) park hosts mainland Portugal’s tallest mountains, making it one of the few reliable spots for snow in winter. Torre, the highest point in the country (elevation 1993m/6538ft), features Portugal’s only ski resort, offering excellent value for beginners.
Summer is ideal for hiking, mountain biking, and other activities. The area features numerous trails catering to all levels, including the more challenging 600 km (373-mile) GR22 trek. The picturesque village of Manteigas is conveniently located near 18 distinct trails, providing excellent lodging and dining nearby.
Coastal Adventures at Parque Natural do Sudoeste Alentejano e Costa Vicentina
The southwest coast of Portugal reveals some of the country’s most striking scenery, characterized by towering sea cliffs, rocky coves, and pristine hidden beaches accessible via unmarked paths. Hike between quaint villages along parts of the Rota Vicentina, a 227-km (141-mile) trail that hugs the coastline from São Torpes to Sagres.
This region is also a haven for surfers, with several popular surf camps situated in Carrapateira, Odeceixe, and Aljezur. Additionally, visitors can relax on some of the Algarve’s most beautiful and least crowded beaches. Like in other areas of Portugal, the human-made landscape is also preserved, including the impressive Fortaleza de Sagres, known for its 400-year-old structures, located near the striking lighthouse at Cabo de São Vicente, the southwesternmost point of Europe.
Parque Natural da Arrábida: A Coastal Biodiversity Oasis
Located less than an hour’s drive south of Lisbon, the Parque Natural da Arrábida is a stunning nature reserve characterized by forested hills, rugged cliffs, and idyllic beaches. Stretching along the southeast coast of the Setúbal Peninsula, this reserve is abundant with Mediterranean flora, including lavender, olive, pistachio, and thyme, while kestrels and eagles soar above its pine-clad hills.
Arrábida provides breathtaking overlooks from its commanding peaks, with the best views atop the limestone summits of the Serra do Risco, which stands at 380m (1246ft), making it the highest point along the Portuguese coast. After exploring the trails, relax with a swim at one of the park’s pristine beaches. Praia dos Galapos, with its crystal-clear waters and gentle currents, serves as an ideal beach for families.
Unspoiled Beauty at Parque Natural da Ria Formosa
Nestled in the lesser-visited eastern part of the Algarve, the 18,000-hectare (44,479-acre) Parque Natural da Ria Formosa features lagoons, marshlands, and salt pans. This reserve is particularly famous for its sandy barrier islands, which are just a short boat ride from towns like Faro, Olhão, and Tavira. Among these, Ilha da Barreta, also known as Ilha Deserta (Deserted Island), remains entirely uninhabited. Spend a day lounging on the island’s 7 km (4.3 miles) of beaches and exploring its boardwalk trails while birdwatching.
On the mainland, you may observe a variety of species, including glossy ibis and flamingos, along the Ria Formosa’s scenic trails, such as the São Lourenço and Ludo trails. For the best wildlife viewing experience, consider taking a boat or kayak trip through the reserve. Eco-friendly companies can guide you to the heart of this aquatic paradise, where you might encounter dolphins or the rare purple swamphen, a symbol of the park.
