National Parks in Portugal

In the National Parks of Portugal, these protected areas offer breathtaking landscapes and unique biodiversity. These spaces provide wonderful destinations to explore and connect with nature, allowing us to better understand the country’s history, culture, and way of life.
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Inhabited by various animals and plant species, where the coexistence between humans and nature is perfectly balanced, the national and natural parks of Portugal preserve biodiversity. Among all the protected areas in the country bordering Spain, the standout is the Peneda-Gerês National Park, the only designated national park, located in the northwest of Portugal. It offers mighty views of mountains and reservoirs and is home to unique species such as the wild Garrano horse or the Castro Laboreiro dog. In this place, as in the Montesinho Park, the rural lifestyle is preserved, with villages sharing tasks and resources.

A bit further south, in the Alvão Natural Park, rivers wind between rocks and cliffs, forming spectacular waterfalls like those at Fisgas de Ermelo. To the east, the river marking the border with Spain gives its name to another park, the Douro International, whose deep valleys create canyons where birds of prey like the Egyptian vulture nest. Nearby is the Albufeira do Azibo, another protected area perfect for bird watching and enjoying leisure moments on its river beaches. Another place of interest is the Arrábida Natural Park, one of the most well-known and visited protected areas, located in Setúbal and the town of Sesimbra.

List of National and Natural Parks in Portugal

Montesinho Natural Park

Located in the northeast of Portugal, this park is known for its biodiversity and rural landscapes, where local traditions and lifestyles are preserved.

Ria Formosa Natural Park

Situated in the Algarve region, this park is famous for its coastal lagoons and marshes, being an important refuge for migratory birds and marine life.

Sintra-Cascais Natural Park

This park encompasses an impressive combination of mountainous landscapes, forests, and coasts, and is known for its historical monuments and panoramic views.

Tagus International Natural Park

Located on the border with Spain, this park is noted for its deep valleys and river canyons, offering an ideal habitat for various species of birds of prey.

Serra da Estrela Natural Park

The largest park in Portugal, known for its mountainous landscapes, glacial lakes, and being the birthplace of the Mondego River, as well as its rich flora and fauna.

Northern Littoral Natural Park

Situated on the northern coast of Portugal, this park protects marine and coastal ecosystems, including dunes, beaches, and estuaries rich in biodiversity.

Alvão Natural Park

Famous for its impressive waterfalls, such as those at Fisgas de Ermelo, this park combines rocky landscapes and forests, providing a refuge for various species.

Madeira Natural Park

Located on the island of Madeira, this park is known for its laurel forests, endemic flora, and spectacular mountainous scenery.

Berlengas Natural Reserve

Located off the coast of Peniche, this reserve is known for its rocky islands, crystal-clear waters, and rich marine life, ideal for diving and bird watching.

Boquilobo Bog Nature Reserve

Situated in the Ribatejo region, this reserve is an important wetland that hosts a great diversity of aquatic birds, especially during migration.

Guadiana Valley Natural Park

Located in the south of Portugal, this park is noted for its river landscapes, hills, and rich biodiversity, including various species of birds and mammals.

São Jacinto Dunes Natural Reserve

Located in the Aveiro region, this reserve protects an ecosystem of coastal dunes and lagoons, offering a refuge to various bird species and native flora.

Paul de Arzila Natural Reserve

Situated near Coimbra, this wetland reserve is known for its rich biodiversity, being a crucial habitat for migratory birds and amphibians.

Sado Estuary Natural Reserve

Located near Setúbal, this reserve protects one of the most important estuaries in Portugal, known for its dolphin population and diversity of aquatic birds.

Tagus Estuary Natural Reserve

Situated at the mouth of the Tagus River, this reserve is one of the largest wetlands in Europe, vital for migratory birds and rich in biodiversity.

Douro International Natural Park

Located along the border with Spain, this park is noted for its spectacular river canyons and a wide variety of wildlife, including birds of prey.

Serra de São Mamede Natural Park

Situated in northern Portugal, this park is known for its mountainous landscapes, lush forests, and varied fauna, especially birds of prey.

Serra de Aire and Candeeiros Natural Park

Located in central Portugal, this park is famous for its karst formations, caves, and rich biodiversity, including several endemic species.

Southwest Alentejo and Vicentine Coast Natural Park

Located along the southwest coast, this park combines impressive cliffs, pristine beaches, and rich marine and birdlife.

Albufera do Azibo Reservoir Protected Landscape

Situated in the northeast of Portugal, this protected landscape is noted for its reservoir and recreational areas, making it ideal for bird watching and water activities.

Fossil Cliff of Costa de Caparica Protected Landscape

Located near Lisbon, this protected landscape is famous for its geological formations and cliffs, offering panoramic views of the Atlantic Ocean.

National Parks near Portugal

Some of the national parks near Portugal include the Picos de Europa National Park within the Spanish National Park system, known for its towering mountain peaks and rich biodiversity. Additionally, there is the Doñana National Park, also in Spain, famous for its wetlands and importance as a refuge for migratory birds. In France, the Pyrenees National Park offers spectacular mountain landscapes and a wide variety of outdoor activities for visitors.

Map of the Location of National and Natural Parks in Portugal

The map with Portuguese protected areas is also available: