It's time to say goodbye to the summer holidays again and start thinking about the Autumn. While the weather might soon be a little chilly for a trip to the beach, Portugal has a lot more to offer and the end of summer and the beginning of Autumn is the perfect time to escape from the city and discover some of Portugal's most beautiful natural parks, some of which are also official national parks in Portugal. These true natural wonders are the perfect place to breathe fresh air, away from the hustle and bustle of the city, especially nowadays that we all appreciate the open air and time alone just a little bit more.
We want to introduce you to 5 spectacular natural and national parks located across Portugal, from north to south, destinations that are ideal for a mini break this autumn 2022. It's time to pack your bags, go on an adventure and let yourself be dazzled by what Portugal has to offer!
Alvão Natural Park
The Alvão Natural Park in the north of Portugal is the ideal destination for lovers of extreme sports and more dangerous waterways.
This spectacular Portuguese park, located between Minho and Trás-os-Montes, in Mondim de Basto and Vila Real, is famous for the Fisgas de Ermelo, one of the biggest waterfalls in Europe, where the Olo River falls from a height of more than 200 metres.
On your wanderings through nature in this part of Portugal, you will be able to observe Iberian wolves, golden bats, eagles and incredible flora, with more than 480 types with oak, holly, molar grass and rosemary standing out.
Douro International Natural Park
Get ready to feel small in one of Portugal's most impressive parks which is in an area well known for its wine production. In Portugal's Douro International Natural Park, located very close to the Spanish border, you will find impressive cliffs and gorges that offer views over the deep valley that stretches from Mirando do Douro to Figueira de Castelo Rodrigo. Take the time to enjoy the pleasant climate and stop to take in the spectacular sights, including some of the most beautiful birds in the park, such as the black stork, the royal eagle or the Egyptian vulture.
We also recommend that you don't miss the opportunity to take to the water and enjoy a cruise through the Park, starting from the International Biological Station (in Mirando do Douro). From this point, you will be able to take in a unique perspective of the fauna and flora that bring the 122km of the International Douro Natural Park to life. Take note that prior booking is essential to not miss out.
- Find your holiday rental in the Duoro International Natural Park
- Find properties for sale in Mirando do Douro
Arrábida Natural Park
Our next national park is found further south in Portugal, as we discover a true green paradise that runs along the Portuguese coast from Palmela to Setúbal.
This Portuguese national park is home to beaches with crystalline blue water where, even at this time of year, you can go diving, surrounded by dense vegetation, as well as discover unique places to go climbing in the Arrábida Mountains. This area is also home to hundreds of karst cavities with fossil deposits and traces of dinosaurs, just some of the wonders that you can find in the Arrábida Natural Park, made up of more than 17,000 hectares.
Natural Park of Southwest Alentejo and Costa Vicentina
From Porto Covo, in the Alentejo region, to Burgau, in the Algarve, visitors can enjoy the breathtaking landscape of the Natural Park of Southwest Alentejo and Costa Vicentina.
Botanists and zoologists from all over the world travel here to observe some of nature's most unique species, such as the white stork that makes its nest in the marine cliffs, something that is only seen in this region of Portugal. In this beautiful park, you'll even be able to catch a glimpse of some otters, one of the few places in Europe and the world where you can do this. On top of all of this, water sport lovers consider this one of the best destinations in the country to surf, thanks to the many wild beaches in the area.
Prepare yourself for long walks on challenging and difficult to reach routes and, at the southern end of the park, and make sure not to miss the Cape of St. Vincent Lighthouse and Ponta de Sagres, once home to a nautical school, founded by Prince Henry in the 15th century.
Ria Formosa Natural Park
The Ria Formosa Natural Park has been chosen as one of the seven wonders of Portugal and a perfect destination for all those seeking a unique natural environment.
Located in the Eastern part of the Algarve, this is one of the three protected areas of the Algarve region of Portugal, formed by a coastal lagoon that changes constantly due to the movement of wind, currents and tides. This stunning and unique park in Portugal covers Faro, Barreta, Culatra, Armona and Tavira which are also well worth a visit on your travels.
You will be amazed by the breathtaking fusion of shades of green and blue in the water of the estuary and the sea, as well as by the shades of brown that characterise the almost deserted beaches in the area. Here, with a little bit of luck, you will also be able to catch sight of protected water birds, since the Ria Formosa Natural Park belongs to the Natura 2000 network and receives more than 20,000 birds during the winter period.
Don't miss the opportunity to take a trip on one of the traditional fishing boats that were used for tuna fishing in the area and enjoy the local gastronomy in one of the area's many coastal restaurants.
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