Natural parks in Portugal

Portugal doesn’t do national parks in the same way as Spain or Italy. Instead, most protected areas fall under the natural park label.

Autumn is one of the most magical times to discover Portugal’s natural beauty. As the warmth of summer fades and the air becomes crisp, Portugal’s forests transform into stunning landscapes of red, gold, and orange.

There are few areas in all of Portugal more beautiful than Pena National Park, and the nearby UNESCO World Heritage Site of Sintra.

Does Portugal have forests? The answer is most certainly yes, as Portugal is the 9th country in the European Union (EU) when it comes to area covered by forests: 36% of the land area in Portugal is home to forests to be precise, a figure slightly lower than the average for the region (38%).

Arrábida National Park in Potugal is located between the town of Sesimbra and the city of Setúbal, and less 40km from Lisbon. This breathtaking coastal national park is a favourite for those who enjoy mountain walks and hiking and provides a stunning panorama for tourists and locals alike.