Due to its stunning location on the Iberian peninsula, Portugal is blessed with some of the most beautiful landscapes ever. Thankfully, these landscapes are divided into separate sections that we now can call the most beautiful and best national parks in Portugal! If you are traveling with family, visiting one park or the other can be extremely fun. So, let’s look through our list of the best national parks in Portugal!
Best National Parks In Portugal To Visit With Family
The Sintra-Cascais Natural Park
Spread across the Portuguese Riviera, Sintra-Cascais Natural Park is a sight for the sore eye! Relatively new, established in 1994, its territory has been protected for a few years before the grand opening. The most toe-curling sight here is the Serra de Sintra Mountain Range, but the park itself carries on until Cabo da Roca. Apart from stunning greenery and the contrasting views of mountains, you could also explore the 8th-century Castle of Moors, famous for its medieval historical background and has been recognized by UNESCO.
Other than that, just enjoy the greenery and natural sights. Of course, you can easily hike here; though, if you are traveling with children, you might want to look up shorter trails.
Douro International Natural Park
Primarily included in any tours to Portugal due to its high popularity, the Douro International Natural Park is located at the margin of Spain and serves as a border between the two! Initially created to protect the scenic landscape, along with flora and fauna, Douro has become one of the top tourist attractions in the country, displaying the perfect mixture of dramatic natural scenery and the historical part of it. For example, go see the settlements dating back to Roman times above the Douro River, so the family can become explorers.
Alvao Natural Park
Located in the northern part of Portugal, Alvao Natural Park is extremely impressive, even if small in size! With romantic sights of mountains looming over striking greenery and the churning of the Old River, it has become one of the most popular attractions in these parts of Portugal. All of its natural beauty is crowned by the Fisgal waterfall, which plunges down the stony hills and creates a fairytale-like scenery.
You can easily go hiking or even mountain climbing here, but be careful with both. The rocks are slippery at times, so keep your feet planted firm, and if you do not want to risk it, just observe Alvao by walking around and inhaling the humid air around you! By the way, all you have to do to reach it is take the train to Porto, and you are basically there. So its location is very convenient!
Serra da Estrela National Park
If you were to ask any Portuguese, which national park is the most important here, they would probably unanimously give you the name of Serra da Estrela! With the most extensive Mountain Range in the country, Serra de Estrela National Park is the pride of Portugal. It is also home to the highest mountain peak in these lands, Torre! Hands down, a lot of wins for this park!
The best way to see all there is to take your time in the day and cover as much ground as possible. Letting your feet and your mind wander the only way you will see all the valleys, ravines, and countryside. So let your mind relax, and your body will do the rest.
Arrabida Natural Park
The perfect choice for families, Arrabida Natural Park, is so lovely, it should go straight onto the postcard. Stunningly blue waters, mountainous landscapes, and a good amount of greenery, it leaves you with your jaw open yet your mind clear as day.
Let the Meditteranean landscape and warm weather on your cheeks guide you to the pristine, sandy-white beaches, and a hike through said woods. Children of any age, parents, grandparents, and friends will enjoy the Arrabida Natural Park!
Also, during a significant part of the Jurassic, Arrabida was covered by the ocean, which resulted in the formation of Dolomite limestones, which now give the park a very dramatic look.
Grab your family and go exploring! These parks are all stunning enough, cared for, and exceptionally well-protected – why not enjoy the beauty of them? And all the activities that come with? So take your children, parents, friends, or the significant other, and go hiking, mountain climbing, strolling around, and exploring. Have the best time and good luck!
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