Portugal is clearly divided into the northern wooded and southern lowland parts. The south of the country is painted in light tones of ripening wheat, olive groves, and cork oak plantations. Portugal’s largest deep rivers are the Tagus, Douro and Guardian, originating in Spain.
The most popular resort destination is the southern tip of the country, especially the Algarve region, which covers more than 150 km of the coastal strip, stretching from east to west from Monte Gordo to Lagos. The northern part of the state is rich in small towns with fully preserved architectural monuments.
While many come to the delight of the vibrant and picturesque cities of Lisbon, Porto and Sintra, others are heading for the beautiful beaches that dot its coastline.
Natural Park Sintra-Cascais
Indeed, the country is bathed in natural beauty, and there are many incredible panoramas and views awaiting discovery. With this in mind, here are the five most beautiful national and natural parks in Portugal.
Attractions worth visiting include the incredible Castle of the Moors, which dates back to the 8th century, and the fabulous Pena Palace, which rises abruptly above the surrounding trees, which rise on top of a hill. On its territory scattered around many beautiful palaces such as Queluz, Sintra, Nets, as well as the original and richly decorated palace of Montserrat.
The natural park of Sintra-Cascais, one of the most popular tourist destinations in Portugal, contains many amazing sights that will delight and amaze any lucky person. While the spectacular mountain range of the Serra de Sintra is impressive, the park is best known for its incredible historical sights.
Nature lovers will also like the huge park, where you can see a variety of landscapes. To admire the beautiful view of the Atlantic Ocean, visitors should head to Cabo da Roca, which rises above the cold waters below. The coastal city of Azenhas do Mar also has fantastic views, as it is located directly on a cliff above the ocean. Simply breathtaking to visit, Sintra-Cascais Natural Park has more than enough incredible sights to fill a lifetime of discovery.
Southwest Alentejo and Vicenti Coast
If you head right down to the southwest corner of Portugal you will find sea, sun, sand and this astonishing natural park all just waiting to be explored. The endless beaches of the Algarve are bewitchingly beautiful, framed by the cliffs that overlook them; you will never want to leave this part of the coast. Bathed in sunshine the soft sands underfoot that at times give way to stony beaches make for some delightful walks with the sun glistening off the nearby water. Peaceful and relaxing, you will definitely feel rested and fresh after visiting this lovely natural park.
Peneda Geres National Park
Right in the far north of Portugal is the only national park of the country: Peneda Geres. Created to protect and preserve this unique landscape, the inhospitable and wild mountains of Geres are exciting to explore. Trails and paths are laid around the unspoiled nature of the park, and there are many interesting places to visit, ranging from interesting rock formations to characteristic old barns that were built by early settlers in the area. While there are several mountain peaks in the park, it is the two highest (for example, Geres and the Dow Cabro Altar) that offer the best panoramic views of the surroundings. Penede Geres has several beautiful waterfalls, and one of the most memorable sights is the ruins of Vilarino das Furnas. This old village was deliberately flooded while filling the local reservoir, and the ruins appear in the dry season when the waters recede. Eerie to behold yet strangely beautiful, the ruins are a must-see in this unforgettable park that so perfectly highlights the full range of Portugal’s natural wonders.
Ria Formosa Natural Park
The stunning landscape of the Ria Formosa Natural Park, popular with beach and birdwatching enthusiasts, is a great place to soak up the sun and enjoy all that the park has to offer. The wonderful warm climate, located right in the south of Portugal in the Algarve, attracts visitors to its shores all year round.
The main principle of preserving the natural heritage of Portugal is a clear division of land among specific owners. Thus, there is no land in the country that remains without the care of any citizen. The presence of a fence around the plot of land indicates that there is a private territory in this place, where unauthorized persons are undesirable. The friendly and hospitable people of warm Portugal, who love noisy fun and pompously celebrate all the holidays, are loyal to the law-abiding guests of their sunny homeland.
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