Portugal is a country with a huge set of variety of landscapes from sun kissed beaches, lush woods and towering mountains. Portugal’s national parks are perfect for those that are an adventurer that love nature of course, or wish to fly to the wild for the sake of some down time. With each park offering its own feelings and experiences of tranquility from the lagoons to the coast where rugged cliffs provide their own breath taking range of things to experience. While if you are planning to explore the beautiful nature of Portugal, then make sure to apply for Portugal visa from Dubai or Portugal visa from UAE to avoid the hassles.
So in this blog, we will go through seven of the most beautiful national parks that Portugal has to offer. Each park is a gem all by itself, with chances for hiking, wildlife watching and appreciating the pastoral regions of the country untouched. And many more as from the Peneda-Gerês in the North to Madeira Natural Park in the islands, these destinations will leave your trip to Portugal one you will never forget.
Here are the 7 National Parks in Portugal You Must Visit
1. Peneda-Geres National Park 
Peneda-Geres National Park is Portugal’s first national park, which is located in the northern part of the country. Stunning landscapes, waterfalls and picturesque villages make it a haven of outdoor enthusiast. It has well marked trails for hiking, the wild flora and fauna and traditional Portuguese culture in the local villages. The famous Geres River is also located in this park, where you can admire the tranquility of nature.
2. Arrabida Natural Park
Arrabida Natural Park in the south is where you should go if you crave stunning coastal views. The dramatic cliffs, rolling hills and pristine beaches of this park make it a well combined one. The crystal clear waters of the Atlantic come as a perfect partner to the lush greenery. Hike a day, see the cutie of a town Setubal, and sup some delicious local seafood. Don’t forget to take in even more incredible views of Angola from the 16th century Fort of São Filipe.
3. Sierra de Estrela Natural Park
Sierra de Estrela, in central Portugal is a paradise for hiking lovers. It’s Portugal’s highest mountain range and has a range of trails to suit all levels of experience. The park is rich in biodiversity and it features from picturesque lakes to dense forests and charming villages. In fact, it is the place where the famous Serra da Estrela cheese is produced, so do not miss the opportunity to taste some of this local delicacy during your visit.
4. Ria Formosa Natural Park
The Algarve region is famous for its wetlands, salt marshes and dunes, and Ria Formosa Natural Park is within it. It is a great place to birdwatch, and especially for migrants such as flamingos. It is also possible to explore the area by boat, which makes it perfect for kayaking and photography. In addition to the nature, Ria Formosa is also home to several traditional fishing villages, which give a cultural touch to your experience.
5. Vicentine Coast Natural Park
The Vicentine Coast is a pristine stretch of coastline on Portugal’s southwestern tip. It’s a great place for the ones, who are tired of the crowds and prefer enjoying the peacefulness of the nature. The Vicentine Coast boasts rugged cliffs, golden beaches and crystal clear waters, great views, hiking, swimming, and wildlife watching.
6. Lagoa das Sete Cidades (Seven Cities Lagoon)
Lagoa das Sete Cidades is a beautiful place on the Azores islands with two beautiful lakes in the crater of a dormant volcano. It is a great place for hiking, the lush green hills surrounding the lagoon and the view from the top of the crater is simply mesmerizing. It is one of the most iconic spots in Portugal and a must visit for anyone who is visiting the Azores.
7. Madeira Natural Park
Portugal is an island paradise, Madeira, and its natural park is a cornucopia of diverse landscapes. Madeira has forests, mountains, rugged cliffs and dramatic coastlines. The Laurisilva Forest is one of the park’s must sees and it is a UNESCO World Heritage site, home to a most impressive array of plant and animal species. Madeira is excellent for nature lovers regardless of if you are into hiking, canyoning or just looking at the views.
Conclusion
A trip to the national parks of Portugal is an adventure you will discover the natural beauties and hidden treasures of the country. No matter which park you choose, the atmosphere of the magnificent coastlines or the serene lakes, each park will retain in your mind after you go. If you are a nature lover, then Portugal is the ideal destination to get the best of adventure, culture and scenic landscapes.
You should remember to apply for Portugal visa from Dubai or Portugal visa from UAE to make your trip to Portugal as smooth as possible. If you have the right visa, you will be ready to enjoy the beauty of these national parks to the fullest. Therefore, pack your bags, take the trails and enjoy the natural wonders of Portugal.
