PORTUGAL WILDLIFE GUIDE

Portugal has several stunning national parks and protected areas, each offering unique landscapes, rich biodiversity, and a variety of outdoor activities.

Peneda-Gerês National Park is located in northwest Portugal, bordering Spain. It’s Portugal’s only national park and is renowned for its rugged mountains, lush forests, and traditional villages. The park is home to wild Garrano horses, wolves, and golden eagles. Activities include hiking, bird watching, exploring ancient Roman roads and bridges, visiting traditional villages, and enjoying scenic waterfalls and rivers.

Arrábida Natural Park is near Setúbal, south of Lisbon. It’s known for its limestone cliffs, Mediterranean vegetation, and beautiful beaches along the Atlantic coast. The park offers breathtaking views of the coastline and the Sado River estuary. Visitors can hike, rock climb, snorkel, dive, and explore historical sites such as the Convento da Arrábida.

Sintra-Cascais Natural Park is west of Lisbon, encompassing the Sintra Mountains and extending to the Atlantic coast. As a UNESCO World Heritage Site, it’s famous for lush forests, dramatic cliffs, and historic palaces and castles, including the Pena Palace and Moorish Castle. Activities include hiking, exploring historical and architectural sites, enjoying scenic coastal views, and visiting the picturesque town of Sintra.

Southwest Alentejo and Vicentine Coast Natural Park stretches along the southwestern coast of Portugal, from Sines to Sagres. It’s known for rugged cliffs, sandy beaches, and diverse marine life. The park is one of the best-preserved coastal areas in Europe, offering surfing, hiking, bird watching, and exploring charming fishing villages.

Ria Formosa Natural Park is in the Algarve region, along the southern coast of Portugal. This coastal lagoon system with barrier islands, salt marshes, and diverse birdlife is a haven for migratory birds and offers a unique wetland ecosystem. Activities include bird watching, boat tours, kayaking, and exploring the lagoon and islands.

Serra da Estrela Natural Park is in central Portugal and encompasses the highest mountain range in mainland Portugal. Known for dramatic mountain landscapes, glacial valleys, and unique flora and fauna, the park is home to the highest peak in mainland Portugal, Torre. Visitors can hike, ski in the winter, rock climb, and explore traditional mountain villages.

Tejo Internacional Natural Park borders Spain along the Tagus River. It features diverse landscapes of forests, river valleys, and rolling hills, and is rich in wildlife, including vultures, eagles, and deer. Activities include bird watching, hiking, and exploring scenic river valleys.

Berlengas Natural Reserve is off the coast of Peniche in central Portugal. This archipelago, with rocky islands and clear waters, is rich in marine life. The main island, Berlenga Grande, is known for its rugged beauty and historic fort. Visitors can bird watch, snorkel, dive, and explore the island’s natural and historical features.

Portugal is a country rich in history, culture, and natural beauty, offering a wide range of attractions for visitors. Here are some of the top tourist attractions in Portugal:

Lisbon

Belém Tower: A UNESCO World Heritage site and a symbol of Portugal’s Age of Discovery.

Jerónimos Monastery: Another UNESCO site, known for its stunning Manueline architecture.

Alfama District: The oldest neighborhood in Lisbon, known for its narrow streets, historic buildings, and Fado music.

Porto

Ribeira District: A UNESCO World Heritage site with picturesque streets along the Douro River.

Dom Luís I Bridge: An iconic double-deck iron bridge connecting Porto and Vila Nova de Gaia.

Port Wine Cellars: Located in Vila Nova de Gaia, these cellars offer tours and tastings of the famous port wine.

Sintra

Pena Palace: A colorful, romanticist palace that looks like a fairytale castle.

Quinta da Regaleira: Known for its enchanting gardens, grottoes, and the Initiation Well.

Moorish Castle: A medieval castle offering stunning views of Sintra and the surrounding area.

Algarve

Ponta da Piedade: Spectacular rock formations and sea caves near Lagos.

Praia da Marinha: One of the most beautiful beaches in the world, known for its clear water and golden cliffs.

Albufeira: A popular resort town with beautiful beaches and a vibrant nightlife.

Madeira

Levadas: A network of irrigation channels that offer scenic hiking trails through the lush landscapes of Madeira.

Funchal: The capital city, known for its botanical gardens, historic buildings, and wine cellars.

Pico do Arieiro: One of the highest peaks in Madeira, offering breathtaking views.

Azores

Sete Cidades: Twin lakes situated in the crater of a dormant volcano on São Miguel Island.

Furnas: Known for its hot springs, fumaroles, and botanical gardens.

Pico Mountain: The highest mountain in Portugal, located on Pico Island, offering challenging hikes and stunning views.

Évora

Roman Temple: Also known as the Temple of Diana, it is one of the best-preserved Roman ruins in Portugal.

Évora Cathedral: A massive Gothic cathedral with a panoramic view from its roof.

Chapel of Bones: A fascinating and eerie chapel decorated with human bones and skulls.

Coimbra

University of Coimbra: One of the oldest universities in Europe, with a stunning baroque library.

Old Cathedral of Coimbra: A Romanesque cathedral with a fortress-like appearance.

Monastery of Santa Clara-a-Velha: A Gothic monastery partially submerged by the Mondego River.

Douro Valley

Vineyards: The valley is known for its terraced vineyards and production of port wine.

River Cruises: Scenic boat trips along the Douro River, offering views of the picturesque landscape.

Lamego: A charming town with the Sanctuary of Nossa Senhora dos Remédios.

Óbidos

Medieval Castle: A well-preserved castle that now serves as a luxury hotel.

Historic Center: A charming walled town with narrow cobblestone streets, whitewashed houses, and vibrant bougainvillea.

Portugal enjoys a Mediterranean climate with mild, wet winters and warm to hot, dry summers. The weather can vary significantly depending on the region. Here’s an overview of the typical weather in different parts of Portugal:

Lisbon

• Winter (December to February): Mild and rainy, with average temperatures around 8-15°C (46-59°F).
• Spring (March to May): Pleasant and gradually warming, with temperatures ranging from 12-22°C (54-72°F).
• Summer (June to August): Hot and dry, with temperatures often reaching 25-30°C (77-86°F).
• Autumn (September to November): Mild and gradually cooling, with temperatures between 15-25°C (59-77°F).

Porto

• Winter (December to February): Cool and rainy, with temperatures around 5-14°C (41-57°F).
• Spring (March to May): Mild and gradually warming, with temperatures ranging from 10-20°C (50-68°F).
• Summer (June to August): Warm and dry, with temperatures typically between 15-25°C (59-77°F).
• Autumn (September to November): Cool and wet, with temperatures ranging from 10-20°C (50-68°F).

Algarve

• Winter (December to February): Mild and wet, with average temperatures around 8-17°C (46-63°F).
• Spring (March to May): Warm and pleasant, with temperatures between 12-22°C (54-72°F).
• Summer (June to August): Hot and dry, with temperatures often reaching 25-35°C (77-95°F).
• Autumn (September to November): Mild and gradually cooling, with temperatures ranging from 15-25°C (59-77°F).

Madeira

• Winter (December to February): Mild and wet, with temperatures around 14-20°C (57-68°F).
• Spring (March to May): Warm and pleasant, with temperatures between 16-22°C (61-72°F).
• Summer (June to August): Warm and dry, with temperatures typically between 20-26°C (68-79°F).
• Autumn (September to November): Mild and gradually cooling, with temperatures ranging from 18-24°C (64-75°F).

Azores

• Winter (December to February): Mild and wet, with temperatures around 12-18°C (54-64°F).
• Spring (March to May): Mild and gradually warming, with temperatures between 14-20°C (57-68°F).
• Summer (June to August): Warm and relatively dry, with temperatures typically between 18-25°C (64-77°F).
• Autumn (September to November): Mild and gradually cooling, with temperatures ranging from 16-22°C (61-72°F).