Portugal National Parks

Portugal has some of the most stunning national parks in the whole world. These parks showcase the diversity of the flora and fauna in the country as well as fascinating pieces of prehistoric art.

Coa Valley Archaeological Park

Coa Valley Archaeological Park, Upper Douro

The Parque Arqueologico do Vale do Coa is location of numerous and priceless samples of rock engravings that were mostly done during the Palaeolithic era. Three of the sites in the valley are open for viewing by the public. These are the Canado do Inferno, Penascosa, and Ribeira de Piscos. Each site contains a different series of rock engravings. The rock art sites have been designated by UNESCO as World Heritage Sites and visits can only be made if travellers are accompanied by guides from the park.

River Neiva

The North Coast Natural Park – Parque Natural do Litoral Norte

The North Coast Natural Park stretches for almost 18 kilometres along the coastline, starting from the River Neiva and ending in the village of Apulia. The park showcases dunes of white sand that support a variety of wildlife. It also features fine beaches that serve as some of the main bathing areas in northern Portugal. Wooden board walks have been erected in certain areas so visitors can walk through the dunes and observe birds like terns and mallards in a natural setting.

Serra Da Malcata Nature Reserve

Serra da Malcata Nature Reserve, Iberian Lynx

The Serra da Malcata Nature Reserve is located on the Spanish border south east of Sabugal in Portugal’s central region. It encompasses 16,000 hectares of heather-clad hills and oak woodland which contain a range of wildlife. It is, however, most famous for being the home of the Iberian lynx. The nature reserve has a network of hiking trails where visitors can catch glimpses not only of the Iberian lynx but also of other animals such as wild cats, foxes, and wolves.