European Day of Nature Parks – 5 Natural Parks in Portugal that you must know!
European Day of Nature Parks – 5 Natural Parks in Portugal that you must know!
Today is the European Day of the Natural Parks, and we couldn’t let this date pass in silence! When was the last time you had a picnic in the park or a hike in the mountains?
This day, proclaimed in 1999 by the EUROPARC Federation, aims to celebrate the Protected Areas throughout Europe, to protect them, and to boost them.
Every year a theme of relevance to the area is debated. In 2021 “Natural Parks – The Next Generation” is discussed, as a way to discuss the difficulties passed in 2020 as a result of Covid-19. Learn more at https://www.europarc.org/nature/european-day-of-parks/
re.store®, as a sustainable brand with purpose, shares with you some of the wonderful Natural Parks as a suggestion for a visit, whether for a mini family vacation, a walk with friends or a personal retreat. All the reasons are valid to enjoy the best that nature can offer, in Portugal.
1-National Park of Peneda do Gerês
With more than 69 hectares, the Pêneda do Geres National Park, located in the Minho and Trás-os-Montes Region, is characterized by its fantastic trails, waterfalls and woods! Its historical and cultural heritage leaves its visitors enchanted with the vestiges they find there, such as vestiges of Romanization, castles, old ovens, water mills, hot springs, among others… Visit, it will be (very) worthwhile!
2-Northern Coast Natural Park
From the Neiva river estuary to the Apúlia area, you will find the Natural Park of the Northern Coastline with a 16km extension of coastline, where the windmills are its evident visual reference.
Characterized by its extensive beaches, dunes, and reefs, it is the perfect destination for a seaside break, a sunset reading, or brunch by the sea.
3-Sierra de Aires and Candeeiros Natural Park
The Serras de Aire e Candeeiros Natural Park is one of the most important reservoirs of limestone formations in Portugal.
The ideal destination for nature lovers, both for the secrets it holds underground and for the history engraved on the stone’s surface.
This park, which covers the municipalities of Alcanena, Alcobaça, Ourém, Porto de Mós, Rio Maior, Santarém and Torres Novas, offers its visitors a rich and varied flora and fauna. Definitely a place worth experiencing!
4-Natural Park of Serra da Arrábida
A natural paradise that combines the sea and the mountains perfectly! The beaches with crystal clear water and the green of the hillsides form landscapes worthy of a postcard! With an area of approximately 17 hectares, there are endless options for walking, resting, or exploring.
5-Natural Park of the Alvão
Although it is the smallest in territorial size, with only 7 hectares, it is big in its natural and scenic offer. The Olo River stands out in the essentially granite environment and is responsible for the lightness that is felt in the park.
Rich in its flora, with rare plant species, such as the orvalhinha or rorela, a carnivorous species that grows in poor soaked soil and on the banks of waterways.
When visiting the park, you must visit the villages of Lamas de Olo, Ermelo, and Barreiro, which are representative of Transmontana culture and tradition.
If you haven’t been to the parks suggested above, or have been wanting to visit one for a long time, take advantage of the spring weather and the summer that is already upon us to spend quality time with the best that nature has to offer!
