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Nature & Beaches

Natural spaces, beaches and landscapes of Portugal

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Natural Park of Serras de Aire and Candeeiros, between caves and dinosaurs

Imagine yourself walking along winding trails, surrounded by towering limestone formations, listening to the birds singing and the murmuring of streams… pleasant, isn’t it ?

Serra da Estrela, High-Altitude Hiking in Portugal

Serra da Estrela is the highest mountain range in mainland Portugal, with Torre (its peak) reaching 1,993 metres. Located in the country’s centre, this region offers unexpectedly stunning landscapes. Here, glacial valleys, mountain lakes (frozen in winter), pine forests, and granite villages create a scene of remarkable beauty.

Montesinho Natural Park, rural and authentic Portugal

Portugal is often associated with its sun-drenched beaches, lively cities like Lisbon or Porto, or the gentle charm of the Algarve. And yet, in the northeast of the country, lies a region still little-known to most travellers: Trás-os-Montes. It’s here that you’ll find the Montesinho Natural Park, a vast protected area of over 75,000 hectares, created in 1979, and one of the largest in Portugal. Here, nature reigns supreme… yet coexists peacefully with traditional villages and locals who preserve an authentic rural way of life. It’s a unique destination for anyone wishing to discover a wilder, more genuine Portugal, and one that feels a little outside of time… in short, a breath of fresh air far from the crowds, just what we all need !

The Beaches of Nazaré and Its Giant Waves

Nazaré. The very name evokes wind, salt, and the raw power of the Atlantic. This lovely coastal town in Portugal is world-famous for its giant waves that crash onto Praia do Norte. (Yes, yes, the ones you’ve seen in all those videos of “crazy” surfers on TV.)

Paiva Walkways, Spectacular Wooden Pathways in Arouca

In the heart of Portugal, there is a place where nature becomes a spectacle at every step. A suspended path between sky, mountain and river, shaped by time and the hand of man. This extraordinary location is known as the Paiva Walkways (“Passadiços do Paiva”), situated in the municipality of Arouca. Unlike any ordinary hike, it has become a symbol of a wild and genuine Portugal, deeply connected to the beauty of its landscapes. A must-visit destination, especially since the opening of the Arouca 516 bridge experience !

Praia da Rocha, One of Portugal’s Most Iconic Beaches

There are beaches that are simply beautiful, and then there are those that become true symbols. Praia da Rocha, located in the city of Portimão in the Algarve region, unquestionably belongs to the second category. Its name, which literally translates as “Rock Beach,” hints at what makes it so spectacular: an extensive stretch of golden sand framed by striking ochre cliffs, sculpted over millennia by wind and sea. It is nature in its purest form.

Madeira island, the 25 Fontes hike

If there is one hike in Madeira island you shouldn’t miss, it is undoubtedly the 25 Fontes trail… Between lush forests, small waterfalls, birdsong and an atmosphere of mysterious woodland, this hike offers an experience that perfectly sums up what Madeira is: an island brimming with resources, combining rich nature, spectacular water displays, and total immersion. This trail is among the most famous on the island, attracting nature lovers for its scenery and unique ambience ! Here’s everything you need to know to prepare, enjoy, and avoid any pitfalls…

Arrábida Natural Park, between sea and mountain

This magnificent natural park, located on the southern coast of Lisbon, is a true gem of Portugal. Stretching over nearly 10,000 hectares, it combines lush green mountains and crystal-clear beaches, offering a unique panorama where the sea quite literally embraces the hills. Whether you’re a nature lover, a hiking enthusiast, or simply looking for a peaceful (and inspiring) place to escape, Arrábida is THE must-see destination. Composed of spectacular landscapes and history, this natural park is a true concentration of biodiversity that attracts visitors from Portugal and beyond every year !

Ria Formosa Natural Park, the paradise of migratory birds

Ria Formosa Natural Park, located in the south of Portugal (in the Algarve region), is an exceptional sanctuary for migratory birds. Covering around 18,400 hectares of lagoons, salt marshes, barrier islands and coastal dunes, it’s a true natural patchwork where land and sea intertwine as far as the eye can see. This park offers an ideal habitat for hundreds of species.

Costa da Caparica, Lisboners’ Favourite Shore Escape

Just a few kilometres south of Lisbon, on the opposite bank of the Tagus River, stretches the long sandy coastline of Costa da Caparica : a true beach paradise for the capital’s residents. With its golden sand spanning about 15km, its wild dunes and perfect surfing waves, this coast attracts both locals in search of relaxation and visitors who want an authentic beach experience near the city; yet away from mass tourism. Costa da Caparica is not just sand and water : it is a lively, dynamic land of remarkable variety, where nature, sport and culture blend with elegance !

The Untamed Beaches of Comporta

Less than 1h30 drive south of Lisbon, a ribbon of golden sand stretches endlessly, bordered by umbrella pines, silky dunes, and softly glowing rice fields. Welcome to Comporta : a corner of the Portuguese coast that, almost by chance, has become a haven for those seeking natural beauty and discreet elegance.

Hiking in Peneda-Gerês National Park

In the far north of Portugal lies a place where nature still seems to speak the language of wind and stone. A land where mountains breathe, and every trail tells a story carved through millennia.

Azores Trails, between Volcanic Lakes and Cliffs

Ah… the Azores ! An archipelago that dreams are made of for nature lovers seeking authenticity. Between dormant volcanoes, serene lakes and cliffs plunging into the Atlantic, hiking here takes on an almost mystical dimension. We invite you to explore some of the archipelago’s most exceptional trails, where every step tells a geological, ecological and human story.

Rota Vicentina, The Wild Trail Along the Atlantic

Stretching over 400km of coastline in southwest Portugal, the Rota Vicentina offers hikers total immersion in breathtaking natural scenery. Often referred to as the “wild trail of the Atlantic”, it is undoubtedly one of the most spectacular hiking routes in the country. Dramatic cliffs, hidden beaches, and picturesque villages line the way, all accompanied by the ever-present sound of the Atlantic Ocean.

Douro International Natural Park, the Wild Frontier

In the northeast of Portugal, where the River Douro draws a natural border with Spain, lies one of the country’s most breathtaking natural parks : the Douro International Natural Park. Created in 1998, this protected area covers nearly 85,000 hectares and follows the course of the Douro for over a hundred kilometres. Still little-known among travellers, it remains an authentic destination where wild nature blends seamlessly with the age-old traditions of the border villages, a place so peaceful you’ll feel time itself has slowed down.

Sintra-Cascais Natural Park, between magical forest and cliffs

Located about 30 km from Lisbon, the Sintra-Cascais Natural Park is a true invitation to escape. Classified as a natural park since 1994, it stretches over around 14,500 hectares and offers a great variety of landscapes: mountains, lush forests, wild beaches and dizzying cliffs. It’s a place where nature and history seem to have made a pact… between fairytale palaces and the salty breath of the Atlantic.

Surf Spots, Top 5 Beaches for Experienced Riders in Portugal

Already an experienced surfer looking for powerful waves, rare barrels, and spots that truly test your limits… but reward you in return ?

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