Portugal is home to cliff backed beaches, dramatic river valleys, and wildlife filled wetlands. It is possible to find views on the edge of Europe or a mountain wilderness full of history and natural beauty in Portugal.
Portugal has a small size that makes it easy to see a lot. It is worth visiting the Azores or Madeira if time permits. There are volcanic landscapes and stunning coastlines on the Atlantic islands. The challenge is to decide where to start. There are many natural wonders in Portugal.
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There is something thrilling about standing at Europe's most southwestern edge, a headland of barren cliffs to which Portuguese sailors bid a nervous farewell as they sailed past. If you squint hard, you can see the ghost of the explorer Vasco da Gama on the cape. The Fortaleza de Sagres has a 16th-century chapel, imposing fortress walls, and stunning views from its clifftop perch.
The Parque Nacional da Peneda-Gers is located in a northern corner of Portugal. The striking landscapes of Portugal's only national park aren't the only thing that makes hiking here worthwhile. The reserve includes stone villages where you can walk through the ruins of old mills and castles. The settlements like Peneda are great places to explore the park.
The Douro River goes past steep hillsides with vineyards just east of Porto. The Unesco World Heritage site offers dramatic views at every bend, whether viewed from the water on a boat excursion or a winery estate. A visit to the Parque Arqueolgico do Vale do Ca, a protected area near the river with the most extensive, is a great way to spend a few days in the area.
In the eastern Algarve, there is a protected lagoon system that spans over 38 miles and covers 18,000 hectares. It's a hot spot for birdwatchers because it's a key stop on the way between Europe and Africa. You can take a boat over to an island or take a stroll on one of the nature trails. One of the best ways to see the wetlands is by taking a guided kayaking trip.
This enormous natural seaside cave has a hole in its ceiling through which the sun illuminates the sandstone and beach below. The only way to get inside is through the water. You can hire kayaks and stand-up paddleboards from many companies along the coast. Strong tides and currents make it difficult to swim to the caves.
The Costa Vicentina has hidden beaches along the western edge of the Algarve. While digging your heels into the sand or surfing some of southern Portugal's most reliable waves, you can admire the views. There are some great trails through this area. It is possible to hike all or a part of the Fisherman's Trail that takes you along cliffs and past beautiful beaches.
Ponta da Piedade is a dramatic wedge of headland with contorted sandstone cliffs and towers, and a lighthouse overlooking the turquoise water below. In the springtime, you can hear the sounds of birds and see the blooms of orchids. East to Carvoeiro and west to Sagres can be seen on a clear day. Car or foot are the only ways to get to it.
There is a nudist area, a campground, busy restaurants, and miles of golden beach for sunseekers, beach bums, nature lovers, and naturists. It is part of the Parque Natural da RIA Formosa. The island is remote and empty, but be warned: during high season, the hordes descend. You can either take a mini-train or walk there. The island can be reached by ferry from Quatro guas.
There are a lot of places in the Azores where visitors can't go. The caldera with its sparkling twin lakes might be the most eye-catching of them all. There is a 12 km circuit of walking trails leading down to the water's edge.
Sete Cidades is the source of an Azorean legend because it is surrounded by thickly forested cliffs. The legend says that the lakes formed from the tears of a shepherd and princess. At the scenery, you could well shed a few tears.
The highest mountain in Portugal is located out of the ocean. The Azores' ultimate hiking experience is an ascent of Mt Pico, which is a near-Perfect Cone.
The visitors center at the Cabeo das Cabras is where climbers should register. The crater is signposted, followed by a steep climb to the summit, which offers stunning views of nearby islands.
It takes two to four hours to get to the top. If you want to start in darkness to catch the sunrise, you should hire a guide.
The two-for-one attraction is located just south of So Vicente. A guided tour of the local caves is part of the experience. The second part is an interactive look at Madeira's volcanic birth and eruptions. It's a great activity for the kids to do in the wet.
Most people go to Madeira because of Porto Santo's 7.5 km long sandy beach. The coral is placed gently into the ocean. During the winter, when you can have the whole place to yourself, the beach has a wild feel.
The article was last updated about 15 hours ago.
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