Close to the Portuguese capital are parks and nature reserves of breathtaking beauty
DRAFTING
In addition to its amazing capital and other relevant locations, the Lisbon regionhosts many more charms, such as its exuberant nature, which is a great attraction for those seeking to breathe fresh air, practice adventure sports or relax.
The most outstanding parks and nature reserves in the region deserve to be visited, at least once in a lifetime:
01 Natural Park of Arrábida
Located to the south of the capital, this park occupies an area of approximately 17,000 hectares, of which, more than 5,000 correspond to marine surface, and includes territory belonging to the districts of Palmela, Sesimbra and Setúbal.
The environment has a great biodiversity, especially of vegetable type, being one of the few habitats that has a rare example of the Mediterranean maquis ecosystem in Portugal, of great scientific interest internationally.
The Sierra de Risco is the highest point of the Portuguese mainland, in contrast to a spectacular cliff 380 meters high on the Atlantic Ocean.
The concurrence between the mountain and the sea has generated a series of beaches characterized by its fine sand and transparent water. They stand out, mainly, Figueirinha, Galapos and Portinho da Arrábida, as well as the beach of Galapinhos, chosen in 2017 as the best beach in Europe by the European Best Destinations portal.
The most adventurous travelers will find in the park the possibility of extreme sports such as spelunking, diving and climbing.
02 Natural Park of Sintra-Cascais
This environment, of essential visit, has about 15,000 hectares that encompass the dunes of Guincho and the Sierra de Sintra. It offers an amazing variety of environments and landscapes that reveal lush forests, lagoons, large sandy beaches and charming beaches between high cliffs.
The biggest claim of this protected area is Cabo da Roca, the westernmost point of Europe. It is considered one of its most impressive enclaves thanks to its panoramic view of the Atlantic coast and the Sierra de Sintra. The latter also boasts of being a very special place because of the magic that the palaces, castles and gardens that make up the Cultural Landscape of Sintra, named a World Heritage Site by UNESCO.
As a curiosity, the Natural Park of Sintra-Cascais is also known for the dinosaur footprints that can be seen in the south cliff of Playa Grande, also frequented by experienced surfers who are looking for their big waves.
03 Tajo Estuary Nature Reserve
Originating in the Sierra de Albarracín, the Tagus River runs more than 1,000 kilometers through Spanish and Portuguese territory to its mouth in Lisbon, where it forms a basin in the Atlantic Ocean of such magnitude and relevance that they make it in the largest estuary in the Iberian Peninsula and the largest wetland in the country.
Popularly known as the "Mar de la Paja", this reserve protects waterfowl and migratory birds, giving shelter to more than 120,000 species, among which pink flamingos, which usually appear in the autumn, offer one of the most outstanding images. representative
The visit to this unique reserve -which concentrates land in the towns of Alcochete, Benavente and Vila Franca de Xira- can be done on foot, by bicycle, by car, and even by boat, crossing the river to appreciate the birds closer.
04 Natural Reserve of the Sado Estuary
Extending over lands of the municipalities of Alcácer do Sal, Grândola, Palmela and Setúbal, the Natural Reserve of the Sado Estuary is distinguished by being another enclave rich in fauna and flora thanks to the action of a river. In addition, it is the second largest Portuguese estuary and one of the largest in Europe.
Its particular landscape presents marshes, sandbanks, rice fields and huge forests and reed beds, an ideal environment for nesting and shelter of birds, which welcomes more than 200 different species in winter.
The popularity of the Sado delta is due, especially, to its resident population of dolphins, who use this place as the only feeding and breeding area in Portugal. Those who wish to observe them in their splendor, can embark on one of the cruises that set sail from Setúbal.