NATIONAL AND NATURAL PARKS OF PORTUGAL

FROM THE NORTH	OVERVIEW
Peneda-Geres National Park		Home of the Iberian wolf and the royal eagle, this park has old Celtic villages where little has changed over the centuries.
Montesinho		Habitat of the wild boar, deer, fox, wild cat badger and otter. Overhead are eagles and other birds of prey.
North Coast Natural Park		The Natural Park of the Northern coastline stretches from the mouth of the river Neiva to the fishing village of Apulia
Alvao		Leafy forests, steep valleys and spectacular waterfalls. The higher areas contain large granite boulders and other areas the soft 'schist' rocks.
Douro River Valley		The landscape of the beautiful Douro River valley has been moulded by 2000 years of producing fine wines.
Serra da Estrela		The highest plateau in Portugal which has skiIng in winter and is the only area where the rare mountain lizard is found.
Serras d'Aire and Candeeiros		A limestone area where vegetation is scarce. There are a variety of caves to visit. The main nesting place in Portugal of the red billed jackdaw.
Serra de Sao Mamede		The high plateaux, rising above the dry plain, has a combination of Atlantic forest and Mediterranean bush. Breeding ground of black, Egyptian and Royal vultures. The largest European colony of bats can be found here.
Sintra-Cascais		An area where human activity in the past has combined with nature. The micro climate of Sintra mountain is close to the sandy Atlantic beaches. An area of beautiful Palaces and gardens.
Arrabida		Beautiful unspoilt, south facing sandy coves backed by limestone hills containing one of the last examples of original mediterranean thicket. Species include the wild cat, genet and mongoose.
Southwest Alentejo and Vicentine Coast		Beautiful coastline with spectacular views over the seashore with cliffs hiding wonderful sandy beaches and estuaries. This is an area important for its geology, flora and fauna and archaeological heritage.
Ria Formosa		An important area of wetlands enjoyed by birds on their migration between Europe and Africa. Behind the offshore islands are lagoons, sand and mud flats, freshwater and salt water marshes.