There is no official list of 7 natural wonders of Portugal. In fact, there are many more than seven and it’s not a competition to find the most impressive sights in this beautiful country.
The reason for this is simple: Portugal has an abundance of breathtaking landscapes and amazing nature that deserves to be appreciated by everyone who visits here. If you want to enjoy the unique beauty of Portugal while traveling through it, then here are some ideas:
1. The Serra da Estrela mountains
The Serra da Estrela mountains are the highest mountain range in Portugal, rising to an altitude of 2228 meters. The range is a popular hiking destination in Portugal and is part of the larger Serra do Caramulo.
If you’re looking for somewhere to go on vacation or just want to get away from it all for a bit, these natural wonders will provide you with some much-needed relaxation time!
2. The Douro River
The Douro River is the longest river in the Iberian Peninsula and a tributary of the River Tagus. It flows through a beautiful valley known as the Douro Valley, which is located in northern Portugal near Spain. The river winds its way through this region and passes many towns like Porto and Oporto (also known as Porto), giving rise to an economy based on winemaking and tourism.
This UNESCO World Heritage Site has been recognized for its natural beauty, history, and culture since 2001 when it was added by UNESCO’s World Heritage Committee at their 33rd session in Paris France.
3. Peneda-Gerês National Park
The Peneda-Gerês National Park is one of the best national parks in Portugal, about 2 hours from Porto. It’s one of the most important protected areas in Europe and has been named a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1998.
The park covers more than 25,000 hectares (62 square miles) and includes mountains, gorges, rivers, and lakes as well as forests that are home to many species of plants and animals. There are also two villages within its borders: Cova da Lagoa (Lake Cave) with its lake cave formations; or Montalegre where you can visit a traditional cheese factory or learn more about local traditions while enjoying some delicious regional cuisine!
4. Ria Formosa National Park and its Lagoon
Ria Formosa is a lagoon in the Algarve region of southern Portugal. It’s one of the seven natural wonders of Portugal, and it’s protected by law. The area was designated as a Ramsar site in 2000 because it supports many different kinds of birds and other wildlife.
The Ria Formosa National Park protects this unique ecosystem that has been shaped over thousands of years by wind and water erosion on its banks, which were once part of an ancient ocean coastline when Portugal was still part of Spain (and before that, Africa).
The park contains several lagoons with different types of plants growing around them–some are salt marshes while others contain mangroves–but all provide habitats for birds such as flamingos or spoonbills as well as various fish species including mullet and sea basses!
5. Benagil Caves
The Benagil Caves are located in the Algarve region, a popular tourist destination. The caves have been featured in many movies and TV shows over the years, including Game of Thrones and Indiana Jones & The Last Crusade.
The sea enters through a narrow opening at high tide and then drains out again when the tide goes out. You can swim in it! They’re a part of Ria Formosa National Park (the park was established in 1999), which protects coastal areas that were once salt marshes and lagoons but now host some amazing wildlife such as flamingos or dolphins
6. Mount Pico in the Azores islands
The highest point in Portugal and the Azores is Mount Pico, which stands at 9,715 feet high. It’s a stratovolcano and the third-highest mountain in the Atlantic Ocean as well as Europe’s highest island mountain.
Mount Pico was first climbed by Jean-Louis Taitou on July 17th, 1846 with two other climbers: Jean-Baptiste Cheminant and Antoine Carrel.
This natural wonder can be seen from many different places throughout the island of Sao Miguel including Ponta Delgada (where we stayed), Ribeira Quente, and Santa Barbara da Ribeirinha where we took our photo below!
7. Praia da Marinha
Praia da Marinha is a small beach on the Atlantic coast of Portugal. It is a popular tourist destination for surfers, who come to ride waves that are often over two meters high. The beach is located in the municipality of Odeceixe, in the Alentejo region of southern Portugal.
The Praia da Marinha Blue Flag beach has fine golden sand and crystal clear waters which are great for swimming or snorkeling. This is an ideal location if you want to spend time with your family or friends as there are plenty of activities available such as windsurfing, kayaking, and sailing lessons available from local companies who operate from nearby beaches during the summer months (May – September).
