Portugal's natural paradises: 10 places that will enchant you

Dreamy sandy beaches and bizarre rock formations, enchanted forests, underground caves and river valleys that meander through green mountain landscapes – there are many natural wonders to discover in Portugal .

Three kilometers south of Lagos, Ponta da Piedade juts out into the Atlantic as a pointed, steep headland. A dreamlike landscape of hidden caves, remote grottos, and fragile rock arches, carved by the power of the sea. The clear, turquoise water laps around the bizarre rock formations, glittering in the sunlight – a unique place.

At the top of Ponta da Piedade, which translates as "Point of Mercy," stands a small, old lighthouse. From here, you can descend 180 steps to the foot of the rock formations, which are among the most beautiful in the Algarve. The best way to experience the spectacular limestone coast is to immerse yourself in them.

A breathtaking view from the Farol da Ponta da Piedade in Portugal.

Source: IMAGO/ingimage

The rugged coastline can also be experienced from the water. Former fishing boats will take you into the hidden grottos and past the secret caves – the smaller the boat, the closer you'll get to the rock walls. Of course, you can also explore the area on your own by kayak or stand-up paddleboard.

At a cliff edge 140 meters above the sea, the end of the continent awaits you: Cabo da Roca is the westernmost point of Europe. From the cliff edge, you'll experience spectacular ocean views – water as far as the eye can see. The place unfolds its full magic when the sun sinks into the Atlantic and the sky glows in the most vibrant colors.

It is the westernmost point of Europe: Cabo da Roca.

Source: imago images/Joana Kruse

The small red and white lighthouse sits like a picture on the gentle green hill, with the sea lapping below – but don't let the romanticism of the place fool you. Tragic accidents and falls have occurred here in the past. The strong breeze and slippery rocks at Cabo da Roca are not to be underestimated.

A small path leads along the cliff, offering you ever-changing perspectives of this fabulous landscape. In addition to Portugal's third-oldest lighthouse, you'll also find a small restaurant here, although online reviews suggest you probably shouldn't visit it.

Portugal definitely has more to offer than the finest sandy beaches and blue seas. The best proof of this is the Peneda-Gerês National Park, declared a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve. Here, rugged cliffs alternate with green valleys, wild waterfalls with tranquil lakes, and lush forests with barren mountain ridges.

Dreamlike waterfalls provide cooling in the Peneda-Gerês National Park.

Source: imago images/Zoonar

The park in northern Portugal, on the border with Spain, measures 702 square kilometers. You'll want to allow some time to explore it in all its diversity. Refreshment awaits in the Soajo, Amarela, Gerês, and Serra da Peneda mountain ranges, where numerous waterfalls cascade down the slopes. Their catchment areas are popular swimming spots, but the crystal-clear rivers, lakes, and natural rock pools that crisscross the national park are also perfect for a quick dip.

Scattered throughout the national park are several small villages where time seems to have stood still. Sheepdogs drive cattle along the roads, and farming is still traditional, as are the customs in these small, remote places.

There are five entrances to the national park, which is home to numerous animal species. Among them are wolves, mountain goats, golden eagles, and wild horses. However, you'd better stay away from the Garranos, as the small brown ponies are called. They want to be left alone and will let you know with a good kick if necessary.

The sun shines through a large, round hole in the ceiling; inside, a play of light and shadow reigns, and the walls are partially bathed in a warm gold: The enormous rock cave of Benagil is a true tourist magnet, and rightly so. The centuries-old rock has taken on a unique shape over time, appearing almost like a giant stone igloo.

From the coast, you'd have no idea what a natural wonder lies hidden among the rugged cliffs of the Algarve. The best way to approach this legendary cave is from the water. Whether you choose a guided boat tour, a rented kayak, a stand-up paddleboard (SUP), or an air mattress, it's up to you.

The huge cave of Benagil is a popular destination for holidaymakers.

Source: imago images/Addictive Stock

You can even swim to the cave: it's only 100 meters from the beach. However, be sure to check the tide times beforehand. The cave can only be visited at low tide, and you wouldn't be the first to suddenly find yourself trapped inside when the tide comes in.

From the water, a sandy path leads into the grotto, whose rock walls you can also climb. From the top, you have a unique view into the cave and of the entire Algarve coastal landscape.

The Serras d'Aire Natural Park in the interior of the country impresses with its diverse wildlife. But the true treasure of this region lies well hidden beneath the earth's surface: the largest cave formation discovered to date in Portugal – Mira d'Aire.

The path descends a good 110 meters, past stalagmites and stalactites, into a room reminiscent of a cathedral with its many columns. Water and time have created astonishing rock formations here.

There is even a small lake hidden in the Mira d'Aire cave.

Source: imago images/Pond5

A good eight kilometers of the underground cave system have been developed since its discovery, and part of it is open to visitors. This includes the subterranean lake, which bathes the surrounding rock faces in an unreal turquoise light. This fantastic place is definitely worth a visit, especially in bad weather or during the summer heat.

This mountain is a true natural wonder: Rising 2,351 meters above the sea, the Ponta do Pico is the highest mountain in Portugal and one of the largest volcanoes in Europe. With its almost perfect conical shape, it looks like the prototype for a movie-worthy volcano. Although the Ponta da Pico is dormant, it produces hot steam in some places, which rises into the sky and envelops it in a mystical veil.

Ponta do Pico is the highest mountain in Portugal.

Source: imago images/imagebroker

The climb up the mountain is considered the ultimate hiking experience in the Azores. However, hikers should register in advance at the visitor center at the starting point of Cabeço das Cabras. Visitors are not allowed up in bad weather. Tip: Don't underestimate the temperature difference and winds at the summit.

Climbing Ponta do Pico at night to witness the sunrise from up there is a truly special experience. Even during the day, your climb will be rewarded with breathtaking views of the neighboring islands.

Rare birds, water, marshes, and untouched nature: In the Ria Farmosa Nature Park, you quickly get the feeling of being in the wild. Pink flamingos wade through the water, and seahorse colonies have settled here.

The park consists of a never-ending network of waterways, small islands, and salt flats, where endangered species have found a new habitat. The Parque Natural stretches an incredible 60 kilometers along the Algarve coast, its lagoon system constantly changing due to wind and tides.

The best way to reach the 18,000-hectare protected area is by boat, where you can be dropped off on one of the secluded beaches. A nature trail leads through the unique wildlife of this wetland, past breeding grounds and one of the most important stopovers for migratory birds between Europe and Africa.

Safely nestled in the center of a bowl-shaped crater in the west of the Portuguese island of São Miguel in the Azores, lies Lake Sete Cidades. Nearly 22,000 years ago, a major eruption blasted a 33-meter-deep crater into the island, creating the basis for today's lake.

From the Vista do Rei viewpoint you have an impressive view of Sete Cidades.

Source: imago images/YAY Images

Anyone hiking to the Vista do Rei viewpoint, 300 meters above the water's surface, will see with a glance over the crater rim that it is not actually a single lake, but two interconnected sub-lakes. The larger, Lagoa Azul, lies to the north, and Lagoa Verde to the south of the volcanic crater. While one glows sapphire blue, the other shimmers emerald green.

Due to its humid climate, the Lagoa das Setes Cidades offers the perfect habitat for rich and lush vegetation and biodiversity.

Portuguese laurel – a popular hedge plant in this country, but not at all comparable to the gigantic trees in the Laurissilva forest. The laurel forest, typical of Madeira, still covers almost 20 percent of the island, primarily in the north. It was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1999 and has been protected ever since.

Enchanted: The Laurissilva Forest is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Source: imago images/dennisvdwater

The gnarled trees, some of which are centuries old, are covered in mosses and ferns. The light enchantingly falls through the leaves onto the forest floor, creating a dreamy spectacle of light and shadow. The subtropical moist forest, which originated 20 million years ago, covers approximately 22,000 hectares.

The best way to explore this unique forest landscape is on foot. Several trails lead past lush vegetation, ancient trees, and diverse fauna. You can also explore the levadas, man-made canals used to supply water.

The Douro Valley, with its unique landscape, has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 2001. Wild on the one hand, yet cultivated on the other, this interplay makes this region, one of Portugal's most beautiful, so charming.

The Douro Valley is a popular wine-growing region.

Source: imago images/Panthermedia

The Douro River flows through the north of the country, sometimes straight, sometimes curving. Steep vineyard terraces climb the slopes on both sides of the river. The region along the river's upper reaches is particularly famous for its vines; it is the oldest wine-growing region in the world. Only here are the grapes for the world-famous port wine grown.

But even off the official wine route, which includes around 50 wineries, there is much to discover. For example, the spectacular Miradouro de São Leonardo da Galafura viewpoint near Peso or the arched bridge Dom Luís I, which spans the Douro and connects Porto with Vila Nova de Gaia.

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