7 Natural Wonders of Portugal

Portugal may be a small country, but its landscapes are incredibly varied. Within a few hours, you can move from high granite mountains to ancient forests, from volcanic lakes to sculpted sea cliffs, from quiet wetlands to Atlantic islands shaped by fire. These contrasts are what make Portugal such a rewarding destination for nature lovers.

In 2007, a public vote organised by the Portuguese Ministry of Culture selected the Seven Wonders of Portugal – the nation’s best-loved cultural sites. Then, in 2010, in the same spirit, seven natural wonders were selected. We list them below, showcasing what makes each one so special. 

If you are travelling in Portugal and want to experience the glory of the country’s natural world, consider taking one of our Eco Boat Tours near Faro.

Peneda-Gerês National Park (Northern Portugal)

In the far north of Portugal lies the Peneda-Gerês National Park, Portugal’s only national park and its wildest landscape. Granite peaks rise above deep valleys, rivers carve their way through forests, and waterfalls tumble into clear pools.

This is a land of centuries-old traditions and picture-perfect villages, where wild Garrano horses still roam and ancient paths link remote hamlets. It’s a place where nature feels wonderfully untamed and expansive. A fantastic choice of destination for those who love hiking. 

Ria Formosa Natural Park (Algarve)

The wonder closest to our own heart. The Ria Formosa Natural Park stretches for more than 60 kilometres along the Algarve coast, and is unquestionably one of the country’s best places for viewing wildlife.

Rather than a single landscape, the Ria Formosa is a constantly shifting system of barrier islands, salt marshes, tidal flats, and shallow channels. The sea reshapes it daily, opening and closing inlets, flooding mudflats, and creating a mosaic of habitats that support extraordinary biodiversity. It is especially important for birdlife, serving as a resting and feeding ground for thousands of migratory species throughout the year.

The best way to understand the Ria Formosa is from the water. Quiet movement reveals details that are easy to miss from land: flamingos feeding in the shallows, spoonbills sweeping their bills through the mud, the subtle patterns left behind as the tide retreats.

This is where Lands’ Eco Boat Tours come into their own. Solar-powered boats glide silently through the lagoon, allowing visitors to experience the park without disturbing its wildlife. For those seeking an even more intimate connection, our Private Boat Tours offer flexibility; the chance to choose departure times, linger where bird activity is strongest, and explore quieter channels at a slower pace.

Laurissilva Forest (Madeira)

On Madeira Island, the Laurissilva Forest offers a glimpse into Europe’s distant past. This ancient laurel forest dates back millions of years, surviving ice ages that wiped out similar ecosystems elsewhere.

Mist drifts through moss-covered trees, deep ravines cut through dense greenery, and endemic plants thrive in the humid air. Walking here feels like stepping into another era – quiet, mysterious, primaeval, and quite unlike anywhere else in Europe.

Sete Cidades (Azores)

On São Miguel Island in the Azores, Sete Cidades lies within a vast volcanic caldera. Two lakes – one blue, one green – sit side by side, reflecting the sky and the crater walls around them.

The contrast in colour, combined with the scale of the crater, creates one of Portugal’s most iconic natural views. It’s a reminder that the country’s wonders extend far beyond the mainland.

Mira de Aire Caves (Central Portugal)

Beneath the hills of central Portugal lie the Mira de Aire Caves, an underground world of towering chambers and sculpted stone.

Stalactites and stalagmites rise and fall like frozen waterfalls, formed drop by drop over thousands of years. Entering the caves feels like stepping into a hidden dimension – cool, silent, and shaped entirely by patience.

Volcanic Landscape of Pico Island (Azores)

Rising out of the North Atlantic like a giant guardian of the sea, the Volcanic Landscape of Pico Island is a striking testament to the power and poetry of volcanic formation. This landscape, dominated by Mount Pico, Portugal’s highest peak at 2,351 m, was recognised as one of the Seven Natural Wonders of Portugal for its dramatic geology and exceptional visual impact.

Pico’s terrain is the product of basaltic volcanism that created long lava fields, cones, and craters over hundreds of thousands of years. These lava flows spread evenly across the island’s surface, forming layers of sculpted rock and rugged surfaces that bear witness to powerful eruptions.

The dramatic conical silhouette of Mount Pico rises sharply above neighbouring islands, offering a landscape of contrasts: from stark, rugged slopes near the summit to green pastures and vineyards nearer the coast. The island’s vineyards, planted among ancient lava rocks, have even earned UNESCO recognition for their cultural landscape, reminding visitors of how nature and human life have balanced here for centuries.

Portinho da Arrábida (Setúbal District)

On Portugal’s western coast near Setúbal, Portinho da Arrábida reveals a different kind of grandeur: towering limestone cliffs that fall sharply into clear, emerald-green water.

The cliffs at Portinho da Arrábida are sculpted over millennia by wind and wave action, creating steep escarpments and sheltered coves that contrast with the sandy stretches below. The colour of the sea here – a vivid mix of teal, jade, and deep blue – is made all the more striking by the pale limestone above.

This natural amphitheatre of stone and water combines geological drama with remarkable biodiversity. The surrounding Arrábida hills support rich Mediterranean flora, and the sheltered bays are home to abundant marine life, making this a favourite spot for swimmers, snorkellers, and anyone drawn to raw coastal beauty.

From quiet lagoons and mountain peaks to ancient forests and volcanic lakes, Portugal’s natural wonders reveal a country shaped as much by water and lava as by culture.

Among them, Ria Formosa stands out for its living, breathing quality. It is a landscape that shifts daily and invites visitors to slow down and observe. Experiencing it by eco-friendly boat, especially on a Private Boat Tours near Faro, offers a rare chance to connect with one of Portugal’s most important ecosystems at eye level.