THE WILD COAST
The Portuguese coast is rich and has some abundant local fauna and flora: some of the top destinations and best beaches are somewhere in these protected plots.
Along the Portuguese coast there are 11 protected areas, which occupy an area of 164,140 hectares. Most can be found south of Peniche and coincides with some of the largest urban areas - Sintra, Cascais, Lisbon, Setubal, Faro and Olhão.
Estuaries some of the most important Portuguese rivers, cliffs and dunes are covered by this network is trying to save a part of the natural resources along the 943 kilometers from the coast of mainland Portugal.
The Southwest Alentejo and Costa Vicentina is the largest protected area of the Portuguese coast and one of the largest quantities that counts beaches of high quality. It is also one of the most diverse, isolated and genuine. Maybe that’s why it lacks the fundamental tourist accommodation.
The Ria Formosa, in the heart of the Algarve tourist area also has some treasures, including the islands that protect inland waters. The boat is the solution to travel to the beaches.
The Berlenga, though tiny, has the most transparent waters of the continent, with a preferred vacation destination for those wishing to practice diving.
Protected Areas:
Esposende
Dunas de São Jacinto
Ilha da Berlenga
Sintra/Cascais
Estuário do Rio Tejo
Arriba Fóssil da Costa da Caparica
Arrábida
Estuário do Sado
Sudoeste Alentejano e Costa Vicentina
Ria Formosa
Sapal de Castro Marim e Vila Real de Santo António