Sintra-Cascais Natural Park, Nature reserve at Atlantic coast near Lisbon, Portugal
Sintra-Cascais Natural Park spans 17,000 hectares from the Sintra mountains to the Cascais coast, bringing together forests, sand dunes, steep cliffs, and long beaches facing the Atlantic. The area combines mountain and coastal landscapes in one continuous protected space.
The Portuguese government established this protected area in 1981 to maintain ecological balance between coastal formations and mountain landscapes. The designation came from the need to prevent development and preserve the region's natural character.
Farmers within the park use methods passed down through generations, growing fruit and wine in designated zones that shape the landscape. This traditional work shows how local people have lived alongside the natural environment for centuries.
The area remains open year-round with marked trails connecting key points from Cape Roca to Guincho Beach. Visitors should expect changing terrain and bring sturdy footwear, as conditions vary between mountain paths and coastal routes.
The park contains specific microclimates where Atlantic, Mediterranean, and continental influences meet, creating conditions for plant species that grow nowhere else. These special conditions make it a place to observe nature rarely seen in other parts of Europe.
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