Parque Natural do Vale do Guadiana
Located in the valley of the River Guadiana, the park winds its way through narrow riverbanks dotted by age-old watermills or sharp ravines covered in Mediterranean undergrowth, and offers magnificent scenery. The area of the Natural Park also includes towns that exemplify well preserved traditional architecture.
Visitors may discover the protected area by following the various pedestrian trails proposed by the park. During the summer, however, it’s necessary to take precautions against the intense heat recorded in this zone, which has the highest temperatures and longest hours of sunshine in Portugal. Perhaps a more refreshing alternative would be to descend the river Guadiana in a canoe.
At any time of the year, make sure to visit Serpa, a town of narrow and picturesque streets enclosed in 14th century Medieval walls, which produces excellent cheeses, as well as Mértola, an open-air museum town whose nucleus dates from the Roman, Visigoth and Islamic periods.
Main office: Rua Dr. Afonso Costa, 40-1º dtº - 7750-352 Mértola
Telephone: +351 286 611 084
E-mail: pnvg@icn.pt

Parque Natural da Serra de São Mamede
In the Serra de São Mamede we encounter an unexpected Alentejo, comprising high mountains instead of rolling plains, where it's possible to discover vestiges of human presence from various historical periods.
The highest point in the park is 1025m above sea level (the highest peak south of the river Tagus offers an exceptional belvedere).
In order to discover the many treasures of this protected area, the park proposes five pedestrian trails, by means of which it is possible to appreciate the varied vegetation and observe rare birds of prey such as the vulture, kite or Bonelli eagle – the symbol of the park. With a bit of luck, you might see a wild boar or deer, which are now returning to the Serra de São Mamede after an effort made to reconstitute their habitats.
If you're more interested in archaeological heritage, make sure to visit the Medieval towns of Castelo de Vide, Alegrete and Marvão or the city of Portalegre, the regional capital, which has many manor houses and convents that give it an aristocratic air.
Main office: Rua General Conde Jorge de Avilez, 22-1º, 7300-185 Portalegre
Telephone: +351 245 203 631, 245 207 215
E-mail: pnssm@icn.pt

Parque Natural do Sudoeste Alentejano e Costa Vicentina
The South East Alentejo and Vicentine Coast Natural Park is the finest preserved stretch of European coastline, covering over 100 km, from Porto Covo in the Alentejo to Burgau in the Algarve. The Park includes various unique species of animal and plant life and is visited by many zoologists and botanists from all parts of the world.
The landscape is marked by steep cliffs, represented in the Park's logo, which have been given various shapes and colouring by centuries of erosion. Many bird species can be spotted, such as the rare Fishing Eagle. Plant life includes the largest number of Portugal’s main species, including unique indigenous species such as Biscutella vicentina or Plantago Almogravensis.
The beaches are highly popular amongst surfers, and are the finest in the country.
Main office: Rua Serpa Pinto, 32, 7630-174 Odemira
Telephone: +351 283 322 735
E-mail: pnsacv.od@icn.pt