UNESCO Global Geoparks in Portugal
Portugal's UNESCO Global Geoparks
Portugal has 5 UNESCO designated Global Geoparks added to the list in 2015 and 2020.
UNESCO Global Geoparks are designated areas around the world recognized by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) for their outstanding geological heritage, natural landscapes, and cultural significance. These geoparks aim to promote geological conservation, education, sustainable development, and community engagement.
The full list is below.
Açores UNESCO Global Geopark (2015), Arouca UNESCO Global Geopark (2015), Estrela UNESCO Global Geopark (2020), Naturtejo da Meseta Meridional UNESCO Global Geopark (2015), and Terras de Cavaleiros UNESCO Global Geopark (2015).
Azores UNESCO Global Geopark
The Azores UNESCO Global Geopark is located in the Azores archipelago, a group of volcanic islands in the North Atlantic Ocean, belonging to Portugal. It encompasses several of the islands in the Azores and is known for its remarkable geological features, biodiversity, and cultural heritage.
The Azores Geopark showcases a wide range of volcanic landscapes, including craters, calderas, lava fields, and geothermal features. These geological formations provide a unique insight into the volcanic processes that have shaped the islands over millions of years.
Arouca UNESCO Global Geopark
The Arouca UNESCO Global Geopark is located in the Arouca municipality in northern Portugal.
The Arouca Geopark is characterized by its dramatic landscapes, including deep river valleys, rocky cliffs, and rugged mountains. One of its most iconic geological formations is the Paiva Walkways, a series of wooden walkways and bridges that traverse the steep cliffs along the Paiva River, offering breathtaking views of the surrounding scenery. Highlights include the Arouca 516 Bridge, one of the longest pedestrian suspension bridges in the world.
Estrela UNESCO Global Geopark
The UNESCO Global Estrela Geopark includes nine municipalities situated around the Serra da Estrela - Belmonte, Celorico da Beira, Covilhã, Fornos de Algodres, Gouveia, Guarda, Manteigas, Oliveira do Hospital and Seia.
The area includes the the highest mountain in mainland Portugal, the "Torre" (Tower) which rises to 1,993 meters in height.
Naturtejo da Meseta Meridional UNESCO Global Geopark
The Naturtejo da Meseta Meridional UNESCO Global Geopark is located in the central-eastern part of Portugal, covering portions of the districts of Castelo Branco and Santarém.
Terras de Cavaleiros UNESCO Global Geopark
The Terras de Cavaleiros region is located in northeastern Portugal, in the district of Bragança in the Trás-os-Montes region. The area includes 42 geosites of scientific interest dating back over 400 million years. The area is noted for its important geological heritage and biodiversity with unique species of fauna and flora, as well as its diverse architectural heritage.
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