The westernmost point of Europe

Unusually close to a major city like Lisbon, Sintra-Cascais Natural Park has managed to preserve throughout the territory surrounding the westernmost point of continental Europe and to coexist harmoniously nature and human presence, that, so near the capital, would inevitably make itself felt .

In its territory, the park presents a stunning diversity of environments and landscapes, including sand dunes, forests, lakes, a rugged coastline where high cliffs are interspersed with lovely beaches, the imposing and Cabo da Roca, in the center, the magnificent Serra de Sintra and the entire area classified by UNESCO as a cultural landscape heritage of mankind.

Serra de Sintra

From the point of view of the flora, fauna and geomorphology, this area is particularly rich and varied. Around the volcanic outcrop of Sintra on a land of origin of basalt, granite and limestone, grow many tree and shrub species, among which is still possible to find representatives of the primitive flora, such as oak, the executioner and the very characteristic nostalgia (Armeria pseudarmeria), which is endemic to the Portuguese flora.

Among the most common animals are, the wild rabbit, fox, kestrel-to-back-tabby, badger, weasel, snake-ratter and dozens of bird species, and to highlight some rare examples of eagle-de-Bonelli and Peregrine falcon.