Designated in 1981 (Protected Landscape), 1994 (Nature Park)

This Nature Park includes areas of Sintra and Cascais municipalities, extending from the coast to Sintra mountain, with a maximum altitude of 528 m. The Park has very interesting features, such as the consolidated dune formations (fossil dunes) on the coast (Magoito and Oitavos), the cliffs at Azenhas do Mar, the karren fields and the volcano massif of Sintra mountain, and interesting floral species. The mountain chain has residual stands of Pyrenean oak Quercus pyrenaica and other species of spontaneous oak found in Portugal, along with examples of original riverside vegetation. In recent times, pinewoods and plantations, where maritime pine Pinus pinaster and eucalyptus Eucalyptus spp. are mixed with acacias Acacia spp., have become predominant. There is a wide range of floral species, with more than ninety varieties – many of them endemic – such as Armeria pseudarmeria and Dianthus cintranus cintranus. The animal species in the Park are also significant, particularly the peregrine Falco peregrinus, sparrowhawk Accipiter nisus, Bonelli’s eagle Hieraaetus fasciatus and Schreiber’s green lizard Lacerta schreiberi.

The harmonious way in which buildings were integrated in the landscape, together with its historic importance, led UNESCO to classify part of the north slope of Sintra mountain as a World Heritage site (Cultural Landscape). The Castelo dos Mouros (Moorish Castle), the Pena, Monserrate and Seteais palaces, Quinta da Regaleira and Sintra National Palace are architectural elements fully integrated into the natural environment of the area. There are also a number of megalithic monuments and archaeological sites, which show evidence of the long-standing human presence in the region. In addition, there are also a series of forts and fortlets (from the 17th to the 19th centuries), built to protect the seashore and the entrance of the Tagus river. There are particularly good places for fishing, farming and tourism, and the Nature Park is the home of the famous Colares wine (made from the Ramisco grape variety).