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UNESCO

Portugal’s geoparks: the seven UNESCO territories

Portugal has seven UNESCO Global Geoparks in the list checked on 3 October 2026. These territories connect geological heritage, education and local development. This programme is distinct from the World Heritage List, Biosphere Reserves and Memory of the World.

The seven geoparks

Planning your discovery

Choose a territory and consult its managing organisation for geosites, interpretation centres and routes. Each location has its own visiting arrangements. Territorial designation does not guarantee free entry to mines, caves, museums or private land.

Geoparks undergo revalidation, normally every four years. The dates below are UNESCO designation dates; they may differ from entry into the European or Global networks before 2015. This index introduces the territories, rather than every individual geosite.

In this section — 7

Global Geoparks

7
Algarvensis Geopark: geology and culture in the AlgarveDiscover Algarvensis UNESCO Global Geopark, designated in 2026, across the territories of Loulé, Silves and Albufeira, and plan visits using official routes. Arouca Geopark: trilobites, granite and the Paiva valleyExplore Arouca UNESCO Global Geopark, designated in 2015: Canelas trilobites, the Pedras Parideiras and Paiva valley, with official visit-planning sources. Azores Geopark: nine islands, volcanoes and living heritageExplore the Azores UNESCO Global Geopark, designated in 2015: volcanic landscapes across nine islands, with official sources to help plan your visit. Estrela Geopark: glacial valleys and mountain cultureExplore Estrela UNESCO Global Geopark, designated in 2020: glacial valleys, granite and pastoral traditions, with official sources to plan a mountain visit. Naturtejo Geopark: fossils, granite and Tagus landscapesExplore Naturtejo UNESCO Global Geopark, designated in 2015: Penha Garcia, Monsanto and Portas de Ródão, with official sources and walking-route information. Oeste Geopark: dinosaurs, sea cliffs and coastal heritageExplore Oeste UNESCO Global Geopark, designated in 2024: fossils, cliffs and museums, with sources distinguishing its territory from an extension request. Terras de Cavaleiros Geopark: Morais, Azibo and PodenceExplore Terras de Cavaleiros UNESCO Geopark, designated in 2015, in Macedo de Cavaleiros: Morais geology, Azibo and culture, with official visitor sources.

Frequently asked questions

How many UNESCO geoparks does Portugal have?
The UNESCO list checked on 3 October 2026 has seven: Algarvensis, Arouca, Azores, Estrela, Naturtejo, Oeste and Terras de Cavaleiros.
Is a geopark a World Heritage site?
They are separate forms of recognition. A geopark supports geology, education and local development; the World Heritage List has its own criteria and inscriptions.

Sources

  1. UNESCO — List of UNESCO Global Geoparks
  2. UNESCO — What is a Global Geopark?