Our journey will begin in the northern part of Portugal, where there are three unique national parks with a mountainous character.

Peneda-Gerês National Park is the only park with national status in Portugal, established in 1971. Located on the border with Spain, it impresses with its picturesque mountain landscapes, crystal clear rivers and waterfalls. It's an ideal destination for families who enjoy an active vacation - you can hike the numerous hiking trails, observe wild animals or explore medieval villages. The park has received an impressive 4.8/5 rating from visitors, a testament to its exceptional charm. It is worth noting the reviews of tourists, who emphasize the beauty of the landscapes and the opportunity to commune with authentic nature.

Another mountain park is Parque Natural do Alvão, located in the Trás-os-Montes region. It features a diverse landscape, from high peaks to deep river valleys. The park is famous for its picturesque Fisgas de Ermelo waterfalls and traditional villages where time seems to have stopped. With a rating of 4.7/5, this park is highly regarded by visitors for its tranquility and unique atmosphere. It's a great place for families looking to escape the hustle and bustle of the city and want to show their children what traditional life was like in the Portuguese countryside.

Serra da Estrela Nature Park is the highest park in mainland Portugal, encompassing the country's highest peak, Torre (1993 meters above sea level). This park is unique in that it offers attractions in both summer and winter. During the warm months, visitors can hike on mountain trails, admire picturesque glacial lakes and observe rare plant and animal species. In winter, the park turns into a popular ski resort - the only one of its kind in Portugal. This makes Serra da Estrela a great choice for a family vacation any time of year. The park has received a 4.7/5 rating, with visitors praising it for its variety of attractions and beautiful views.

Comparing the three parks, we can see that each has its own unique character. Peneda-Gerês offers the most wild and authentic contact with nature, Alvão impresses with its tranquility and traditional rural landscape, and Serra da Estrela stands out for its winter sports opportunities. All three parks are well suited for family visits, offering a variety of trails of varying difficulty. It is worth remembering, however, that in the case of Peneda-Gerês and Serra da Estrela, due to their popularity, there may be more tourists there during the summer season.

We will now move on to parks near the coast, which combine the charms of sea and land.

Sintra-Cascais Natural Park is a unique place where the mountains meet the ocean. Located near Lisbon, this park offers an unusual combination of nature, history and culture. Here you can enjoy not only picturesque cliffs and sandy beaches, but also historic palaces and castles, such as the famous Pena Palace. The park has received a 4.7/5 rating, with visitors praising it for its variety of attractions and its ability to combine relaxing on the beach with exploring historical landmarks. It's an ideal destination for families who want to combine active recreation with historical education.

Parque Natural da Arrábida, located south of Lisbon, is another park that connects the mountains to the sea. It is characterized by limestone cliffs overgrown with Mediterranean vegetation that drop directly into the turquoise waters of the ocean. The park is famous for its beautiful, often hard-to-reach beaches, making it less crowded than other popular tourist destinations. With a rating of 4.8/5, this park is highly regarded for its natural beauty and tranquility. It's a great place for families who enjoy hiking and want to explore lesser-known but equally beautiful parts of Portugal.

Parque Natural do Douro Internacional is a park located along the Douro River, which forms the natural border between Portugal and Spain. It features picturesque canyons and is home to many species of birds of prey. The park has received a 4.7/5 rating, with visitors praising it for its spectacular views and wildlife viewing opportunities. It is an ideal place for families interested in ornithology and geology.

Comparing the three parks, we can see that each offers a unique experience. Sintra-Cascais is the most diverse in terms of attractions, combining nature with culture. Arrábida offers the most pristine beaches and tranquility, but can be more difficult to explore with young children due to its steep paths. The Douro Internacional, on the other hand, is the least crowded and offers the best wildlife viewing opportunities.

In terms of accessibility, Sintra-Cascais is the most easily accessible from Lisbon, making it ideal for day trips. Arrábida and Douro Internacional require more planning and are better for longer stays. It's also worth noting the seasonality - Sintra-Cascais and Arrábida can be crowded during the peak summer season, while Douro Internacional offers a quieter experience year-round.

In the last part of our trip, we'll explore parks that offer unique ecosystems and rare landscapes.

Parque Natural da Serra de São Mamede, located in the Alentejo region, is a fascinating area where you can enjoy a variety of ecosystems - from mountains to plains. The park is famous for its rich flora and fauna, including rare species of birds and butterflies. With a rating of 4.6/5, the park is prized for its tranquility and the opportunity to explore authentic Portuguese nature. It's an ideal place for families interested in ecotourism and wanting to show their children biodiversity in its natural environment.

Parque Natural das Serras de Aire e Candeeiros is a park known primarily for its unique karst formations and caves. The most famous attraction here is the dinosaur footprints from 175 million years ago. The park has received a 4.6/5 rating, with visitors praising it for its extraordinary landscapes and its ability to combine education with adventure. It's a great place for families with children interested in geology and paleontology.

At the end of our trip, we move on to Madeira, where the Madeira Natural Park is located. This park covers about two-thirds of the island and features an amazing variety of landscapes - from dense laurel forests to high cliffs and mountain peaks. The park received an impressive 4.9/5 rating, making it the highest-rated park in our list. Visitors praise it for its incredible views, unique ecosystems and well-maintained hiking trails. It's an ideal destination for families seeking exotic adventures and wanting to experience the island's unique wildlife.

Comparing the three parks, we can see that each offers something unique. Serra de São Mamede is the most diverse in terms of ecosystems and ideal for nature watchers. Serras de Aire e Candeeiros stands out for its unique geological formations and traces of prehistory, making it fascinating for young explorers. Madeira Natural Park offers the most exotic and diverse landscapes, but also requires further travel.

In terms of accessibility, Serra de São Mamede and Serras de Aire e Candeeiros are relatively easy to reach from central Portugal, making them good options for weekend trips. Madeira Natural Park requires a flight to the island, of course, but offers the most comprehensive nature experience.

Seasonality is worth noting - Serra de São Mamede and Serras de Aire e Candeeiros can be very hot in summer, so they are best visited in spring or fall. Madeira, on the other hand, enjoys a mild climate year-round, making it an ideal destination regardless of the season.

All in all, each of the nine described national parks in Portugal offers unique experiences and landscapes. Whether you're looking for mountain adventures, tranquil beaches or fascinating ecosystems, Portugal has something to offer for every nature-loving family. When planning a trip, consider the time of year, availability and specific interests of family members to choose a park perfectly suited to your needs and expectations.