NATIONAL PARKS
CROATIA
NATIONAL PARK´S NAME: Plitvice Lakes LOCATION: Lika - Senj County, Karlovac County LINK TO THE PARK'S WEB: http://www.np-plitvicka-jezera.hr/
DESCRIPTION: The Plitvice Lakes National Park is Croatia’s most popular tourist attraction. There are 12 Upper Lakes (Gornja jezera) and the four Lower Lakes (Donja jezera) interconnected by a series of waterfalls, and set in deep woodland populated by deer, bears, wolves, boars and rare bird species. In 1979, Plitvice Lakes National Park was added to the UNESCO World Heritage register.
NATIONAL PARK'S NAME: Risnjak LOCATION: Primorje - Gorski kotar County LINK TO THE PARK'S WEB: http://np-risnjak.hr/
DESCRIPTION: This mountain massif was named after the lynx, in Croatian ris, its most popular inhabitant. It is located in Gorski kotar, the most mountainous and heavily forested region of the country, about 15 km inland from the Adriatic Sea. In addition to lynx, the symbol of the mountain, there are also brown bears, wolfs, martens and dormice.
NATIONAL PARK'S NAME: Brijuni LOCATION: Istria County LINK TO THE PARK'S WEB: http://www.np-brijuni.hr/
DESCRIPTION: The Brijuni is a group of islands comprising of two large and twelve smaller isles. There are almost 700 plant species and about 250 bird species on the islands. The island Veli Brijun hosts one of the oldest olive trees in the Mediterranean, planted in the 4thcentury.
NATIONAL PARK'S NAME: Northern Velebit LOCATION: Lika – Senj County LINK TO THE PARK'S WEB: http://www.np-sjeverni-velebit.hr/
DESCRIPTION: It covers the northern section of the Velebit mountain, the largest mountain in Croatia. Northern Velebit was proclaimed a national park for its wealth and diversity of karst forms, flora, fauna and landscapes located within a small area. Large and preserved forests are suitable habitat for large carnivores – bear, wolf and lynx.
NATIONAL PARK'S NAME: Paklenica LOCATION: Zadar County LINK TO THE PARK'S WEB: http://www.np-paklenica.hr/
DESCRIPTION: The Paklenica is karst river canyon. It is located in Starigrad, northern Dalmatia, at the southern slopes of Velebit mountain. It has two canyons: Mala (Small) and Velika (Big) Paklenica. Today there is no water flowing throughout Mala Paklenica. It is the most important Croatian hub for climbing, with over 360 equipped and prepared climbing routes, of which the best known route is the cliff Anića kuk (400 m vertical face).
NATIONAL PARK'S NAME: Kornati LOCATION: Šibenik – Knin County LINK TO THE PARK'S WEB: http://www.np-kornati.hr/hr/
DESCRIPTION: Kornati islands include 89 uninhabited islands, islets, and reefs. Most of the terrain in the Kornati islands is karst-limestone. Apart from sea-gulls, which are the most numerous animals, there are some lizards and ring-snakes, and 69 varieties of butterfly, some amphibians and rodents.
NATIONAL PARK'S NAME: Krka LOCATION: Šibenik – Knin County LINK TO THE PARK'S WEB: http://www.np-krka.hr/
DESCRIPTION: It is named after the river Krka that it encloses. The main attraction of Krka National Park lies in its seven waterfalls. Skradinski buk is one of the most attractive parts of the park. It is a massive, clear, natural pool with high waterfalls at one end and cascades at the other.
NATIONAL PARK'S NAME: Mljet LOCATION: Dubrovnik – Neretva County LINK TO THE PARK'S WEB: http://np-mljet.hr/
DESCRIPTION: It is situated on the western part of the same-named island Mljet. Two deep bays filled with seawater, known as Malo Jezero and Veliko Jezero (Small Lake and Great Lake) are the most famous locations of this area and an important geological and oceanographical phenomenon.
FRANCE
NATIONAL PARK'S NAME: Calanques National Park (520 km² ) LINK TO THE PARK'S WEB: http://www.calanques-parcnational.fr/en
DESCRIPTION It located in the South of France, and it is the only national park in Europe to include land, marine and semi-urban areas .It is included three city, which one is Marseille, the second biggest town in France after Paris.
NATIONAL PARK'S NAME: Mercantour National Park (685 km² ) LINK TO THE PARK'S WEB: http://www.mercantour.eu/
DESCRIPTION It is located in the South Est part of France, next to Italy. It is a wonderful place to glimpse animals: cha-mois, marmots and even wolf. Wolfs reappeared in 1992 in this park.
NATIONAL PARK'S NAME: Port Cros National Park(7km² of land and 12 km² of sea) LINK TO THE PARK'S WEB: http://en.portcros-parcnational.fr/
DESCRIPTION It is the first national marine park created in Europe and is the symbol of the issue of global concern about the conservation of marine biodiversity. It is in the South of France on the mediterranean sea .
NATIONAL PARK'S NAME: Pyrenees National park (457km²) LINK TO THE PARK'S WEB: http://www.parc-pyrenees.com/
DESCRIPTION The park is located in the Pyrennes. It is wellknown for its fauna. There are many différents animals and even lynx and brown bears.
NATIONAL PARK'S NAME: Cevennes National Park LINK TO THE PARK'S WEB: https://www.cevennes-parcnational.fr/fr
DESCRIPTION It is the only park in France where people lives and works. It is located in the South part of France, in the low mountain.
NATIONAL PARK'S NAME: Ecrins national Park (918 km² ) LINK TO THE PARK'S WEB: http://www.ecrins-parcnational.fr/
DESCRIPTION It is located in the Alps. There is very high montains and it is very famous for its wonderful lakes.
NATIONAL PARK'S NAME: Vanoise National Park (2,000 km² ) LINK TO THE PARK'S WEB:
http://english.vanoise-parcnational.fr/fr/vanoise-national-park.html
DESCRIPTION It is also located in the Alps. The highest mountain is 3,855 meters. It is a beautiful place to hike .
NATIONAL PARK'S NAME: Guadeloupe National Park (380 km²) LINK TO THE PARK'S WEB: http://www.guadeloupe-parcnational.fr/
DESCRIPTION It is located in the island of Guadeloupe, an overseas departemnt (part of the Antilles in the Caribbean). The vegetation is rainforest, and a very beautiful wildlife.
NATIONAL PARK'S NAME: Reunion National Park (1054 km²) LINK TO THE PARK'S WEB: http://www.reunion-parcnational.fr/
DESCRIPTION It is on the island of Réunion, an overseas department of France located in the western Indian Ocean re-gion.
NATIONAL PARK'S NAME: Guiana National Park (20300 km²) LINK TO THE PARK'S WEB: http://www.parc-amazonien-guyane.fr/
DESCRIPTION The park is located in an overseas department and region of France, located on the north Atlantic coast of South America. It borders Brazil .It is a wonderful Amazonian forest.
ITALY
NATIONAL PARK´S NAME: Parco Nazionale delle Cinque Terre LOCATION: Liguria LINK TO THE PARK'S WEB: www.parconazionale5terre.it
DESCRIPTION: The National Park of the Cinque Terre, in Liguria, offers overhanging shores on the sea with kilometers of dry stone walls to mark the terraces for the cultivation of the vine, villages with narrow streets and houses painted in bright colours, sanctuaries, panoramic trails by the sea. Small harbours with fishing boats and steep hills lie next to one another, dark green rocks lie next to a deep blue sea, all of this to create a fascinating landscape.
NATIONAL PARK´S NAME: Parco Nazionale Appennino Tosco-Emiliano LOCATION: The Park is situated in the northern appenines. It spreads in the provinces of Massa Carrara and Lucca in Tuscany and in the provinces of Reggo Emilia and Parma in Emilia. LINK TO THE PARK'S WEB: www.parcoappennino.it
DESCRIPTION: Among the Cisa' s Pass and the Delle Forbici’s Pass the forests between Tuscany and Emilia become a mountain ambient. Some peaks exceed 2000 meters of rocky mountains with lakes and wide meadows. The Park has a great variety of environments, from pastures to blueberry moorlands, steep slopes, waterfalls and animals like the wolf, the mouflon, roe deer, golden eagles and rare plants.
NATIONAL PARK´S NAME: Parco Nazionale Arcipelago Toscano LOCATION: Tuscany LINK TO THE PARK'S WEB: www.islepark.it
DESCRIPTION: The Archipelago of Tuscany National Park is the largest marine park in Europe, protecting 56,766 hectares of sea and 17,887 hectares of land. It includes the seven main islands of the Tuscan Archipelago and some small islets and reefs. The scents of the Mediterranean plants blend with the smell of the sea, the flights of the gulls are interwoven with the dancing dolphins. Each island preserves traces of its unique history and with one common element: the beauty of the nature.
NATIONAL PARK´S NAME: Parco Nazionale dell'Aspromonte LOCATION: Calabria LINK TO THE PARK'S WEB: www.parcoaspromonte.gov.it
PHOT
DESCRIPTION: The southern patch of the Apennine mountain range looks like a majestic pyramid, next to the sea and it climbs up to 2000mt with numerous peaks and several highlands. Numerous are the animal species (wolf, peregrine falcon, eagle owl, goshawk) and it is mainly covered by vast forests (beech, fir, pine, oak, chestnut) and the Mediterranean bush. Being in the centre of the Mediterranean, it has significant historical, artistic and archaeological presences, such as the archaic culture, the classical, Hellenistic, medieval and modern.
NATIONAL PARK´S NAME: Parco Nazionale delle Foreste Casentinesi, Monte Falterona, Campigna LOCATION: The Park is situated in the northern appenines. It is in the provinces of Firenze and Arezzo in Tuscany and in the provinces of ForlÏ in Emilia. LINK TO THE PARK'S WEB: www.parcoforestecasentinesi.it
DESCRIPTION: The southern patch of the Apennine mountain range looks like a majestic pyramid, next to the sea and it climbs up to 2000mt with numerous peaks and several highlands. Numerous are the animal species (wolf, peregrine falcon, eagle owl, goshawk) and it is mainly covered by vast forests (beech, fir, pine, oak, chestnut) and the Mediterranean bush. Bein in the centre of the Mediterranean, it has significant historical, artistic and archaeological presences, such as the archaic culture, the classical, Hellenistic, medieval and modern.
NATIONAL PARK´S NAME: Parco Nazionale Gran Paradiso LOCATION: Valle d'Aosta, Western Alps LINK TO THE PARK'S WEB: www.pngp.it
DESCRIPTION: The Gran Paradiso National Park covers an area of high mountains, between 800 meters and 4,061 meters of the valley of the Gran Paradiso peak. Larch and fir trees, vast alpine grasslands, rocks and glaciers create the ideal settings for the life of a rich and varied fauna and for a visit to discover the wonderful world of high mountains.
NATIONAL PARK´S NAME: Parco Nazionale del Gran Sasso e Monti della Laga LOCATION: Central Apenines, Abruzzo LINK TO THE PARK'S WEB: www.gransassolagapark.it
PHOT
DESCRIPTION: The Gran Sasso and Monti della Laga National Park presents a wide variety of natural and human environments. The park contains three mountain ranges the chain of the Gran Sasso of Italy, the massif of Laga, Monti Gemelli - and with the presence of the peak of Corno Grande, which reaches 2912mt. Here there is also the only glacier in the Apennines, the Calderone, the southernmost of Europe.
NATIONAL PARK´S NAME: Parco Nazionale dello Stelvio Nationalpark Stilfserjoch LOCATION: Lombardia, Trentino Alto Adige, Central Alps LINK TO THE PARK'S WEB: www.stelviopark.it
DESCRIPTION: The Stelvio National Park, lies at the heart of the Central Alps and includes typical valleys shaped by the action of ice and water that descended from the mighty mountain range of Ortles-Cevedale. The landscape of the park is formed by majestic peaks, lush forests, high mountain green grasslands crossed by foaming streams that flow from the glaciers. The morphological diversity of the territory, determined by the considerable differences in height, allows the existence of large ecosystems with many rare species of animals and plants.
LATVIA
NATIONAL PARK´S NAME: Gaujas nacional park LOCATION: The Gauja senleja Turaidas street 2a, Sigulda LINK TO THE PARK'S WEB: http://www.daba.gov.lv/public/lat/iadt/nacionalie_parki/gaujas_nacionalais_pa rks/
P H
DESCRIPTION: Area: 91790 ha. Formation year: 1973. The Gauja National Park is the most popular tourist destination outside of the capital region in Latvia Sigulda. Top space: 1.The medieval castle and church. 2.The biggest cave – Gūtmaņa cave. 3. Aerial cableway. 4. A pedestrian bridge over the Gauju.
NATIONAL PARK´S NAME: Rāzna national park LOCATION: Latgale, Rezekne region , partly in Dagda and Ludza. LINK TO THE PARK'S WEB: http://www.razna.lv/parks_lv.htm
P H
DESCRIPTION Rāzna's national park is the latest and the second largest of the four Latvia's national parks. Park has several lakes. Rāzna lake is the largest lake in Latvia, based on the volume of water. There are two natural education centres in this national park. Around 20% of Rāzna national park's territory is covered with forests. This park is rich with many species of endemic plants, animals, fishes, etc.
NATIONAL PARK´S NAME: Slīteres national park LOCATION: nothen region of Dundaga LINK TO THE PARK'S WEB: http://slitere.lv/
P H
DESCRIPTION: Slīteres national park is the smallest of our 4 national parks, there you can enjoy beautiful nature, go see our nature education center and there are 268 very protectable species, like swamp turtle and copperhead. In this park are 14 different routes for boating, cycling and hiking.
NATIONAL PARK´S NAME: Ķemeru natinoal park LOCATION: The park is situated in the territory of Latvia and in districts of Jelgava, Tukums, Babīte, Lapmežciems, Engure. LINK TO THE PARK'S WEB: www.kemeri.gov.lv
DESCRIPTION: Ķemeri National Park is the third largest Latvia's national park, it was founded in1997. Ķemeri National Park was created to preserve the natural, cultural and historical values to protect and health resorts mineral waters and medical sludge formation processes, as well as promote economic activity. Biologically very valuable territory.
POLAND
NATIONAL PARK´S NAME: Wolin National Park LOCATION: The Wolin Island, the far north-west of Poland. LINK TO THE PARK'S WEB: http://www.wolinpn.pl/
PHOT
DESCRIPTION: Wolin National Park was created in 1960. It is situated on a part of the biggest Polish islands – Wolin. The present landscape of the island formed around 10000 – 11000 years ago. There are about 600 species of rare plants.
NATIONAL PARK´S NAME:
Białowieża National Park
LOCATION: north-eastern Poland, on the border with Belarus LINK TO THE PARK'S WEB: www.bpn.com.pl/
DESCRIPTION:
Białowieża National Park was created in 1921 and it’s the oldest one in Poland. It’s located in the Białowieża forest, which contains a number of large, ancient oaks. The European bison is the largest animal living there.
NATIONAL PARK´S NAME: Biebrza National Park LOCATION: northeastern Poland, situated along the Biebrza River. LINK TO THE PARK'S WEB: www.bpn.pl
DESCRIPTION:
Biebrza National Park is the biggest national park in Poland, with an area of 592,23km2. The Biebrza Marshes are the most precious part of the park. The park protects relatively untouched fenlands with a unique variety of plants, rare wetland birds and mammals.
NATIONAL PARK´S NAME: Bieszczady National Park LOCATION: south-east corner of Poland LINK TO THE PARK'S WEB: https://www.bdpn.pl/
DESCRIPTION: Bieszczady National Park is the third biggest one in Poland. It was created in 1973. Around 100 European bisons live in the park. Lynx is in the park’s logo.
NATIONAL PARK´S NAME: Bory Tucholskie National Park LOCATION: Area located in the basin of the river Wda LINK TO THE PARK'S WEB: http://www.pnbt.com.pl/
DESCRIPTION: Bory Tucholskie National Park was created on July 1, 1996. It covers the area of 46,13 km2. It was created to protect forests, peatlands and sandy plains. Two of the most important species are wood grouse and European yew.
NATIONAL PARK´S NAME: Drawa National Park LOCATION: north-western Poland LINK TO THE PARK'S WEB: http://dpn.pl/
DESCRIPTION: Drawa National Park has an area of 114,41 km2 and was created in 1990. Forests cover over 80% of the area. Peatlands and meadows are other characteristic landscapes in the park, there are also 20 lakes.
NATIONAL PARK´S NAME: Gorce National Park LOCATION: southern Poland, central and northeastern parts of the Gorce Mountains LINK TO THE PARK'S WEB: www.gorczanskipark.pl
DESCRIPTION: Gorce National Park covers an area of 70,3 km2. There are 2 species of fish, 8 species of amphibians, 5 species of reptiles, 125 species of birds and 46 species of mammals.
NATIONAL PARK´S NAME: Stołowe Mountains National Park LOCATION: southwestern Poland, in the Sudety Mountains LINK TO THE PARK'S WEB:
www.pngs.com.pl
PHOT
DESCRIPTION Stołowe Mountains National Park covers the area of 63km2. The highest peaks are Szczeliniec Wielki (919 m) and Skalniak (915m). Years of erosion have created several notable rock formations, among them Kwoka ("Hen"), Wielbląd ("Camel") and Glowa wielkoluda.
NATIONAL PARK´S NAME: Kampinos National Park LOCATION: east-central Poland, on the north-west outskirts of Warsaw.
LINK TO THE PARK'S WEB: https://www.kampinoski-pn.gov.pl/
PHOT
DESCRIPTION: Kampinos National Park’s landscape is a mix of sand dunes and swamp lands with pine trees growing on sand and meadows on swamps. Park’s fauna is very rich with animals like weasel, lynx, crane, beaver or fox. The biggest animal here is a moose – it’s also in the park’s logo.
NATIONAL PARK´S NAME:
Karkonosze National Park
LOCATION: the southern part of the Sudety Mountains, in southwestern Poland. LINK TO THE PARK'S WEB:
www.kpnmab.pl
PHOT
DESCRIPTION: Karkonosze National Park covers an area of 55,76 km2. Many of the streams come down the hills, creating waterfalls – the highest one is 13 m high.
NATIONAL PARK´S NAME: Magura National Park LOCATION: the south-east of Poland LINK TO THE PARK'S WEB: www.magurskipn.pl/
PHOT
DESCRIPTION: Magura National Park was created in 1995. The majority of the park is forest. You can find birds of prey here, such as buzzard and eagle. There are also rare mammals, such as brown bear, lynx and wild cat.
NATIONAL PARK´S NAME: Narew National Park LOCATION: The park is located in north-eastern Poland, west of Bialystok. LINK TO THE PARK'S WEB: http://www.npn.pl
PHOT
DESCRIPTION:
Narew National Park covers the swampy valley of The Upper Narew River. It’s one of the biggest swampy area in Europe. In spring and summer water fills the whole valley and that’s why it’s called the Polish Amazonia. The Park is a protected site.
NATIONAL PARK´S NAME: Ojców National Park LOCATION: southern Poland, north of Kraków LINK TO THE PARK'S WEB:
http://www.ojcowskiparknarodowy.pl/
DESCRIPTION: Ojców National Park is characterized by limestone cliffs, ravines and over 400 caves. The most famous rock formation is Hercules’ Club – a 25 m tall limestone column. There are 15 species of bats, many of which hibernate in the park's caves during the winter.
NATIONAL PARK´S NAME: Pieniny National Park LOCATION: Pieniny Mountain. LINK TO THE PARK'S WEB: www.pieninypn.pl/
PHOT
DESCRIPTION: Pieniny National Park lies in the Pieniny Mountains, which are mainly built from limestone. The park is located in the Dunajec river basin. The highest peak of the mountains, Trzy Korony (Three Crowns) is 982 metres above sea level high.
NATIONAL PARK´S NAME : Polesie National Park LOCATION: The park is located in the western part of Polesie LINK TO THE PARK'S WEB: http://www.poleskipn.pl
PHOT
DESCRIPTION: Polesie National Park lies in eastern Poland and occupies 97.64 km2. Parts of its forests resemble tundra, characteristic of Russian Siberia. There are about 170 rare species and 81 protected species of plants. There are also 290 rare species of animals.
NATIONAL PARK´S NAME: Roztocze National Park LOCATION: National park located in the central-eastern part of PolishRoztocze LINK TO THE PARK'S WEB:
http://roztoczanskipn.pl/pl/
DESCRIPTION: Roztocze National Park covers the most valuable natural area of the Roztocze range. It’s the most wooded national park in Poland – forests occupy 95,5 % of its area. There are more than 400 so-called “nature monument” trees. One of the protected species found there is lady’s slipper orchid.
NATIONAL PARK´S NAME:
Słowiński National Park
LOCATION: It's located in the middle of the Polish coast LINK TO THE PARK'S WEB:
http://slowinskipn.pl/
DESCRIPTION: Słowiński National Park was created in 1967. It’s one of the two situated on the Baltic coast. There are 450 species of birds. However, the most important are the moving sand dunes - a curiosity of nature on a European scale.
NATIONAL PARK´S NAME: Świętokrzyski National Park LOCATION: Park is situated in the central part of the Holy Cross Mountains LINK TO THE PARK'S WEB: www.swietokrzyskipn.org.pl/
DESCRIPTION: Świetokrzyski National Park was created in 1950. It covers the highest ridge of the Łysogóry – The Świętokrzyskie Mountains. You can find small predators there, such as weasel and fox and forest birds.
NATIONAL PARK´S NAME: Tatra National Park LOCATION: Tatry Mountains - on the border with Slovakia LINK TO THE PARK'S WEB: http://tpn.pl
DESCRIPTION: Tatra National Park was created in October 1954. It’s one of the biggest Polish national park, with the total area of 211,97 km2 , out of which 11,5 km2 is strictly protected. It’s the only place in Poland inhabited by the Tatra chamois and marmot.
NATIONAL PARK´S NAME: Warta River Mouth National Park LOCATION: Backwaters at the mouth of the Warta river Odra. LINK TO THE PARK'S WEB: http://www.pnujsciewarty.gov.pl
DESCRIPTION: Warta River Mouth National Park is the youngest park in Poland – it was created in 2001. It protects swampy areas, pastures and meadows. There are 250 species of birds, out of which 26 are endangered. You can find cranes, corn crake or black tern there.
NATIONAL PARK´S NAME: Wielkopolska National Park LOCATION: Located at Warta river at the south of Poznań. LINK TO THE PARK'S WEB: http://www.wielkopolskipn.pl
DESCRIPTION: Wielkopolska National Park was created in 1957. In the park there are 18 strictly protected areas and 32 “nature monument” trees. The park protects glacial landscape. There are 5 walking paths, 85 km long in total.
NATIONAL PARK´S NAME: Wigry National Park LOCATION: North-east at the Wigry lake LINK TO THE PARK'S WEB: http://www.wigry.org.pl/
PHOT
DESCRIPTION: Wigry National Park is one of the biggest in Poland. It was created in 1989 on an area of 149.56 km2. The most characteristic animal living in the Park is European beaver, which is also in the park logo. Sometimes one can meet a wolf.
PORTUGAL
NATIONAL PARK´S NAME: Montesinho Nature Park LOCATION: Trás os Montes LINK TO THE PARK'S WEB: http://www.montesinho.com/
PHOT
DESCRIPTION: The Montesinho Natural Park is situated in Trás os Montes region, is characterized by the schist and granite mountains that form deep valleys where rivers flow between poplars, alders, willows and large woodlands of black oak, chestnut trees and holm-oaks. In terms of fauna there are wolves, wild boars, foxes, deer, the water pipit, the golden eagle, the white-wagtail, and the crag martine, and, occasionally, a grey heron or common sandpiper. There are various villages in the park, such as Montesinho, which gives its name to the park, Rio de Onor and Guadramil. The local residents built their houses with schist or granite walls, fitting in nicely with the landscape.
NATIONAL PARK´S NAME: Serra da Estrela Natural Park LOCATION: Serra da Estrela LINK TO THE PARK'S WEB: http://www.natural.pt/en
DESCRIPTION: The Serra da Estrela Natural Park is the largest protected area in Portugal, located in the central mountainous massif and is the source of the rivers Mondego, ZĂŞzere and Alva. At 1,993 m it contains the highest peak in Continental Portugal and a ski resort. The "ice crystal" is the symbol of the Natural Park, in allusion to its climactic characteristics and the glacial origin. In terms of fauna we can see the wall lizard, genets, badgers, wild cats, water moles, red breasted bullfinches, Algerian wall lizards and . We find the black oak, the juniper and the high pastures where the gentian, a plant in danger of extinction, can be found.
NATIONAL PARK´S NAME: Natural Park of Aire and Candeeiros Mountains LOCATION: Serra de Aires e Serra de Candeeiros LINK TO THE PARK'S WEB: http://www.visitcentrodeportugal.com.pt/natural-park-of-aireand-candeeirosmountains/
T
DESCRIPTION: The greatest riches of the Serras de Aire e Candeeiros Natural Park are hidden within its interior. In this chalk massif we will be able to discover grottoes and ravines in its depths, with surprising rock formations that have been sculpted by water over time. Several of these areas can be visited such as the grottoes of Santo António, Moeda, Mira d’Aire and Alvados. With a arid appearance, there is a varied range of animal life, including 18 species of bats, the symbol of the Park. Close to the River Maior, we find the rock salt mines, where it is possible to see salt-extraction activities. On the eastern flank of the Serra de Aire we find the world’s largest and most important collection of sauropod dinosaur.
NATIONAL PARK´S NAME: Parque Nacional da Peneda - Gerês LOCATION: Northwest of Portugal, specifically in the districts of Braga, Viana do Castelo and Vila Real LINK TO THE PARK'S WEB: http://www.natural.pt/en
PHOT
DESCRIPTION: Peneda-Gerês is the only park to be classified as a National Park. It is located in the northwest of the country and has beautiful landscapes between mountains and reservoirs where unique species like the wild garrano horse and the Castro Laboreiro dog breed. You may also be able to spot a roe deer (symbol of the Park) or its predator, the Iberian wolf. The exuberant vegetation includes a holly bush wood - unique at a national level - and endemic species such as the Gerês lily. The park is cut across by rivers and streams, including many waterfalls.
NATIONAL PARK´S NAME: The South West Alentejo and Vicentine Coast Natural Park LOCATION: Alentejo and Algarve regions LINK TO THE PARK'S WEB: http://www.natural.pt/en
PHOT
DESCRIPTION: The South West Alentejo and Vicentine Coast Natural Park is the finest preserved stretch of European coastline. The landscape is marked by steep cliffs, represented in the Park's logo, that have been given various forms and colouring by centuries of erosion. The Park includes various unique species of animal such as rare fishing eagles, the white stork, the otter (this is the only place in Portugal and one of the last places in Europe where it is possible to find otters in a marine habitat). Plant life includes Biscutella Vicentina or Plantago Almogravensis. There is a tremendous variety of beaches, including long stretches of sand and small beaches nestled between the cliffs and rocks.
SPAIN
NATIONAL PARK´S NAME: Timanfaya National Park LOCATION: It is located in the municipalities of Yaiza, Lanzarote, the Canary Islands, Spain. LINK TO THE PARK' WEB: http://www.gobiernodecanarias.org/parquesnacionalesdecanarias/es/Timanfa ya/
DESCRIPTION: The volcanoes and the fields of virgin lava in this national park of over 5,000 hectares situated near the west coast of the island of Lanzarote constitutes one of the most visual and picturesque spectacles of the Canary Islands. It is included in The Unesco Network of Biosphere Reserves. The volcanic activity continues as the surface temperature in the core ranges from 100 to 600 °C at the depth of 13 metres (43ft), which is demonstrated by pouring water into the ground, resulting in a geyser of steam which is an attraction for tourists. There is only one active volcano, Timanfaya volcano which the park is named after. The people living on the island have had to learn how to coexist with this unusual landscape, and they even grow dryland crops such as melons, onions, tomatoes and vineyards in the area of La Geria.
NATIONAL PARK'S NAME: TEIDE NATIONAL PARK LOCATION: TENERIFE, THE CANARY ISLANDS LINK TO THE PARK'S WEB: https://www.volcanoteide.com/en/national_park
DESCRIPTION: Teide is the most visited national park in Spain and Europe. The park has an area of 18,990 hectares located in the municipality of La Orotava. The Teide National Park has a large historical value. This place had an important spiritual significance to aboriginal Guanches, and important archaeological sites have been discovered in the park. There is a diverse number of plant species. Vascular flora consists of 168 plants species, 33 of which are endemic to Tenerife. Some representative plants are: Pinus canariensis ( Canary Islands pine), the Teide bugloss, violet and daisy. These plants are adapted to the environmental conditions on the volcano. There are many different animals in this national park, such as the blue chaffinch, the atlantic canary or the Berthelot's pipit. Three endemic reptile species are also found here, the Canary Island lizard (Gallotia), The Canary Island wall gecko, and the Canary Island skink.
NATIONAL PARK'S NAME: SIERRA NEVADA LOCATION: Provincies of Granada and AlmerĂa, South of Spain. LINK TO THE PARK'S WEB: http://www.andalucia.com/environment/protect/sierra-nevada.htm
DESCRIPTION: The national park covers a total area of 85,883 hectares, making it the largest national park in Spain. There are more than 20 peaks over 3,000 meters Due to its isolated location in the far south of Europe, the flora and fauna of the Sierra Nevada are unique. During the last ice age, species moved south to escape the colder climate in the north, and as the climate grew warmer again, these species survived by taking refuge in the mountains. 2,100 plant species have been catalogued in the park, 116 of which are classified as threatened, and over 60 of which are endemic. Threatened species include the Artemisia granatensis, a sub-species of the Marsh Gentian endemic to the Sierra Nevada and the Alpine Meadow-rue. One of the most emblematic plants of the Sierra Nevada is the Plantago nivalis, also known as the Snow Star. The park is home to a species such as wild boar, martens, badgers and wildcats. Native bird species include the Golden Eagle, Bonelli’s Eagle, Common Kestrel, Little Owl, Eurasian Eagleowl, European Goldfinch, Serin, Ortolan, Dartford Warbler, Wheateater, Red-legged Partridge and Common Quail.
NATIONAL PARK´S NAME: Sierra de Guadarrama LOCATION: located in the Community of Madrid and Castile and León LINK TO THE PARK'S WEB: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Guadarrama_National_Park
DESCRIPTION: The park covers nearly 34,000 hectares, the fifth largest in Spain's national parks system. There are eleven different ecosystems present in the Guadarrama mountains, including the only Iberian examples of "high Mediterranean mountain". Altogether there are more than 1,280 different species in the zone recently declared a national park, of which 13 are in danger of extinction, more than 1,500 native plants and 30 different types of vegetation.The species of animals in the mountains represent 45% of the total fauna of Spain and 18% of European fauna. The vegetation features the Scots pine, the oak, thejuniper, the oak and piorno and many other species. As regards fauna, there are many mammals such as deer (red, roe and fallow), wild boar, wild goats,badgers, several mustelidaes, wild cats, foxes, hares, etc.
NATIONAL PARK'S NAME: PICOS DE EUROPA LOCATION: Asturias, Cantabria and Castile y Leon, Northern Spain LINK TO THE PARK'S WEB: http://www.thepicosdeeuropa.com/national-park
DESCRIPTION: Picos de Europa the third highest mountain range of mainland Spain after the Pyrenees and the Sierra Nevada. It includes a total of 64,660 hectareas. The conservation of the Picos is complicated because there is a large number of the National Park's human inhabitants. The limestone formation of the Picos de Europa, so close to the coast, with its eco-systems combining both mixed Atlantic (eg. Beech, Holm and Pyrenean oaks) and Mediterranean forest habitats (including Cork oak) alongside that of alpine pasture and man-managed hay meadows has led to international recognition . Of the wildlife found in the Picos, particularly noteworthy are; the Cantabrian Capercaillie, Tetrao urogallus cantabricus, a highly endangered bird dependent on a fragile habitat of ancient deciduous woods and heather-clad hillsides; the Cantabrian brown bear,Ursus arctos, also highly endangered and living in the high hilltops and woods of the surrounding valleys and an occasional visitor to the Picos themselves; the Iberian wolf, Canis lupus signatus, of which only a few small packs remain here; and the Cantabrian chamois, Rupicapra pyrenaica ssp.parva, the emblem of the Picos de Europa National Park. Other resident bird species include Griffon vulture, Gyps fulvus, Golden eagle, Aquila chrysaetos, and Black woodpecker, Dryocopus martius.
NATIONAL PARK´S NAME: ORDESA Y MONTE PERDIDO. LOCATION: Pyrenees of Huesca province, Northern Spain. LINK TO THE PARK'S WEB: http: /www.ordesa.net/
DESCRIPTION: It has a wide variety of ecosystems with both an Atlantic and Mediterranean influence, which is what gives it such a rich and diverse flora and fauna This is a landscape of great contrasts: from the extreme aridity of the upper areas, where rainwater and thawed runoff waters filter through crevices and chasms, and green valleys with woods and pastures, where the water forms waterfalls and rushes through canyons and gorges. there are extensive forests of beeches, mountain pines, oaks and endemic bushes. The Edelwisse is one of the symbols of the park. Refering to animals, the Bucardo o Pyrenean Ibex was one the most important species, which unfortunately became extinct in year 2000.There are marmots, boars, water-boles, golden eagles, bearded vultures, hawks and royal owls, among others.
NATIONAL PARK'S NAME: MONFRAGÜE LOCATION: EXTREMADURA LINK TO THE PARK´S WEB: www.monfrague.com/
DESCRIPTION: Monfragüe contains one of the country's fifteen National Parks Since 2003 it has been recognised by UNESCO as a Biosphere reserve .It includes a long mountainous ridge, which the river has cut through, creating on the western side an impressive rock face, the Penafalcon. On the eastern side is the Castle of Monfragüe. Habitats in the park include extensive dense scrub, small oak woodlands, and numerous cliffs and rock faces. In 1988 the European Union designated Monfrague a Special Protection Area for birdlife. Is an outstanding site for raptors, with more than 15 regular breeding species, including the world's largest breeding concentration of Eurasian black vulture, a large population of griffon vulture, and several pairs of Spanish imperial eagle, golden eagle and Bonelli´s eagle.
NATIONAL PARK´S NAME: LAS TABLAS DE DAIMIEL LOCATION: CASTILE-LA MANCHA LINK TO THE PARK´S WEB: www.lastablasdedaimiel.com/
DESCRIPTION: Tablas de Daimiel National Park is a wetland on the La Mancha plain, a mainly arid area in the province of Ciudad Real. With an area of about 3,000 ha, the park is the smallest of Spain's fifteen national parks. The protected area is in the process of being expanded outside the original nature reserve to include neighbouring dryland farming areas. The expansion is part of efforts to improve the condition of the wetland, which has been damaged by over-exploitation of water resources. As well as having national park status, the site enjoys international recognition, being: a wetland on the list of the Ramsar Convention (1,938 ha); the core of the Biosphere reserve Mancha Húmeda; and a Special Protection Area for birds.
NATIONAL PARK´S NAME: ATLANTIC ISLANDS OF GALICIA LOCATION: GALICIA LINK TO THE PARK´S WEB: www.iatlanticas.es/
DESCRIPTION: Is the only national park located in the autonomous community of Galicia, Spain. It comprises the archipelagos of Cies, Ons, Sálvora and Cortegada. The park covers a land area of 1,200 ha and a sea area of 7,200 ha .This sea-land ecosystem has a laurel forest and over 200 species of sea weed. It also stands out for its shellfish, corals and anemones. As for wildlife, one can see seagulls, shags, razorbills, guillemots and dolphins .There are traces of human occupation in the islands since the Iron Age. Ceramics have also been found since Roman times. the islands were inhabited until the eighteenth century, but by pirates' action, people had to abandon the islands .In 1980 the Cies Islands were declared a natural park. On June 13, 2002 was declared a national park.
NATIONAL PARK´S NAME: Garajonay LOCATION: La Gomera, Canary Islands LINK TO NATIONAL PARKS WEB: http://www.magrama.gob.es/es/red-parques-nacionales/nuestrosparques/garajonay/
DESCRIPTION: It was declared a national park in 1981 and a World Heritage Site by UNESCO in 1986. It occupies40 km2 .The park provides the best example of Canarian laurisilva, a humid subtropical forest that in the Tertiary covered almost all of Southern Europe. It is also found on the Azores and the Madeira Islands. Other attractions of the national park are the massive rocks that are found along the island. These are former volcanoes whose shapes have been carved by erosion. Many of the species of flora and fauna are endemic to the Macaronesian islands, the Canary Islands or La Gomera, and the Garajonay forest harbors a rich biota of understory plants, invertebrates, and birds and bats, including a large number of endemic species.
NATIONAL PARK´S NAME: DOŃANA LOCATION: Southern Spain, in the region of Andalusia, between the provinces of Huelva and Seville. LINK TO THE PARK'S WEB: www.andalucia.org/en/natural-spaces/nationalparks/donana/
DESCRIPTION: Dońana is one of Europe most important reserves. It has an extension of 54,251 hectares. It became a protected area in 1969. This national park is very important for its enormous variety of bird species. Some of them are: geese, flamingoes, imperial eagles, etc. It also is home to many threatened bird species. The iberian lynx, a carnivore indigenous to the Iberian Peninsula, is the park's emblem. The park has three different ecosystem: the marshlands, lagoons, the Mediterranean scrublands and the mobile dunes with their beaches.
NATIONAL PARK´ S NAME: CALDERA DE TABURIENTE. LOCATION: LA PALMA LINK TO THE PARK´S WEB: http://www.magrama.gob.es/es/red-parquesnacionales/nuestrosparques/taburiente/
DESCRIPTION: It's a national park on the island of La Palma, Canary Islands, Spain. It contains the enormous expanse of the Caldera de Taburiente, once believed to be a huge crater, but nowadays known to be a mountain arch with a curious crater shape, which dominates the northern part of the island. It was designated as a national park in 1954. The highest point is the Roque de los Muchachos on the northern wall, at 2426 m altitude, which can be reached by road.
NATIONAL PARK'S NAME: CABAŃEROS LOCATION: CASTILLA LA MANCHA LINK TO THE PARK'S WEB: www.visitacabaneros.es/
DESCRIPTION: It is a national park in the Montes de Toledo, Spain. It falls within two provinces, the northwest of Ciudad Real and the southwest of Toledo. The Park was designated in 1995 and has an area of 390 square kilometres. It is the best and largest surviving area of Iberian Mediterranean forest, with an enormous variety of plant species. It also includes sites of geological interest (Paleozoic sites known as Cámbrico y Ordovícico del Parque Nacional de Cabańeros). The fauna of the park is notable, both for its variety (276 species of vertebrates) and for the high percentage of endangered species.
NATIONAL PARK´S NAME: ARCHIPIÉLAGO DE CABRERA LOCATION : BALEARIC ISLANDS LINK TO THE PARK NATIONAL´S WEB: http://www.magrama.gob.es/es/red-parques-nacionales/nuestrosparques/cabrera/
DESCRIPTION: It is a national park that includes the whole of the Cabrera Archipielago in the Balearic Islands.The park covers 100 square kilometers (38.7 square miles), though 87 square kilometers (33.6 square miles) is covered by water. There is no permanent population, but there might be at any given time just under 100 National Park staff members and other personnel on the islands. The archipelago has great natural value. The islands are blanketed by important colonies of seabirds and other endemic species. Due to its biotic wealth and abundance and variety of birds, the park has also been declared a Special Protectio Area (SPA) for birds. Cabrera Archipelago National Park is a restricted cruising destination, and boats may anchor only in the island's natural harbor. Many species survive on Cabrera that are rare in other parts of the Balearics, such as dolphins and sea snails. Diving is strictly limited and a license allows for a one day visit only. Excursions to the island are a rare event and are treasured by the diving community. Hiking possibilities are abundant. There is a visitors center, a 14th-century castle and a museum, as well as a gift shop and café.
NATIONAL PARK´S NAME: Aigüestortes i Estany de Sant Maurici LOCATION: CATALUŃA LINK TO NATIONAL PARKS WEB: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Aigüestortes_i_Estany_de_Sant_Maurici_Nation al_Park
DESCRIPTION: A wild mountain region in the Pyrenees, with peaks rising to 3017 m and with nearly 200 lakes, many of them of glacial origin. The park has an elevation range of 1600 to 3000 metres and contains four major vegetation zones: lower montane, upper montane, subalpine and alpine. The fauna includes Pyrenean chamois, marmot, ermine, roe deer, among other mammals and numerous birds .The park was created in 1955 after Ordesa y Monte Perdido National Park, first Spanish national park in the Pyrenees in 1918. Human settlement of the Pyrenees dates back at least to the period of glacial melting. Inside the borders of the national park, there is no record of stable human habitation during this time, but recent archeological studies have found evidence of temporary settlements from 8,500 years ago in the Neolithic Age.
NORTHERN IRELAND Currently there are no national parks in Northern Ireland, but large areas of beautiful countryside are protected as Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB).
PARK´S NAME: Cavehill Country Park LOCATION: Belfast LINK TO THE PARK'S WEB: http://www.belfastcity.gov.uk/leisure/parks-openspaces/Park-6622.aspx http://www.walkni.com/walks/79/cave-hill-country-park/
PHOT
DESCRIPTION: The Cavehill Country park is situated in North Belfast overlooking the city of Belfast. It is an area of outstanding beauty that offers challenging hikes, panoramic views, archaeological sites and wildlife. Although the park is popular for walking it also includes an Adveture playground, Cavehill Visitor Centre, The Belfast Castle and many archeolgical sites such as McArts Fort. The Cavehill has five caves in total which are on the side of the cliffs. It is one of the most visible landmarks in Belfast.
Strahoninec, Croatia May, 2016