Geoparks Route

In Northern Portugal, nestled between lush mountains and valleys carved by time, lies the captivating Geoparks Route – Arouca and Terras de Cavaleiros – revealing fascinating chapters of Earth's evolution, breathtaking landscapes and an unparalleled cultural heritage.

UNESCO Global Geoparks

Since 2015, UNESCO has granted the designation of "UNESCO Global Geopark" to unique and integrated areas that encompass sites and landscapes of international geological significance. These areas are managed holistically, combining conservation, education, and sustainable development.

The geological heritage of a Geopark is used in conjunction with other elements of the region’s natural and cultural heritage to raise awareness of crucial issues such as the sustainable use of natural resources, climate change mitigation, and the reduction of natural disaster risks. By highlighting the role of geological heritage in local history and society, UNESCO Global Geoparks strengthen the pride and identity of local communities.

There are two UNESCO Global Geoparks in Northern Portugal − Arouca and Terras de Cavaleiros.

UNESCO designation in 2015

Terras de Cavaleiros Geopark stands out for its remarkable geological heritage, complemented by rich biodiversity, notable historical and cultural assets, local products, traditional cuisine, and the warm hospitality of its people.

Its unique geological heritage, which attracts geologists from around the world, offers the opportunity to explore millions of years of Earth’s history.

The Geopark promotes enriching tourism experiences, encouraging visitors to become active participants rather than mere spectators. As a premier geotourism destination, it offers scientific, educational, and cultural activities that contribute to the sustainable development of the territory. This balance ensures the preservation of natural features and the authenticity of the local communities.

UNESCO Classification: 2015

The Arouca Geopark joined the Global Geoparks Network (GGN) and the European Geoparks Network (EGN), both under the auspices of UNESCO, in April 2009.

This territory, covering 328 km² and corresponding to the municipality of Arouca, stands out for its remarkable geological heritage, which includes 41 geosites. Among them, four sites—the Pedras Parideiras, the fossil collection of the Trilobites Museum, the Mourinha Ichnofossils, and the Cabanas Longas Ichnofossils—are of international importance due to their exceptional scientific value. The combination of this geological wealth with the region’s natural and cultural heritage justified the creation of the Arouca Geopark.

In the Arouca Geopark, geodiversity reveals itself fully in the landscapes, shaped by towering mountains and clear rivers. A closer look unveils rocks essential to soil formation, such as granite, schist, greywacke, quartzite, metaconglomerates, and quartz veins, as well as minerals like wolframite, staurolite, and tourmaline, among others.

Traces and fossils of trilobites, cephalopods, gastropods, graptolites, and plants are witnesses to the Earth's geological history, transporting us to distant epochs.