Where to Film in Portugal: 3 National Parks with Stunning Mountain Scenery
A recent location scout for a client - an outdoor active fashion brand - took us to several Serras (mountain ranges) around Portugal and reminded us of the powerful and diverse landscapes that exist here. The brief we received from the client indicated that they were looking for mountains as backdrops, challenging hiking trails, unique rock formations and climbing areas.
Based on the creative, we visited Serra de Aire e Candeeiros and the magnificent Serra da Estrela Park. The client had also been considering Costa Brava, so we scouted the Parque Natural da Arrábida - an area that could provide some of those looks for them. Each mountain range has its own characteristics which set them apart from the others, but each provides mountains, valleys, trails, and dramatic backdrops for films. Depending on the flavor you’re looking for Portugal probably has you covered.
Serra #1 - Parque Natural da Arrábida
Situated about 40 minutes from Lisbon, this park is easy to get to, has numerous opportunities for beautiful shots, and you get several looks in one area. On the south side of the park the Atlantic Ocean hugs the scenery and presents blue and aqua waters, limestone cliffs, hiking trails, beautiful beaches and the (in)famous Fenda da Arrábida - a chasm in the cliff that challenges even the best climbers. On the opposite side of the range you’ll find woods and vineyards. This park is sunny year-round. Summers are very warm with an ocean breeze. Winters can be chilly especially with air from the ocean coming inland.
Serra #2 - Serra de Aire e Candeeiros
In Portugal’s Central Region lies the Serra de Aire e Candeeiros. A decidedly Mediterranean vibe is evident here with scrub brush and smaller trees, pastures and country roads. This park is about 90 minutes from Lisbon airport. The most important deposit of limestone in Portugal is found here along with caves and geologic formations. In addition to the scenery, you’ll find flocks of sheep roaming the countryside, trails, rivers and creeks.
The park never gets snow, is warm in the summer and the breeze can be hard to find. In the winter the temperatures are cool and breezy.
Serra #3 -Serra da Estrela
This park’s big claim to fame is that it contains the highest peak in mainland Portugal at 1,993 meters (6,539 feet) above mean sea level. There is snow in the winter, huge rock formations, deep valleys, winding roads, lakes and reservoirs, and cliffs. Serra da Estrela has the ability to stand-in for many different places around the world including parts of the California and Arizona deserts in the United States, as well as mountain ranges in places like France, Italy and Canada. The snow typically melts off in March/April and is followed by an explosion of colors in Spring.
These three mountain locations are just a few of the huge number of places that are beautiful and impressive natural backdrops for filmmakers in Portugal. Atmosphera Productions provides scouting reports that contain pictures, narrated on-location videos, sun positions, GPS coordinates, challenges that may arise when shooting, and information about proximity to local services and airports.
We also help you secure your permits - photography, video, drone - to make sure everything goes smoothly from start to finish. Reach out and say Bom Dia and we’ll start a conversation about the next natural background for your film.