Aire and Candeeiros Ranges Natural Park
| Aire and Candeeiros Ranges Natural Park | |
|---|---|
IUCN category V (protected landscape/seascape) | |
The park in Alvados | |
| Location | Estremadura and Ribatejo provinces |
| Coordinates | 39°30′20″N 8°47′30″W / 39.50556°N 8.79167°W |
| Area | 383.93 km2 (148.24 sq mi) |
| Created | 1979 |
| Visitors | 31,882 (in 2015-2020 (yearly average)) |
| Governing body | ICNF |
| Website | Serras de Aire e Candeeiros Natural Park |
The Aire and Candeeiros Ranges Natural Park (in Portuguese, Parque Natural das Serras de Aire e Candeeiros, or PNSAC) is a natural park in the Central-West region of Portugal. It occupies an area of 383.9 km2 (148.2 sq mi) and is the most important limestone deposit in Portugal, with a variety of geological formations and climate associated with karst geomorphology and topography, such as underground caves and sinkholes. It was designated a protected area in 1979 with the intent to preserve its natural aspects, and the architectonic and cultural heritage linked to the local human populations.