Guadiana Valley Natural Park

Category: Nature > Nature Reserve

District: Beja > Mértola > Corte Pequena

Location

The Vale do Guadiana Natural Park stretches across the vast landscape of the Baixo Alentejo, in the district of Beja. Its area covers a significant part of the municipality of Mértola, following the course of the imposing Guadiana River. The region surrounding the locality of Corte Pequena is a good example of the Alentejo typicality that characterizes a large part of the park's territory, serving as one of its many reference points for those exploring it. This natural sanctuary is shaped by the unique geography sculpted by the river, which creates a distinctive and, at times, dramatic scenery, in contrast to the open plains of the region.

The Biodiversity of the Montado and the River

This park is a refuge of biodiversity, forged by the complex interaction between the Mediterranean climate and the local geology. The landscape is dominated by extensive cork oak and holm oak montados, which host a rich variety of flora and fauna. Along the banks of the Guadiana, the riparian vegetation offers a lush contrast to the more arid areas, creating essential habitats for various species. Birdwatching is particularly rewarding, with the presence of birds of prey and other emblematic species of Alentejo avifauna, which find in this environment a vital place for their survival.

The Guadiana River and its Unique Features

The Guadiana River is the soul of this park, sculpting a valley of unique beauty and great geological interest. Its winding course through the park is marked by steep slopes and entrenched valleys, culminating in one of its most notable geographical features: the Pulo do Lobo. This impressive gorge, where the river's waters narrow dramatically, is a testament to the erosive power of nature and a point of undeniable scenic value, revealing the rawness and beauty of the riverside landscape in a striking experience.

A Legacy of Human Interaction

Over the centuries, the Guadiana Valley has been the stage for a deep and continuous human presence, whose heritage is intrinsically linked to the exploitation of the region's natural resources. The park's landscape tells the story of an ancestral coexistence with the river and the land, visible in traces of traditional agricultural activities and the communities' adaptation to the environment. This lasting relationship with the territory lends the park a cultural value that adds to its natural importance, reflecting a way of life shaped by the unique characteristics of the valley.

License: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/deed.pt