Arribes del Duero Natural Park, Protected nature reserve in Salamanca and Zamora provinces, Spain.
Arribes del Duero Natural Park stretches across about 106,000 hectares (262,000 acres) along the Duero River, featuring deep valleys, granite cliffs, and diverse vegetation. The terrain is marked by steep hillsides that rise above the canyon-like river landscape.
The region was settled by the Romans, who used the river as a key trade route and expanded their territory. This early human presence shaped the area for centuries to come.
Local people have cultivated wine on terraced slopes for generations, and you can see old farming methods still in use across the vineyards. This traditional practice shapes how the land looks and shows how communities adapted to the steep terrain.
The protected area can be accessed from several towns, including Aldeadávila de la Ribera and Fermoselle, which serve as entry points. Guided explorations are available during warmer months and help visitors discover different parts of the park.
Five hydroelectric dams within the canyon generate power and have created artificial lakes throughout the landscape. These structures alter how water flows through the granite landscape and give the park its present-day appearance.
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