Guadiana Valley Natural Park, Nature park in Faro district, Portugal.
Guadiana Valley Natural Park spreads across a vast area along the Guadiana River, featuring rolling hills and Mediterranean plant life that change with the seasons. The park also contains remnants of historic mining operations scattered throughout the landscape.
Mining activity shaped this region from Roman times through the mid-20th century, when operations finally ceased after continuous extraction. The area was later declared protected to safeguard its ecological value and natural features.
Local farmers shape the valley through traditional cultivation of olives and grains, maintaining farming methods passed down through families over many generations. This way of working the land remains visible today and defines how the landscape looks and is used.
Several marked trails crisscross the park with free downloadable maps and GPS data available before your visit. Wear comfortable shoes and bring plenty of water, especially during the hot months.
The river creates a dramatic waterfall where it drops steeply through narrow rock formations, a sight shaped by ancient geological forces over millennia. This natural feature has become one of the most visited spots within the park boundaries.
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