Serras de Aire e Candeeiros Nature Park, Nature reserve in Santarém, Portugal
Serras de Aire e Candeeiros is a nature reserve in central Portugal with limestone terrain containing extensive cave networks, cliff faces, and Mediterranean plants. The landscape displays layered rock formations and natural cave openings that characterize the entire park.
The area received protected status in 1979 and contains traces from the Jurassic period embedded in the rock layers. This deep geological history makes the landscape a window into an ancient era of Earth's timeline.
The area shows signs of traditional land use practices that have shaped how people interact with the landscape today. Visitors can observe these customs woven into daily life as they move through the park.
The park has marked trails suitable for different fitness levels and time constraints. Visitors should wear sturdy footwear and be prepared for uneven, rocky terrain throughout their visit.
The cave system harbors bat species adapted to darkness and active during nighttime hours. These underground residents play an important role in the ecosystem within the grotto networks.
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