Faia Brava, Private protected area in Guarda, Portugal
Faia Brava is a private protected area in Guarda covering 856 hectares along the Côa River, marked by granite cliffs, Mediterranean woodland, and open grasslands. Livestock including cattle and horses roam freely across this varied landscape.
The reserve was founded in 2010 as Portugal's first privately protected area, born from converting agricultural land into a conservation project. This initiative represented a shift in how private landowners approached nature protection in the country.
Old stone buildings like dovecotes and shepherd shelters reflect how rural communities in inland Portugal traditionally built and lived. Walking through the reserve, you can still see these structures scattered across the landscape.
The reserve sits roughly four hours from Lisbon and includes Star Camp, which provides lodging on the premises. From this base, guests can explore the landscape and watch for wildlife throughout the area.
The reserve participates in a European rewilding program that reintroduced wild Garrano horses and Tauros cattle to the land. These animals maintain ecological balance through their natural grazing behavior.
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