Serra da Gardunha, Mountain summit in Centro Region, Portugal.
Gardunha is a mountain range that rises to about 1,200 meters and forms a natural boundary between the Serra da Estrela and the Beira Baixa plain. The protected landscape spans across two municipalities and offers marked hiking trails that lead to various viewpoints and higher elevations.
In the 13th century, a king transformed the valleys by replacing vineyards with chestnut trees, creating forests that still shape the landscape today. These groves became an important part of the region's character and use of the land.
The name comes from Arabic roots and refers to how this mountain range served as a natural refuge in central Portugal. Locals have long used this place as a key landmark and boundary between the surrounding landscapes.
The area is best explored on foot, with several marked trails of different difficulty levels to suit various fitness levels. It is wise to start early and bring proper hiking shoes and plenty of water.
The mountain contains several striking granite outcrops that rise from the terrain and highlight the geological diversity of this area. Visitors who seek out these rock formations can gain insight into the ancient geology that shaped the place.
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