Deep in the interior of the country, where the Tagus River becomes Portuguese, there is a preserved territory where people live at the pace of nature and seem to have all the time in the world to share their stories and knowledge with others.

Here you will find the Naturtejo Global Geopark, which covers the municipalities of Castelo Branco, Idanha-a-Nova, Nisa, Oleiros, Penamacor, Proença-a-Nova and Vila Velha de Rodão. There are 17 geomonuments in this area whose importance is recognised by UNESCO, such as the imposing Ródão Gateway which force the longest river in the Iberian Peninsula through a narrow gap, and the striking curious formations of the ichnofossils of Penha Garcia.

But there is much more to discover in these lands which include the Tagus International Natural Park. On arrival, you immediately smell the aromas of pine, lavender and rosemary released from the vegetation, where rabbits, deer and foxes lurk and disappear instantly when they notice your presence.


Cascata da Água d'Alta - © Joel Carvalho

If you look carefully, you might see the colourful bee-eaters perched on the branches of trees, or nightingales and hoopoes outdoing each other with their singing. Black storks fly higher and spend some time here between February and August. And there are imperial eagles and vultures living in colonies that enjoy landing on the river cliffs from which they have the best view of the landscape. 


Grifo - Geoparque Naturtejo - © Arquivo Turismo de Portugal

The marks of the past are still present. Found in archaeological treasures such as the complex of River Tagus cave paintings and the ruins of Egitânia. And also in schist villages of Figueira, Álvaro, Sarzedas or Monte Branco, authentic places full of memories and stories, in the historic villages of Monsanto and Idanha-a-Velha and the churches that receive lively pilgrimages every year.


Monsanto - © Joel Carvalho

You can even combine these visits with some exercise. The range of activities is very varied and includes hiking, horse riding and mountain biking, climbing and canoeing. To recuperate from these exertions, there’s nothing like a few moments of leisure on the river beaches, breathing in the fresh air and the aromas of the countryside, or a longer rest in the thermal spas at Monfortinho, Águas (Penamacor) or Fadagosa de Nisa.


Torre de Vigia da Serra das Talhadas - © Joel Carvalho

But the wealth of the region is its people. They are hospitable, and love to welcome outsiders with delectable delicacies such as strong smelling cheeses, kid or river fish cooked using age-old recipes. Their skills are also revealed in their handicrafts - embroidery from Castelo Branco, cork objects from Oleiros and ceramics from Nisa are souvenirs that will remind you of these lands until you return. And you surely will, because as they say in the region, "those who come always come back."