Geopark Naturtejo

PENHA GARCIA ICHNOLOGICAL PARK

This important geosite in the Naturtejo Geopark is located on the northern slopes of the village of Penha Garcia, where it includes the valley of the River Ponsul, formed by steep slopes of quartzite rock. The complex is part of the Ramilo Mountain, which is over 800 metres high and stretches all the way to the border at Termas de Monfortinho.

The UNESCO Naturtejo Geopark was the first to be created in Portugal, in 2006. Although it covers a vast territory, the Penha Garcia ichnofossils stand out for their quantity, quality of preservation and ease of observation.

LOCAL FAUNA

The valley is regularly flown over by some of the region’s most emblematic birds, such as the Griffon Vulture (Gyps fulvus), the Black Vulture (Aegypius monachus) and the Black Stork (Ciconia nigra). Upstream of the Ponsul river dam, in the reservoir area, you might catch a glimpse of the shy Heron (Ardea cinerea) or an Otter (Lutra lutra).

In the steep areas we can see the Blue Rock Thrush (Monticola solitarius), the Rock Bunting (Emberiza cia) and the Crag Martin (Ptyonoprogne rupestris).