PR3 OLR - GeoRota do Orvalho

The Georoute of Orvalho crosses a landscape shaped by geological diversity and the constant presence of water, with rocky outcrops, wooded slopes and small watercourses. Located within the territory of the Naturtejo Geopark, the route reveals the varied landforms and natural environments that characterise the Orvalho area.

Throughout the route, the slopes are mainly covered by maritime pine, interspersed with olive trees and specimens of strawberry tree, holm oak and cork oak. The landscape also reflects the long-standing relationship between local communities and their surroundings, particularly through olive cultivation and the paths crossing these hillsides.

One of the most striking sections is the Vale das Fragosas, where the Água d’Alta stream disappears between a quartzite wall before forming the Fraga de Água d’Alta. The waterfall drops around 25 metres in a succession of three cascades, surrounded by humid woodland where plants such as laurustinus and Portuguese laurel stand out.

Higher up, the Cabeço do Mosqueiro combines rocky outcrops with extensive areas of shrubland, providing one of the route’s most notable viewpoints. Together, these geological, woodland and water features give the Orvalho Georoute a strong identity linked to the natural environment and geology of the region.

The Orvalho Walkways are included in this route.