The Fragas da Penavilheira (cliffs of Penavilheira) are the result of a geological phenomenon called “knickpoints” (ruptures of slope) normally a cascade forming phenomena, and its origin goes back about 2 million years. The river Bestança – river that runs through these cliffs – is, at the river Douro basin (Portuguese sector), the river that has the highest number of “knickpoints”. Here this phenomenon drew a fantastic place, marked by impressive cliffs and unique waterfalls. Looking at the surrounding environment, the landscape is unique and shaped by man, making waterways that lead the water to the agricultural land, and marshes interspersed lush forests of hardwoods.
Very close to the cliffs of Penavilheira, and the river Bestança, stands the Ponte de Soutelo (Soutelo bridge), dating from medieval times. Built in stone, with a round arch of 9 meters in diameter, and with a floor made up of large stone slabs, fitting perfectly in the landscape.
The natural heritage of the Bestança river is immense. Nearby there is the cascade of Granja, where the clear waters of the Bestança, combined with moss mats and the riparian gallery, make this a heavenly place. Walking the Bestança, one can observe the diverse fauna and flora. The iberian frog and the gold-striped salamander are some of the endemic species that inhabit the river. The otter, the white-throated dipper or the lesser purple emperor butter fly are other wildlife species that can be observed. In terms of flora, along this river and surrounding hardwood forests species are many, such as hazel, the black alder, ash and the beautiful hart’s-tongue, a fetus who takes refuge in its dusky margins.