Our planet is full of impressive landscapes shaped by the force of nature, and Portugal is one of the countries with unique and unforgettable scenes. One of these landscapes, highlighted by the blog, is located in the Algarve and is known internationally for its curious shape, which, seen from above, resembles a dragon. Find out more about the “Blue Dragon River” in this article.
The “Rio do Dragão Azul”, or “Blue Dragon River”, is actually the Odeleite stream, in the Algarve. Its worldwide fame began in 2015, when an aerial photograph of the Odeleite dam reservoir went viral on the internet. The image, initially shared on Reddit and later widely circulated on the Chinese social network Sina Weibo, aroused great interest, especially among the Chinese public, for whom the dragon symbolizes strength, power and good luck.
Geographically, the Odeleite stream is a tributary of the right bank of the Guadiana river. It rises in Serra do Caldeirão, 463 meters above sea level, and crosses the municipalities of Tavira and Castro Marim. Its sinuous shape, which gives it its resemblance to a dragon, results from geomorphological processes characteristic of meanders. These are formed by the interaction between erosion of the concave banks and the deposition of sediments on the convex banks, carving out the sharp curves of the riverbed.
The name “Odeleite” originates from the Arabic expression wâdi laytwhich means “river of the eloquent”, possibly in honor of a local historical figure. In addition to its natural heritage, the village of Odeleite, located close to the dam, offers several points of interest, such as the Main Church, built in 1534, Roman archaeological remains and ancient water and wind mills.
The region is also a privileged destination for outdoor activities, such as hiking, cycling and water sports. Thus, Odeleite combines history, culture and nature, making it an unmissable place for anyone looking to explore the Algarve in a different way.
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