One of the greatest assets of this Protected Local Landscape is its water. It is crossed by the Benémola river, which is supplied by several springs, including “O Olho” and Fonte Benémola, allowing (in normal years) the river to maintain its flow, even during the summer season, thus contributing to the high biodiversity of the area. Dams were rebuilt along the river to retain the water and form beautiful water mirrors, providing privileged places for contemplation and observation of the natural heritage. On the banks of the Benémola river there is a dense riparian gallery made up of tree and shrub species, uncommon in other areas of the Algarve, such as willows (Salix alba subsp. australis), ash trees (Fraxinus angustifolia) and broadleaf (Viburnum tinus) that intersect with oleanders (Nerium oleander), tamarisks (Tamarix africana), brambles (Rubus ulmifolius) and reeds (Arundo donax).

The slopes of the valley are covered by Mediterranean vegetation characteristic of the Barrocal Algarvio, such as rosemary (Salvia rosmarinus), lavender (Lavandula stoechas subsp. stoechas), strawberry tree (Arbutus unedo), kermes oak (Quercus coccifera), as well as tree species such as carob (Ceratonia siliqua), wild olive (Olea europea var. sylvestris) and, only in an area of ​​schist substrate, cork oaks (Quercus suber) and holm oaks (Quercus rotundifolia).

Among the species of interest for conservation, the presence of juniper (Juniperus turbinata), gorse (Genista hirsuta subsp. algarbiensis), Klasea flavescens subsp. neglecta, water plantain (Alisma lanceolatum), Algarve blue hyacinth (Bellevalia hackelii), yellow bells (Narcissus bulbocodium subsp. obesus), daffodil (Narcissus gaditanus) and Narcissus calcicola stands out. There are also populations of very beautiful orchids: the common flycatcher (Aceras anthropophorum), Cephalanthera longifolia, the greater flycatcher (Ophrys fusca), the monkey flower (Orchis italica), the wasp herb (Ophrys lutea), the bird flower (Ophrys scolopax), the bumblebee (Ophrys vernixia), among others.

The bird community in this area is quite rich, with over 100 species identified. Among them, several summer migrants stand out, such as the Eurasian oriole (Oriolus oriolus), the wryneck (Jynx torquilla), the Iberian warbler (Phylloscopus ibericus), the polyglot warbler (Hipolais polyglotta) and the Daurian swallow (Cecropis daurica). Among the resident species, the highlights are the long-tailed tit (Aegithalus caudatus), the lesser woodpecker (Dendrocopos minor), the grey wagtail (Motacilla cinerea), the blue thrush (Monticola solitarius), the kingfisher (Alcedo atthis) and the eagle owl (Bubo bubo), the latter two of which are protected.

Fonte Benémola is also considered a hotspot for observing dragonflies and damselflies, presenting a great diversity of species, including 3 endemic species out of the 27 existing in Europe: devil's horse (Platycnemis acutipennis), white damselfly (Platycnemis latipes) and Gomphus pulchellus and the protected species emerald dragonfly (Oxigastra curtisii).

Among mammals, the occurrence of protected species stands out, namely the teddy bear bat (Miniopterus schreibersii), the lesser mouse-eared bat (Myotis blythii), the horseshoe bat (Rhinolophus mehelyi) and the horseshoe bat (Rhinolophus hipposideros). Also noteworthy is the presence of genets (Genetta genetta), mongooses (Herpestes ichneumon) and otters (Lutra lutra), all of which are protected species.

It is worth mentioning the occurrence of protected species of amphibians: yellow-spotted newt (Salamandra salamandra), natterjack toad (Bufo calamita) and Iberian midwife toad (Alytes cisternasii) and of reptiles: Mediterranean tortoise (Mauremys leprosa) and horseshoe snake (Hemorrhois hippocrepis). Among fish, the Iberian endemic Squalius alburnoides (bordalo) stands out, as well as other species such as the Arade scaly (Squalius aradensis), arch-mouthed boga (Iberochondrostoma lemmingii), southern barbel (Luciobarbus sclateri), greenman (Cobitis paludica) and eel (Anguilla anguilla). Most of these species are at high risk of extinction, one of them (the Arade scaly-necked ...