Mértola is a village in the municipality of Beja, in Baixo Alentejo, located within the Guadiana Valley Natural Park. Situated on a high point, Mértola is the last navigable port of the Guadiana River. The Roman city of Myrtillis and Mãrtulah from the Islamic period left a significant historical, archaeological, and cultural legacy, making this "Museum-Village" a cherished destination not only for history enthusiasts but also for nature lovers.
The Guadiana Valley Natural Park covers an area along the banks of the river that gives it its name, stretching from the Pulo do Lobo area to the mouth of the Ribeira do Vascão. Here, the park’s slopes are gentle, with the highest point being Serra da Alcaria at 370 meters. The holm oak woodlands, cereal-growing plains, and the valleys of the Guadiana River are vital habitats for some of the most iconic species of the Iberian Peninsula, such as the Iberian lynx, the Iberian imperial eagle, and the black vulture. These rare and currently endangered species are the focus of several conservation and reintroduction projects within the park.
In this article, we have gathered 15 Things to do in Mértola, including activities and tourist attractions that make a getaway to this Alentejo village worthwhile.
1. Explore Mértola's Historic Center
Mértola's historic center invites visitors to take a leisurely stroll and explore its rich architectural heritage.
Here are some points of interest to help you better explore this village:
Main Church (or Church of Nossa Senhora da Anunciação), was originally a mosque, built in the 12th century during the Muslim period.
Mértola Castle. Inside, there is an exhibition showcasing the importance of the Order of Santiago in Mértola.
River Tower. An open-air monument, believed to be an extension of the wall that allowed control of river access (an iron chain stretched across the river controlled the navigation).
Clock Tower. Climb to the top of the tower and enjoy the view over Mértola and the Guadiana River.
2. Visit the various sections of the Mértola Museum
Dedicate a day to culture and visit the various museum sites in this Museum-Village. The Mértola Museum consists of 14 sections spread across different locations in the village and surrounding areas:
Paleochristian Basilica
Weaving Workshop
House of Mértola
Main Church of Mértola
Alcáçova and Islamic House
Castle
Alcaria dos Javazes Museum Center
Blacksmith's Forge
Islamic Art
Sacred Art
Roman House
Hermitage and Necropolis of São Sebastião
Miner's House
Monastery
More information:
3. Hiking the trails of Mértola
Mértola offers numerous paths to explore on foot. Whether along the banks of the Guadiana River, the Vascão stream, through hills, oak groves, cereal plains, mining lands, or pilgrimage routes, come and discover the trails of Mértola!
Great Guadiana Route (GR15)
Caminhos de Santiago (Eastern Way)
PR1 Guadiana - The Great River of the South
PR2 - The Guadiana Channels
PR3 - The Banks of the Guadiana
PR4 - Around the Montado
PR5 - To the Rhythm of the Waters of Vascão
PR6 - Between the Steppe and the Montado
PR7 - Climb to Srª do Amparo
PR8 - A Riverside Route
PR9 - Between Escalda and Pulo do Lobo
PR10 - Mineral Route
More informations:
4. Boat trip on the Guadiana River
The banks of the Guadiana River are, in the municipality of Mértola, of singular beauty due to the quartzite rock formations, rocks that are very resistant to erosion. This particularity gives rise to the formation of enclosed valleys, such as the Corredora, where the river flows between high cliffs, where it is possible to find the shy black stork.
The Guadiana River is a refuge for several species of fish and also for mammals such as the otter. During spring, the flight of bee-eaters along the river banks is a magnificent spectacle to admire.
Along the banks of the Guadiana River and its tributaries, around two hundred watermills were built, which were used to grind cereal. Due to their abandonment after the 20th century, most of them are in ruins.
Set aside a morning or afternoon for a boat trip along the calm waters of the Guadiana River, whether to Tapada Grande at Mina de São Domingos, Pomarão, or even Alcoutim.
Note: Boat trips are subject to tidal conditions.
For more informations, please contact:
Clube Náutico de Mértola
Nautimértola
Tip: To make the most of the waters of the Guadiana River, you can rent a kayak for a ride.
5. Pulo do Lobo
Pulo do Lobo (Wolf Leap), is the highlight of the Guadiana Valley Natural Park, a 16-meter-high waterfall where the area's geology and biodiversity make it a must-visit destination.
The water plunges through a narrow gorge into the Pego do Sável. According to legend, the gorge is so narrow, and the riverbanks—one in the municipality of Mértola and the other in Serpa—are so close together, that a wolf could leap across.
In the Pulo do Lobo area, you can find several rounded cavities known as "giant’s kettles," which are formed by an erosion process resulting from the swirling movement of pebbles on the riverbed.
From Mértola, go to the village of Amendoeira da Serra and then follow a narrow road to the gates of “Herdade do Pulo do Lobo”. Passing through this gate, access is via a dirt road. Here you can leave your car and do the rest of the journey on foot (about 2 km).
6. Birdwatching
Mértola and the entire Guadiana Valley area are some of the best areas for birdwatching in the country, due to their remarkable diversity of habitats.
On one side, we have the high cliffs that border the banks of the Guadiana River, which constitute the perfect refuge for some species such as the black stork, the black vulture, the Bonelli's eagle, the golden eagle and the eagle owl. The black stork often nests on these banks.
On the other hand, the vast plains provide a perfect habitat for steppe birds such as the great bustard, the little bustard, and the black-bellied sandgrouse. The joint efforts between the Guadiana Valley Natural Park (PNVG) and local farmers are essential for the conservation of these species, which depend on the cultivation of large areas of cereals and vegetables.
In the skies we can still see the Iberian imperial eagle, the griffon vulture and the harrier.
The town of Mértola is home to the last urban colony of Lesser Kestrels, a very rare and endangered species of falcon. This species is most easily observed from the castle.
During winter, it is common to spot a charismatic species, the Common Crane, in large flocks feeding in the montado areas or roosting in ponds and reservoirs.
Contact a local birdwatching guide to make the most of your trip.
7. Observe the night sky
Since 2018, Mértola has been part of the Dark Sky Alqueva Reserve territory. This area is ideal for observing the night sky due to its low levels of light pollution and, for this reason, it has the Starlight Tourism Destination certificate.
The best nights for observing the night sky are winter nights, with clear skies, no clouds, and no moonlight. The best locations for observations are Mina de São Domingos, the Bombeira do Guadiana Trail, Pulo do Lobo, Ermida de Nossa Senhora de Aracelis, Nossa Senhora do Amparo, or Serra de Alcaria Ruiva.
To make a reservation, please contact: info@darkskyalqueva.com
Several local tourist entertainment companies, such as Nautimértola or Happy Guadiana, also offer night-time river rafting programs, an experience not to be missed.
8. Learning about the Iberian Lynx
The Guadiana Valley Natural Park is a region inhabited by Iberian lynxes in the wild due to the Iberian lynx reintroduction program. The Lynx Territories Route proposes a visit to some places with a high potential for sighting the species.
In São João dos Caldeireiros, you can visit the Iberian Lynx Interpretation and Observatory Center, with a panoramic view of the place where the first pair of lynxes were released in 2014, in an acclimatization enclosure, from which the current population was established.
In Amendoeira da Serra there is also another Iberian Lynx Interpretation Center, another support infrastructure that can be visited.
For more information on good practices for responsible observation, please consult:
9. Taste the local cuisine
In Mértola, you can eat very well. The most typical Alentejo dishes are migas, tomato soups, dogfish soup, açorda and gazpacho, asparagus, river fish... The flavours of the herbs that grow in the fields, such as pennyroyal, enrich Alentejo cuisine.
Here are some restaurants for you to try:
Al-Andaluz
Tamuje
Espaço Casa Amarela
Restaurante Vila Velha
Restaurante A Muralha
10. Wine tasting
There are 6 wine producers in the municipality of Mértola. Here are some suggestions of wineries you can visit:
11. São Domingos Mine
In the mining village of São Domingos, you will discover a cultural heritage associated with the history of the mine.
Located in the Iberian Pyrite Belt, this site has been a sought-after location for mineral extraction since ancient times. However, it was during modern exploration by a British company that more minerals were extracted: copper, zinc, lead and sulphur. A railway line connected the mine to the old river port of Pomarão, transporting the minerals via the Guadiana River.
With the end of exploration, the buildings were abandoned and vandalized, leaving desolate and hellish landscapes that look like something out of a science fiction film, with lakes of acidic water that make us think we are on another planet.
The Serrão Martins Foundation organizes guided tours of the São Domingos Mines complex, with two visiting circuits:
Urban Circuit: Cineteatro, Garden and English Neighborhood, Workers' Neighborhoods, Latrine, English Cemetery, Miner's House, Church of São Domingos, Tapada Grande Beach.
Industrial Circuit: Corta da Mina; Cais do Minério; Malacate; Workshops; Moitinha Station; Achada do Gamo.
During our visit, we met one of the few female mine workers who remained in the area. She kindly shared many memories of the mining era with us.
12. Electric Pasteleira Bike Tour
A great way to explore the municipality of Mértola is by riding an electric *pasteleira* bike. Ecoland offers several routes to help you discover the region.
13. Hermitage of Aracelis
The Hermitage of Aracelis has been a place of worship since ancient times and is still a destination for pilgrimages today. Built on a hill on the border between the municipalities of Mértola and Castro Verde, from here we can enjoy a 360º view of the surrounding fields and plains. It is an excellent place to observe birds of prey.
14. Events in Mértola
Throughout the year, various fairs are held in Mértola, such as the River Fish Festival in Pomarão, the Honey, Cheese, and Bread Fair, or the Hunting Fair. However, the event that attracts the most visitors to the town is the Mértola Islamic Festival, which takes place every two years, always in odd-numbered years.
This culturally significant festival is based on Mértola's rich Islamic heritage. Its highlight is the "souk" market, where you can find a variety of products, including mint tea, spices, incense, leather goods, and colorful fabrics. More than just a historical reenactment, it offers an immersive experience of daily life in an Arab medina.
15. Visit the Center for Agroecology and Regeneration
With a semi-arid climate, in the process of desertification and depopulation, and with summer temperatures of over 40ºC, Mértola faces several social and economic challenges.
It is in this context that the Terra Sintrópica Association has been carrying out resilient work towards an agroecological transition and regenerative agriculture, testing various solutions to address the issue of drought while aiming to revive the local economy.
If you want to learn more about this community work, book a guided tour of CARES – the Center for Agroecology and Regeneration for the Semi-Arid, followed by a shared vegetarian meal at PREC – Ongoing Regenerative Process.
To learn more about visits, training, volunteering or other ways to contribute go to:
We hope reading this post inspires you to explore Mértola and discover its rich history, culture and stunning landscapes. Without a doubt, Mértola has everything to provide you with an unforgettable visit.
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