BIRDING TRAIL
⑧ Água Santa da Morena
Here, the River Oeiras is characterized by its relatively dense, riparian vegetation, with tamarisk and a few flowering Oleanders Nerium oleander providing a splash of colour and creating a habitat much favoured by the Rufous-tailed Scrub Robin Cercotrichas galactotes (SP/SU) and Common Nightingale Luscinia megarhynchos (SP/SU).
The poplars and eucalyptus that border the river are visited by vocal and brilliantly colourful Eurasian Golden Orioles Oriolus oriolus (SP/SU), the endemic (Iberian Peninsula) Iberian Green Woodpecker Picus sharpei (YR) and the increasingly scarce European Turtle Dove Streptopelia turtur (SP/SU). The bridge and river attract a variety of swallow species with Eurasian Crag Martin Ptyonoprogne rupestris breeding each year.
Known as “the Holy water of Morena”, it is told to have therapeutic qualities. There is a small picnic area, and the dense and green flora around will keep you fresh, even in the hottest summer days.
Which species can you spot?
Cycling & Walking routes
On the Road – Cycling Route [Stage 5]
Journey from Mértola to Aljustrel, passing by the village of Castro Verde and through UNESCO Biosphere Reserve to close the 400 Km route.
Off the Road – Into the Wildscapes [Stage 6]
Travel from Mértola to Castro Verde, closing a 400 km route, which crosses the lands of the Iberian lynx and the fields of Alentejo where an epic battle was fought.
Portugal Wildscapes Experiences
Casa da Tia Amália1
As the name states, this was “Aunt Amalia's Home”. Casa da Tia Amália is a family house with a cosy atmosphere. Apart from double-rooms, it has some small-aparments with kitchnet, making it ideal for family-stays.
In Mértola, lays on margin with a priviledge view over the oldtwon. The house, which was almost in ruins, has been restored, and its spaces designed for comfort, scattered with details that show the care and dedication that the young owners put on restoring it. Quality and warm welcome are guaranteed.
Hotel Museu
It was supposed to be a normal hotel, but when it began to be built several traces of bygone days were found. In the area where the hotel is, there was an Islamic neighbourhood and below it a Roman warehouse. The Hotel Museu is a novelty in Portugal's tourism landscape, with a unique location by the Guadiana river in the historic centre of Mértola, allowing tourists to have a unique experience. Next to the reception of this hotel is a museum, with an area of about 100m², where will be exhibited a representative collection of archaeological work developed there, which will feature quite rare pieces.
Quinta do Vau
With a unique panoramic view of the Guadiana River and the historic centre of Mértola, Quinta do Vau turns your stay into an experience. Every morning or evening the view of the river and “old town” in the background are moments that linger in the memory of those who stay here.
Ecoland Rural Tourism
A country house few miles from Mértola, is the ideal place to truly disconnect. In Corte de Gafo, a small village in the heart of the Guadiana Valley Natura Park, life runs smoothly, and the air is filled with bird tunes. There are 3 double-rooms to choose from, and they also offer meals, upon request. They prepared many walking and cycling routes, for you to take the most out of your stay. And you can also rent an e-bike tour to go on a special tour, to discover our natural treasures and local producers.
Herdade de Alagães
The Herdade de Alagães is located in southern Portugal, between the Castro Verde IBA Biosphere Reserve and the Guadiana Valley Natural Park. We are dedicated to sustainable tourism, nature conservation and agroforestry. The property is crossed by the Ribeira de Alvacar and it is a highly-biodiverse area; it is a great location for birdwatching. / The rooms for accommodation were recovered as sustainable buildings, keeping the rammed earth (taipa) walls. The wood-oven house was also repurposed as a small support kitchen for the guests. The property, 260ha in total, includes various paths for nature walks and biking.
E-bike rental in Mértola
Go on a one-day self-guided tour with e-bikes and give a contribution to nature conservation! Cycle along the Pulo do Lobo’s route and discover the emblematic ecosystems of the Guadiana Valley Nature Park.
Birdwatching Day Tour to the Castro Verde plains and the Guadiana Valley
Castro Verde and Mértola are two remarkable areas for birdwatching. Reached from Lisbon within a 90 minute-drive (or from Faro within a 60 minute-drive).
Restaurant Casa Amarela
Traditional Alentejo cuisine with "sprinkles" of Chef. Casa Amarela Restaurant is the place in Mértola with the most breathtaking view! Located in Além Rio, it has a unique balcony with a panoramic view of the village and offers a diverse and authentic gastronomy. Closed for dinner on Sundays and all day on Mondays.
Casa de Pasto – Cafetaria Tamuje
A space for sharing and conviviality, from which you will never leave dissatisfied. Family restaurant and home cooking. A quiet place with regional authentic food, including black pig and river fish. It offers 3 exclusive balconies facing the river and closes on sundays.
