Birding Trail
⑩ Iberian-Lynx Lookout
This stunning viewpoint across the valley of the River Oeiras, with its backdrop of distant hills, overlooks a patchwork of Holm Oaks Quercus ilex, Stone Pines Pinus pinea, tall eucalypts, pasture and Mediterranean scrub.
The landscape is home to large, free-ranging raptors soaring high in the air – Griffon Vultures Gyps fulvus (YR), Cinereous (Eurasian Black) Vultures Aegypius monachus (YR), Golden Eagles Aquila chrysaetos (YR), Spanish Imperial Eagles Aquila adalberti (YR) and Bonelli’s Eagles Aquila fasciata – while on the ground small warblers – Sardinian Warblers Curruca melanocephala (YR) and Dartford Warblers Curruca undata (YR) – forage deep in the scrub.
The Iberian lynx lookout is an information structure open and accessible 24h. Created and implemented by ADPM (Associação the Defesa do Património de Mértola), a local NGO, this is one of central points of the “Lynx lands Route“.
From the lookout, you can also see the enclosure where the first iberian lynx, in 2015, fulfilled an adaptation period before release. This structure is now discontinued, since the new individuals are directly released in the wild.
Which species can you spot?
Portugal Wildscapes Experiences
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.
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.
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.
Nature Watching Day Tour to the Castro Verde plains and the Guadiana Valley
This tour encompasses the two remarkable areas of Castro Verde and Mértola, and includes habitats of stunning natural beauty. Parts of the areas visited are zones of special protection, including the bluffs and hills of the Guadiana Valley Natural Park.
Birds & Wine Programme in Portugal (Group Tour)
Lisbon Estuaries, Alentejo, International Douro & Douro Valley / Group size: Maximum 7 Participants / Portugal offers a fantastic diversity of habitats and consequently of birds in a relatively small area, so the birding programmes designed by Birds & Nature Tours Portugal enable you to visit several species-rich areas without needing to travel long distances.
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.
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.
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.
