GRAVEL GREAT CROSSING
Off the Road - Into the Wildscapes [Stage 4]
Stage that crosses the hills between Almodôvar and Mértola, meeting the Guadiana, the great river of the south. Along the way, enjoy the bucolic landscape and the fields. When you reach São João dos Caldeireiros, you will enter the territory of the Iberian lynx! Take the opportunity to visit some of the points on the Birding Trail, and learn more about the Iberian lynx reintroduction programme, at the Observatory, next to the church.
In Mértola, discover the Islamic heritage in the different exhibitions and archaeological excavations that can be visited. Visit the main church, which was once a mosque, and be surprised by the winding streets of the old town.
Distance
73,9 km
Duration
5:23 h
Ascendent
486 m
Descendent
725 m
Highest point
387 m
Lowest point
17 m
At first, the path will be fast and fluid through the montado open landscapes.
The archaeological site of Castro da Cola will be the first highlight of the morning. Located near the Mira River, it has been an important settlement since the Neolithic period, occupied throughout the ages by Phoenicians, Carthaginians, Romans and Arabs.
You will then follow along the Mira river, crossing it several times. When passing through the villages of Gomes Aires and Santa Clara-a-Nova don’t forget to refill your water canteen and to enjoy a bit of small talk with the local people.
On the way to Almodôvar you should stop by the archaeological site of the Mesas do Castelinho to understand more about the history of the region.
Birding Trail - Nearby points
⑧ Água Santa da Morena
At Água Santa da Morena, the Oeiras river establishes the border between the São João dos Caldeireiros and Mértola. A recommended stop, it offers a small, shaded picnic park. Ideal for summer days.
⑨ Alvares reservoir
Along the dirt track that connects Alvares to Romeiras, stop at the weir and allow yourself to stay for a while. Apart from the many species that approach the water, in the surrounding hills there are great chances of seeing birds of prey.
⑩ Iberian-Lynx Lookout
The Iberian Lynx lookout is located next to the Church of São João dos Caldeireiros, and offers a spectacular view over the hills. These area was the first place where the first lynx was released, back in 2015. It is excellent to spot birds of prey.
Places to visit
Iberian-Lynx Lookout
At the Iberian Lynx Interpretation Center located in São João dos Caldeireiros you may know more about the most endangered feline in the world and the reintroduction programme that runs since 2015.
Clock tower – Mértola
An icon from Mértola. The clock tower was built at the end of the XVI century and offers an impressive view over the river Guadiana. It s the place or the nesting-boxes for lesser kestrel lay, the ones that we film inside the nest every spring.
Castle of Mértola
Mértola Castle is a military structure with a walled enclosure of approximately 3,000 m2. On the door of the Keep there is an inscription that reads "This tower was built by Dom João Fernandes, the first master that existed in Portugal. It was from 1330", that is, 1292. There are two museums that you can visit inside.
Birdspot – Além-Rio
Além-Rio, on the opposite side of the river Guadiana, offers superb views of Mértola (especially during the morning, with the sun on one’s back). You can also watch the Lesser Kestrel colony across the river (ideally with binoculars). Além-Rio is reached by crossing the bridge on the N265 and immediately turning right. A good strategy is to park at the start of the road or to go further, until you find the road that takes you to the small harbour.
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.
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.
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.
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.