メルトーラの天然記念物・トップ19

The Great Guadiana Route (GR15) is a long-distance linear hiking trail (approximately 65 km in the Algarve, with extensions in the Alentejo) that follows the Guadiana River, connecting the Algarve coast (Vila Real de Santo António) to the mountainous interior (Alcoutim and Mértola), crossing diverse landscapes (mountains, Barrocal, coastline), cultural and natural heritage, making it ideal for hiking and mountain biking, with connection points to other routes such as the Via Algarviana (GR13). 👍🥾🦯

Along the Guadiana, the path meanders serenely, following the river's slow rhythm between hills of olive, almond, and fig trees. A former river of fishermen and miners, the Guadiana, called the "river of ducks" by the Romans, continues to connect Alentejo with Algarve and Portugal with Spain, a tranquil mirror of southern history and life.

Pulo do Lobo. This is the largest waterfall in southern Portugal and is located on the Guadiana River, upstream from Mértola. The waters fall from a height of over 20 metres and, surrounded by a sea of foam, descend the rocky gorge to the bottom, emptying into a lake between the rocks. The banks of the waterfall are so narrow that, according to legend, even a wolf could cross them in one leap. Hence the name Pulo do Lobo. The landscape of Pulo do Lobo is spectacular, the riverbed after the waterfall is completely exposed, in rock, between which the Guadiana River meanders, in a groove created over thousands of years. Access to Pulo do Lobo can be from the east or west. To the east, take a detour on the road that connects Serpa to Mértola. Access to the waterfall is difficult and you have to walk, crossing the rocky riverbed to reach the waterfall. We recommend caution. To the west, take a detour on the road that connects Beja to Mértola and continue to the village of Amendoeira da Serra, following the signs to Pulo do Lobo. You will then reach Herdade de Pulo do Lobo, open the gate and it is about 1000m on a dirt road to the waterfall. Access is prohibited to heavy vehicles. Access to the waterfall from the west is easier, and there is even a structure to better observe the waterfall.

The Cova dos Mouros Mining Park, located in Alcoutim, Portugal, is a theme park and archaeological site. It offers a thematic route that portrays the history of mining and metallurgy from the Chalcolithic period to the beginning of the 20th century. Furthermore, it serves as a reserve for animal species such as ostriches and donkeys, and is located on the former premises of the Cova dos Mouros Mine.

The route is not easy, nor familiar, nor for people without any preparation as it says in the generic. The route is difficult and is characterized, in the area next to the river, by the permanent crossing of masses of rocks that are difficult to overcome, it is not familiar at all and requires someone physically fit.

Boardwalks have been built on the eastern side for several years to make it easier to get to the waterfall and admire it from a safe distance. A really great project, which unfortunately seems to have stalled. The footbridges are still closed, although most of them are already accessible. The footbridges down to the water and above the reservoir are accessible (but still closed), the footbridges to the other side, downstream, are not yet completed.

The first part of the walk is fun, the second half a bit boring

Mertola is something special place. Old Roman city, important mediterrean harbour during centuries, now is just a peaceful small town with 2000 habitants. The bicycle is the right tool to explore around.