Mértola
Located in the Planície Dourada tourist region, the municipality of Mértola is located southeast of Alentejo and is part of Beja's district. It borders to the north with the municipalities of Beja and Serpa, to the west with the municipalities of Castro Verde and Almodôvar, to the south with the municipality of Alcoutim and to the east with the Spanish provinces of Andalusia and Huelva. Its privileged location, determined by the condition of it being the most extreme point of navigability of the river Guadiana, was vital for the Mediterranean trade routes. The highest point of the county, at about 370 meters above sea level, is at serra de Alcaria Ruiva, which, in addition to a magnificent view, also provides the ideal conditions for the practice of paragliding. In the eighties, with the intensification of the archaeological activity, a vast heritage that conferred the title of "Village Museum" to Mértola was discovered. Buildings of great monumentality allow any visitor to identify the Roman presence in the village of Mirtilis, Roman designation of Mértola. The discovery of the copper mine in São Domingos in the late 19th century, brought a new dynamic to the municipality, including the considerable population increase. With the decline of mining the exodus of the population was witnessed, although there are still visible marks left by the presence of mines in the territory, particularly in buildings of this locality. The extensive cultural heritage along with the environmental, hunting, cultural and sportive wealth give a very own identity to this county. The Festival Islâmico de Mértola (Islamic Festival of Mértola), an event that celebrates all the historical heritage of the village and the strong Islamic influence, is organized every two years. The gastronomy of the region, which is Mediterranean-based and -flavored, offers suggestions that attract numerous visitors, in particular with regard to the seasonal delicacies, such as the lamprey. Cheese, sausages, bread and pastries, wines and honey are listed in the regional products.
What to do in Mértola
Travel Guide
Up to date tourist information about the city's top attractions
The Best River Beaches in Southern Portugal
In the deep Alentejo and the Algarve, there are freshwater beaches that are a true balm for body and soul.
Where to eat in Mértola
Regional
12.00 €
O restaurante Tamuje, localizado em Mértola, aposta nos pratos típicos da região. As sopas de tomat…
Portuguese
15.00 €
About 10 km away from Mértola, on the EN-265 (a National Road), on the way to Serpa, in the centre …
Portuguese, Regional
12.00 €
In the small town of Mértola, by the Guadiana river, this cozy restaurant serves dishes of the Alen…
Italian, Portuguese, Regional
12.00 €
O restaurante A Paragem fica na pequena localidade de Corvos, em Mértola. Além das famosas pizas ca…
Regional
12.00 €
O restaurante Alengarve, localizada em Mértola, é um espaço simples, com um ambiente descomprometid…
Portuguese
9.00 €
The national flavours, quite well prepared in a pleasant traditional space.
Where to sleep in Mértola
4 star
This House has already been administrative seat of one of the largest mines of pyrite and covers of the Iberian Peninsula. The building is very close to a rive…
Near Mértola
Almodôvar
The municipality of Almodôvar is located in the Baixo Alentejo, Beja district, between the Serra do Caldeirão and the Alentejo lowland. The Igre…
Alvito
Alvito and Vila Nova da Baronia are the two parishes that make up Alvito's municipality, one of the smallest of the Baixo Alentejo. In ancient times,…
Castro Verde
Castro Verde is situated in the heart of baixo Alentejo, in a territory known as the Campo Branco ("white field"), among the Alentejo plains which to…
Ourique
Ourique benefited from a privileged location over the centuries. Confined to the north with the municipality of Aljustrel and to the south with Silve…