A rocky outcrop between the waters of the Guadiana and the banks of the Oeiras shapes the historic old town of Mértola. The archaeological remains tell of settlement from the Iron Age through Roman times and Late Antiquity to the Islamic, modern and contemporary periods. The historic centre preserves old walls, the Torre do Rio, the castle, the main church and the citadel. In Mértola, you can encounter different layers of history in one specific place.
History in Cities and Collections
Mértola Castle also offers a glimpse into different periods of the past: in the 14th century, it was the national seat of the Order of Santiago. An Islamic residential quarter stood within the area, which was later fortified, in the 11th century. At Castelo Velho de Safara, significant use during the Roman Republican period, in the 2nd and 1st centuries BC, is assumed; it may have continued into the first years of the Roman Empire. Here, a cautious interpretation is as much a part of the history as the dating.
In Beja, the castle was rebuilt in 1310 by King Denis on the foundations of a Roman fortification. The Museu Regional Rainha D. Leonor focuses on Roman archaeology, medieval epigraphy and heraldry, as well as objects ranging from the Bronze Age to the present day. It also presents the literary history of the Portuguese Letters, associated with Mariana Alcoforado. Those interested in different forms of cultural heritage will find collections and literary history here alongside the buildings.
Another cultural discovery is Cante Alentejano: since 2014, this choral singing tradition has been part of UNESCO’s Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity. It is characteristic of several municipalities in the Beja District; women’s and men’s groups sing without instrumental accompaniment. The Museu do Cante in Serpa opened in summer 2021. Check current opening hours before your visit. Serpa is also home to the Museu do Relógio, in the former Mosteirinho convent; it is considered unique of its kind on the Iberian Peninsula.
Landscapes Between the Plains and the Coast
The Castro Verde Biosphere Reserve, on the plains of the Beja District, comprises open cereal fields, fallow land, natural grasslands and legume fields. This mosaic of cultivated land and grassland differs markedly from the coastal landscape of the Parque Natural do Sudoeste Alentejano e Costa Vicentina. There, steep cliffs shaped by erosion, with varied forms and colours, define the scenery. The beaches range from long stretches of sand to smaller coves between cliffs and rocks; they are popular with surfers.
The coast is also a habitat: the natural park provides a marine habitat for otters, and white storks nest on sea cliffs. The landscape is interesting not only for its formations, but also for its wildlife. By contrast, Castro Verde draws attention to the open plains and their varied fields and grasslands. Both landscapes offer a different way to experience the destination’s nature, without requiring you to choose any one particular type of activity.
Routes and Experiences at Your Own Pace
In Aljustrel, a 12-kilometre walking loop takes you through the mining town. The route follows urban paths, wooden boardwalks and rural tracks. A guided tour of the Parque Mineiro de Aljustrel showcases headframes, Roman shafts and the Mine Gallery at Level 30. Check the current booking conditions in advance. On a different scale, the Caminho Histórico of the Rota Vicentina comprises 13 stages and 263 kilometres. This rural route has a history spanning several centuries. The town walk and the multi-stage long-distance trail can thus be distinguished by their length and stage structure.
Cycling and water-based activities are also among the options described. In the Município de Odemira, the official Rota Vicentina cycling network comprises 38 mountain bike and gravel routes, organised into five hubs and six access points. The Estação Náutica de Odemira has three centres along the Mira River: in Vila Nova de Milfontes, in Odemira and at the Santa Clara Dam. At Praia Fluvial de Santa Clara, near Santa Clara-a-Velha, there is a bathing area with a floating platform and various water sports.
Further nautical facilities include the Estação Náutica de Moura–Alqueva, with a central leisure platform, a river beach and a motorhome park. In Beja, Jardim Gago Coutinho e Sacadura Cabral offers opportunities for walks and bird of prey watching; a boat trip on the lake among swans is another experience available there. The examples range from walking trails and cycling routes to activities by the water and in the garden.
Local Culture and Flavours
Vidigueira combines winemaking and history: it is a wine region with a protected designation of origin, and its winemaking tradition dates back to the 15th century. Vasco da Gama is also associated with the name: in 1519, King Manuel I granted him the title of Count of Vidigueira. In Beja, regional sweets include Trouxas-de-ovos, Pastéis de Santa Clara, Tosquiados and Queijadas de requeijão. Alentejo cuisine also features bread, pork and olive oil, complemented by aromatic herbs such as coriander, parsley, rosemary, oregano, pennyroyal and mint.
Discover more destinations: Cavaleiro, Corte Sines, Beja, Albernoa, Corte Do Pinto, Cuba, Curvatos, Camachos, Monte Da Carocha, Odemira, Santa Cruz, Serpa, Moura, Corte Do Pinto, Ferreira Do Alentejo, Castro Verde, Cabeça Gorda, Alvito, Ourique, Vila Ruiva, Vidigueira, Aljustrel, Vale De Vargo, Luzianes, Barrancos, Mértola, Almodôvar, Zambujeira Do Mar, Cuba, Beja, Troviscais, Ervidel, Pias, Colos, São Luís, Moita and Évora.
For the full travel overview: Portugal.
