Top Choice Fusion in Mértola
Terra Utópica
The most atmospheric place for a meal in the old town, Terra Utópica has two small antique-filled dining rooms (one with a roaring fire on cold nights) and a terrace with magnificent views.
Nature Reserve in Mértola
Parque Natural do Vale do Guadiana
Portuguese in Mértola
Café-Restaurante Alentejo
This attractive place in Moreanes, 10km from Mértola on the way to São Domingos, is almost a museum thanks to its antique exhibits (including the local clients themselves!). It serves great-value, hearty helpings of…
Religious in Mértola
Festival Islâmico de Mértola
Mértola comes to life every two years in May (dates change but it’s on odd-numbered years) during the town’s Islamic Festival, when it is decorated to resemble a souk. Music, handicrafts and festivities continue for…
Church in Mértola
Igreja Matriz
Mértola’s striking parish church – square, flat-faced and topped with whimsical little conical decorations – is known because in a former incarnation it was a mosque, one of the few in the country to have survived t…
Castle in Mértola
Castelo
Above the parish church looms Mértola’s fortified castle, most of which dates from the 13th century. It was built upon Moorish foundations next to an Islamic residence, the alcáçova (citadel), which itself overlaid …
Archaeological Site in Mértola
Alcáçova
This achaeological site contains the ruins of what was once a thriving Islamic neighbourhood. Some 20 dwellings were here, each with a classic Mediterranean layout – a main entry patio, kitchen, storage area, sleepi…
Historic Site in Mértola
Casa Islâmica
Next to the alcáçova (citadel), this interpretation centre is an accurately sized replica of an Islamic residence dating from the 12th century. Key features include an open central patio with a rainwater collection …
Ruins in Mértola
Museu Paleocristão
This museum, north of the old town, features a partly reconstructed line of 6th-century Roman columns and poignant funerary stones, some of which are beautifully carved with birds, hearts and wreaths. It was the sit…
Portuguese in Mértola
Tamuje
This welcoming two-room restaurant serves up excellent traditional plates, all made with care. Grilled pork ribs, fried squid with garlic, fava beans with pork and game meat (wild boar, rabbit venison) are among the…