Through the unknown Algarve and Alentejo countryside

This small itinerary will take you to the Algarve and Alentejo inland.

Our itinerary begins in Faro, the central city of the Algarve where the international airport is located. We will drive in the direction of Spain, and when we arrive at Castro Marim, on the banks of the Guadiana River, we will follow the direction to Alcoutim. The road that links Castro Marim to Alcoutim (the IC27) is in excellent condition and, as is normal in the Algarve interior, has little traffic.

Alcoutim

Alcoutim is a riverside village where we can visit the excellent river beach near the banks of the Guadiana River in the summer.

We can also visit the ruins of the small Castle, take the views of the Spanish village of Sanlúcar and cross the border in the first cross-border zip-line of the World in just 50 seconds. The ticket includes the boat crossing between the shores and in Sánlucar you will be directed to the launch platform that is at 100 meters. Then just enjoy the ride over the river and the boats that are anchored. The reservation to this cross can be made at the address www.limitezero.com.

Do not forget to enjoy the magnificent dishes of the Algarve cuisine in this small village and enjoy a late afternoon, sitting on the banks of the river.

After visiting Alcoutim continue along the same road and will reach Alentejo and the small village of Mértola.

Mértola

Mértola is on the Guadiana River banks, ending here the actual navigable part of this river. The Castle, with its impressive look, allows us to observe the very irregular geography of this zone. Visit the castle and walk through its walls. In this Alentejo village, there are also very good suggestions to taste the specialities of this corner of Alentejo. Migas, gazpachos, wild pig, black pork, cheeses and all other specialities are not lacking on the menus of the various restaurants in the village.

In Mértola you can also dive on the Guadiana River in a very quiet area formed by the old water mills and now recovered as a leisure and picnic park. However, it is an unguarded area.

Mina de São Domingos

A few miles from Mértola, on the N265 you will find the small village of Mina de São Domingos with its lake beach. When you arrive you may think you are suffering from sunstroke and see a mirage. It’s not even real. The Mina de São Domingos beach has entertainment, sand, water sports, a beach bar, shadows and lots of water. This is a place to enjoy as much as you can.

This village is also an open-air museum. Explore the old Mine and visit the Museum and Mineiro house in the morning or late afternoon. You can begin your visit by walking near the contaminated waters lagoon resulting from the exploitation of metals. The remaining route must be made by car or mountain bike since the dimension is a few miles. The route accompanies the one that was the first private train line in Portugal which linked the old mine to Pomarão (on the navigable margins of the Guadiana River). The whole area of ​​the mine and the route that follows the old line is devoid of vegetation and the ruins of the old factories that treat the extracted products from the mine are also visible.

For an overnight stay, we suggest two options. The Alentejo Star Hotel is in the Mina de São Domingos village and the Cantar do Grilo 15-minute drive in the direction of Serpa. Alentejo Star Hotel has a private star observatory and swimming pool. The Cantar do Grilo offers the immensity of the Alentejo landscapes in a four-bedroom property and swimming pool.

Serpa

Thirty minutes from the Mina de São Domingos, Serpa is the ending of our journey.

Its historic centre is protected by old walls that defended the city in the past. Serpa should be visited in the morning or at the end of the day because the heat during the spring or summer can make the visit less enjoyable. It is also a place with excellent options for lunch and dinner. Enjoy the various options that allow you to taste the typical Alentejo food and wine, taste the famous Serpa cheese and on summer evenings enjoy the esplanades .

To return from your journey you can always go back to the same road or to Spain. In Spain take a quick trip to Aracena and visit the famous Gruta de las Maravillas Wonders Cave. Then, descend toward Huelva and then return to Algarve.

Popular hotels in Serpa

In Serpa there are several villages or small hotels for your stay. In Booking are some recommendations.