Attractions and Places To See around Alcaria Ruiva - Top 20

Entradas (Portugal): It is a parish (freguesia) located in the municipality of Castro Verde, in the district of Beja in Portugal.

The settlement of Entradas is a historic Portuguese village, seat of the Parish of Entradas, integrated into the Municipality of Castro Verde. ✓Geographic and Demographic IndicatorsArea: 76.23 km². Population: 593 ✓inhabitants (data from the 2021 census). Density: 7.8 inhabitants/km². ✓Localities: Comprises the village of Entradas and the hamlet of Galeguinha. ✓Economy: Based on agriculture, local commerce, and civil construction. ✓Historical Context and HeritageAutonomy: Received a charter from D. Manuel I in 1510 and was the seat of a municipality until 1836. ✓Strategy: Served as a link between the river port of Mértola and the interior of Baixo Alentejo. ✓Culture: Hosts the annual event Entrudanças, celebrating the traditional Entrudo. ✓Nature: Integrated into Campo Branco, it stands out as an essential habitat for protected steppe birds such as the Great Bustard and the Little Bustard.

The Mezquita Mosque, now the Igreja de Nossa Senhora da Assunção Matriz, was built below the castle complex in the mid-12th century as a square building with a minaret. After the Reconquista by Sancho II, King of Portugal, in 1238, the Mezquita of Mértola, then supplemented by a small bell tower on the minaret, retained its original form for almost 300 years. In 1532, the Mezquita was converted into a church in its present form, with striking small battlements and turrets on the roof. The original mosque was never destroyed.

The battlements and cones along the edge of the church's roof are striking, clearly a reminder of the former mosque. The interior of the church is rather plain compared to many others in Portugal. However, the vaulted ceiling is very beautiful.

With a widely recognized hunting history and approximately 90% of its territory designated as a game reserve, Mértola is today undoubtedly the national capital of the art of hunting (Capital da Caça) in Portugal. This beautifully designed monument is dedicated to this art.

You can access Pulo do Lobo from either side of the river: from Aldeia da Amendoeira, on the Mértola-Beja road (left bank), or from Serpa, in the village of Vale de Poços, where you'll find signs indicating exactly where to turn right (right bank). Both paths are well signposted, and both have several viewpoints. The best view of the waterfall, however, is undoubtedly from the viewpoint on the right bank. Further ahead, you'll see Pego dos Sáveis, the spot where the water suddenly calms down again, forming a tranquil lake.

I have already visited the outskirts of Mértola on a hike that I really enjoyed, an area of short bushland, along well-marked trails. Good food and with many historical elements of Islamic culture. Relatively close by, we have the Mina de S. Domingos, where we also had an excellent hike, where you can see the remains of the old mines. We can also visit the village, with many skills from the workers of the old mines. I recommend it.👍🇵🇹

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.