A landscape which is out of the ordinary. A little-known fluvial beach. Rural and traditional gastronomy. A forgotten place, distant from the urban bustle. Hours and yet more hours of sun throughout the year. Various stretches of invitingly warm water to take a swim or go out in a canoe.

ccommodation for all tastes. Thus is defined a holiday destination currently being structured... in time, this will be an incontroversial destination in the region of the Lower Alentejo and Northeastern Algarve.
A few kilometres from Mértola are situated, close to the border with Spain, the old Mines of São Domingos, a place where, for around 100 years, millions of tons of minerals were extracted.
The mines were exploited initially by the Romans. They were re-discovered in the middle of the XIX century and functioned until the mid-XX century, under concession to an English company. To stress the importance of the mines, James Mason, one of the partners in the business, received titles of the nobility from
Dom Luís and Dom Carlos, namely those of Baron of Pomarão, Viscount of Mason of São Domingos and Count of Pomarão.

There exist various habitational nucleii, which result from the habitations constructed for the workers and their families, who came from the Alentejo and the Algarve to work in the mines. There still exists a nucleus of more spacious houses and even a cemetery, for the English managers. Today these properties are mainly holiday homes and the permanent residences of the local population.

In the last four years, the efforts of requalification of the restructuring and hotel construction, as well as the creation of interpretative signposting is evident.
The people of this land still cultivate the "knowledge of receiving", one of the attractions of this region.

Suggested visits:

- Pulo do Lobo

This location gained some exposure when Prof. Cavaco Silva decided to spend some time there, which catapulted the "Pulo do Lobo" into the public awareness.
The landscape, the plentiful water and the exposed geology of the margins guarantee an umnissable visit.

- Mines

Departing from the football field, passing through the old entrance to the mine, we access a lagoon of dark waters, with textures impossible to describe; following the road of hammered earth, where previously was constructed the first
Portuguese railway line, from the mines to the port of Pomarão, we go through kilometres of earth variously coloured ochre, black and yellow, amongst others. In certain places, it feels like a science-fiction film, such are the palette of colours and the buildings which formed part of the mine.

- Pomarão

Here, where the Guadiana River appears to rest, we can once again enjoy the hospitality of the people and the opportunity to admire the uneven and serene landscape. A litte croft in the middle of a steep and solemn escarpment. Here, time moves slowly.

source: regiao sul