Pulo do Lobo
Mértola, Portugal
The Guadiana squeezes through a narrow rock gorge in a series of cascades, the “Wolf’s Leap”. It is reached by long gravel roads from the Serpa or Mértola side; in dry summers the flow is modest.
The Pulo do Lobo lies in the Parque Natural do Vale do Guadiana, north of Mértola. Here the Guadiana squeezes through a very narrow rock gorge and drops more than 20 m into a lake enclosed by rock. The name ("Wolf's Leap") comes from a legend that only a courageous person or a hunted wild animal could jump across the gorge. Spring is named as a lovely time to visit.
For the easier approach, drive from Mértola towards Beja as far as Amendoeira da Serra and follow the signs to the Herdade do Pulo do Lobo; from there it is about 1 km along a dirt track, and heavy vehicles are not allowed. The east side, from Serpa, is more demanding and crosses a rocky riverbed. Boardwalks planned on the east side were reported as partly closed by visitors in 2023–2025 (as of October 2026, unconfirmed), so check the state of the paths beforehand.
- Nearest town
- Mértola, Portugal
- Category
- Nature & parks
- GPS
- 37.8034, -7.6335
Hours, fees and access change. Confirm with the operator or park before you go.
Good to know
Best time to go
The most pleasant months are usually March–May and September–November. Still fine, with some compromises, in June and December–February. (Estimate from long-term temperature averages, terrain and pass seasons)
Getting there
- Portugal: Electronic tolls by number plate. Some motorways only have electronic tolls; register your plate or rent a transponder. Motorway limit for cars: 120 km/h.
Sources
Featured in these trip guides
Nearby
Campsites nearby
- Parque Campismo Municipal de SerpaCampsite16 km from Pulo do LoboTentsCaravansElectricityDrinking waterShowersToiletsWaste disposalWi-Fi
- Área de Serviço para Autocaravanas - Mina de São DomingosMotorhome stopover18 km from Pulo do LoboMotorhomesElectricity
- Motorhome stopover · MértolaMotorhome stopover19 km from Pulo do LoboMotorhomes
All campsites in Portugal · Campsite data: © OpenStreetMap contributors, ODbL 1.0 · Updated October 3, 2026
FAQs
Where is Pulo do Lobo?
Pulo do Lobo is in Mértola, Portugal, at GPS 37.8034, -7.6335. It is about 16 km from Serpa.
Can you camp near Pulo do Lobo?
Yes. The nearest campsite listed in OpenStreetMap is Parque Campismo Municipal de Serpa, about 16 km away; within 25 km there are 3 campsites and motorhome stopovers.
Which road trips pass Pulo do Lobo?
Pulo do Lobo is a stop on these CampingSpirit trip guides: Down the Guadiana: Beja to Castro Marim.
What is there to see near Pulo do Lobo?
Places worth a stop nearby: Mina de São Domingos (19 km), Castro Marim Castle (67 km), Cacela Velha (72 km) and Monsaraz (75 km).
When is the best time to visit Pulo do Lobo?
The most pleasant months are usually March–May and September–November. Still fine, with some compromises, in June and December–February. (Estimate from long-term temperature averages, terrain and pass seasons)