Wolf's Leap

Category: Nature > Waterfall

District: Beja > Serpa > Serpa > Salvador e Santa Maria

Location

Pulo do Lobo is located on the Guadiana River, forming part of the Guadiana Valley Natural Park. This site of great natural beauty is situated on the left bank of the river, belonging to the municipality of Serpa, near the town. It is a point where the river marks the border between this municipality and Mértola, revealing a characteristic landscape of the Lower Alentejo.

The Force of the Guadiana

This location stands out for an impressive waterfall, where the Guadiana River plunges about fifteen to twenty meters over a narrow gorge. The force of the water has shaped the landscape over millions of years, creating a dramatic natural setting. It is one of the most striking stretches of the Guadiana, a point where the river manifests its power before continuing its course further south.

Geology and Landscape

The surroundings of Pulo do Lobo are marked by high rocky escarpments that confine the river. Downstream from the fall, the Guadiana flows through a narrower and rocky bed, sometimes referred to as a "corredoura" (channel/passage). In the rocky bed, rounded cavities of different sizes are visible, known as "giant's kettles" (marmitas de gigante), formed by the erosive action of water and swirling stones.

Nature and Wildlife

The rocky environment and Mediterranean scrubland surrounding Pulo do Lobo constitute a valuable habitat for various species. The cliffs serve as a refuge for rupicolous birds, such as the black stork, the Eurasian eagle-owl, or the golden eagle. Typical vegetation includes wild olive trees, mastic trees, myrtles, rockrose, and aromatic plants like rosemary and thyme. The area is frequented by diverse fauna, being an important territory for species such as the Iberian lynx.

The Origin of the Name and the Legend

The name "Pulo do Lobo" (Wolf's Leap) derives from the most notable feature of the site: the narrow gorge carved by the river. Popular tradition suggests that the reduced width would allow an agile animal, such as a wolf, to leap from one bank to the other. There is a legend associated with this place that tells the story of a forbidden love between a peasant and a princess, a spell that transforms the boy into a wolf, and the tragic pursuit that culminates in both falling into the turbulent waters of the gorge.

Facilitating the Visit

For those wishing to visit Pulo do Lobo and appreciate its beauty, pedestrian paths, namely wooden walkways, have been installed. These structures facilitate access to the riverbank and allow visitors to enjoy the landscape from different perspectives, making the descent more accessible. The walkways include resting points and information panels about the natural and geological richness of the area. It is essential to exercise caution when exploring the site, staying on marked paths due to the unevenness of the terrain.

License: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/deed.pt