Alte

Travel Guide
Alte
Alte is a pretty village, set deep in the countryside of central Algarve. Away from the touristy coast, Alte is considered to be one of the best-preserved villages in the Algarve, with its whitewashed houses topped with traditional chimneys and quaint cobblestone streets. It is the ideal spot for a relaxing holiday by the village’s springs and waterfalls or as a base for exploring nearby towns and villages like Silves, Messines and Albufeira.

The Church of Alte or Church of Our Lady of the Assumption

Built in the late 13th century as a private chapel, the interior of this church is worthy of mention. Accessed by a doorway designed in the Manueline style, inside you can admire Baroque style statues of St. Sebastian, Our Lady of the Rosary and St. Margaret as well as a lovely Manueline baptismal font. The church is at the centre of the village and there are little cafés in the vicinity where you can sit back, relax and take in the view.

Chapel of St. Louis

This chapel dates to the beginning of the 15th Century and is built in the baroque style, which was popular at the time. The sixth Lord d 'Alte built this Chapel to worship St. Louis, protector of animals, who is prayed to when animals become sick.

Small Fountain

In the past, this small water source was a meeting place for women as they washed clothes. Today this picturesque space is a beautiful park and hosts events for both locals as well as visitors. In this park, the portrait of a famous local poet Francisco Xavier Cândido Guerreiro is captured in beautiful garden tiles, and also displays some of his poems.

Big Fountain

This beautiful natural pool is the source of the River Alte and was converted into a tourist spot in the eighties. It is the ideal place to enjoy a refreshing swim and a picnic, all while breathing in the beautiful scenery.

Fall of Vigário or Alte Cascade

This stunning cascade marks the end of a series of waterfalls, formed by the Alte River. The Municipality of Loulé acquired the land surrounding the Fall of Vigário in 2002, in order to create better access to the fall and create a scenic picnic area, which visitors can use today.

Walking Routes

Alte has plenty of excellent hiking trails. Walk along the scenic pedestrian route of Alte, which leads hikers through the villages of Soidos, Macheira and Santa Margarida. The ‘Via Algarviana’ is a trekking trail that runs through the interior of the Algarve for 240km, starting at Alcoutim and finishing at the Cape St. Vincent, with Alte situated along the way.

Food

Alte, like most Algarvean villages, is famous for its seafood. Some local specialities include monkfish rice, seafood rice, roasted chorizo, beans, pork and cod. For dessert try the almond flavoured ‘toucinho do céu’ and delicious local figs.

Where to stay in Alte

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Fonte Santa

Acordeao Museum is one noteworthy place to stop while you're exploring Fonte Santa and the surrounding area.

Fonte Santa
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5 out of 5
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S$199
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Reviewed on 30 Apr,2024

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AP Eva Senses
AP Eva Senses
4 out of 5
Avenida da Republica, 1, Faro
The price is S$215 per night from 5 May to 6 May
S$215
per night
5 May - 6 May
Stay at this 4-star spa hotel in Faro. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and an outdoor pool. Our guests praise the breakfast and the pool in our reviews. Popular ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (996 reviews)
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Reviewed on 18 Apr,2024

AP Eva Senses
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Tivoli Carvoeiro
5 out of 5
Apartado 1299, Vale Do Covo, Praia do Carvoeiro, Lagoa
The price is S$293 per night from 23 May to 24 May
S$293
per night
23 May - 24 May
Stay at this 5-star luxury hotel in Lagoa. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Our guests praise the breakfast and the pool in our reviews. Popular ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (1,002 reviews)
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Reviewed on 29 Apr,2024

Tivoli Carvoeiro
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
Turial Old Town Ocean View
Turial Old Town Ocean View
3 out of 5
Av. 25 de Abril, Albufeira, Faro
Stay at this 3-star beach aparthotel in Albufeira. Enjoy free WiFi, a children's pool, and onsite parking. Popular attractions Albufeira Old Town Square and ...
7.8/10 Good! (136 reviews)
"Great location to explore Albufeira. Would definitely stay here again."

Reviewed on 17 Apr,2024

Turial Old Town Ocean View
The Patio Suite Hotel
The Patio Suite Hotel
4 out of 5
Urbanização Pinhal do Concelho, Albufeira
Stay at this 4-star golf aparthotel in Albufeira. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and 2 outdoor pools. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the spacious rooms ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (81 reviews)
"What a gem of a place. We wish we discovered this spot earlier in our trip. Big, clean , spacious apartments . The staff are SO lovely and helpful they make everything run smoothly. I highly recommend this spot. Oh and the nearby beaches… out of this world! We hope to return one day."

Reviewed on 20 Mar,2024

The Patio Suite Hotel
NH Marina Portimao Resort
NH Marina Portimao Resort
4 out of 5
Marina Portimao, Portimão
Stay at this 4-star family-friendly aparthotel in Portimão. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Our guests praise the breakfast and the restaurant ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (701 reviews)
"A beautiful property with stunning views of the a castle and towns on cliffs. Their dining area overlooks this view and it's amazing. Buffet breakfast had a good selection. Praia da Rocha is very close and a pleasant walk from the resort. Their big pool is a saltwater pool and we really appreciated ..."

Reviewed on 19 Apr,2024

NH Marina Portimao Resort
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

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