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
Vila Vita Parc
Vila Vita Parc
5 out of 5
Rua Anneliese Pohl, Alporchinhos, Porches, Lagoa, Algarve
The price is P17,463 per night from 17 Feb to 18 Feb
P17,463
P18,632 total
includes taxes & fees
Feb 17 - Feb 18
Stay at this 5-star luxury hotel in Lagoa. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the property condition ...
9.8/10 Exceptional! (593 reviews)
"An amazing property - the only way I can describe it that it was all encompassing experience! The staff, service, surroundings and food come together to provide a truly 5 star stay!"

Reviewed on Feb 12, 2025

Vila Vita Parc
AP Eva Senses
AP Eva Senses
4 out of 5
Avenida da Republica, 1, Faro
The price is P6,037 per night from 24 Feb to 25 Feb
P6,037
P6,764 total
includes taxes & fees
Feb 24 - Feb 25
Stay at this 4-star family-friendly hotel in Faro. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and an outdoor pool. Our guests praise the breakfast and the bar in our reviews. ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (1,004 reviews)
"Ask for a room on floors 1,2 or 3 to avoid noise from floor 5 bar"

Reviewed on Feb 9, 2025

AP Eva Senses
Tivoli Carvoeiro
Tivoli Carvoeiro
5 out of 5
Apartado 1299, Vale Do Covo, Praia do Carvoeiro, Lagoa
The price is P7,764 per night from 24 Feb to 25 Feb
P7,764
P8,351 total
includes taxes & fees
Feb 24 - Feb 25
Stay at this 5-star luxury hotel in Lagoa. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Our guests praise the breakfast and the bar in our reviews. Popular ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (1,000 reviews)
"Amazing hotel! Outstanding service. Over delivered in every possible way! Shout out to Jorge! Thank you for your wonderful service. See you next year."

Reviewed on Feb 6, 2025

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.
Cerro Mar Atlantico & Cerro Mar Garden
Cerro Mar Atlantico & Cerro Mar Garden
4 out of 5
Cerro do Malpique, Albufeira
Stay at this 4-star spa aparthotel in Albufeira. Enjoy free WiFi, 4 outdoor pools, and a full-service spa. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (407 reviews)
"Great location, very spacious rooms, great amenities within property"

Reviewed on Feb 4, 2025

Cerro Mar Atlantico & Cerro Mar Garden
Quinta das Figueirinhas & Quintinha Village
Quinta das Figueirinhas & Quintinha Village
3 out of 5
Alporchinhos, Porches, Lagoa
Stay at this 3-star golf aparthotel in Lagoa. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and 4 outdoor pools. Popular attractions Benagil Beach and Trilhos do Algarve are ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (278 reviews)
"Very nice property. Clean and well kept. Housekeepers and maintenance people were friendly. Will come back if we come to the Algarve again."

Reviewed on Oct 15, 2024

Quinta das Figueirinhas & Quintinha Village
Alfagar Village
Alfagar Village
3 out of 5
Santa Eulalia, Albufeira
Stay at this 3-star beach aparthotel in Albufeira. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and 3 outdoor pools. Popular attractions Albufeira Old Town Square and Falesia ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (566 reviews)
"I liked that it was quietand the viw was really good. It was clean, I think ir needs a little TLC. Mind that there ia no elevator in the appartments. We ate at the cafereria and food was okay, a little pricey for the quality."

Reviewed on Dec 6, 2024

Alfagar Village
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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