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

Default Image

Fonte Santa

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

Fonte Santa
RR Hotel da Rocha
RR Hotel da Rocha
4 out of 5
Ave Tomas Cabreira, Praia da Rocha, Portimão
The price is P4,799 per night from 1 Apr to 2 Apr
P4,799
P5,335 total
includes taxes & fees
Apr 1 - Apr 2
Stay at this 4-star beach hotel in Portimão. Enjoy free WiFi, a beach locale, and room service. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful staff in our ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (1,001 reviews)
"Great location. Quite modern and clean. No fuss helpful staff. Hotel parking is extra."

Reviewed on Mar 17, 2025

RR Hotel da Rocha
Tivoli Carvoeiro
Tivoli Carvoeiro
5 out of 5
Apartado 1299, Vale Do Covo, Praia do Carvoeiro, Lagoa
The price is P10,002 per night from 25 Mar to 26 Mar
P10,002
P10,726 total
includes taxes & fees
Mar 25 - Mar 26
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! (1,004 reviews)
"Great hotel - some problems with rooms leaking in water due to bad weather Staff friendly"

Reviewed on Mar 21, 2025

Tivoli Carvoeiro
Vila Vita Parc
Vila Vita Parc
5 out of 5
Rua Anneliese Pohl, Alporchinhos, Porches, Lagoa, Algarve
The price is P17,848 per night from 25 Mar to 26 Mar
P17,848
P19,043 total
includes taxes & fees
Mar 25 - Mar 26
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! (602 reviews)
"Beautiful property. Would be nice if the security at the gate and the maid service spoke better English like the rest of the staff. Several miscommunications. restaurants are all delicious but book up and we did not get to try them all."

Reviewed on Mar 23, 2025

Vila Vita Parc
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.
Vitors Village
Vitors Village
4 out of 5
Rua Infante D. Henrique, Lt. 79, Fr. B, Ferragudo, Lagoa, Faro
Stay at this 4-star golf aparthotel in Lagoa. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and 2 outdoor pools. Popular attractions Rocha Beach and Carvoeiro Beach are located ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (490 reviews)
Good valaue for money
"Great location close to everything. I only stayed one night but enjoyed the stay. The apartment was quiet, spacious and comfortable, the kitchen was a bit basic with no other amenities than a kettle and some cups. The restaurant was great with lovely food and very nice staff. Overall, great value ..."

Reviewed on Nov 20, 2024

Vitors Village
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! (414 reviews)
"Staff were very friendly and helpfull."

Reviewed on Mar 16, 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 Senhora da Rocha Beach and Marinha Beach ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (279 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
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.

Popular places to visit

Things to do