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
Tivoli Carvoeiro

Tivoli Carvoeiro

5 out of 5
Apartado 1299, Vale Do Covo, Praia do Carvoeiro, Lagoa
The price is P22,798 per night from Aug 19 to Aug 20
P22,798
P24,435 total
Aug 19 - Aug 20
includes taxes & fees
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! (1,001 reviews)
"Beautiful view to the property. Room smelled a bit. Staff not as welcoming although we had one issue that upset me an they worked on rectifying it quickly. Do not expect a hi and good afternoon/morning when you enter or exit the property. Somehow not very warm."

Reviewed on Aug 1, 2025

Tivoli Carvoeiro
Hotel 3K Faro Aeroporto

Hotel 3K Faro Aeroporto

3 out of 5
Caixa Postal 409-A, Estrada Nacional 125-10, Faro
The price is P10,426 per night from Aug 5 to Aug 6
P10,426
P11,321 total
Aug 5 - Aug 6
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 3-star hotel in Faro. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast (surcharge), and room service. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms in our reviews. ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (1,000 reviews)
"Ve"

Reviewed on Jul 18, 2025

Hotel 3K Faro Aeroporto
AP Eva Senses

AP Eva Senses

4 out of 5
Avenida da Republica, 1, Faro
The price is P14,308 per night from Aug 17 to Aug 18
P14,308
P15,369 total
Aug 17 - Aug 18
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4-star business-friendly hotel in Faro. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and an outdoor pool. Our guests praise the breakfast and the bar in our ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (1,004 reviews)
"Fantastic hotel. Brilliant breakfast Lovely rooms. I would’ve scored it higher, but the pool area lets it down. Broken sunbeds, very tired area. Like I said the breakfast was brilliant, but we had an evening meal in the restaurant and it was poor! Definitely not worth the €25 per head"

Reviewed on Jul 29, 2025

AP Eva Senses
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.
Clube Albufeira Garden Village

Clube Albufeira Garden Village

4 out of 5
Estrada de Ferreiras-Alpouvar, Albufeira
Stay at this 4-star aparthotel in Albufeira. Enjoy free parking, 4 outdoor pools, and 2 restaurants. Popular attractions Albufeira Old Town Square and Albufeira ...
8/10 Very Good! (209 reviews)
"Really enjoyed my visit, lovely place and lovely people!"

Reviewed on May 21, 2025

Clube Albufeira Garden Village
Mirachoro Portimao

Mirachoro Portimao

3 out of 5
Rua João Simões Tavares Lote 58, Portimão
Stay at this 3-star aparthotel in Portimão. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a 24-hour front desk. Popular attractions Rocha Beach and Alvor Beach are located ...
8.2/10 Very Good! (128 reviews)
"Love the pool bar and the room was clean but a little dated but the price was amazing for the room! 10/10 recommend."

Reviewed on Jul 21, 2025

Mirachoro Portimao
Balaia Golf Village Resort

Balaia Golf Village Resort

4 out of 5
Sitio da Balaia, Apartado 917, Albufeira
Stay at this 4-star spa aparthotel in Albufeira. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and 6 outdoor pools. Popular attractions Albufeira Old Town Square and Falesia ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (712 reviews)
"Very good place to stay with everything nearby"

Reviewed on Jun 22, 2025

Balaia Golf Village 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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