The Best Things to do in Alte, the Algarve

Last Updated on 4th June 2024 by Charlotte Nadeau

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Perched high in the hills above the glittering sea of the Algarve coastline, Alte is a picturesque village where you can discover a traditional Algarve far away from the tourist crowds and large resorts. Here’s your guide to the best things to do in Alte, as well as what to know before you go.

Introducing Alte, a traditional Algarve village

This peaceful village has a population of just under 2000 residents and is located in the municipality of Loulé in the district of Faro. Close villages of note include Salir and Querença and everywhere in the surrounding area is known for its authentic feel and unspoilt beauty.

Nestled between the fertile Barrocal and the hilly area of Serra do Caldeirão, the main waterway in the area is Ribeira de Alte creek.

The town is best-known for its two natural springs (Fonte Pequena and Fonte Grande), its many cobbled lanes, and its whitewashed houses which are complete with terracotta rooftops.

Over the centuries, the main source of industry for the residents of the surrounding countryside was farming, though traditional crafts was also a common occupation. Still today you can find people who make a living from Esparto grass crafts, and who make things like baskets, cables, bags, etc.

One of the most famous residents to hail from Alte is José Vieira. He moved to Lisbon to work but returned later in life to Alte where he co-founded the Academia de Amadores da Música Altense and the Grupo Folclórica de Alte.

When to visit Alte

As most of the attractions of note in Alte are outdoors, the best time to go is undoubtedly during the summer months when the weather is warm, the skies are blue, and you can enjoy nature without worrying too much about any chance of rain.

Since Alte is at a higher elevation than many places in the surrounding area, many residents of towns closer to the Algarve coastline opt to visit the Portuguese settlement during the summer months as a way of escaping the intense summer sun.

Things to do in Alte

Wander around the town

Truth be told, one of the greatest ways to soak up the ambiance is simply to stroll around the town and allow the cobbled lanes and winding side streets to reveal themselves to you. You won’t need more than a couple of hours to explore, but it will certainly give you a feel for rural Portuguese life.

Fonte Pequena

As I mentioned, there are two springs in Alte. The Fonte Pequena (small spring) is located close to the town and, in the decades gone by, this is where the women of the village would have headed to in order to socialise and fill their pitchers with water.

Fonte Grande de Alte

The other spring is Alte is larger and is situated further out of town, though it is more than worth visiting thanks to its crystal clear waters and sheer beauty.

The large spring is on the same street as the small spring and is popular for swimming during the warmer months, especially thanks to trees either side which provide ample shade, even on the sunniest of days.

While the shallowest part of the water here is just ankle deep, it can be as much as 2 metres in some places, meaning that those who wish to bathe in the waters should do so with caution. In the summer, there’s also a snack bar at Fonte Grande selling small bites and drinks.

 Igreja de Nossa Senhora da Assunção

Also known as the Church of Our Lady of the Assumption or the Mother church of Alte, the main church of Alte is situated in the heart of the historic town and dates back to the 13th-century and is best-known for its beautiful blue azulejo tiles which feature angels playing musical instruments.

Polo Museologico – Cândido Guerreiro and Condes de Alte

There is a single museum in town and it can be found just a short distance away from the church. Free to visit, the museum is open from Monday through to Friday and details the life and works of Alte’s most famous resident, Cândido Guerreiro.

Shop for local wares

There are a few stores in the village selling handcrafted wares, including ceramics and grass woven crafts. Some of the more interesting shops include Fudge & More (for local produce) and Ceramica d’Alte for local ceramics and pottery.

Fonte Benémola

Fonte Benémola is a protected area of natural beauty that is now a classified site and covers 392 hectares. The site lies between the parishes of Tór and Querença and features the Menalva stream, a unique waterway in that it remains flowing at 60%, even during the summer months.

This has led to an increased biodiversity in the area. Visit today and you can expect to find an abundance of ash, willow, tamarisk, and cane plantations. The year-round lush fauna also means that there Fonte Benémola is a great spot to go bird watching and see herons, titmice, bee-eaters, and kingfishers.

Alte Waterfall

Known in Portuguese as Cascata Queda do Vigário, the Alte waterfall is actually one of the only waterfalls along the Algarve. This wonder of nature is 24 metres tall and is surrounded by fig trees.

However, visitors should note that in some intense heatwaves, the waterfall actually dries up completely! Despite this, the area surrounding the falls is particularly popular for BBQs and picnics in the summer.

Getting to Alte

Truth be told, the easiest way to get to Alte and get around the smaller village of the Algarve in general, is to rent a car. Check car rental comparison prices here. If you want to see the inner Algarve countryside but don’t want to go through the fuss of renting a car, you can book a guided tour like this one.

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