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Alte is one of the most picturesque and best-preserved villages in the Serra do Caldeirão mountains. Surrounded by green hills far from the busy coast, it charms visitors with white houses and carved chimneys, narrow cobbled lanes and cool natural springs.
1. Church of the Assumption of Our Lady (Igreja Matriz de Alte)
The village's main historical and architectural landmark, founded as early as the 13th century. Inside you can see a magnificent altar, classic Portuguese azulejos (painted tiles) and old wood carving. Walking routes and strolls through the old village traditionally start here.
2. The Small and Large Springs (Fonte Pequena and Fonte Grande)
Cosy natural oases that form a single scenic complex. At the Small Spring, shaded by old trees and with a seating area, lines from a poem by the local poet Cândido Guerreiro are carved into the wall: whoever drinks the water of the Alte spring will surely return. A little further on is the Large Spring. These are the village's main attractions, ideal for unhurried walks at any time of year.
3. Queda do Vigário waterfall
Only 10–15 minutes' walk from the village centre, a scenic 24-metre waterfall is hidden away. Water runs down a limestone ledge into a natural pool of clear water surrounded by greenery. The best time to visit is spring or the season after rain, when the waterfall is at its fullest.
4. Museum Centre of Cândido Guerreiro and the Counts of Alte (Pólo Museológico)
The village's local history centre, devoted to the poet Cândido Guerreiro and the history of Alte. It presents the heritage of traditional crafts, everyday rural objects and archive materials that tell the story of the culture of the inland Algarve.
5. The historic centre and street gallery
A walk along Alte's narrow lanes is an adventure in itself. Look out for the carved white chimneys (chaminés), the cosy courtyards and the wall panels showing traditional village life and crafts.
Where to have dinner
We recommend a typical local place: the restaurant-bar O Folclore.
- Address: Av. 25 de Abril 1a, 8100-012 Alte
- Cuisine: traditional Portuguese, with an emphasis on meat dishes
This characterful restaurant in the heart of Alte specialises in meat dishes and is known for the region's hearty home cooking. The atmosphere is welcoming, and the chef is always ready to offer guests the day's specials.
What to try:
- Skewers of different meats: juicy, fragrant portions served on skewers.
- Wild boar stew (javali): a rich, traditional game dish that reflects the cooking of the inland Algarve.
- Suckling pig (leitão): a Portuguese classic with tender meat and crisp crackling.
Play the Alte quest
To make getting to know the village even more fun, play our original quest in Alte. In the form of a game, you will meet local legends, solve the secrets of hidden corners and dive into the history of the region. This format turns an ordinary walk into a real adventure that brings great moments to visitors and Algarve residents alike.
If you like, you can turn it into a competition on time and points to find the true "Alte expert" among your friends or family. The game suits travellers of all ages, including children.
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