The village of Alte

The village of Alte is just 2km away from our house.

Alte is a small village, considered by many to be the most typical village in the Algarve, with their whitewashed houses, windows and facades edged with colorful borders, ornate chimneys and pervasive air of tranquility, the streets of Alte’s historic center have retained much of their original charm.

The Village of Alte

Situated right in the middle of the beautiful Caldeirão mountain range, in the center of the Algarve.

Situated north of Albufeira on the N124 , about 25km from the Algarve Coast, the village dates from Roman times and has an Arab past that can be observed in the detail filigree chimneys that adorn the houses.

In the centre of the village you will find the Church dating from the 13th century, the chapel houses some very special hand painted pieces dating from the 16th century. There is also an old water mill which also dates from the 13th century.

There are numerous little cafes, restaurants, to relax at and soak up the tranquility of the village.

Agua Mel Alte Agua Mel Alte

Pastelaria Agua Mel is a cafe to visit. They have lovely views from the back. The orange juice is fantastic, and they have a great variety of pastries and cakes. Plus friendly staff – it is definitely worth a visit!

Try a “Tosta Mista” (sandwich) or “Tosta de Queijo”, they are superb! Made of Portuguese bread, warm, huge and delicious.

Breakfast at Agua Mel Alte Breakfast at Agua Mel Alte

A good restaurant is “A Cataplana”, part of Hotel Alte, peace and quiet, excellent food, stunning views and very friendly, efficient staff.

Restaurant “A Ponte” has the best local food in the region of Alte, fresh fish, great main courses and delicious local desserts.

The focal point of Alte are the two springs. Fonte Pequena and Fonte Grande (Small spring and Big Spring). In the olden days the women of the village gathered at the springs to fill their pitchers and wash the laundry. Today it is a appealing place that invites to a good picnic and to some restful hours.

Alte - Fonte Pequena and Fonte Grande Fonte Grande (Pool)

The village divides today its economy with the power of the Tourist industry, maintaining still its typical look, but already well supplied with services and commerce, restaurants, cafes and handicraft shops, where the best typical products of the region are sold, mark the importance of the regional products such as honey, cheese, pottery and the aguardente de medronho (a kind of strong brandy made of red aggregate drupe, typical of the Algarve).

The Queda do Vigário is a beautiful waterfall formed by the Alte stream, situated south of Alte, forming a wonderful landscape.

The water hurls perpendicularly at 16 meters height, falling in an oval pond, in a place of astonishing natural beauty.

The area had several improvement works that confer an even more pleasant landscape, perfect for leisure moments.

Alte is ideally placed for exploring the towns and villages of the central Algarve with Messines and Silves to the west, Salir and Loulé to the east and Algoz, Boliqueime, Paderne and Albufeira to the south.