Alte combines historic streets and traditional craftsmanship with a landscape of Barrocal and Serra areas. As you explore the village, you can focus on its architecture, history and natural watercourses. There are also different hiking routes to consider: one trail starts and ends in the village, while a section of the Via Algarviana runs from Alte to São Bartolomeu de Messines.
Historic Lanes and Craftsmanship
The historic streets of Alte are characterised by whitewashed houses, painted windows and façades, and intricately decorated chimneys. Traditional paved paths and cobblestones, courtyards, and flower boxes planted with geraniums also contribute to the streetscape. This allows you to appreciate the village at different scales: from the design of the façades to the details along its lanes.
The Igreja Matriz de Nossa Senhora da Assunção (Alte) is also part of the village’s history. It is said to have been founded at the end of the 13th century and dedicated to Nossa Senhora da Assunção by Dona Bona. This cautious account of its history makes the church a distinct historical landmark alongside the visible streetscape.
The Polo Museológico Cândido Guerreiro e Condes de Alte lies among the houses rising up the slope above the Ribeira de Alte, overlooking the Ribeira de Alte. Its location connects views of the watercourse with the village’s hillside setting. Casa da Memória d’Alte gives visitors the opportunity to discover crafts that experienced artisans still practise in Alte today.
Craftsmanship can also be included in a village tour: a recommended tour of Alte may include visits to ceramic and copper artisans. The availability of individual craftspeople may vary. If you are planning to visit Casa da Memória, check the current visiting hours in advance. This lets you choose between a village tour with possible visits to artisans and a visit to a place showcasing the crafts practised in Alte.
Landscape, Water and Local Produce
The landscape around Alte includes both Barrocal and Serra areas and has a typically Mediterranean character. Beside the Fonte Grande de Alte is a spring that flows year-round. The stream that feeds the Cascata Queda do Vigário draws water from the Fonte Grande, passes Fonte Pequena and then reaches the waterfall.
Local produce also offers insight into Alte’s character. This includes medronho fruit brandy, honey and confectionery.
Hiking from Alte
Two route descriptions that give different points of connection to the village are useful for planning. The PR15 LLE “Between the Barrocal and the Mountains” hiking trail starts and ends in the village of Alte. Section 8 of the Via Algarviana, by contrast, runs from Alte to São Bartolomeu de Messines. Check trail conditions before setting out.
Alte offers several specific ways to experience a stay: historic lanes and architectural features, craftsmanship on a village tour or at Casa da Memória, the connection to the Ribeira de Alte, and hiking trails with different starting and finishing points. Which of these you focus on depends on whether you are more interested in local history, craftsmanship or landscape.
Discover more destinations: Querença, Monte Branco, Loulé, Boliqueime, Quarteira, Salir, Benafim, Almancil.
Back to the overarching travel guide: Loulé.
