Alte

Alte is often called the most authentic and unspoilt village in the Algarve region of Portugal. Tucked away in the hills of the interior, it retains a charm that has largely disappeared from the coastal resorts.

The village is famous for its natural water features. The springs, known as Fonte Grande and Fonte Pequena, were historically the centers of village life, where women gathered for laundry and clear water. A small, seasonal waterfall, Queda do Vigário, is also nearby.

Alte center is a picturesque network of narrow, cobbled streets lined with whitewashed houses, their architecture distinguished by beautiful, traditional lace chimneys and colorful trim. The village is a quiet retreat that offers a taste of rural Algarve, including local cusine, a small crafts museum honoring the poet Cândido Guerreiro, and hiking trails in the surrounding countryside.