Alte Circular
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This circular route starts alongside Alte's popular natural springs (the 'fontes de Alte'). Stroll along the shady cobbled promenade, passing the delightful Fonte Pequena (little spring) and Fonte Grande (big spring). Here there are cafes and an opportunity to take a dip in the water (seasonal).
Leave the village on the Via Algarviana – a 300-km waymarked trail across the region – to discover the delights of the barracol, with its dry orchards of almond, carob and fig trees and old drystone walls.
Leaving the waymarked trail, climb steadily to the hamlet of Soldos de Baixo, where you will be rewarded with far-reaching views of the surrounding hills and the distant coastal strip. The best is yet to come, however, for after more climbing this scenic route joins a high-level ridgeway overlooking the Serra do Caldeirão. Pause here to enjoy one of the prettiest inland landscapes in Central Algarve.
The return route passes through Santa Margarida, where a cobbled path leads to the old fonte with the adjacent communal washroom.
Rejoin the Via Algarviana to return to Alte and its labyrinth of narrow cobbled streets. Just before reaching the village, look at the hillside opposite to see the huge Portuguese flag painted on the rock.
Near the end of the walk, there is an optional detour to Vigário Falls, a 24-metre-high waterfall with a lagoon below. In this popular beauty spot, you will find picnic tables and a large grassy area.
As you return to the car park, pass the Pólo de Museológico in Alte, a small cultural centre with free entry (open Monday to Friday, 9am-6pm).
Portugal - South Portugal - Central Algarve - Loulé
Features
Birds, Butterflies, Cafe, Church, Flowers, Food Shop, Great Views, Hills or Fells, Museum, Nature Trail, Restaurant, Toilets, Waterfall