Things to do in Alte, Algarve

Areas of interest in and around Alte

Alte Fonte:

The area around the fonte is really pretty, with ducks and geese enjoying the sunshine on the water as it flows gently down the hill.

Perhaps take a picnic and just enjoy the tranquility...it really is that sort of place...a charming, Algarve village. 

Funcho dam (Barragem do Funcho):

The dam is well worth a visit - so peaceful and lovely views. Follow the N124 westwards from Messines for just under 2km and turn right towards Amorosa, Vale Fuzeiros and Barragem do Funcho. Follow the road until a turning on the right signposted to the dam. This road then gently winds up around the hillsides for 7km to give spectacular views of the dam itself and the reservoir.

• Fonte Benémola: In the valley between the village of Querença and Aldeia da Tor a spring joins the Menalva stream. This area is now a protected area with nature trails and is home to a wide variety of birds, otters and some colonies of bats.

• Rocha da Pena:  A large rocky outcrop of the Serro do Caldeirao nearly 500m high, is easily visible on the left hand side on the road from Alte to Salir and is also a protected area. There are remains of Roman and Moorish occupation and also deep caves. The wildlife includes owls and eagles, bats, foxes and mongooses.

Churches in Alte and the surrounding area:

• Alte - Igreja Matriz de Nossa Senhora da Assunção - the original Church was built in 13th century, but has had several modifications since. One of the chapels has tiles made in Seville in the 16th century but the rest of the tiling is from the 18th century.
   
  

• Alte - Chapel of São Luis is at the other end of village -originates from 15th century

• Querença - Igreja Matiz de Nossa Senhora da Assunção is 16th century and still has the manueline doorway. There is also a large stone cross outside.

• Salir - 16th C church of São Sebastião with views over the Serra do Caldeirão. If the Church is open you can see the illuminated Papal Bull signed by Pope Paul III from 1550.

• Benafim - Igreja de Nossa Senhora da Glória

• Sé de Silves (Cathedral of Silves) is next door to the castle and opposite is the 'Igreja da Misericórdia' (Church of  Mercy).
  
  

• Nossa Senhora da Piedade (Loulé): A modern dome shaped building reminiscent of a space ship - can easily be seen on a hill, just to the west of the town, from the A22 motorway.
   
  

• Igreja Matriz (Loulé):The bell tower remains from the Mosque which once occupied the site, it was built in the 12th century and then modified in the 16th century
  
  

Historical remains in the Alte area

• Salir Castle - well the remains or it! It originates from the 12th to 13th centuries. It's ramparts are built of 'taipa' (a mixture of mud, chalk and gravel ) which was typically used during the Almóada period of Moorish building. It is one of few surviving moorish fortifications.

• Silves Castle - There is parking near the castle, but it can get congested so it may be easier to park at the bottom of the road- it is only a short walk from the roundabout near the 'Cross of Portugal'. Entrance is just 1,25€ (October 2007) and you can walk all the way around the walls, getting spectacular views of the town and countryside. There is currently work going on within the castle walls to provide gardens and what looks like a stage area - what a fantastic setting it will be! The castle is open from 9am to 5.30pm, the last entrance time is 5pm. 
  
  

• Loulé Castle: 13th/14th century fortress, of Arab origin, with three towers, a turret and a stretch of ramparts with a walkway along the top.
  
  

• Paderne castle - originates from the 12th century. It can only be viewed from the outside due to archeological excavations inside.
   

Leisure activities in the Alte area

• Off The Wall Galeria: Off the Wall is run by Susan Searle, an enamelling artist. Located in the center of Alte (near to the church), the gallery has ongoing art exhibitions of Susan's collections of enamelled pieces (such as jewellery and mosaics) as well as collections by other artists. Visitors can also purchase gifts, such as jewellery, paintings and sculptures.
  
  Off the Wall,  Rua Nova da Igreja 1-B, 8100-012 Alte
  tel: (+351) 289 478 027
  
  
  

• Krazy World at Algoz: Mini golf, childrens play area, animal petting farm, pool and more.

• Aqualand: Water park near Alcantarilha. Open from 26th May to 12th September (2008) 10.00h to 18.00h  

• Golf: The nearest golf courses are 'Pine Cliffs', 'Balaia'  and Silves

• Zoomarine at Guia: It's open all year round and is a great day out for the family with dolphin and sealion shows, birds of prey demonstrations and tropical birds show. It's both educational and fun. There are places to eat and drink, and also some fun rides like the pirate ship and water flume and pools to cool off in!
  
  Opening hours are 10.00h to 17.00h in the winter (closed Mondays in January and February); 10.00h to 18.00h mid March to end of June and 10.00h to 19.30h during the summer. 

• Municipal swimming pool in Silves:
  Opening hours:
  Monday to Friday - 9am to 9pm
  Saturday - 9am to 7pm.   Closed Sunday and holidays
   
   

• Loulé municipal swimming pools: Tel: 289 417 797
  Opening hours: Monday to Friday -  8am to 8pm, Saturday - 8am to 7pm
  Sunday - 8am to 1pm.

• Cinema: Cinemas at Algarve Shopping, open 12.30h to 22.30h and in the summer 12.30h to 01.00h Tel: 289 560 350