Altes’ hidden waterfall

Over the years, Alte has become more popular with visitors, as it offers an opportunity to experience the authentic Algarve.

Though set inland, the town offers refreshing alternatives for keeping cool when the temperature is soaring into the 30s. One such spot is Fonte Grande, a riverside area that is fed by a natural spring. Popular with locals, it’s a tranquil setting for picnics, walks and a dip in the water; standing in stark contrast to the crowded beaches packed with sunburnt holidaymakers.

But beyond Fonte Grande, many visitors overlook one of Alte’s hidden gems. Just a short walk away from the town centre and tucked discreetly behind the cemetery, lies a waterfall cascading into a natural pool, making it an idyllic spot to escape the summer heat and reconnect with local nature.

True to its reputation as a “hidden” treasure, the waterfall isn’t the easiest to find. After passing the cemetery, visitors must descend steps, roughly all 173 of them, to reach it. The area remains rustic and largely untouched, yet there’s plenty of space for sunbathing, picnicking, or simply swimming in the cooling waters, which, after all of those steps, you’ll certainly be needing!

The waterfall itself is fairly impressive, plunging nearly 24 metres from a cliff into a crystal-clear pool, which contrasts with the warm red and orange tones of the surrounding rocks, making it not only a practical location to cool off, but also worthy of some good pictures as well. Certainly, on more sunny days, you’ll even be able to spot people leaping from the cliff or basking on the stones, making it the perfect way to enjoy a hot day in the Algarve, minus the usual tourist crowds.

Marina Snyder is a recent Journalism graduate from Newcastle University. She enjoys writing about culture and lifestyle and in her free time loves to travel and explore new places

Marina Snyder