In the Serra do Caldeirão, there is Alte, a Rede Natura 2000 protected area. The river Algibre helps to enhance the idyllic atmosphere of the place.

Fontes de Alte

To find the water, people can go to the Fonte Pequena or Fonte Grande, where the water is the main attraction. With the possibility of refreshing in fresh and crystalline water, Fontes de Alte attract many visitors who want to be away from the beaches.


While crowded, there is a lot of space for bathing, meaning that people have plenty of space to enjoy their day, leaving their towels in a grassy area, perfect for sunbathing. What is now a touristic haven was, in the past, where ladies would wash their clothes, during a time when washing machines were not even in use.

Queda do Vigário

Queda do Vigário, also known as Cascata de Alte, is a 12 metre high waterfall, already considered the most “instagrammable” waterfall in Portugal. In the lagoon, where the water falls, it is possible to take a bath, being the delight of the visitors who go there, especially in the Summer, when the temperatures are higher.

Close to the waterfall, there is a mill that is still preserved, making it a historical artefact in the region. The mill was used to crush the cereals, which would eventually be turned into flour.

Igreja Matriz de Alte

Constructed in the 13th century, the Igreja Matriz de Alte is dedicated to Nossa Senhora da Assunção. The church was constructed after a request by Dona Bona, as a way of thanking her for the return of her husband. Although constructed in the 13th century, the building was already renovated and has blue and white tiles from the 18th century. Currently, inside it has a Manuelino and Barroco style, divided into the three chapels that are inside the church. The Nossa Senhora do Carmo chapel was built under barroco style. Nossa Senhora do Rosário e São Francisco has traces of rococó, and the blue and white tiles may be found on the main chapel, dedicated to São Sebastião.

Aldeia de Portugal

In 2023, Alte was considered an “Aldeia de Portugal”, and is continuously trying to improve its cultural offer, while attracting tourism and a younger population.

An example of that is the activities that happen in the town, like the trick-or-treat, on Halloween. The street art paths along the town are also sought after by the fans of this type of art.

While some traditions accompany the passage of time, Alte maintains one of the oldest traditions in the locality, which is the Carnaval de Alte. In this case, the parade and everything required to celebrate the Carnaval are made by the locals, keeping the traditional moments alive within the town.