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Altura
ℹ️Practical info — Altura
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🌤 Weather — 5 days
📍 Nearby
Sights nearby
💡 Tips
- Walk the long wooden boardwalks to reach the beach; they protect the sensitive dune ecosystem.
- The water here is shallower and warmer than in the western Algarve, making it convenient for families.
- During low tide, the beach becomes exceptionally wide, excellent for long walks or shell collecting.
- Visit the local market in the morning for the freshest fish caught by local boats.
🍽 Food
Enjoy this specialty in the beachfront restaurants along the promenade.
A traditional seafood stew served in the tavernas in the town center.
A sweet delicacy made from egg yolks and almonds, found in local pastry shops.
🛍 Shopping · 🧘 Quiet spots
A small but excellent market in the center for regional fruit, honey, and crafts.
Look for traditional woven baskets and hats in the local craft shops.
Early morning walks on the boardwalks offer peace and a wonderful view of the ocean.
A short trip to the nearby salt pans gives a quiet, bird-rich natural landscape.
Water temperature…
Altura is a pleasant and peaceful coastal village situated in the eastern part of the Algarve region in Portugal. It features a more relaxed, family-oriented alternative to the bustling and heavily developed tourist hubs further west. The area is characterized by its vast, sweeping stretches of fine, golden sand and remarkably calm, warmer ocean waters, making it a good destination for families with small children and those seeking sheer tranquility away from the crowds. The coastline here is a seamless wonder, featuring beautifully maintained spots like Praia das Primas and the eco-friendly Praia Verdelago. Visitors can also explore the pretty, pine-backed Praia Verde, relax at the highly accessible central Praia da Alagoa, or take long walks along the expansive dunes of Praia da Lota. The boardwalks weaving through the dunes help protect the fragile local ecosystem while providing scenic walking routes. Local restaurants and low-key beach bars serve fantastic and authentic Algarvean cuisine, with a strong focus on fresh grilled fish, flavorful seafood rice (arroz de marisco), and traditional pastries. Altura is highly accessible via the A22 highway, located just a short and easy drive from Faro Airport and very close to the Spanish border.
- Location: Portugal
- Top sights: Praia da Manta Rota · Feira de Vila Nova de Cacela · Praia das Primas
- Nearby: Monte Gordo (4 km)
- Population: ~2.195
Best time to visit & climate
The most pleasant time to visit is Jun, Jul, Sep.
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Avg °C | 13 | 13 | 15 | 16 | 19 | 22 | 24 | 24 | 22 | 20 | 16 | 14 |
| Rain mm | 51 | 53 | 70 | 66 | 37 | 8 | 1 | 3 | 22 | 77 | 94 | 75 |
Live webcam – Altura
See what it looks like near Altura right now.
Altura · 0.4 km · Open webcam on Windy · Webcams provided by Windy.com
Geography
Facts
- Located in the eastern Algarve
- Close to the Spanish border
- Known for exceptionally calm waters
- Warmer sea temperatures than western Algarve
- Backed by pine forests and sand dunes
- Excellent destination for families
- Famous for fresh grilled seafood
- Very close to Monte Gordo and Tavira
Explore nearby
Notable places around
Route planner — Car & Motorhome
Where do you start? We build the route here, with stops and country notes along the way.
© OpenStreetMap contributors · OpenRouteService
We start with a refreshing ocean breeze at Aqualine, preparing for a day of coastal activities and enjoying the morning sun. A short scenic stroll leads us south to the long golden stretch of Praia da Alagoa, offering a perfect spot for a relaxing swim. The journey continues east towards the quieter Praia das Primas and Praia Verdelago, where wooden pathways protect beautiful dunes. We end our walking tour at Praia Verde, famous for its dense pine forest meeting the sea, making it the perfect setting for a sunset drink.
Aqualine
Praia da Alagoa
Praia das Primas
Praia Verdelago
Praia Verde
Morning starts with a stroll toward Aqualine; a sturdy umbrella is essential against the Atlantic breeze. At noon, the covered beach bars at Praia da Alagoa provide a dry spot to watch the grey waves. Afternoon leads us through pine-scented paths to Praia Verde, where waterproof boots help on the muddy trails. Evening ends in Altura’s cozy indoor restaurants, safely away from the drizzle.
Aqualine
Praia da Alagoa
Praia das Primas
Praia Verdelago
Praia Verde
Winter mornings at Aqualine are crisp and clear, perfect for a brisk walk along the shore. At noon, the mild Algarve sun warms the sands of Praia da Alagoa for a peaceful stroll. With sunset around 17:00, we aim to reach Praia Verde early to catch the golden light. Evening is spent in a heated Altura restaurant, enjoying the quiet off-season charm.
Aqualine
Praia da Alagoa
Praia das Primas
Praia Verdelago
Praia Verde
Our cycling adventure kicks off inland at the lively Feira de Vila Nova de Cacela market to experience local traditions and flavors. Riding down to the coast, we arrive at Manta Rota to enjoy its vast, warm waters before continuing to the traditional Praia da Lota. Pedaling along the scenic pathways, we pass the tranquil Praia das Primas and reach the vibrant center of Praia da Alagoa for ice cream. We conclude our coastal ride at Praia Verde, exchanging our bikes for a relaxing walk through the cooling pine forest as the sun sets.
Feira de Vila Nova de Cacela
Praia da Manta Rota
Praia da Lota
Praia das Primas
Praia da Alagoa
Praia Verde
Morning bike ride to Feira de Cacela requires caution as the wet asphalt can be slippery. At noon, we find shelter at Manta Rota beach, where bike racks are often covered. Afternoon is spent cycling on paved roads toward Praia Verde to avoid muddy shortcuts. Evening ends by parking the bikes and warming up in one of Altura’s friendly, dry indoor bars.
Feira de Vila Nova de Cacela
Praia da Manta Rota
Praia da Lota
Praia das Primas
Praia da Alagoa
Praia Verde
Morning cycling through the cool, crisp air to Feira de Cacela is refreshing; wearing gloves is highly recommended. At noon, we enjoy the warming sun at Manta Rota beach on deserted bike paths. Since light fades after 16:30, we plan our return from Praia Verde in good time. Evening ends with a glass of wine in one of Altura’s heated, cozy bistros.
Feira de Vila Nova de Cacela
Praia da Manta Rota
Praia da Lota
Praia das Primas
Praia da Alagoa
Praia Verde
We dive into local culture at the vibrant Feira de Vila Nova de Cacela market, browsing authentic crafts before hitting the road. A short drive brings us straight to the incredibly popular Praia da Manta Rota and the culturally rich sands of nearby Praia da Lota. Heading slightly inland, we check out the exciting water activities at Aqualine before visiting the central hub of Praia da Alagoa. Our road trip finishes at Praia Verde, where convenient parking allows us to easily transition from the car to a stunning oceanfront dinner.
Feira de Vila Nova de Cacela
Praia da Manta Rota
Praia da Lota
Praia da Alagoa
Aqualine
Praia Verde
Morning visit to Feira de Cacela is comfortable by car, allowing us to stay dry between rain showers. At noon, we head to Manta Rota, where close parking lets us watch the dramatic weather from the vehicle. Afternoon includes stops at Aqualine and Praia Verde, using the car as a perfect shelter. Evening ends by parking in central Altura for a cozy dinner in a dry, indoor setting.
Feira de Vila Nova de Cacela
Praia da Manta Rota
Praia da Lota
Praia da Alagoa
Aqualine
Praia Verde
Morning drive to Feira de Cacela is made pleasant by the car's heater during the crisp start. At noon, we head to Manta Rota to enjoy the mild winter sun on the deserted beach. With sunset around 17:00, we reach Praia Verde in the afternoon for the best panoramic views. Evening finds us back in Altura, conveniently parking right in front of our dinner spot.
Feira de Vila Nova de Cacela
Praia da Manta Rota
Praia da Lota
Praia da Alagoa
Aqualine
Praia Verde
Sights in the town Altura (4)
Frequently asked questions
Altura: where is it located?
Altura: what is there to see?
Altura: when is the best time to visit?
Altura: why is it worth visiting?
Nearby cities
History & landmarks
