Holidays to Altura

A quiet, low-key resort in the Algarve, there are plenty of things to do in Altura that make it the ideal place to unwind on holiday. If you’re looking for a spot of rest and relaxation, the quiet beach between Praia Verde and Praia da Lota is the perfect place to be. With beachside restaurants serving up a variety of delicious fare as well as many outlets boasting a myriad of water sports, this is definitely a place you’ll want to set aside the entire day for. Bathe in the warm, shallow waters, laze at the beachside with a cocktail or embark on everything from jet-skiing to water surfing at this enchanting hotspot.

Altura’s perfect positioning means you can enjoy all the pleasures of a typical Algarve getaway with only half the fuss. The pristine Altura beach easily matches anything offered by Faro or elsewhere, with the added advantage of being much less crowded than its more famous counterparts. Take to the seas on a Jet Ski or speedboat, or simply cool off with your feet in the tranquil Atlantic waters.

Dining out in Altura is a much more traditional experience than many other places in the Algarve – quality Portuguese restaurants are in abundance here. Check out the many delicious seafood dishes on offer, all based on locally sourced fish and other produce. If you’d rather look after your own culinary needs, then a market is held in town daily where you can purchase seafood and other goodies straight from the source.

Altura attractions are complimented by and include a top variety of rich cuisine, with traditional Portuguese and Mediterranean dishes featuring highly on the menu. Nestled in this sleepy resort, you’ll find some great places to eat – whether you’re craving delicious spaghetti carbonara or freshly-made pizza. For simple, tasty food and a friendly atmosphere, head to Sol e Mar – despite its shabby exterior, this boutique restaurant is a favourite among locals. While for fresh seafood and sea views, pay a visit to Restaurante des Mares, famous for its beachside location and mouth-watering fresh crab.

Despite its quiet façade, there are still some things to do in Altura when the sun sets. Settle in for the evening at one of Altura’s stylish restaurants, lingering over drinks in this sleepy resort. However, if you’re looking for lively nightlife, head to nearby Monte Gordo. Without the raucous nature of some of Portgugal’s resorts, this old fishing town is a relaxed spot to spend the evening. With everything from nightclubs to folk evenings, there is something for everyone – while if you’re looking to try your hand with Lady Luck, you’ll enjoy a night at the Casino Montegordo.

Due to Altura's peaceful setting, a family holiday would suit the laidback beaches and rolling landscapes of Altura perfectly. There are a wide range of restaurants serving a range of cuisine which will suit even the fussiest eaters, plus a quiet nightlife away from the rowdier resorts of Albufeira and Vilamoura, ideal for keep the little ones away from noise and nightclubs. However, if you are a family that likes a little more buzz, Monte Gordo is only a short journey away.

With its tranquil setting, Altura is the perfect destination for a romantic couples holiday or quiet honeymoon. If you tire of lazing on beaches and gorging on Portuguese cuisine, you might like to explore a little further afield. Altura itself is just half an hour from the Spanish border, leaving you to discover a wealth of attractions in mainland Spain. For the ultimate in romance, pay a visit to the nearby town of Tavira. Here, you’ll be treated to narrow cobbled lanes, picturesque churches and pretty squares seemingly straight out of postcard pictures. Don’t forget to take in the beautiful sight of the arched Roman Bridge crossing the Gilao River. A striking historic feature, this is surely a reason not to forget your camera.

With a long, outstretched coast and varied landscape, there are plenty of things to do in Altura for those with a sense of adventure. Take in stunning views of the Algarve by walking or cycling – the hour-long hike along the beach from Altura to Monte Gordo is a pleasant walk but may present a challenge for some.

Take a step back into nature with a visit to the Rio Formosa nature reserve. Boasting sights of beautiful seabirds and other wildlife, this is great spot to roam the landscape with your camera. Move North from here to Cachopo and you’ll catch a glimpse of enchanting waterfalls tumbling amid breath-taking scenery – ideal for contemplation in an unspoilt paradise.

If you’d rather experience some of the best Altura attractions to be seen in the water, grab yourself a wetsuit and try a spot of snorkelling. Underneath these crystal-clear waters is a teeming marine life, with nearby Tavira boasting a fantastic diving school for beginners.

You'll get a feel for the traditional Algarve in Altura, the laidback atmosphere of the resort harks back to a time when there were less tourists along this stretch of coast. For history, both Albufeira and Vilamoura have old towns, cobbled streets, castles and churches.