Altura Travel Guide

Tourist Guide

Photo by Lori Ghiglia

Altura is an ideal destination for family holidays due to the easy access to safe beaches, great water quality and top notch selections of holiday accommodation right by the sea.

History

Four decades ago, this region was made up of agricultural farms and fishermen's homes. However, in recent years, due to the growth of tourism, Altura has become a pleasant seaside resort of the Algarve. Of course, it’s not all sun, sea and sand there’s plenty to see and do here besides being beside the sea.

Praia Alagoa

Praia Alagoa is a large sandy beach, bordered by sand dunes and pine forests. Part of the long stretch of sand that runs all the way from Manta Rota to Vila Real de Santo António, you’ll find restaurants, bars, water sports and sun beds by this popular section of beach.

For something a little more active, why not rent a bike and explore the seafront area. The area is a flat, so it’s easy to explore by bicycle. Alternatively, why not get involved with some water sports, like waterskiing or scuba diving, and take full advantage of the crystal clear sea.

Castro Marim Castle

Visit the 12th Century Castle in Castro Marim. Sitting atop its hill, it provides guests with breathtaking views over the Guadiana River, the Salt Pans and Ayamonte City (Spanish Town). Henry, the Navigator, governed the Castle back when it was active, and it was also once the headquarters of the Order of Christ. The Castle is just 12 minutes away from Altura by car.

São Sebastião Fort

São Sebastião Fort was constructed in 1641 during D. João IV’s Restoration of the Portuguese Independence to strengthen the border. The aim was to improve the old medieval castle’s defensive capabilities, transforming the village into the strategic stronghold of the Algarve. Today it’s a gem for any military history buff with an interest in castles.

Food and shopping

As is to be expected in this area of Portugal, there is plenty of fresh seafood on offer. Altura’s main street and the Alagoa Beach are the places to look for top bars, and restaurants. Be sure to try the regional delicacies, such as Conquilhas Algarvian Style.

A holiday in Altura is an excellent choice, if you are looking for a quiet relaxing time, playing golf/tennis, sunbathing or perhaps enjoying the sunset in a nice restaurant by the sea.

Where to stay in Altura

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Altura Center

While visiting Altura Center, you might make a stop by sights like Altura Beach and Praia da Alagoa.

Altura Center
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Bernarda

When in Bernarda, you can plan a visit to Altura Beach and Verde Beach, some noteworthy sights in the nearby area.

Bernarda
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Barrocal

Though Barrocal may not have many top sights, you can venture to the surrounding area to see attractions like Altura Beach and Manta Rota Beach.

Barrocal
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Pedra Arrancada

Pedra Arrancada might not have many top sights, but Monte Rei Golf Club and Altura Beach are two attractions nearby that you can check out.

Pedra Arrancada
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Montinho

While there might not be top attractions in Montinho, you can explore the larger area and discover places like Monte Rei Golf Club and Altura Beach.

Montinho
Verdelago Resort

Verdelago Resort

5 out of 5
Praia Verde Lago, 8950-411 Altura, Castro Marim, Faro
The price is ₹33,362 per night from 2 Nov to 3 Nov
₹33,362
₹35,363 total
2 Nov - 3 Nov
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 5-star luxury hotel in Castro Marim. Enjoy free breakfast, free Wi-Fi and 2 outdoor pools. Popular attractions Pinhal do Gancho and Verde Beach ...
9/10 Wonderful! (17 reviews)
"Very quiet and next to the beach. Peaceful area"

Reviewed on 10 Oct 2025

Verdelago Resort
Eurotel Altura

Eurotel Altura

4 out of 5
Av. 24 de Junho, Altura, Castro Marim, Algarve
Stay at this 4-star beach hotel in Castro Marim. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, a full-service spa and 2 bars/lounges. Popular attractions Cabanas Beach and Praia da Alagoa ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (328 reviews)
"Overlooking pool with beach view, super clean with friendly staff. Breakfast is fantastic!"

Reviewed on 5 Oct 2025

Eurotel Altura
AP Cabanas Beach & Nature - Adults Friendly

AP Cabanas Beach & Nature - Adults Friendly

4 out of 5
Rua Tuberaia Major. Cabanas de Tavira, Tavira, Algarve
The price is ₹8,671 per night from 16 Nov to 17 Nov
₹8,671
₹9,192 total
16 Nov - 17 Nov
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4-star spa hotel in Tavira. Enjoy free breakfast, free Wi-Fi and 2 outdoor pools. Our guests praise the helpful staff in their reviews. Popular ...
9/10 Wonderful! (245 reviews)
"We enjoyed our 3-night stay at the resort. The check-in was seamless and the front desk staff were very friendly and helpful. I would recommend renting a vehicle, as the resort is quite aways from dining (other than resort options). Parking in the outside parking lot was free, as well as street parking. ..."

Reviewed on 18 Oct 2025

AP Cabanas Beach & Nature - Adults Friendly
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
Praia da Lota Resort – Hotel & Apartments

Praia da Lota Resort – Hotel & Apartments

3 out of 5
Praia da Lota - Manta Rota, Vila Nova De Cacela, Vila Real Santo Antonio
Stay at this 3-star beach aparthotel in Vila Real Santo Antonio. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and a beach locale. Popular attractions Cabanas Beach and Praia ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (67 reviews)
"The resort is in a very quiet area. They could have a small shop for essentials. There was a pool bar but unfortunately it was closed. The cleaners were hit and miss not their fault, but meant we had no cleaning and the bin not emptied. There was no facility to empty the bin ourselves. The rooms ..."

Reviewed on 26 Sept 2025

Praia da Lota Resort – Hotel & Apartments
Pedras d'el Rei

Pedras d'el Rei

3 out of 5
Pedras d'el Rei, Santa Luzia, Tavira
Stay at this 3-star beach aparthotel in Tavira. Enjoy free parking, 3 beach bars and breakfast (surcharge). Popular attractions Cabanas Beach and Barril Beach ...
7.8/10 Good! (222 reviews)
"Gardens lovely and location near to Praia do Barril and Tavira excellent"

Reviewed on 11 Oct 2025

Pedras d'el Rei
Golden Club Cabanas

Golden Club Cabanas

3 out of 5
R. Tuberária Maj., Conceicao e Cabanas de Tavira, Tavira, Faro
Stay at this 3-star spa aparthotel in Tavira. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and 2 outdoor pools. Popular attractions Cabanas Beach and Benamor Golf are located ...
7.8/10 Good! (136 reviews)
Excellent hotel with friendly staff
"I was pleasantly surprised by everything at the Golden club hotel. I'd been slightly worried by some reviews before we arrived but i can honestly say our stay in August was excellent. It's a great 3 star hotel. All the staff were brilliant, my children went to kids club on our last 2 days and loved ..."

Reviewed on 13 Aug 2025

Golden Club Cabanas
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Popular places to visit

Reviews of Altura

4.6
Top destination
5 - Excellent
3
5 - Excellent 60%
4 - Good
2
4 - Good 40%
3 - Okay
0
3 - Okay 0%
2 - Disappointing
0
2 - Disappointing 0%
1 - Terrible
0
1 - Terrible 0%

4/5 - Good

Verified traveller

Quite a distance away from all the tourist attractions which was also quite expensive to get to so book well in advance and prepare for an early start in order to do the activities

Cities near Altura