The best MTB trails in Paisagem Protegida Local Da Fonte Benémola

At the entrance to the chapel, you can still see the former threshold of the Moorish city gate!

Fonte Grande is one of the main tourist attractions in the village of Alte, in the Algarve interior. Known for its clear and refreshing waters that originate from the Querença-Silves aquifer, it is an ideal place to spend a day with the family, have picnics and take a dip. Fonte Grande is also considered a river beach. Characteristics of the location Crystal clear waters: The water of Fonte Grande springs from the rocks, coming from the interior of the earth, and feeds the Alte stream, making it a very pleasant leisure area. Natural pool: There is a natural pool at Fonte Grande, with calm and shallow waters, which is perfect for swimming, especially in summer. Infrastructure: The area has picnic tables, shade and a support café, providing comfort to visitors. Accessibility: It has accessible entrance and parking for wheelchairs. What to do in the region Fonte Pequena: Another nearby leisure space, Fonte Pequena, was in the past the place where the village washerwomen met. Currently, it has a small monument in honor of the poet Cândido Guerreiro. Vigário Waterfall: The water of the Alte stream continues its course and forms the Vigário Waterfall, a 24-meter-high cascade that is a beautiful point of interest about 1.2 km away. Hiking: The area offers several hiking trails for nature lovers, such as those that can be found on the AllTrails website. Crafts and culture: The village of Alte is known as the most typical in the Algarve and it is worth exploring its streets, the Parish Church and the local wood and ceramic crafts.

The main attraction in Alte is Fonte Grande, a beautiful natural pool transformed into a bathing area, where the spring gushes forth in cold, crystal-clear water. A stone channel carries the current, crossed by small bridges and staircases that invite you to take a dip. On hot days, it's the perfect refuge, a haven of coolness and conviviality, with picnic tables, a small restaurant, and the simple charm of the Algarve countryside.

It is said that the Church of Our Lady of Glory, in Benafim, stands on the site of a former mosque, where traces of Arab roots were found. Of uncertain foundation, but mentioned as early as 1724, the church served the villages of Benafim Grande and Benafim Pequeno, sparing the faithful the long walk to Alte. Today, it continues to be the heart of the village, especially in October, when the festival in honor of the patron saint is celebrated.

The trail here follows a cool, tree-lined ravine, plunging into the heart of the Serra do Caldeirão. Among dense cork oak groves and Mediterranean scrubland scented with rosemary, heather, and strawberry tree, the pulse of the mountains can be felt. The cork oak, the symbol of this region, gives life to the landscape and provides sustenance for the people, along with cork, a treasure cultivated here with pride and tradition.

Here, the dirt trail passes the Faranhão mill, almost at the top of Eira de Agosto, over 500 meters above sea level. From here, the view stretches between the mountains and the sea. It's one of those places that calls for a pause and a moment to simply contemplate.

The Capela de Nossa Senhora da Conceição in Loulé is a 17th-century chapel built against the old city walls. Its exterior is simple, but inside you'll find Baroque decoration and beautiful blue and white azulejo tiles depicting scenes from the life of Mary. The altar and interior date from the 18th century and are beautifully preserved.

The Loulé Municipal Market (Mercado Municipal de Loulé) is a historic covered market building in the centre of Loulé, opened in 1908.