Alte, in the municipality of Loulé, stands out as one of the most typical and cultural villages in the Algarve, offering a contrast to beach tourism with its natural and historical heritage. Located at the foot of the Serra do Caldeirão, it attracts visitors in search of Portuguese authenticity. This guide reveals the main tourist attractions for an unforgettable visit. Queda do Vigário The 24-metre-high Queda do Vigário waterfall forms a clear water lagoon ideal for swimming in summer, accessible by a short trail from the Alte cemetery. The area includes lawns and picnic tables, recently renovated for greater visitor comfort. Considered one of the most Instagrammable spots in Portugal, it is part of the Ribeira de Alte and attracts crowds on hot days. Historic Centre and Mother Church The historic centre of Alte enchants with its white houses, cobbled streets, lace chimneys and colourful doors, and was a finalist in 1938 in the competition ‘The Most Portuguese Village in Portugal’. The 16th-century Manueline-style Mother Church of Nossa Senhora da Assunção serves as the centre of the village and displays 18th-century tiles, classified as a Property of Public Interest. Walks up the staircases reveal poetry on the walls in homage to the local writer Cândido Guerreiro. Alte Springs The Grande and Pequena springs, on the outskirts of the village, provide fresh spring water and landscaped areas for picnics, once a meeting place for local women to wash clothes. Surrounded by works of art dedicated to figures such as Duarte Pacheco, they invite moments of relaxation in any season. In summer, they also serve as refreshing bathing spots. Other Cultural Highlights The Chapel of São Luís, dating from the 14th-15th centuries with Baroque additions, protects animals and boasts 18th-century paintings. The Cândido Guerreiro Museum Complex exhibits the poet’s estate and ethnographic artefacts from the Counts of Alte, while a giant mural of the Portuguese flag symbolises local pride. The monthly market, on the third Thursday, offers handmade products such as honey and cheese. Practical Tips Alte can be visited in half a day, ideally in spring or autumn to avoid excessive heat; access via the EN124 from Loulé or São Brás de Alportel, with bus options via EVA. Try dishes at the Fonte Nova Restaurant and explore trails such as Alte or Fonte Benémola in the surrounding area. Events such as Carnival and the Fusos Festival enliven the village every year.

The Loulé Environmental Centre, encompassing the Loulé and Pena hubs, was awarded an Honourable Mention in the “Individual Good Practice” category at the ODSlocal 2025 Awards.

Around 48 million Europeans are still unable to keep their homes adequately heated. In rural areas, households spend an average of 7% of their budget on energy, a clear sign of the growing burden of energy poverty. Rural dwellings tend to be older, larger and less energy efficient, but they also offer high potential for improvement and for the installation of renewable energy systems. Being energy poor means not having sufficient access to the energy needed for essential services such as heating and cooling. This limitation has direct effects on the health and well-being of populations, especially during increasingly hot summers and harsh winters. According to a new report by the European Commission’s Joint Research Centre (JRC) — Exploring rural energy poverty and needs — rural areas are particularly exposed to energy poverty due to lower incomes and larger, less insulated dwellings than in urban centres. Nevertheless, these areas are making faster progress in energy efficiency works, taking advantage of the fact that most houses are owned by the residents themselves and have more space to install solar panels. Portugal among the most affected countries The study’s findings show that energy poverty levels are highest in countries such as Bulgaria, Romania and Greece. Portugal, Croatia, Cyprus and Lithuania also face similar challenges, albeit to a lesser extent. The index created by the researchers assesses four main factors: the inability to keep the home warm, late payment of bills, the physical deterioration of housing and the risk of poverty. In almost all countries, rural areas are the most affected, while cities have lower indices. Renovation and solar energy: an opportunity Between 2018 and 2023, 29% of households living in rural areas in Europe carried out work to improve the energy efficiency of their homes, more than the 25% in suburban areas and 23% in urban areas. The most common interventions include improving thermal insulation, replacing single-glazed windows with double or triple glazing, and installing more efficient heating systems. Solar energy appears to be the most promising option. With 78% of rural homes owned outright, compared to 55% in cities, and with greater availability of rooftops, it is estimated that photovoltaic solar panels in these areas could generate around 2,200 kWh per inhabitant per year, equivalent to more than a third of average household consumption. Combating energy poverty for a just transition According to Eurostat data, in 2023 around 10.6% of the European Union’s population, 48 million people, were unable to keep their homes adequately heated. With average temperatures rising, energy poverty in summer is also becoming a growing concern. Combating this phenomenon is at the heart of the European Union’s just energy transition. Improving the efficiency of buildings and increasing local renewable energy production are decisive steps that can simultaneously reduce greenhouse gas emissions and household energy costs.