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Alte
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Fonte Grande
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Fonte Grande

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Fonte Grande
4
What people are saying
Hanham V
By Hanham V
“Nice Place To Chill Out”
Sep 2022
A really nice place. We visited as part of a tour out from Vilamoura so it was an unexpected treat for us. Not sure if we would make a special trip as a hour or so maximum is all that is needed to look round. As mentioned in other reviews, the whole area has been suffering from a drought during 2022 - the water situation is slowly rectifying but if there has been a run of dry months it may not be quite the spectacle expected. There is a good cafe and plenty of seating so a nice place to relax.
“Lazy day by the river”
Aug 2022
This was a lovely, peaceful place by the river. Most there were families who were there for the full day, with their own food and drink. All the kids in the river were having great fun. Plenty of picnic benches and places to sunbathe and also plenty of shade. One small cafe serving drinks, toasties, hotdogs and ice creams was open but the main restaurant was not (not sure if permanently closed). We got an Uber there from Albufeira (£23.00) but had to get a taxi back (£50). We walked into the centre but only one restaurant was open - not sure if that was because it was a Monday.
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The area
Address
Best nearby
Restaurants
11 within 3 miles
Agua Mel
227
0.5 mi$ • Dessert • Cafe • European
Restaurante Fonte Pequena
21
0.2 mi$$ - $$$ • European • Portuguese
Germano biciArte Café
49
0.4 mi$ • Cafe • Mediterranean • European
Snack Bar Fonte Nova
82
0.5 mi$ • Bar • International • European
O Folclore
213
0.6 mi$ • Mediterranean • European • Portuguese
A Ponte
46
0.5 mi$ • European • Portuguese
Terra d'Alte
5
0.5 mi$$ - $$$ • Barbecue • European • Portuguese
Restaurante A Cataplana
33
0.9 mi$$ - $$$ • European • Portuguese
Café o por do sol
2
1.2 mi$$ - $$$ • European
Restaurante Hamburgo
141
2 mi$$ - $$$ • European • Portuguese • Vegetarian Friendly
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Attractions
13 within 6 miles
Capela De Sao Luis
2
0.3 miChurches & Cathedrals
Church of Nossa Senhora da Assunção
30
0.5 miChurches & Cathedrals
Vigario Falls
119
0.7 miWaterfalls
Côrte-Real Gallery
47
Art Galleries
Centro Equestre Lusitanus
3
2.6 miHorse Tracks
Winery Convento do Paraiso
9
Wineries & Vineyards
Paderne, Portugal
19
Ancient Ruins • Points of Interest & Landmarks
Paderne Castle
150
Castles • Hiking Trails
Diamond Farms Algarve
1
Farms
Corte-Real Galeria
4
Art Galleries
See all
Detailed Reviews: Reviews order informed by descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as cleanliness, atmosphere, general tips and location information.
Popular mentions
4.0
133 reviews
Excellent
40
Very good
49
Average
30
Poor
13
Terrible
1
Cathy_Gary_12
Northampton, UK39 contributions
Lazy day by the river
Aug 2022 • Couples
This was a lovely, peaceful place by the river. Most there were families who were there for the full day, with their own food and drink. All the kids in the river were having great fun. Plenty of picnic benches and places to sunbathe and also plenty of shade. One small cafe serving drinks, toasties, hotdogs and ice creams was open but the main restaurant was not (not sure if permanently closed).
We got an Uber there from Albufeira (£23.00) but had to get a taxi back (£50).
We walked into the centre but only one restaurant was open - not sure if that was because it was a Monday.
Written September 3, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Hanham V
Bristol, UK455 contributions
Nice Place To Chill Out
Sep 2022
A really nice place. We visited as part of a tour out from Vilamoura so it was an unexpected treat for us. Not sure if we would make a special trip as a hour or so maximum is all that is needed to look round.

As mentioned in other reviews, the whole area has been suffering from a drought during 2022 - the water situation is slowly rectifying but if there has been a run of dry months it may not be quite the spectacle expected.

There is a good cafe and plenty of seating so a nice place to relax.
Written December 23, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Mark Jordan
Barcelona, Spain1,214 contributions
Nice little detour
Aug 2022
Nice little river we were taken to on the jeep safari after lunch in Alte town.

Not too many people for a Saturday, but decided not to go swimming as we had the rest of the safari to complete and not too much time.

Nice bar between two of the bridges with friendly staff.

Very do friendly place and lots of stray cats, although they looked well-fed
Written September 1, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Mike W
132 contributions
A Pleasant Day Out
May 2019 • Friends
I drove to Alte with my wife and friend on Friday 17th May 2019. It was a pleasant change from all the tourist hustle and bustle in the Albufeira area. Alte itself is a small town up in the hills about 35 minutes away from the coast by car. It is very picturesque with two lovely old churches and is blessed with natural springs which feed the Fonte Grande and the lovely stream. Picnic tables are at hand and there are also a handful of cafes nearby. Pretty narrow streets have been made more decorative by local artists.
If you wish to while away a few pleasant and relaxing hours, then a visit to Fonte Grande is a must do on your itinery.
Written May 22, 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
eostraie
Paris, France8 contributions
Local swimming pool, great for families
Aug 2017 • Friends
After having found the Vigario falls completely dried out, we went here to swim. A very social place for the locals, with lots of young people hanging out. The water is a bit mucky - don't come if you're sensitive to water quality. But on a hot, dry day, it's still a nice place to go. Also if you're not actually planning to swim: There's a bar, and people enjoy just hanging out, with their feet in the water, and chatting.
Written September 17, 2017
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
garybednall1-uk
Derby, UK310 contributions
My visit back
Apr 2017 • Solo
This is such a beautiful place to visit if you're in Alte ,it's a natural spring filled swimming area where all the Portuguese visit and use the free BBQs just bring the charcoal and food etc and sit by the water have a beer in the bar or sit up in the anthi theatre ,in the summer months they have lots of activities and open air shows mostly free and free parking ,the spring fed Fonte is emptied and cleaned every year a lovely place and a must to see.
Written March 5, 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
robfirstaid100
Basildon, UK468 contributions
Drive up the mountain after recommendation
Oct 2017 • Couples
We took a drive up the hills to Alte after being recommended to visit that the village is quaint and it lived up to its name cobbled streets quaint restaurants and the famous Fonte reputed to loose years off your looks if you swim in the river well worth a visit if your in the area or book through one of the booking agents either in your hotel or around Albufeira
Written October 15, 2017
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Cheryl S
Sao Bartolomeu de Messines, Portugal10 contributions
Wild swimming at Alte, one of the prettiest villages in the Algarve
Dec 2015 • Family
Enjoy a refreshing wild swimming experience in the cool, clear spring waters. The locals have been drinking the water for centuries. A cool, fun spot for children as they can bring their inflatables. The depth of the water is mostly shallow except for the area near the bridge. A great spot for a BBQ or picnic. Tables are under mature trees giving you the much needed shade in the summer.
In season there is a cafe on-site and the village has a great tea room serving light lunches and home made cakes.
Written November 20, 2016
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
shropshirenick
Shrewsbury, UK19,476 contributions
Wish I Had A SWim
Aug 2016 • Family
Travelled to Alte to see the Vigario Falls (see separate review).
We came here first and had a drink by the canal and took a few photo's.
There are plenty of picnic benches and a little café with toilets.
The water looked clean and great to swim in.
There were lots of people in the water having great fun and it appeared to be a variety of depths.
Whilst I enjoyed visiting the falls, I think this was the nicer of the two.
I would consider returning for another visit in the future.
Written November 17, 2016
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
mmk89
Clonakilty, Ireland136 contributions
Beautiful peaceful area to relax & have picnic
Nov 2016 • Couples
Nice amenity area with water features and lots of ducks swimming around. Very tranquil and lovely place to relax. It is at the far end of the village and a good walk from the main church over tiled streets which are not the easiest to walk on.
Written November 9, 2016
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
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Fonte Grande (Alte) - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go

Frequently Asked Questions about Fonte Grande
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