Avoid Tourist Crowds At This Picture-Perfect European Village With Unspoiled Beauty

As you prepare for your trip to Portugal, you've got your travel checklist in hand and you're ready to see all the country has to offer. Indulging in one or more (we won't judge) delicious and flakey pastel de nata, taking a scenic tram ride on Lisbon's famous Tram 28 through the historic Alfama District, and savoring a few glasses of sweet Port wine while kicking back along the Douro River in Porto. 

Lisbon and Porto are undoubtedly two of the country's most visited destinations and tourists tend to flock to them during peak season from June to August. Hoards of tourists fill these popular hotspots for good reason — they are home to great architecture, vibrant nightlife, and rich history. However, one might find they don't get to experience the "real" Portugal by only visiting these two major cities.

The picture-perfect village of Alte is nestled away from the coast in the Algarve region of southern Portugal and offers a relaxed vibe. It is the ideal place to spend a night or two to immerse yourself in the slow paced village life without the crowds. The true beauty of Alte is felt from the moment you step onto its cobblestone streets and enjoy the peace and quiet of the surrounding countryside.

With a population of approximately 2,000 inhabitants, Alte will transport you back in time with its old world charm at the foot of the Serra do Calderao mountains. It's quieter than some coastal areas of the Algarve, like Lagos and Sagres, and heading inland is the easiest way to get off the trodden tourist trail. This unspoiled village may take some effort to reach, as public transit to rural areas of Portugal is scarce, but it will be worth the journey. Alte can be found approximately 35 miles from the Faro Airport where you can pick up a rental car for the scenic drive. It's one of the best towns to visit on a spring trip to Portugal.

Visiting Alte will not only force you to slow down, which is invaluable in today's digital age, but it will fully immerse you into experiencing and witnessing everyday Portuguese life as well. Take a moment to enjoy a meal at O Folclore, a restaurant that serves up delicious local Portuguese food with a stunning view of the central Algarve countryside. Here's how to order coffee in Portugal like a local when you're ready for a morning treat and pastel at Água Mel, one of the best cafés in Alte.

Alte is a village that blends culture with natural beauty seamlessly. One local traditions , is the art of creating handicrafts, such as bags, mats, and baskets out of esparto grass, which is found in the wild in Portugal. Take a step into one of the many local shops in Alte and pick up a souvenir, or two to remember your visit.

In addition to traditional crafts, Alte is known for its natural beauty, such as its springs and the Queda do Vigário, a beautiful waterfall tucked away from the village behind a graveyard. Fonte Pequena and Fonte Grande are two freshwater springs that have served as a water source for locals, but today, you can find tourists and locals alike, relaxing and cooling down in them during Portugal's hot summer months. Portugal tops the list of the best European countries to travel to, and Alte is the perfect spot to immerse yourself in the tranquility and natural beauty that the Algarve region is known for.