Altura, Algarve, Portugal
This small resort has a good number of great beaches which offer a good selection of watersports and there are also many great golf courses in the area. There is a good choice of bars and eating spots but the main attraction here is relaxation.
Altura
This quaint small resort, Altura, lies between the Manta Rota and Praia Verde beaches at the eastern end of the Algarve. There is a good choice of bars and eating spots but the main theme here is relaxation.
Read more about: Beaches | Things to Do | Out and About | Nearby Attractions | Altura Reviews
Beaches
Altura is home to a fantastic beach, infact it is one of the Algarve's hidden delights. The beach here is wide and flat with clean sand, perfect for relaxing and soaking up the sun. There are great facilities such as toilets, lifeguards (in high season), restaurants and of course a variety of watersports to try out.
The least developed beach in the Algarve is probably Praia Verde beach. It is a large beach with some pine trees which provide some natural shade and the water here is slightly warmer than that of beaches to the west. Sun loungers are available for rent as is water sports equipment and there is a variety of bars and restaurants.
If you are looking for a quieter beach then visit Praia de Manta Rota which runs for 10km and provides easy access for disabled visitors via raised wooden footpaths across the sand dunes. There are sun loungers for hire and a handful of places to eat and drink so there is everything you need for a day at the beach.
There are plenty of other beaches in the area and some of them have been awarded the Blue Flag.
Things to Do
Altura is a pretty resort and you may be happy wandering round the little streets and stopping at one of the bars for a little refreshment but if not, there are loads of watersports available from the various beaches.
The coastline around Altura is protected from overdevelopment and is therefore a haven for various birds and wildfowl, including many rare species. A great spot for nature lovers.
As you are probably aware, the Algarve is golf heaven and there is no shortage of golf courses close to Altura. There are top quality golf courses as well as some top quality views. You will be able to hire equipment and all of the courses have pro shops and most have restaurants.
Out and About
There is a good choice of bars in Altura so you can relax with a drink while listening to some traditional live music. There are some great restaurants here so whether it's freshly caught seafood you are after or some traditional Portuguese cuisine, you are bound to find it here. If you are looking for a little more choice, you could visit the nearby Monte Gordo which has a great choice of bars and restaurants, nightclubs and even a casino.
There are some supermarkets and shops in the resort but there is not a great selection so if you fancy a day out shopping you would be best to venture to one of the larger resorts in the area.
Nearby Attractions
There are many other resorts close by which are worth visiting, one of which being Faro. There are charming cobbled streets, squares of the walled Old Town and the Se Cathedral which dates back to the 13th Century. The cathedral is not only of architectural interest but it also offers some fantastic views over the town. There are many shops, cafes and restaurants here so plenty to fill your day.
The nearby town of Tavira is also worth visiting to see the Roman Bridge.
The Spanish border is only 10km away and is certainly worth going over the border for a day out. Cross the bridge at Villa Real de Santo Antonio to the Spanish town of Ayamonte. The historic centre is great to wander round and you may want to get a little something to eat in one of the Spanish restaurants or Tapas bars. Although the city of Seville is a little further away, it is certainly worth visiting.
A great day out is a trip to Zoomarine which is a water park with a variety of water slides and attractions, funfair rides and dolphin and sea lion shows, great fun and certainly something for everyone.
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