Loulé, in the heart of the “Barrocal” lowlands, is a land of handicrafts and of great commercial activity organised around its market that is so Arab in taste. You can visit the Castle Walls (1), of Arab origin, and the Mother Church (2). In the town centre, the Municipal Art Gallery is housed in the Convento do Espírito Santo (Convent) (3). On leaving the town towards Boliqueime, along the EN 270 you’ll catch sight of the Mãe Soberana (Sovereign Mother) (4), a magnificent monument dating from the 16th century.Then go back into Loulé to join the EN 396 heading towards the village of Querença. Here you can visit the Church (5) and the Cross (6). Some of the region’s most praised “chouriços” (spicy sausages) and jute dolls (7) wearing traditional costume representing various professions are made in this village. Close by, in Pombal, delicious ice creams (8) made from natural ingredients are produced. For those who like walking, the Cerro dos Negros (404m), shortly after leaving Querença, offers a sizeable panoramic view of the coastline. At Fonte Filipe (9), on the course of the Ribeira das Mercês (Brook) you can visit some caves that contain water with healing properties. Lovers of flora and fauna will find the vegetation typical to the Algarve’s Barrocal region in the Fonte Benémola Park (10). Then take the 525, which goes from Loulé to Salir until you arrive in this pretty town.

The white houses of the town of Salir spread over the hill surrounding the ruins of Salir Castle (11) which are an important archaeological heritage from the Arab period.Leave Salir and head towards Alte on the EN 124 but before you get there turn off towards the Rocha da Pena (12), an excellent location for walking and extreme sports. Then continue along the 503 until you get to Cortinhola. Here you can make a detour to drive up to Malhão (13), where you’ll find an excellent lookout point and a Buddhist temple. Carry on along the 542 until you reach Azinhal were you should turn off for Sarnadas, towards Alte. You are now crossing the land of the Quinta do Freixo (14), a farm with a game reserve, accommodation and organic farm products. Continuing in the direction of Alte, you can make another detour to climb the 467m to the Rocha dos Soidos (15), a natural lookout point overlooking an amazing landscape of “Serra” highlands and the sea. You then reach Alte, a village that features remains of Roman and Arab occupation. We recommend a visit to the Mother Church (16). The local tourist office is located in the building Casa Memória D’Alte, which contains information on trips inside and outside the village. A reference point for any visitor is the sound of the waters of the Ribeira de Alte (Brook). Here you’ll find the village’s star attraction: “As Fontes” (Springs) (17). Fonte Pequena and Fonte Grande, are water springs that have been converted into a very pleasant spot, as it has a dam that forms a natural pool.A few kilometres from Alte, heading towards Santa Margarida, you can make another detour to Torre, where you can visit a craftwork cooperative where they make wooden toys.