Alte Holidays

Nestled on a hillside in southern Portugal, the laidback village of Alte's the Algarve at its most authentic – think winding lanes and whitewashed houses. The coast's a short road trip away, but with natural splendour all around and waterfalls to keep you cool, it'll be hard to tear yourself away.

Drive 30 minutes west of Alte to reach the ancient sights of Silves. The towering Moorish castle's worth the trip alone, but it's also a great place to tuck in to some authentic Spanish cuisine, so be sure to stop by one the many al fresco cafés there.

Alte might be inland, but Portugal's magnificent cliffy southern shores are easy to reach. Pack your towel, shades and a good book, and take the half-hour drive to Albufeira's Praia dos Pescadores. You'll find a vast sweep of sand here, and the town's bucketload of bars, restaurants and shops are just a stroll away.

Shimmering waterfalls are an extra-special feature in Alte. Once used for mills and wells, they're now popular with villagers and visitors looking for an afternoon swim. Dip your toes or take the plunge, then lie back in the rays to dry off and top up your tan.