Altura

Altura is a small coastal town in Portugal's Algarve region, located at the eastern end of the coastline, close to the Spanish border and the mouth of the Guadiana River. It falls within the municipality of Castro Marim and lies near Vila Real de Santo António, a port town linked to Spain by both a bridge and a ferry service. Altura is known for its fine sandy beach backed by a pine forest, a setting typical of this quieter, less developed stretch of the Algarve compared with the region's busier tourist hubs. The Mediterranean climate, with hot, dry summers and mild winters, makes outdoor activities enjoyable for much of the year, including sunbathing, swimming, seaside walks and cycling along the coast. Its proximity to Tavira, a historic town noted for its architecture and salt pans, along with easy access to nearby Spain, makes Altura a convenient base for exploring the eastern Algarve. Local cuisine centres on seafood, with grilled fish and shellfish commonly served in beachfront restaurants, reflecting the town's fishing heritage and coastal setting.