Plan for both village and valley
Alte combines bright, sloping streets with a greener streamside setting. A single outing can therefore involve exposed paving, shade, damp ground and a climb back towards the centre. Pack for that mixture instead of choosing shoes only for a café stop.
For a short visit, decide which part of the day you want outdoors. The village and springs can be enjoyed at a gentle pace, with time to pause when the sun or a passing shower changes your plans.
Consider spring for countryside time
Spring is a useful season to consider for a walking-focused visit. Recent weather still matters: paths may be damp, the stream may look different from one week to another and a warm afternoon can make a longer route tiring. Choose your walk after looking at the actual forecast.
Keep an alternative in the village if a countryside plan no longer suits. A shorter route around the church, a museum visit and lunch can provide a satisfying day without completing the longer walk you first imagined.
Keep summer outings comfortable
In summer, choose an earlier walk through the village or keep the countryside part short. Plan where you will find shade and carry water before leaving the built-up area. Being near a spring does not mean every part of the route is shaded or that drinking water is available on demand.
The waterfall should be optional. Seasonal flow can change, and the approach may still involve a descent and climb. A pleasant visit to Alte need not depend on seeing falling water or treating the springs as a swimming attraction.
Use cooler months for flexible visits
Autumn and winter can suit a stay centred on village life with walks fitted around the clearer parts of the day. Rain can affect cobbles and paths even when the sky has improved. Give yourself more time and avoid making the last rural return close to darkness.
For an overnight booking, ask about heating and indoor comfort as well as outdoor space. A comfortable base makes it easier to enjoy the village in changing weather rather than feeling that every hour must be spent outside.
Read the forecast for your actual outing
Use regional climate information for broad seasonal context and a local forecast for the day. The Faro climate station is a regional reference, not a record of exact conditions at Alte’s springs or on the nearby hills. Wind, rain timing and warnings can matter as much as the maximum temperature.
If you are taking a Via Algarviana stage, include the finish and return journey in the plan. A shorter out-and-back walk gives more flexibility when conditions are uncertain. Choose the outing that fits the day and let the village supply the rest.