Map | Weather

Algarve Resorts

Algarve Acoteias Albufeira Alcantarilha Almancil Alte Alvor Armacao De Pera Balaia Boliqueime Bordeira Branqueira Caramujeira Carvoeiro Cerro D Aguia Espiche Estoi Ferraguda Ferreiras Goldra Guia Isla Canela Lagos Loule Luz Bay Moncarapacho Monchique Montechoro Montinhos Da Luz Olhao Olhos D Agua Pera Porches Portimao Praia Da Gale Praia Da Luz Praia Da Marinha Praia Da Rocha Praia Da Vau Quarteira Quinta Do Lago Quinta Dos Alamos Santa Barbara De Nexe Santo Antonio Sao Bras Sao Joao Sao Rafael Tavira Vale Da Ursa Vale De Garrao Vale Do Lobo Vilamoura

Alcantarilha Holidays

An unspoilt Moorish village of narrow streets and whitewashed houses, sleepy Alcantarilha whisks you back to a more peaceful Portugal.

Check the calendar when you come here to make sure you're still in the 21st century. You are, but there's just a chance that Alcantarilha is still residing somewhere in the middle ages. Sitting inland between Silves and the beaches west of Albufeira, this archetypal Moorish village is brilliant for a get-away-from-it-all holiday. Perched on a small hill, its narrow backstreets and terracotta-tiled cottages coil up to a whitewashed church. Spending time here is a bit like living in a time capsule. The pace is restfully old-fashioned. In the still of morning, old men amble between the cafes as if in slow motion. Women stand chattering on doorsteps. And the few visitors who discover this place soak up its sleepy charm over drinks at its rustic restaurants. But this place isn't just about out-of-the-way charms. Alcantarilha has one big attraction – its Chapel of Bones. Next to one of its churches, this atmospheric place features a wall inlaid with 1,500 human skulls – it's one soul stirring sight. One of Alcantarilha's other perks is that you're never far from some mainstream tourist attractions. When you and the kids fancy some fun, the Zoomarine park at Guia, with its dolphin shows, lies close by. Alternatively, head for the sandy bays in and around bustling Armacao De Pera when you crave a day's sunlounging. Or make another kind of escape – into the cool, scented eucalyptus forests of the Monchique mountains to thrill at the stunning views.

Holidays in Alcantarilha feel a million miles away from the busier resorts along the coast. Tuck yourself away here and imagine that you've escaped from the 21st century too, for staying in this little Moorish village is like stepping into a time capsule.

Narrow streets lined with whitewashed houses snake up the hill towards the bell-towered church, their terracotta tiles glowing warmly in the sunshine. In the calm of the morning, elderly men congregate at the cafes to chat and contemplate. Women pause on the doorstep to pass the time of day. It's not all pleasantries here though, for Alcantarilha has one gory claim to fame. The Chapel of Bones is aptly named, for one of its walls is inlaid with 1500 human skulls.

However you needn't forgo 21st century attractions completely on your summer holiday in Alcantarilha. For one of the largest waterparks in Portugal is a few kilometres away, and the performing dolphins at Zoomarine are an easy drive. For beaches, look no further than the swathes of golden sand at Armacao De Pera or Senhora da Rocha, and the charms and restaurants of Carvoeiro are within easy striking distance. Prefer to eat closer to home? No problem, for there's a handful of Portuguese restaurants in the village.

With a cluster of modern villas, a self-catering holiday in Alcantarilha works well. Join the ebb and flow of local life in the shops and markets, then dine al fresco on your private, peaceful terrace alongside a delicious pool in the early evening sunshine.