With its white washed houses, charming old town and stunning views, Altea is a picturesque coastal town perfect for a tranquil escape or holiday. This attractive village is located along the Costa Blanca region on the Mediterranean coast in the Valencian Community, just north of Benidorm and Alicante. A true hidden gem that is perfect for a quiet holiday or a day visit from one of the nearby beach resorts. A visit to Altea will not disappoint you.
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Information and Origin of Altea
Similar to some other towns along the Mediterranean coast, like Villajoyosa, the history of Altea dates back to Roman times, then known as the town of ‘Althaea’. It was conquered by the Moors in the 13th century and claimed back during the reconquista by the Christians. An important drawing card to settle in and around Altea was and still is its location next to the mouth of the Algar river.
Around 400 years ago, the river Algar used to be important for the development of agriculture in the area. It was also a source of fresh water and provided fishing opportunities as well as a natural harbour which was important for trade and commerce. Today, the mouth of the Algar river plays an ecological role by being a coastal wetland for migratory birds as well as resident bird life.
Currently, the town of Altea is divided into 2 main sections; the beach front area with its beautiful promenade and the more modern developments and the historic old town which is perched on the hill with the blue-capped dome of the church on the highest point. The town boasts a population of 23.000 inhabitants, which almost doubles during the holiday season.
Is Altea worth visiting?
Nestled between the Mediterranean sea and the Sierra de Bernia mountain range, Altea has plenty to offer.
From a relaxed beach holiday on its white pebbled beaches, to a food tour exploring the many restaurants along the seafront and in the old town, or a leisurely stroll through the boutiques and art galleries, there is something for everyone.
If you’re looking for a relaxed Spanish holiday, consider booking accommodation in Altea or nearby Albir. But, if you are more into vibrant and bustling holidays, then the resort towns of Benidorm or Alicante are where you’ll most likely be staying, in which case you can consider visiting Altea as a day trip from Benidorm and Alicante.
So, when visiting the Costa Blanca, don’t miss out on exploring the hidden gem of Altea as it will definitely keep you entertained for a while.
Over the years, Altea has managed to maintain its authentic Spanish charm, steadfastly resisting the towering high-rises that have overtaken many coastal towns. It has also managed to maintain its quiet, serene and relaxed atmosphere providing visitors with a more relaxed coastal experience, in stark contrast to for example its bustling neighbour Benidorm where high-rises dominate the skyline along with plenty of high energy things to do.
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Where to stay in Altea
Altea offers a wide range of accommodations to choose from for overnight stays or holiday getaways, catering to all kinds of travellers. Whether you prefer the charm of the old town, the tranquility of the surrounding area or a prime beachfront location, there’s something for everyone. Here are a few recommended places to stay:
- La Serena Boutique Hotel: Located just a few minutes from the beach in the heart of the old town, this charming boutique hotel offers a pool area, a solarium, roof top terrace and a lot of attention for detail. Book here
- Hotel Abaco Altea: A highly regarded boutique hotel in the old town, just a few minutes walk from the beach. The hotel is renowned for its beautifully decorated rooms, a lovely courtyard, exceptional service and above all a personal touch. Book here
- Porta Nova Suites: Beautifully located on the hillside in the old town, this elegant Adults Only hotel offers luxurious suites with amazing sea views. Book here
- Gran H La Marina: A little boutique hotel in a historical building, close to playa la Roda and with easy access to the old town. Book here
TIP: There are many more beautiful hotel options in and around Altea. Continue searching for more options here.
Top 10 Best things to do in Altea
Whether your are staying in Altea itself for your holiday or just visiting for the day, there are plenty of nice things to do in Altea. In this article I hope to help you discover all the highlights of Altea, the fun activities and everything else this wonderful gem of the Costa Blanca has to offer.
Explore the old town
Perched on a hill overlooking the crystal blue waters of the Mediterranean Sea, the old town of Altea is the heart of this charming town. The narrow cobblestoned streets wind their way like a maze up to the hilltop, all the way to the vibrant Plaza de la Iglesia, or Church Square. It’s here that the central life of the old town, or casco antiguo, comes together.
We love taking a stroll through these lovely narrow streets up and down the hill of Altea old town and discovering the quaint little squares, cozy restaurants, handicraft shops and charming cafés. It’s always a pleasure to get a little lost in these winding alleys where every turn seems to reveal a new hidden gem. And somehow every time we visit, we stumble upon something we hadn’t seen before.
And as long as you keep going up (or down) you won’t really get lost as eventually all streets lead back to the central square or down to the beachfront. And once you reach the top you will be rewarded with the most stunning views of the surrounding areas, even to the nearby skyscrapers of Benidorm.
On the Plaza de la Iglesia you can get refreshments and a meal in the various restaurants and bars that have set up their tables and chairs all around the square. In the evenings, street artists often come to perform or sing, adding more life to the atmosphere.
Good to know: Do keep in mind that the steep cobbled streets can be difficult for people with mobility problems.
Visit the church of Nuestra Señora del Consuelo
The Church of Our Lady of Consolation, or the Iglesia de Nuestra Señora del Consuelo is literally the highlight of the old town and Altea’s main church.
Standing high upon the hill, the distinctive blue and white ceramic tiled dome is the most iconic feature of the church and is visible from afar. Visiting the church is one top attractions in Altea.
The original church was constructed in the 16th century, but due to lack of maintenance and subsequent decay it was decided in the beginning of the 20th century to demolish and re-build the church.
TIP: Entrance to the church is free and it’s worth spending some time inside to appreciate the architecture, the details of the cupola and the calm atmosphere. Be sure to look up at the dome from inside as it’s impressive.
White houses and mural and flowers
When strolling through the narrow streets of the old town, take a moment to enjoy the wonderful architecture of the white houses which are adorned with colourful flowers either standing by the doors or hanging from the balconies. Even some of the doors of the houses themselves are worth seeing. Some walls are also decorated with lovely drawings.
Enjoy the stunning views
Altea is full of incredible viewpoints that offer amazing views over the surrounding landscape and coastline. As you slowly making your way through the narrow cobbled streets of the old town you’ll be treated with incredible vistas at nearly every turn.
On the one side, you can see all the way to the striking rock formation of Peñon de Ifach in Calpe. On the other, you’ll overlook the Sierra Helada and the skyline of Benidorm, with the crystal blue waters of the Mediterranean in between.
While you’ll catch glimpses of the scenery throughout the town, there are a few specific spots that offer some of the best views:
- Mirador Blanc: Located next to the casa Cervantes
- Glorieta del Manyo: Found at the end (or beginning) of Calle Salamanca.
- Mirador Cronistas: Just off the Church square, at the highest point of the old town
Even though the views from each spot are similar, it’s worth visiting all three to enjoy the slightly different angles and atmospheres.
Go on a shopping stroll
Altea is known as an artistic town with plenty of art galleries and small craft shops. As you wander through the old town, you’ll come across local and international artists selling ceramics, handmade jewellery, paintings, sculptures, and of course colourful Spanish souvenirs.
For a more traditional shopping experience, head to the weekly market, held every Tuesday morning in the large parking area at Camí de l’Algar. You’ll find everything from clothing and accessories to fresh fruit, vegetables and all kinds of household items.
Indulge in the gastronomy of Altea
Spanish gastronomy is always a delight and Altea is no exception. You’ll find no shortage of restaurants serving local Spanish food, from tapas to paella, to rice, fresh seafood, fish and more.
Looking out over the waters of The Mediterranean Sea, the restaurants along the beachfront have such a great location, offering a serene, tranquil dining experience. But don’t miss the options tucked away in the old town either, where cosy terraces and squares offer equally romantic places to enjoy a meal.
Both in the old town and along the beachfront, apart from Spanish cuisine, you also have international restaurants offering Italian, Asian, French, Mediterranean and other international foods, all in a fantastic settings.
Walk along the promenade
The recently renovated beach promenade of Altea is a lovely place for a relaxing stroll, with cafés, bars and restaurants lining the walkway almost the entire way. The modern designed beachfront also includes green areas, a children’s playground, shaded benches, and separate paths for walking and cycling.
Partially lined with palm trees, the promenade stretches nearly 2 km, from the marina all the way to the mouth of the Algar River. It’s one of our favourite ways to enjoy the sea breeze and take in Altea’s laid-back coastal vibe.
Spend the day at the beach
One of the best things to do in Altea is to spend the day at the beach, or at least a few hours. Unlike many other places along the Costa Blanca, Altea’s beaches are made up of smooth pebbles rather than sand. The water is clean, calm and perfect for a refreshing swim.
We recommend bringing swimming shoes, as the pebbles can be uncomfortable to walk on, both on the shore and in the water. The pebbles range from fine gravel to larger ones about the size of tennis balls.
The advantage of going to the beach in Altea is that it never gets overcrowded like its neighbour Benidorm. This is mostly because people are more attracted to soft sandy beaches and will generally go elsewhere, meaning you can have a very quiet and relaxing time chilling at the Altea beachfront.
Visit the Altea marina or the puerto deportivo
The Altea marina or Puerto Deportivo is the towns’ nautical hub providing mooring for all kinds of vessels. It’s a lovely setting to walk around and have a drink or meal in or even just to sit and relax on one of the many benches.
The marina also marks the start (or end) of the seafront promenade, so it’s a popular area for locals and visitors alike, especially in the early morning or late afternoon when people are out walking or cycling.
If you’re visiting Altea by car, there’s free parking available at the marina, making it a convenient starting point to explore the town.
Go on a catamaran tour
Enjoy the beautiful surroundings from the water on board a catamaran. Leaving from the port of Altea, you have the opportunity to join various catamaran boat excursions. You can either enjoy the coastline and the beautiful vistas of Altea itself with a swimming opportunity with this catamaran cruise with swimming stop.
Or go all romantic and join this sunset catamaran cruise including sparkling wine. Can such a day get any better?
If you love to see more of the rocks surrounding Altea, including the coves and the turquoise blue waters, what about this cruise which also includes a lunch?
All in all, if you love the Mediterranean coast, you love sailing and love to be on the water, then these activities are for you.
Best time to visit Altea
With hot, dry summers and mild winters, Altea is a great destination to visit year round. Although it might get very hot during the warm summer months, you’ll find plenty of shaded spots to escape the heat while still enjoying the town.
Like much of the Costa Blanca, Altea enjoys around 320 days of sun, making it a pleasant place to visit any time of year, for a longer vacation or holiday or just for a quick day trip.
During the summer season, Altea will also be busier than other times of the year. Not so much during the day, but during the evenings, the beachfront promenade and the small streets in the old town will be remarkably busier.
Keep in mind that you might have to book a table to your favourite restaurant in advance during the busy season.
How to get there
Altea is very easy to visit from the various holiday resort towns like Alicante, Calpe, Benidorm or Denia:
- By car: When you are visiting by car via the regional road N-332 or via the highway AP-7, take exit 64.
- By bus short distance: From the nearby villages, Altea can be visited with the Avanza bus. More information about tickets and time tables here.
- By bus long distance: If you are visiting from further away, check the time table and book your bus ticket in advance here.
- By train / tram: You can catch the local tram that runs between Alicante and Denia. Check more information here.
Why we love Altea
We spend a lot of time on the Costa Blanca, mainly around Benidorm and every time we make sure to visit Altea. There’s just something about its peaceful charm, whitewashed streets and views from the old town that keeps calling us back. A stroll on the beach promenade or a sunset drink in one of the bars, Altea never disappoints. Hopefully you’ll fall in love with this beautiful town as much as we have.
