About Altea

Altea is located north of Benidorm on the Mediterranean coast and is a museum in and of itself, being the most picturesque town on the Costa Blanca. It is a place where many international and national painters, sculptors, poets, singers, and writers get their inspiration.

Once in Altea, take a moment to plan where you want to go, as here the old town is not situated along the coast but instead on a hill that is home to a church with characteristic Valencian ceramic tiles (Nuestra Señora del Consuelo) – a part of Spain’s cultural heritage, like the Galera Tower.

Those who want to visit the old town can do so by means of the traditional, narrow streets. Once you have reached the top, you can enjoy the beautiful square near the Nuestra Señora del Consuelo church and the impressive views of Altea, Albir, the Mediterranean Sea, and the Sierra de Bernia mountain.

The square itself also has a unique feel to it, especially when the evening falls. Thus, the café terraces are full almost every night and the square is always thriving with activity. A number of restaurants and art galleries complete the panorama, and several works of art can also be admired in the center itself.

Altea is likewise characterized by its numerous narrow streets and its traditional, white houses. These streets date back to the time when the Moors held control of the city, and many of the local houses are, to a great degree, still in their original state. A walk over the paved footpaths and stairways is definitely worth it. The city is a paradise for any photographer who wants to capture pictures like never before. If the Moorish church at its best is what you want to photograph, the best place to do so is not in the city itself, but instead under the morning light of one of the city’s northwestern hills.

The newer part of Altea —the part along the coast— is more commercial and you will find a wide array of restaurants and cafes along the beach boulevard. The beach has existed next to the boulevard since 2017, and there you can enjoy the sun and the sea, as well as the views of the Calpe Rock (Peñon de Ifac) and the Albir lighthouse.

The boulevard has changed a lot in recent years, and it is now possible to take a nice walk along Altea’s coast there. For the walking enthusiast, the town of Albir is easy to reach by foot, travelling along the sea. For the cycling enthusiast, Altea offers the necessary facilities, with ample cycle paths located along the boulevard.

Events

Altea is known for its many festivals, processions, and events. For example, the Three Kings’ Celebration on the night of the Three Kings in January, the Feast of the Moors and the Christians in February and September, the parties on the beach in June in honor of the Holy Trinity, in July the Patron Saint Virgin del Carmen is venerated, and in August nobody on the Costa Blanca should miss the most spectacular fireworks of Spain at the La Olla beach, where no costs are spared to make the show an unforgettable experience year after year. Visitors come from far and wide and take their picnic baskets and tables and chairs to wait out the whole day for the great spectacle at La Olla.

Those who want to stay in or around Altea can not only choose from several apartment complexes and hotels, but also from the many villas that can be found around the city. These are especially located near the small village of Altea la Vella and the Sierra de Altea, Urlisa, and Altea Hills areas. There, you will find many villas that almost always offer a private swimming pool and spectacular views of Altea, the Bay of Altea, the mountains, and the skyline of Benidorm.

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