Imagine strolling through charming cobbled streets lined with traditional whitewashed houses, vibrant flowers, and stunning ocean views. Welcome to Altea, Spain, a hidden gem on the Costa Blanca that will enchant you with its magical atmosphere and breathtaking beauty.
- Explore the enchanting charms of Altea, Spain, from its iconic blue domed church to breathtaking viewpoints and beautiful beaches!
- Delight in delicious meals, thrilling water activities & delightful dining & entertainment.
- Enjoy a variety of annual events & festivities – come experience it for yourself!
Exploring Altea’s Old Town
The picturesque charm of Altea old town, with its narrow cobbled streets and traditional white houses, is truly captivating. As you wander through the town, you’ll find stunning sights at every turn, shop in the many handcraft’s shops, and indulge in delicious meals while enjoying stunning vistas from local eateries.
For nature lovers, the nearby Sierra Helada Natural Park in Spain offers thrilling hikes along more than 400 meters high cliffs, the highest on the Spanish east coast, providing an exciting course for adventure seekers. The park is well-maintained, ensuring a safe and enjoyable tour experience for all visitors.
If you’re in search of tranquility, consider a visit to Polop, a small town surrounded by orchards and pine groves in Costa Blanca, providing a serene escape from the bustling coast.
The Iconic Blue Domed Church
A key attraction in Altea’s old town is the striking blue-domed Church of Our Lady of Consolation, also known as “Nuestra Señora del Consuelo” or “Iglesia de Arriba”. As you ascend the charming streets to the old town, you’ll be greeted by a magnificent broad horizon with the stunning silhouette of the Peon de Ifach on one side and the Helade range on the other, beautifully framing the view of the sea to the north.
This majestic and ornate church is an important part of Altea’s cultural heritage and serves the local population. Take a moment to appreciate the beauty of the Plaza de la Iglesia, a charming church square in Altea’s old town, perfect for soaking in the town’s enchanting atmosphere during your stay in Altea.
Breathtaking Viewpoints
Altea’s old town, located in Altea Spain, also boasts numerous impressive viewpoints, offering amazing views of the surrounding areas. One of the most highly recommended viewpoints is Mirador de la Plaza de la Iglesia, especially during the summer months. From here, visitors can experience fantastic views of the beautiful church and the town of Altea, as well as marvel at the city of Benidorm in the distance.
The best time to visit the Mirador de la Plaza de la Iglesia is during the evening, when the lights are on and the views are absolutely mesmerizing. Capture stunning pictures of Altea Hills and enjoy the perfect spot for photography while making unforgettable memories of your visit to Altea.
Altea’s Beautiful Beaches
A trip to Altea isn’t complete without a visit to its stunning beaches. Popular beaches include:
- Playa la Roda: a large expanse of white pebbles with sandy areas, making it ideal for families
- Nueva Playa De Altea: a beautiful beach with its unique charm and appeal
- Platja de l’Espigó: a white pebble beach stretching for 300 meters along Altea’s coast
Near the beaches, you’ll find a variety of lovely restaurants and cafes, as well as other attractions such as:
- Cap Blanc beach, located near the train station in Altea
- The wide, tree-lined promenade along La Roda beach, which offers stunning views
- The stretch up the coast to Calpe, which takes in the impressive Peon de Ifach rock and Altea bay
Water Activities
The clear and pristine waters of Altea make it an excellent spot for water activities like kayaking, paddleboarding, and catamaran cruises. Altea Nautical Club is an excellent place to find a sailing school and thrilling watersport activities, ensuring a fun-filled experience for everyone.
You can rent paddleboards at La Bocana Sailing Point and Sunbonoo, which offer rentals and courses for an exciting day on the water. For an unforgettable experience, consider a catamaran cruise in Altea, where you’ll set sail from Altea Port, enjoy beautiful views of the city and coastline, relax and soak up the sun, and cool off in the crystal-clear waters.
Delightful Dining and Entertainment
Altea provides a wide variety of dining and entertainment options, with seafront promenade restaurants, tapas bars, and live music performances all waiting to be discovered. The bustling Market Square in Altea is the perfect spot to enjoy a meal, coffee, or simply soak in the lively atmosphere with live music performances.
Along the 2 km long Beach Promenade, you’ll find a variety of restaurants, cafes, and tapas bars to suit all tastes and budgets. The seafront esplanade, lined with palm trees, restaurants, and shops, adds to the excitement and charm of dining and entertainment in Altea.
Must-Visit Attractions Around Altea
Apart from the charming old town and stunning beaches, Altea also features several noteworthy attractions in the nearby area. The Russian Orthodox Church, Marina Greenwich, and Altea La Vieja are all worth exploring during your stay in Altea.
At Marina Greenwich, you can witness some of the most luxurious yachts. Treat yourself to a delicious coffee at one of the harborside restaurants. Relax and book a day off at one of the nearest beaches – Mascarat. Altea La Vieja, a sleepy hamlet just inland from the coast, offers a peaceful retreat from the hustle and bustle of the main town.
Another unique attraction is the Iglesia Ortodoxa Rusa San Miguel Arcangel Altea, a stunning wooden church built by specialists from Siberia. The intricate craftsmanship and serene atmosphere make this a must-visit site for anyone exploring the area around Altea.
Getting to and Around Altea
Reaching Altea is quite straightforward, with convenient and affordable tram service from nearby cities such as Benidorm or Alicante. The tram ride from Alicante to Altea takes approximately 36-37 minutes and costs around €4, making it an easy and cost-effective option for travelers. From Benidorm, the tram service to Altea costs just €1 – €2, ensuring a quick and budget-friendly journey.
TIP: You can buy bus and train tickets online using the Omio.
The ideal time to visit Altea falls between March and June or from September to early October, when the weather is pleasant and the crowds are thinner. Once you’ve arrived, exploring the town on foot is the best way to truly immerse yourself in the charming atmosphere and discover all of Altea’s hidden gems.
Accommodation Options in Altea
Altea provides a variety of lodging options that cater to all budget ranges and preferences, from luxury hotels to budget-friendly stays in the old town or near the beach. Some of the best luxury hotels in Altea include Hotel SH Villa Gadea, Hotel Tossal d’Altea, and Hotel Cap Negret.
For more budget-friendly options, consider SH Villa Gadea, Hotel San Miguel, Blue Sardine Hostal Boutique Altea, Hotel Cap Negret, Hotel Abaco Altea, Hotel Tossal d’Altea, or Hotel Altaia. There are also many family-friendly accommodations available, such as Hotel SH Villa Gadea, Hotel Tossal d’Altea, Hotel-Restaurante San Miguel, Hostal El Trovador, and Hotel Altaia. To find some interesting accommodation options, you can use Hotellook or Booking.
Annual Events and Festivities in Altea
Altea is known for its vibrant celebrations, hosting a variety of annual events and festivities reflective of its dynamic culture and rich history. The Moors and Christians Festival is a highlight of the event calendar, featuring fireworks, pageants, and processions with colorful costumes and music. Held on the fourth weekend of September and lasting for a week, this festival commemorates the century-old struggle between the Moors and Christians and is an unforgettable experience for all who attend.
Another spectacular event is the Castell de L’Olla firework display, held in honor of the San Lorenzo Fiesta. This unique firework display at sea draws in an astonishing 50,000 people every year and is a breathtaking spectacle of light and gunpowder. Dance, music, and other festivities accompany the display, making it a must-see event during your visit to Altea.
Aside from these major events, Altea also hosts a variety of other celebrations throughout the year, including carnival celebrations, food events, and storytelling gatherings. Be sure to check the schedule and plan your visit accordingly to experience the excitement and energy of Altea’s annual events and festivities.
Summary
Altea, Spain, is an enchanting gem on the Costa Blanca that offers a captivating blend of picturesque charm, stunning beaches, delightful dining, and exciting events. From exploring the magical old town to relaxing on beautiful beaches and participating in thrilling water activities, there’s something for everyone in Altea. So, why not plan your visit and discover the enchanting charms of Altea for yourself?
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Altea?
Altea is a city and municipality located on the Mediterranean Costa Blanca in the Valencian Community of Spain. It’s well known for its widely used DCS system which enables airport agents to perform check-in, seat assignments and in-flight service requests.
Which country is Altea in?
Altea is an idyllic city and municipality in the Valencian Community of Spain, located on the stunningly beautiful Costa Blanca. Nicknamed the “Santorini of Spain,” Altea boasts a picturesque old town, pebble beaches and plenty of marinas for offshore exploration.
Why visit Altea?
Altea is the perfect destination for a tranquil escape, boasting charming whitewashed houses, an old town and stunning views along the Costa Blanca region. Located just north of Benidorm and Alicante, this picturesque village is sure to provide a truly memorable holiday.
Is Altea Spain worth visiting?
Altea is a beautiful Mediterranean coastal town, located in the Valencian Community and just north of Benidorm and Alicante. Its whitewashed houses, charming old town and stunning views make it an ideal destination for a tranquil escape or holiday. Visiting Altea Spain is definitely worth it!
What is the best way to get to Altea from Alicante or Benidorm?
Hop aboard the tram for a convenient and affordable journey to Altea from Alicante or Benidorm!
Discover Valencian Community
Each region of Spain is divided into provinces. Their names often coincide with the names of their main cities. Valencian Community is divided into three provinces, each of which has different tourist attractions and interesting places to offer:| Province | Tourist attractions and interesting places |
| Valencia | City of Arts and Sciences (Ciudad de las Artes y las Ciencias), Valencia Oceanarium, BIOPARC Valencia, Mercado Central in Valencia, Turia Gardens, Valencia CathedralPopular cities: Valencia |
| Alicante | Santa Barbara Castle (Castillo de Bárbara), Canelobre Caves, Explanada de España, Volvo Ocean Race Museum, Puerto de Alicante, Terra Mítica Amusement Park, El Peñón de Ifach Natural park, beaches in Alicante (i.e. Playa del Postiguet, Playa de San Juan), Torrevieja (i.e. El Cura, Playa de la Mata, Playa de los Locos), Granadella (Playa de la Granadella) in Jávea.Popular cities: Alicante, Benidorm, Torrevieja, Jávea, Santa Pola, Elche, Villajoyosa, Calpe, El Campello, Altea, San Juan de Alicante, Guardamar del Segura, La Marina, San Miguel de Salinas, Sant Vicent del Raspeig, Pilar de la Horadada, Cabo Roig, Ciudad Quesada, L'Alfàs del Pi, komarka Baix Vinalopó |
| Castellón | Popular cities: Castellón de la Plana |
