Visit Altea
Altea is in the Alicante province of Valencia and Murcia. Altea is an old fishing village which has expanded to become a pleasant resort on the Costa Blanca on the Mediterranean coast of Spain.
Explore Altea
The hill-top town of Altea has lovely white-washed houses and is full of the palm trees and bougainvillea that make these Spanish towns so attractive. The town is relatively unspoilt considering the tourist development that has gone on around it. The church is particularly attractive with its blue dome.
Down below by the pebbled beach is the tourist resort of Altea, a mixture of tourist apartments and fisherman's cottages. Whilst not a sandy beach the coastline here is attractive and the historic town above is an added treat.
The most beautiful building in Altea is its church, the Nuestra Senora del Consuelo (Our Lady of Sorrow) with a stunning blue and white domed roof. If you are lucky enough to take a boat trip you can get fabulous views of the white houses of Altea rising from the sea up to the church with its blue dome and with a backdrop of mountains and blue sky behind - wonderful!
The old town is a maze of narrow, cobbled streets, often with a glimpse of the bright blue sea of the harbour below. Wandering the streets is a pleasure with the view changing slightly each time you turn a corner.
There are plenty of bars and restaurants along the sea-front but make sure you dine in the old town at least once during your visit. In the evening the outdoor cafes fill up, the air is warm, there is a view of the sea below and eating al-fresco is very pleasant.
Most of the action takes place down in the harbour area. Here you will find lots of restaurants and bars and Altea's beaches. The beaches are pebbly rather than sandy but offer a good range of water sports. The coastline is very attractive as there are plenty of nice rocky coves to explore.
If you have the chance to visit during the festival of San Lorenzo in mid August you will be able to see a spectacular firework display with fireworks being set off from the sea as well as from land. The display is known as the Castell de l'Olla and is developing an international reputation.
Places to visit near Altea
The large resort of Benidorm is 10km away. If you are looking for sandy beaches and a thriving nightlife then Benidorm is worth a visit. Calpe is an interesting seaside town with a huge limestone rock sat on its beach. Guadalest is a stunning mountain village perched on the top of a sheer cliff.
The hills of the Sierra de Berna rise up behind Altea and from here you can get fabulous views of Altea and the coast.
You can find more local travel ideas in the Alicante guide and the Valencia and Murcia guide.
Map of Altea and places to visit
Altea places to visit
Calpe
Calpe is a popular resort on the Costa Blanca coast. It is recognisable for the huge rock just off the beach.
Calpe guide
Benidorm
Benidorm is the largest resort in Europe and has a lively night-life. It is popular with young tourists and with families.
Benidorm guide
Guadalest
Guadaleste is a very pretty mountain village with a belfry perched on top of a rocky outcrop. It also has a moorish castle.
Guadalest guide
Denia
A resort town overlooked by a large castle. It is a cosmopolitan town that has retained its charm.
Denia guide
Alicante
With a medieval fortress above the town, a Boroque town hall, wide esplanades, sandy beaches, and lots more.
Alicante guide
Xativa Castle
Xativa Castle is a stunning castle whose Major and Minor castles spread out with their fortifications along the hilltop.
Xativa Castle guide...or see all our recommended places to visit in Valencia and Murcia