Altea, with about 24,500 inhabitants, is a town in the province of Alicante on the Costa Blanca, a few kilometres from Benidorm but far from its skyscrapers. Its old town, perched on a hill between the sea and the Sierra de Bernia, is a maze of white houses, geraniums and stairways that has drawn painters, sculptors and musicians for decades.
What to see
- The church of Nuestra Señora del Consuelo, Altea's symbol, with its blue and white ceramic domes gleaming in the sun and visible from afar.
- Plaza de la Iglesia and the mirador, overlooking the bay and the coast as far as the Peñón de Ifach.
- The casco antiguo, the old town, with cobbled lanes full of art galleries, craft shops and restaurants.
- Palau Altea, a cultural centre with concerts and shows, and the Fine Arts faculty of Miguel Hernández University.
- The marina and seafront.
Beaches
Altea's beaches are mostly pebbly, with clear water: La Roda, in the centre, Cap Negret, La Olla, with an islet, and the coves towards the Sierra Helada, such as Cala del Soio. The seabed is good for snorkelling and diving.
Nature
The Sierra de Bernia, behind the town, has hiking trails, including a circular route through a natural rock tunnel and past a 16th-century fort. Nearby are the Algar waterfalls and the village of Guadalest, with its clifftop castle.
Festivals and food
The main festivals are Moors and Christians, in late September, with costume parades and mock battles, and the Castell de l'Olla, in July or August, a fireworks display over the sea. Rice is the star: arroz a banda, arroz negro and paella, plus fresh fish from the port. Altea is also known for loquats from nearby Callosa d'en Sarrià.
Getting there
Alicante airport is about 60 km away. The Alicante TRAM links Altea with Benidorm, Alicante and Dénia along the coast.