Altea

Lying on the Mediterranean coast of the province of Alicante, Altea is one of the Costa Blanca‘s most precious gems. This picturesque seaside village is distinguished by its quaint old town, dominated by a bright blue dome towering over snow-white houses. The old town, a maze of cobbled lanes climbing up the hillside, offers breathtaking views of the Mediterranean and retains the charm of traditional Spanish architecture.

Altea’s authentic and relaxed atmosphere has over time attracted artists and craftsmen from all over Europe, transforming the village into a lively cultural centre. Today, its art galleries, craft workshops and typical restaurants blend harmoniously with the coastal landscape, creating a unique experience that stands out from the mass tourism of the neighbouring resorts.

Things to do in Altea

Altea is a jewel of the Costa Blanca that perfectly combines the charm of an old fishing village with a lively contemporary art scene. Its cobbled streets hide architectural treasures, while the seafront promenade offers splendid views of the Mediterranean. Every corner tells a story, every square invites discovery.

Historic Centre

The historical centre of Altea is an enchanting labyrinth of narrow cobbled streets winding up the hillside. The traditional houses, with their whitewashed walls and flower-decked balconies, create a typically Mediterranean atmosphere. Every corner reveals craft shops, art galleries and small cafés that have preserved the authenticity of the place.

The Plaza de la Iglesia is the beating heart of the old town, a natural belvedere offering spectacular views of the bay. Summer evenings come alive with craft markets and open-air musical performances, while the numerous restaurants with panoramic terraces allow visitors to enjoy local cuisine while enjoying the breathtaking views.

Church of Our Lady of Consuelo

The Church of Our Lady of Consuelo is the undisputed emblem of Altea, with its characteristic blue glazed ceramic domes dominating the skyline of the old town. Built at the beginning of the 20th century in the Neoclassical style, the church stands at the highest point of the old town, on the charming Plaza de la Iglesia.

The building stands out with its immaculate white façade and two bell towers framing the main dome. The interior is equally impressive, with cross vaults and an interesting collection of sacred art. The real magic is revealed at sunset, when the sun’s rays reflect off the blue domes, creating a light show that has inspired countless artists.

Barrio de los Artistas

Barrio de los Artistas is the district that best represents the creative soul of Altea. Its narrow streets are home to numerous art galleries, painting studios and craft workshops where you can admire artists at work or buy original works. The bohemian atmosphere can be felt on every corner, from the façades decorated with murals to the small squares where cultural events are often organised.

The presence of a thriving international art community has transformed this district into a lively cultural centre, where tradition and contemporaneity blend harmoniously. It is not uncommon to come across impromptu exhibitions, street concerts or art workshops open to the public.

Tours and excursions in Altea

The beaches of Altea

Altea’s seafront promenade stretches for several kilometres, alternating between pebble beaches and hidden coves. The Paseo Marítimo is an elegant promenade lined with palm trees and lined with fish restaurants, artisanal ice-cream parlours and trendy bars. The promenade is particularly atmospheric at sunset, when the sun dips into the sea creating spectacular plays of light.

Playa de la Roda, the centre’s main beach, is characterised by its white pebbles and crystal-clear waters, ideal for snorkelling. Further north, the Playa de Cap Blanch offers a quieter and wilder environment, perfect for those seeking relaxation away from the crowds.

Where to stay in Altea

The historic centre is an ideal choice for those wishing to immerse themselves in the authentic atmosphere of Altea. Here you will find quaint boutique hotels converted from old mansions and flats with sea views, perfect for getting a taste of local life. The area is particularly atmospheric at night, when the narrow streets are illuminated and the restaurants come alive.

The waterfront area, on the other hand, offers modern hotels and tourist flats with direct access to the beach, ideal for families looking for convenience and services at their fingertips. This area is well connected and provides easy access to all the main attractions.

Recommended hotels in Altea

We offer a selection of hotels at Altea to suit all categories of travellers. The most booked by tourists are the sea-facing hotels, often right on the beach. If you want to play it safe, choose one of the following: they are among the most booked hotels in Altea, sorted by number of reviews.

Apartments and vacation homes in Altea

If you prefer space, privacy and the ability to prepare your own meals to a hotel holiday, book a holiday home at Altea. We recommend a few below, but in this case we advise you to book early because houses and apartments for rent at Altea are in high demand.

How to get to Altea

Altea is conveniently accessible from Alicante Airport, located approximately 60 km away. From the airport, one can take a direct bus or rent a car, a recommended option for exploring the Costa Blanca freely.

Alternatively, the Altea train station is served by the picturesque TRAM that connects Alicante with Denia, offering a scenic trip along the coast. For those arriving by car, the AP-7 motorway and the N-332 national road effectively connect Altea to the region’s main cities.

Altea Weather