All About Altea – Costa Blanca’s Most Picturesque Town

Altea is one of the most beautiful and authentic towns on Spain’s Costa Blanca. Famous for its whitewashed houses, narrow cobbled streets, and the striking blue-domed church of Nuestra Señora del Consuelo, Altea offers visitors a blend of traditional Spanish charm and modern cultural life.

Why Visit Altea?

This charming coastal town combines:

• Traditional Spanish character

• A thriving arts and culture scene

• Stylish boutique shops and artisan galleries

• Stunning Mediterranean coastline and beaches

Whether you’re exploring its historic old town, relaxing on its beaches, dining in excellent restaurants, or enjoying panoramic viewpoints, Altea truly has something for everyone.

Altea 1950

Layout of Altea

The N-332 road splits Altea in two:

• Coastal Side: Sandy and pebbly beaches, long palm-lined promenade, and the marina.

• Town Side: The old town with its historic streets and the new town, where you’ll find shops, the tram station, and the large Tuesday market.

Getting to Altea from Benidorm

🚍 By Bus

Catch the No. 10 bus anywhere along Avenida Mediterraneo in Benidorm.

• Cost: Around €1.60 per person

• Journey Time: Approximately 25 minutes

🚋 By Tram

Take the local tram from Benidorm to Altea.

• Station: Altea Tram Station has one platform serving trams going north (towards Dénia) and south (towards Alicante).

🚖 By Taxi

A taxi from Benidorm costs around €18 – €23.

🚗 By Car

Driving from Benidorm to Altea is quick and easy.

• Distance: ~10 km (6 miles)

• Drive Time: 15-20 minutes

Route Options:

• N-332 (Coastal Road): Scenic route with beautiful sea views, passing through Albir before Altea.

• AP-7 Motorway: Faster if traffic is heavy on the N-332 but less scenic.

Parking Tips:
In peak summer months, parking can be difficult, especially near the old town. Public car parks are available by the seafront and at the bottom of the old town hill.

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Top Things to Do in Altea

🏰 Explore Altea Old Town

Wander the narrow, cobbled streets lined with whitewashed houses, colourful flowers, art galleries, and artisan shops. Don’t miss the blue-domed church, Nuestra Señora del Consuelo, at the top of the hill.

Altea’s Iconic Church: Nuestra Señora del Consuelo

The church dominates the old town square with its blue and white tiled dome. Inside, you’ll find beautiful stained glass windows, murals, and sculptures. Look out for the bell towers – one remains ruined as a reminder of damage from the Spanish Civil War.

🌅 Visit the Mirador Cronistas de España

Enjoy stunning panoramic views of the town, bay, and mountains – ideal for photos both day and night.

🎨 Discover Local Art and Culture

Visit small galleries and craft shops reflecting Altea’s bohemian spirit, long known as a haven for artists, writers, and musicians.

🍽 Enjoy Altea’s Dining Scene

Altea is a true paradise for food lovers, offering everything from traditional Spanish tapas bars and fresh seafood restaurants along the beachfront promenade to stylish international eateries nestled within its charming old town streets.

If you’re seeking a romantic dinner with breath-taking sea views, a relaxed lunch in the lively old town square, or authentic local dishes served in family-run restaurants, you’ll find plenty of choices to suit every taste and budget in Altea.

Keep in mind that Spanish meal times are typically later than those in the UK. Restaurants often close during the afternoon and reopen for dinner service after 7:30 or 8:00 pm, so it’s always wise to check opening hours in advance.

For those moments when you need a coffee break, a quick bite to eat, or a full à la carte meal at any time of day, Un Amor Altea is an excellent choice, catering to all your dining needs with friendly service and a varied menu.

🚶‍♀️ Stroll Along Altea Promenade

Walk the palm-lined promenade, stretching from the marina towards Albir. Stop for coffee, tapas, or ice cream at beachfront cafés while taking in Mediterranean views.

Photos by David Wyn Thomas

Altea Promenade Sculptures

Along the seafront, you’ll find modern sculptures and artworks, reflecting Altea’s reputation as an arts hub. These pieces, inspired by the sea and local life, create a unique open-air gallery for visitors to enjoy.

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⛵ Visit the Marina

See the boats, enjoy a drink overlooking the sea, or simply take in the peaceful coastal atmosphere.

🏖 Relax on Altea’s Beaches

Most beaches are pebbly with crystal-clear water, perfect for swimming and sunbathing. Promenade beaches are family-friendly with good facilities.

Altea’s Beaches – Quick Guide

• Cap Blanch Beach: South of Altea, connects with Albir beach.

• Playa de la Roda: Central beach, accessible for reduced mobility.

• Playa de l’Espigó: New beach with good facilities.

• Playa del Riu: Popular with surfers.

• Cap Negret Beach: Small, wide stony beach.

• Playa del Portet (Cala el Soio): Volcanic rocks, ideal for snorkelling.

• Playa de l’Olla: Dog-friendly stony beach with bars.

• Playa de la Solsida: Quiet nudist beach.

• Campomanes Beach: Small port with water sports.

• Playa del Mascarat Norte: Quiet nudist beach with crystal-clear water.

Altea’s Main Fiestas

• June: Sant Antoni, San Juan (Tree Festival with climbing competitions and festivities).

• July: Sant Pere, Sant Jaume, Santa Anna.

• August: Sant Roc, Sant Llorenç, Sant Isidre, Sant Lluís, and Castell de L’Olla fireworks.

• September: Sant Tomàs, Moors and Christians (20th-24th Sept 2024). This festival features spectacular costumes, processions, battle re-enactments, and fireworks – a must-see for visitors.

Day Trip Ideas from Altea

✔ Tuesday Morning Market – One of the largest in the area, now located in Basseta Centre Car Park from 2nd Jan 2024.
✔ Visit Fonts del Algar waterfalls nearby.
✔ Tram to Dénia for lunch and a scenic return.
✔ Walk the Albir promenade and enjoy a menu del día lunch.

Nearby Mountains: Sierra de Bernia

Just inland from Altea lies the Sierra de Bernia, reaching heights of 1130m, offering spectacular views of the coast and countryside.

History of Altea

Altea has a rich history, with settlements from Iberians, Greeks, Romans, and Muslims before it was captured in 1244 by James I of Aragon. Its location at the mouth of the River Algar provided fresh water and supported its fishing and salt fish production.

In the 17th century, pirate raids caused population decline. Modern transformation came in the 1970s with the construction (and later removal) of coastal dykes, leading to the creation of new artificial beaches and boosting tourism.

Ready to Discover Altea?

From its historic old town to its relaxing beaches and vibrant arts scene, Altea is a must-visit destination on the Costa Blanca.

Photo by David Wyn Thomas

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Have you visited Altea? Share your experiences and tips in the comments below – we’d love to hear about your favourite spots and memories from this beautiful town.