Posted by Altea is a holiday resort on the Costa Blanca with about 20,000 inhabitants. The place is especially popular with German holidaymakers. Although in summer many thousands of tourists spend their holidays in Altea, it is clearly calmer here than in the neighbouring town and mega holiday resort Benidorm. Altea is rather popular with older tourists. Also many of the inhabitants come from Germany – for the most part pensioners, who spend their retirement here. The name of the city is world famous since Seat named a car model after her (Seat Altea). Altea has a beautiful old town with a towering church and narrow streets with snow-white houses.
Our tip: Take a catamaran cruise off the coast of Alicante. A short cruise (2 hours) with drinks, etc., for only €29. A great experience, we really enjoyed it: More info and booking
Sights Altea
The old town is perhaps the most interesting on the Costa Blanca. The narrow streets with the white houses remind rather of southern Spain and are atypical for the region. The old town of Altea is located directly behind the beach and is full of sights. It is situated on a steep slope. The ascent to the church square with the church described below is worthwhile. On the one hand, the large square is the centre of the city. Here you can meet some nice cafés, street musicians and artists. On the other hand you have a great view from the church square to the sea, the beach and the city of Altea including the small railway station for the narrow-gauge railway.
The whole old town is free of cars. The steep alleys partly consist of steps, which are an insurmountable obstacle for motor vehicles. The many flowers in the streets, which are cared for by the residents with much love, increase additionally the charm of Altea. One gets the impression that Altea places more value on the preservation of the place and the culture than on money and commerce. Herewith, Altea stands in a pleasant contrast to the northern neighbour Calpe and even more to the 10 km south situated Benidorm, the biggest tourist place of Europe.
Our tip: Ride the catamaran off the coast of Alicante. Short cruise (duration 2 hours) with drinks etc. for only 32 euros. Great experience, we really liked it: More info and booking
The most striking building is the church Nuestra Senora del Consuelo at the highest point of the old town of Altea. Its blue dome roofs are a nice contrast to the otherwise snow-white houses.
The promenade behind the beach of Altea looks like the whole place maintained. It is varied. In some places, as in the picture above, there is a small green area next to the shore path, in other places there are restaurants and cafés. The restaurants are strikingly international – there is even an Argentine steak house and a Japanese restaurant. The beach itself is ok, although partly no sandy beach but pebbles.
The only less beautiful thing in Altea is the federal road that runs one block behind the shore and separates the shore from the old town. Otherwise, Altea is a perfect holiday resort on the Costa Blanca.
There are hundreds of boats in the port of Altea. Mostly they are smaller ships and not expensive yachts – as for example in the port of Alicante.
Staying in Altea – 6 charming tips for your vacation
1. Hotel Abaco Altea
A romantic boutique hotel in a quiet alley in the old town. Each room is individually decorated – some classic, some modern. The breakfast is lovingly prepared, and the service is very personal. Perfect for couples.
View Hotel Abaco on booking.com
2. Blue Sardine Altea
A stylish little hotel with modern, bright rooms – just steps from the sea. Ideal for those who appreciate design and want to stay centrally. Some rooms have partial sea views.
View Blue Sardine on booking.com
3. Maison Condesa – Adults Only
Dreamlike views from the terrace, tasteful interiors, and plenty of peace and quiet. The accommodation is located above the old town and offers beautiful sunsets. Adults only – ideal for relaxation.
View Maison Condesa on booking.com
4. Hostal Fornet Altea
Affordable, simple accommodation with plenty of charm, right in the heart of the old town. Many rooms have balconies with views over the rooftops to the sea. Family-run hostel with a very friendly atmosphere.
View Hostal Fornet on booking.com
5. Casa Vital Boutique Hotel
Small hotel with an artistic flair in a historic building. Run by Norwegians, with great attention to detail. Right in the old town – restaurants and galleries are within seconds.
View Casa Vital on booking.com
6. Pierre & Vacances Altea Beach
For families or anyone who enjoys cooking with a sea view: Apartments with a kitchen, balcony, and pool – right on the water in the quiet Altea La Vella district. Perfect for longer stays.
View Pierre & Vacances Altea Beach on booking.com
Altea Top 10 Sights
Here are the 10 best tourist attractions in Altea, Spain.
Old town:
The charming old town of Altea is a must-see. Discover the narrow streets, the white houses and the churches with their blue domes.
Church of Our Lady of Consuelo:
Famous for its blue-tiled dome, this beautiful church is one of Altea’s most famous monuments.
Mirador de la Cruz:
This viewpoint offers a breathtaking panoramic view of Altea and the Mediterranean Sea.
Palau Altair:
This cultural center hosts numerous events, including music concerts, theatrical performances and exhibitions.
Altea Beach:
Altea has several beaches, but the town’s main beach, La Roda, is the ideal spot for sunbathing and enjoying the sea.
Sierra de Bernia Natural Park:
Located just outside Altea, this natural park offers hiking trails, panoramic views and the local flora and fauna.
Flux Foundation Museum:
This contemporary art museum exhibits works by artists from Spain and around the world.
Place of the Ayuntamiento:
Located in the heart of Altea’s historic center, this picturesque square is surrounded by historic buildings and restaurants.
Paseo Marittimo:
This scenic promenade is ideal for a leisurely stroll and offers views of the Mediterranean Sea and the Altea coastline.
Casco Antiguo:
Listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the historic center of Altea is the perfect place to explore the city’s rich history and architecture.
Our tip: Catamaran trip off the coast of Alicante. Short cruise (duration 2 hours) with drinks etc. for only 29 euros. Great experience, we really liked it: More information and booking
Church of Nuestra Senora del Consuelo
Nuestra Senora del Consuelo is a beautiful church in the town of Altea, Alicante, Spain. This church is one of Altea’s most famous monuments and is easily recognized by its blue-tiled dome.
Construction of the church began in the early 20th century and was completed in 1910. A fine example of neo-Byzantine architecture, it features a unique interior design that combines traditional elements with modern touches.
The church is dedicated to Our Lady Consuelo and houses a statue of the Virgin Mary, said to have healing powers. The statue is popularly known as “La Mare de Déu del Consol” and is an important religious symbol for the people of Altea.
Besides its religious significance, Nuestra Senora del Consuelo is also a popular tourist attraction. Visitors come from all over the world to see the church’s beautiful blue dome and explore its impressive interior.
Sierra de Bernia Natural Park
The Sierra de Bernia Natural Park is a nature reserve in Alicante, Spain. Spread over 1,000 hectares, the park is known for its outstanding natural beauty, diverse flora and fauna, and outdoor recreation opportunities.
The Sierra de Bernia is a mountain range that runs parallel to the Mediterranean coast. The highest point of the mountain range is the Bernia peak, which reaches a height of 1,128 meters above sea level. The park features a variety of ecosystems including Mediterranean forests, cliffs and alpine meadows.
Visitors to the Sierra de Bernia Natural Park can enjoy a variety of outdoor activities, including trekking, mountain biking, rock climbing and bird watching. There are several well-signposted hiking trails that offer beautiful views of the park and surrounding countryside. Popular hiking trails are the Ruta de los Acatilados or the Cliff Route. Hikers can follow the coastline and enjoy spectacular views of the Mediterranean Sea.
The park is home to a wide variety of flora and fauna, including eagles, vultures, wild boar, and several species of orchids. The park’s visitor center offers information, tours, and educational programs about the park’s flora and fauna.
Arrival Altea
By train: From Benidorm, Denia and Alicante (with a change at Benidorm) there are hourly narrow-gauge trains (similar to trams) to Altea.
The Benidorm city bus line 10 connects Benidorm and Altea approximately every 15 minutes during the day.
Altea is easy to reach by car: take the Altea exit on the coastal motorway and follow the signs to the city. There are parking lots all along the shore, but they are often occupied near the city centre. You can simply park a little further out (near the harbour, for example) and then walk into town.
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