About Altea
Altea is located a ten minute drive North of Benidorm (10 km), about 1 hour from Alicante along the N-332 and is one of the most beautiful coastal towns of the Costa Blanca, retaining its own unique Spanish charm in spite of its increasing tourism and popularity. It lies directly by the sea in the midst of a beautiful bay and is surrounding by rugged mountains - really picturesque! The name comes from the Moorish 'Althaya' which means 'health to all'.
The main road through the village goes to the coast (4 minutes in car to L'Olla beach) or inland to Guadalest, one of the most visited places in the Costa Blanca. To get to the very top of Guadalest Village you have to go through the big house! On the way there it is worth visiting the Fonts D'Algar, a lovely waterfall. The Algar is the river that runs out to sea at Altea. Small streams from the surrounding mountains feed it, and in the winter, following heavy rain inland, a waterfall forms, and runs down the ravine below. This only happens once or twice a year, but is a wonderful surprise.
Situated on a steep hillside a short walk from the sea, with stunning views over the Bay of Altea, it is a town steeped in history and has long been a popular retreat for artists, sculptors and writers. With the recent addition of the University of Culture and Fine Arts and a new concert hall Altea has been bestowed the official title of the 'Cultural Capital of the Valencian region'.
The city center is a treasure trove of shops, craft galleries, restaurants and little white-washed buildings adorned with flowers - all waiting to be discovered in the winding and cobbled medieval lanes, look for the famous blue-domed church of the Virgin de Consueloat the top of these lanes; it is well worth the walk, the views from the top overlooking the bay of Altea with the mountain backdrop are nothing short of spectacular!
To reach the Church, simply continue walking upwards towards the blue domes (or follow the signs to the 'Poble Antic'). At the top you will find yourself in a delight little square, lined with cafés and restaurants - just perfect for a 'tapas' or a chilled 'vino blanco'. It is a very popular spot with the locals too with plenty of Spanish flair. From here you can also see spectacular views of Altea, Albir and Benidorm. De Sabor pastisseria is the perfect place for some dessert or gelato on your way down from the Church.
Altea la Vella is a small traditional village with stunning views to the sea and the Bernia mountains. It is approximately 25 miles north of Alicante and just a couple of miles from Altea. Although it is in a quiet nature setting it is close to services, the beach and all the restaurants and sights of Altea. The village has real character and a selection of fine cafes and tapas bars.
El Sabor Pastisseria
Ca Toni Restaurant
There are many great restaurants in Altea La Vella. Ca Toni, Giardinos, Valentinos, Bellinis, Ripol, Bernia to name a few. So plenty of places to eat without going out of the village. Please note that some of the delicious Spanish dishes like Paella and Lamb often needs to be ordered a day ahead as it takes a while to prepare.
There is a new and an old part to the village. The old part is on a small hill having tiny streets and a lovely church. You must look inside. In the newer part of the village there is a theatre, school, bars, cafes and shops, and a couple of bakers.
It only takes 4-5 minutes drive down to the village from the Urbanizations and there is plenty of parking up behind the bank. There is a 9 hole golf course nearby at Club Don Cayo.
Paella at Restaurante Mallol
The fantastic new promenade
Down at the seaside there is a very clean new Promenade which stretches along the town down to the little port. You'll find plenty of cafés along the way, oh... and bring some bread for the ducks!
L'olla beach looking towards Altea and its magnificent Church. Albir and Benidorm are in the distance.
Apart from the fantastic 5 star Melia Villa Gadea hotel, we have been spared the high rise hotel blocks in Altea and you can guarantee room to swim in peace. You will find a few beach bars and restaurants here, and the biggest firework display off the little island in August.
This is a video about Altea produced by Spain-holiday.com. Watch the Altea travel video and be inspired to visit beautiful Altea.
Places to visit while you are on your Altea Holiday. Local festivals are featured as well.
Inland beyond Callossa is Guadalest one of the most visited places on the CostaBlanca with 2 million visitors a year. Surrounded by the Aitana, Serella & Xorta Mountains the village was a strategic military stronghold with fortifications. dating back to 715AD and the period of Moorish occupation of Spain. Guadalest has been declared a 'Monument of Historical and Artistic Value' and is a major tourist attraction in Spain.
Algar Waterfalls at only 15 km from Benidorm and 3 km from the center of Callosa d'en Sarrià, direction Bolulla, you can find a natural area with a high degree of conservation of the ecological richness. Walk through the bed of the river Algar, see the spectacular waterfalls and the numerous sources springs that spring from the rock, the "tolls" where you can take refreshing swims in crystal clear waters, known before as "source of health".
Altea is the perfect place for biking. Everywhere you look, you see bikers. Professional bikers and recreational bikers. And people biking to get from A to B.
Inland beyond Callossa is Guadalest one of the most visited places on the CostaBlanca with 2 million visitors a year. Surrounded by the Aitana, Serella & Xorta Mountains the village was a strategic military stronghold with fortifications. dating back to 715AD and the period of Moorish occupation of Spain. Guadalest has been declared a 'Monument of Historical and Artistic Value' and is a major tourist attraction in Spain.
Here is a terrific video from Costa Blanca Digital TV
Holiday Rentals in Altea
Holiday Altea have a collection of beautiful and well maintained privately owned apartments and villas to choose from if you are thinking of visiting Altea. Use the search bar below to check out what is available. You can also visit Holiday Rentals in Altea to see all the holiday rentals we offer.