Altea in Spain. What is there to see on the Costa Blanca?

Altea is one of the many picturesque towns located on the Costa Blanca in the province of Alicante. Are you planning a holiday or a longer stay there? Check out what there is to see.

The seafront promenade, Playa de la Roda, the old town and restaurants serving traditional cuisine are just some of the things Altea, a town with a population of around 22,000, has to offer. Every year, it is visited by many tourists who not only want to relax with a beautiful view of the Costa Blanca, but also admire the classic Spanish architecture, do water sports, and visit local markets and art galleries. Here is a guide to the best Altea has to offer. What to see?

Contents:

Contents:

Contents:

18.04.2025

Altea is a charming town on the Costa Blanca. It is located in the province of Alicante and is situated at the mouth of the Río Algar where it flows into the Mediterranean. Altea is the perfect place for those who value peace and quiet but still want to be close to larger cities. Altea is:
 

• about 10 km from Benidorm,
• about 43 km from Denia,
• about 55 km from Alicante.
   

Elche-Alicante Miguel Hernández Airport is about 60 km from Altea. You can reach the town by bus, taxi or private transfer.

When visiting the Costa Blanca, you should definitely visit the Casco Antiguo, or old town. Altea is called the white town for a reason. In the very centre, situated on a hill, the old town awaits tourists with narrow cobbled streets and white houses with doors and balconies decorated with mosaics and flowers.

The church of Nuestra Señora del Consuelo is the highlight of the Casco Antiguo and the city's landmark. The historic building from the 17th century has distinctive blue domes with white mosaics that are visible from afar. Inside, it has a beautiful baroque interior with colourful stained glass windows.

The old town of Altea is not only characterised by historical architecture, but also by picturesque viewpoints with a panoramic view of the Costa Blanca and the surrounding mountain ranges. The following viewpoints are particularly popular:
 

• Mirador de los Cronistas de España,
• Mirador Blanc,
• Glorieta del Manyo.

The old town is just the beginning of the tourist attractions that Altea has to offer. What to see in the picturesque town? A must-see is the seaside promenade, or Paseo Marítimo, which starts in the nearby town of El Albir and stretches all the way to Río Algar. This place is full of numerous restaurants and cafés with a sea view and is the perfect choice for a morning or evening stroll. From the promenade, you can admire the El Albir lighthouse, among other things.

Altea is also a great place for sunbathing. You can relax in one of the hidden coves, such as Cala del Soio and Cala Barreta, or go to:
 

• Playa de la Roda - the most popular beach in Altea, located near the Casco Antiguo. It is a good choice if you like water sports.
• Playa de la Olla – a great choice if you want to take a break from the hustle and bustle of the city or are looking for a beach where you can bring your dog.
• Playa de Cap Negret – quiet, surrounded by cliffs and with stunningly clear water.
• Playa de la Solsida – a nudist beach, also popular with snorkelling enthusiasts.
   

There are also other beaches in the area: Playa de Cap Blanch, Playa del Mascarat and Cala del Metge.
 

Altea, the cultural centre of the Costa Blanca, also offers a wide range of attractions for artists and art lovers. You will find numerous craft shops and studios, the Faculty of Fine Arts of the University of Miguel Hernández Elche and the Villa Gadea Cultural Institute.

Altea is not only a place for those who love peace and quiet. The Spanish town provides ideal conditions for water sports such as diving, windsurfing and sailing. You can also go canoeing. If you are a fan of outdoor activities, you should visit the port Club Náutico de Altea or one of the above-mentioned beaches, e.g. Playa de la Roda.

The Costa Blanca also offers numerous festivals and cultural events. In summer, concerts are held on the Plaza de la Iglesia, accompanied by exhibitions of handicrafts. Every year in August, Altea organises the Castell de L'Olla, a fireworks display that attracts up to 50,000 people. In the last week of September, the Moors and Christians festival is celebrated. This festival is a celebration of the patron saint of Altea. During the festival, the inhabitants re-enact historical battle scenes and take part in a parade.

If you prefer nature and sightseeing, don't limit yourself to Altea. Instead, plan at least one day for a trip to the surrounding area, where you can visit:
 

• Sierra Helada Natural Park, which was the first nature reserve in Valencia, established in 2005. High cliffs, ideal diving conditions and hiking trails with viewpoints await you there.
• The Fuentes de Algar waterfalls are one of the most beautiful places Spain has to offer. Altea is about 30 minutes away from natural pools, waterfalls and lush vegetation.
• Nearby towns – when in Altea, visit Guadalest, La Nucía, Jalón, Benisa, Javea, Denia, Calpe or the resort of Benidorm.
   

See also: Benidorm – what to see? A practical guide

If you love Spanish cuisine, Altea is an excellent choice for a short holiday or a longer stay. Here you can enjoy Mediterranean cuisine based on fresh ingredients, mainly fish and seafood. In addition to well-known and popular classics such as paella or tapas, it is worth trying local specialities.

These include suquet de peix, a Catalan stew made with small fish, potatoes, vegetables and spices. If you like to discover unusual flavours, try cargols amb ceba, which is cooked snails with onions and herbs. Meat lovers, on the other hand, can order arròs al forno. This is a dish of roasted rice, poured over with broth and served with pork ribs, bacon, sausage and vegetables.

During your stay, you can visit restaurants such as Quel Que Quieres, Xef Pirata Gastro Bar, SHIRAZ Wine & Gastrobar, Noa Lounge & Gourmet, El Cranc, L'Airet d'Altea or De Lab Beach Lounge.

An excellent location, tranquillity and an artistic atmosphere - Altea in Spain has all this and more to offer. It is the perfect place for peace seekers and photographers as well as couples and families with children. The town can become your holiday destination or second home. Get help from Elite World Estates and find a luxury apartment or house on the Costa Blanca!

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Let us narrow down the search among the properties available through us, by contacting us and finding the best options for you. We are here to help you! Please enter your contact details below and we will contact you as soon as possible.

Let us narrow down the search among the properties available through us, by contacting us and finding the best options for you. We are here to help you!
Please enter your contact details below and we will contact you as soon as possible.