We have chosen the most beautiful places to see in Altea (Alicante), one of the most beautiful villages on the Costa Blanca. Let’s get started!
What does Altea mean? The word comes from the Greek Althaia, which means “she who heals”. Well, here you can heal your soul or cure yourself of stress.
Contents
- 1 ⚖ Town Hall Square
- 2 ⛰ Sierra de Bernia
- 3 🏠 Altea la Vella (Altea la Vieja)
- 4 🐚 Bay of Altea, a treasure of Alicante
- 5 💒 O ld Town
- 6 🔭 Viewpoint Cronistas de España
- 7 🎆 Fireworks of L’Olla
- 8 Moors and Christians in Altea
- 9 🏝 Playa de la roda
- 10 🕍 Visit to the Russian Orthodox Church
- 11 🍹 The Garden of the Senses
- 12 How to get to Altea in 5 minutes
Altea (formerly known as the Dome of the Mediterranean) is a beautiful Mediterranean village in the province of Alicante and one of the most important best villages of the Costa Blanca. It is an example of Mediterranean architecture, and a very entertaining place where we can have a great time on our holidays.
L’Olla Beach 
Village of Altea (Alicante) at night with the rock of Ifach (Calpe) in the background.
⚖ Town Hall Square
It is the best known square of the place, a meeting point from which it will be easy to get anywhere else. In the Town Hall Square we can find a wide variety of shops and establishments, so having a coffee there is a tradition.
It will allow us to get a close look at the lifestyle of the locals.
⛰ Sierra de Bernia
The Sierra de Bernia is a natural site with a height of 1129 meters. This massif is basically made up of limestone rock dating from the Oligocene and Cretaceous eras.
It goes without saying that it is one of the most impressive places to see: its incredible cliffs, its idyllic views and its varied natural spaces make this place a very important spot not to be missed.
One of the best things to do in Alicante is a hiking route through any of its mountains.
Its approximate length is about 9km, and extends from the Algar River, through the ravine of Mascarat to reach the Sierra del Ferrer.
Route from Altea to the forat de Bernia
From this position we can see from left to right Sierra Helada, the Island and the skyscrapers of Benidorm.
🏠 Altea la Vella (Altea la Vieja)
Altea la Vella is a hamlet of Altea, a place away from the main town that can be a haven of peace for those looking to get away from the hustle and bustle of everyday life. According to INE data from 2012, it has only 583 inhabitants.
It is located at a distance of 3.5 km in a northerly direction from the town of Altea and only 3 km from the Sierra Bernia.
If possible, it is worth visiting the city during the festivities of Cristo de la Salud (in February), or during the festivities of Santa Bárbara (celebrated on December 4th).
The village is another place to fill the list of what to see in Altea.
🐚 Bay of Altea, a treasure of Alicante
The third point of interest in this list is a small bay located in the middle of the Mediterranean coast. It is considered a key entry point between the municipality itself and Alfaz del Pi.
There are many tourists who decide to rent a holiday home to have a great time, or directly acquire it to repeat as many times as they want.
The bay extends to the river Algar (covering a distance of 12.2km).
As a curiosity, near the coast of the Bay there are two islets with certain tourist importance: La Olla and La Pila.
🏖 Promenade and viewpoint
The promenade of Altea is a very quiet place to stroll near the sea and enjoy the most beautiful views of the town. From here you can feel all the flavor of the Costa Blanca (both in the atmosphere, how through the countless restaurants located along the coast).
You don’t really enjoy this beautiful town if you don’t visit the promenade when the sun goes down: tourists say it’s the most magical moment of the day.
💒 O ld Town
If there is one basic thing to see in 1 day in Altea, that is its old town. The old town is made up of a succession of whitewashed houses, narrow streets and cobbled lanes, doors, windows and squares that will take us back in time to a quieter, more peaceful moment. By the way, whitewashed means that the houses are covered with lime to give them that white colour and to absorb the heat, as in many places in the Mediterranean.
Getting lost in the old town of Altea is a very pleasant experience: it is not about walking or visiting, but simply getting lost and getting to know everything that does not appear in the guide books, or that is not so easy to find.
Walking without a fixed plan, without a fixed direction, makes us disconnect from the hectic pace of life we lead.
Parish of Our Lady of Consolation
The symbol of the town that crowns the old town. Although there are traces of temple constructions from the 15th century, it was in 1854 when the Chapel of the Holy Christ of Altea was inaugurated. In the photo is the smaller building with the blue dome. Later it would be used as a “mould” to take the proportions of the Church of Our Lady of Consolation, which in the photo is the large parish church with the blue dome.
In the old town of Altea you have the street you see in the picture, carrer de San Miguel. Many cobbled alleys to delight your feet. High heels are not the best choice here. Check your footwear if you are going to visit these streets full of craft shops.
SEE THE INSIDE OF THE CHURCH IN 360º.
Craft Shops
You can find many artistic disciplines and unique objects. We recommend that you look for the Mostra d’Artesanía d’Altea, which is held once a year and where you can find the following:
- local ceramics
- leather
- wood
- costume jewellery
- wool toys
- floral handicraft
- puppets
- paper and cardboard
- nautical decoration
- paintings by local painters
List of Craft Shops in the old town:
- Abraxas: crafts and collector’s items.
- Aromes: natural soaps and cosmetics shop.
- Luzía Workshop: steel and tissue paper to create unique objects.
- 8m2: objects designed in silver and other materials.
- Boutique la Eugenia: different costume jewellery.
Stroll through the most charming streets
Write down several streets to get lost in:
- San Miguel Street
- Main Street
- Jesus Street
Taste the Gastronomy in the Restaurants of Altea
You can find numerous restaurants to taste the gastronomy of the Valencian Community or avant-garde cuisine in this area:
- The Pirate Xef
- Stromboli
- Oustau Restaurant
- L’Airet d’Altea
🔭 Viewpoint Cronistas de España
Near the Plaza de la Iglesia we will find the viewpoint of the Cronistas de España. From the viewpoint we will have an incredible panoramic view of Altea and its bay, from Calpe and Altea Hills to Benidorm. A must if you visit the old town.
🎆 Fireworks of L’Olla
The fireworks of L’Olla of Altea is one of the most awaited events of the year? but we’ll have to wait until August to enjoy them.
It is a tradition that has been repeated for over 30 years in honor of San Lorenzo and is held at the Playa de la Olla. We will come across an incredible firework display which many have described as the most spectacular firework display anywhere in the Mediterranean.
Moors and Christians in Altea
In Altea many festivals are held throughout the year, but the Moors and Christians are undoubtedly the most popular. One of the most colourful fiestas to see in Altea. In them we will be able to enjoy the legendary parades of Moors and Christians, activities as varied as mascletaes and barracas. In addition, religious celebrations such as the “Ofrenda de Flores en Honor a la Virgen del Consuelo”, “La entrà de la Murta”, the processions, etc…
The most important days on which the Moors and Christians are celebrated in Altea are from the 20th to the 24th of September in 2019.
🏝 Playa de la roda
If you are wondering what to see in Altea in summer, don’t hesitate to visit its incredible beaches. However, you should know that most of them are made of stones. This means that they are not as comfortable as the sandy beaches we are used to. As a tip, you can go with a hammock or chair for the beach and forget about any discomfort.
The great advantage of these beaches is that they are not as crowded as those of other places in the area. La Roda beach is one of the best known.
List of beaches in Altea
- The Escollera
- Cap Negret Beach
- La de la Roda
- Solsida Beach
- Mascarat Beach. With chiringuito to eat.
- La Olla
- La Barreta de Gualda, near the Campomanes marina.
Other beaches and coves nearby
These beaches and small coves with crystal clear waters are next to Altea and belong to the village of Alfaz del Pi:
- Albir Beach
- Cap Blanch
- Metge Cove
Port of Altea and Club Náutic
In this port you will find boats of all nationalities, not only from Spain. If you want to eat the best fish and rice dishes, enjoy the Restaurant of the Nautical Club of Altea.
🕍 Visit to the Russian Orthodox Church
You can also take advantage of your visit to Altea to visit the Russian Orthodox Church of St. Michael the Archangel . The “Russian” church is practically made of wood, with golden domes that will not leave anyone indifferent.
The only problem is the access: there is no pedestrian path. By this we mean that if you want to get there you will have to go by car.
PS: We leave you this Extra Tip…
🍹 The Garden of the Senses
In a secluded place, you will find this peculiar and different place. Spend a nice time having a drink, disconnecting from the world. After a hard walk around Altea you deserve a relaxing time.
How to get to Altea in 5 minutes
Well, we have already finished with this marvel of the Marina Baixa region. These are the main places to see in Altea – Alicante. Make a list of all of them so you don’t miss anything important.
As extra homework we will tell you to go for a walk in Altea Hills and maybe you will see mansions and the Torre de la Galera.
Remember to take a look at our bungalows or our Casas Barril for couple getaways wink, wink, wink!
And if you have money to spare, buy a house in Altea Hills! And if you want more tourist information after our post, we recommend VisitAltea.es.
Oh, and above all, make sure you enjoy yourself!
