We have chosen the most beautiful places to see in Altea (Alicante), one of the most beautiful towns 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. Or you can simply spend a great day as a couple, with friends or with the kids.
Index
- 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 Quarter of Altea
- 6 🔭 Viewpoint Cronistas de España
- 7 🎆 Fireworks of L’Olla
- 8 🎭 Moors and Christians in Altea
- 9 🏝 Playa de la roda
- 10 🕍 Visit to Russian Orthodox Church
- 11 🍹 The Garden of the Senses
- 12 🎥 Video of Altea
- 13 How to get to Altea in 5 minutes
- 14 FAQs – FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS ABOUT ALTEA
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 towns of the Costa Blanca. It is an example of Mediterranean architecture and a very entertaining place where we can have a great time during our vacations.
⚖ Town hall square
The Town Hall Square is the best known of the place, a meeting point from which it will be easy to get anywhere else. In the square we can find a wide variety of stores 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 formed by limestone rock dating from the Oligocene and Cretaceous eras.
The location is breathtaking, with incredible views, and offers a variety of natural spaces. One of the best activities in Alicante is a hiking route of about 9 km from the Algar River to the Sierra del Ferrer, passing through the Mascarat ravine.
Discover our post about the route from Altea to Forat de Bernia.
From this position we can see from left to right Sierra Helada, the island and the skyscrapers of Benidorm. One of the most iconic views of the province of Alicante (Spain).
🏠 Altea la Vella (Altea la Vieja)
Altea la Vella is a district 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 north 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 Barbara (celebrated on December 4).
The town 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 the small bay of Altea, which is located on 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 vacation home to have a great time, or directly acquire it to repeat as many times as they want.
The bay extends to the Algar River (covering a distance of 12.2 km).
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 walk near the sea and enjoy the most beautiful views of the city. You can also have your photo session from the viewpoint located on the promenade.
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: according to tourists, it is the most magical moment of the day.
💒 O ld Quarter of Altea
If there is one basic thing to see in 1 day in Altea, it is the old town of Altea. The old town is the center of Altea and consists of a succession of whitewashed houses, narrow streets and cobbled streets, doors, windows and squares that will make us travel back in time to a quieter, more leisurely moment. By the way, whitewashed means that the houses are covered with lime to give them that white color and to absorb the heat, as in many places in the Mediterranean.
Getting lost in the old town is a very pleasant experience: it is not about strolling or visiting, but simply getting lost and getting to know everything that does not appear in the guidebooks, or that is not so easy to find.
Walking without a fixed plan, without an established direction, makes us disconnect from the hectic pace of life we lead.
What to do in the old town of Altea?
- Take some pictures in the Plaza de la Iglesia and in the adjacent streets: carrer Concepció and carrer Major.
- Look for the viewpoint of the Plaza de la Iglesia or “de los Cronistas”.
- Eat an artisan ice cream at QVO ice cream artisans and enjoy your children if you have them.
- Enter a craft store.
- Find a good restaurant. (You have a list below)
Our Lady of Consolation Parish
The symbol of the town is the Parroquia de Nuestra Señora del Consuelo, and it crowns the historic center. Although there are traces of temple constructions since the 15th century, it was in 1854 when the Chapel of the Holy Christ of Altea was inaugurated. Pictured is the smaller building with the blue dome. Later it would be used as a “mold” 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 you have the street you see in the picture, carrer de San Miguel or San Miguel street. Many cobblestone alleys to delight your feet. High heels are not the best choice here. Control the shoes you wear if you are going to visit these streets full of handicraft stores.
SEE THE INTERIOR OF THE CHURCH IN 360º.
Craft Shops
You can find numerous artistic disciplines and unique objects in the many craft stores in the white streets. We recommend you to 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 jewelry
- wool toys
- floral handicraft
- puppets
- paper and cardboard
- nautical decoration
- paintings by local painters
List of Craft Shops in the old town:
- Abraxas: handicrafts and collectibles.
- Aromes: natural soaps and cosmetics store.
- Luzía Workshop: steel and tissue paper to create unique objects.
- 8m2: objects designed in silver and other materials.
- Boutique la Eugenia: jewelry with a difference.
Stroll through the most charming streets
Write down several charming streets of Altea and places to see in Altea to get lost:
- San Miguel Street
- Main Street
- Jesus Street
Restaurants in Altea to delight the palate
You can find numerous restaurants in Altea 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. And if you turn around you’ll get a great photo of the Mediterranean dome. Here you realize why it has been chosen as one of the most beautiful villages in the Valencian Community and Spain.
🎆 Fireworks of L’Olla
The fireworks of L’Olla of Altea is one of the most awaited events of the year? but we will have to wait until August to enjoy them, the “Tears of San Lorenzo”.
It is a tradition that has been repeated for more than 30 years in honor of San Lorenzo and is held at Playa de la Olla. We will encounter an incredible fireworks display that many have described as the most spectacular fireworks display anywhere in the Mediterranean.
🎭 Moors and Christians in Altea
In Altea many festivals are celebrated throughout the year, but the Moors and Christians are undoubtedly the most popular. One of the most colorful festivals 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 in which the Moors and Christians are celebrated in Altea range from September 20 to 24 in 2019.
🏝 Playa de la roda
If you are wondering what to see in Altea in summer, do not hesitate to visit its incredible beaches and Playa de la Roda is one of the best known.
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 bring 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 in other places or overcrowded. A different place to sunbathe and enjoy the Mediterranean.
List of beaches in Altea
Here is a list of the most popular beaches in Altea:
- The Escollera
- Cap Negret Beach
- La de la Roda
- Solsida Beach
- Mascarat beach. With a beach bar for lunch.
- La Olla
- La Barreta de Gualda, near the Campomanes marina.
Other nearby beaches and coves
These beaches and small coves of crystalline waters are next to Altea and belong to the town of Alfaz del Pi:
- Albir Beach
- Cap Blanch
- Metge Cove
Port and Yacht Club
In the port of Altea you will find boats of all nationalities, not only from Spain and a yacht club. If you want to eat the best fish and rice, enjoy the Restaurant of the Nautical Club of Altea.
🕍 Visit to 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 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 spot, you will find a paradise called the Garden of the Senses. One of the lesser known places to see in Altea, but peculiar and different. Spend a pleasant time having a drink, disconnecting from the world. You deserve after a hard walk in Altea a relaxing time.
🎥 Video of Altea
How to get to Altea in 5 minutes
FAQs – FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS ABOUT ALTEA
Which is the most beautiful beach in Altea?
Possibly the most beautiful beach in Altea is the beach of L’Olla, with a small island in front of it, secluded and with the possibility of seeing the great fireworks display in August.
Where to see the sunset in Altea?
The best spot to watch the sunset is on a beach, near the church at the Cronistas de España viewpoint or at the Portal Vell viewpoint.
What is there near Altea to visit?
You can visit Guadalest, Albir, Fuentes del Algar, Javea and Benidorm.
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 Barrel Houses 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, be sure to enjoy yourself!
