We have chosen the most beautiful places to see in Altea (Alicante), one of the prettiest towns on the Costa Blanca. Let’s begin!
What does Altea mean? The word comes from the Greek Althaia, which means “the one who heals”. Well, here you can heal your soul or cure your stress. Or you can simply spend a great day with your partner, friends, or children.
Index
- 1 ⚖ Town Hall Square
- 2 ⛰ Sierra de Bernia
- 3 🏠 Altea la Vella (Old Altea)
- 4 🐚 Bay of Altea, a treasure of Alicante
- 5 💒 Old Town of Altea
- 6 🔭 Cronistas de España Viewpoint
- 7 🎆 L’Olla Fireworks
- 8 🎭 Moors and Christians in Altea
- 9 🏝 La Roda Beach
- 10 🕍 Visit to the Russian Orthodox Church
- 11 🍹The Garden of 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 best towns on the Costa Blanca. It is an example of Mediterranean architecture and a very entertaining place where we can have a great time during our holidays.
⚖ Town Hall Square
The Town Hall Square is the most well-known place in the area, a meeting point from which it will be easy to reach any other part. In the square, we can find a wide variety of shops and establishments, so having a coffee there is a tradition.
It will allow us to observe up close what the lifestyle of the local residents is like.
⛰ Sierra de Bernia
The Sierra de Bernia is a natural area with a height of 1129 meters. This massif is mainly formed by limestone rock dating back to the Oligocene and Cretaceous periods.
The place is impressive, with incredible views, and offers a variety of natural spaces. One of the best activities in Alicante is to do a 9 km hiking route from the Algar River to the Sierra del Ferrer, passing through the Mascarat ravine.
Discover our post about the 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. One of the most iconic views in the province of Alicante (Spain).
🏠 Altea la Vella (Old Altea)
Altea la Vella is a hamlet of Altea, a secluded place away from the main city that can be a haven of peace for those seeking to escape the daily hustle and bustle. According to the INE data from 2012, it has only 583 inhabitants.
It is located at a distance of 3.5 km north from the urban center of Altea and just 3km from Sierra Bernia.
If possible, it’s worth visiting the town during the Cristo de la Salud festivities (around February), or during the Santa Barbara festivities (celebrated on December 4th).
The village is another place to add to the list of what to see in Altea.
🐚 Bay of Altea, a treasure of Alicante
The third point of interest on this list is the small Bay of Altea, located on the Mediterranean coast. It is considered a key entry point between the municipality itself and Alfaz del Pi.
Many tourists decide to rent a vacation home to have a great time, or even purchase one to repeat as many times as they want.
The bay extends to the Algar River (covering a distance of 12.2km).
As a curiosity, near the coast of the Bay there are two islets of some tourist importance: La Olla and La Pila.
🏖 Promenade and viewpoint
The Altea promenade is a very peaceful 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 and through the countless restaurants located along the coast).
You don’t really enjoy this beautiful town if you don’t visit the promenade at sunset: according to tourists, it’s the most magical moment of the day.
💒 Old Town of Altea
If there’s one basic thing to see in 1 day in Altea, it’s the Old Town of Altea. The historic center is the heart of Altea and consists of a succession of whitewashed houses, alleys and cobblestone streets, doors, windows, and squares that will make us travel back in time to a more tranquil, slower-paced moment. By the way, ‘whitewashed’ means that the houses are covered with lime to give them that white color and to absorb heat, as in many Mediterranean places.
Getting lost in the Old Town is a very pleasant experience: it’s not about walking or visiting, but simply about losing yourself and discovering everything that doesn’t appear in the guidebooks, or that isn’t 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 photos in the Church Square and in the adjacent streets: Carrer Concepció and Carrer Major.
- Look for the viewpoint in the Church Square or “de los Cronistas”.
- Eat an artisanal ice cream at QVO helados artesanos and enjoy your children if you have them.
- Enter a craft shop.
- Find a good restaurant. (You have a list below)
Parish of Our Lady of Consolation
The symbol of the town is the Parish Church of Our Lady of Consolation, which crowns the historic center. 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, it’s the smaller construction with the blue dome. Later, it would be used as a “mold” to determine 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 historic center, you have the street seen in the photograph, Carrer de San Miguel or San Miguel Street. Many cobblestone alleys to delight your feet. High heels are not the best option here. Be mindful of the footwear you wear if you’re going to visit these streets full of craft shops.
VIEW THE INTERIOR OF THE CHURCH IN 360º
Craft Shops
You can find numerous artistic disciplines and unique objects in the numerous craft shops in the white streets. We recommend 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 jewelry
- wool toys
- floral crafts
- puppets
- paper and cardboard
- nautical decoration
- paintings by local artists
List of Craft Shops in the old town:
- Abraxas: crafts and collector’s items.
- Aromes: natural soap and cosmetics store.
- Luzía Workshop: steel and silk paper to create unique objects.
- 8m2: objects designed in silver and other materials.
- Boutique la Eugenia: unique costume jewelry.
Walk through the most charming streets
Note down several charming streets in Altea and places to see in Altea to get lost in:
- San Miguel Street
- Main Street
- Carrer de Jesus Street
Restaurants in Altea to delight your palate
You can find numerous restaurants in Altea to taste the gastronomy of the Valencian Community or avant-garde cuisine in this area:
- El Xef Pirata
- Stromboli
- Oustau Restaurant
- L’Airet d’Altea
🔭 Cronistas de España Viewpoint
Near the Church Square, we’ll find the Cronistas de España viewpoint. From the viewpoint, we’ll have an incredible panoramic view of Altea and its bay, from Calpe and Altea Hills to Benidorm. An essential spot if we visit the old town. And if you turn around, you’ll have a great photo of the Mediterranean dome. Here you realize why it has been chosen as one of the most beautiful towns in the Valencian Community and Spain.
🎆 L’Olla Fireworks
Did you know that the L’Olla fireworks in Altea is one of the most anticipated events of the year? But we’ll have to wait until August to enjoy them, during the “Tears of San Lorenzo”.
It’s a tradition that has been repeated for over 30 years in honor of San Lorenzo and takes place at La Olla Beach. We’ll find an incredible fireworks display that, according to many, is the most spectacular of any other part of the Mediterranean.
🎭 Moors and Christians in Altea
In Altea, many festivals are celebrated throughout the year, but the Moors and Christians festival is undoubtedly the most popular. It’s one of the most colorful festivals to see in Altea. During this event, we can enjoy the legendary parades of Moors and Christians, as well as various activities such as mascletaes and barracas. Additionally, there are religious celebrations like the “Flower Offering in Honor of the Virgin of Consolation”, “La entrà de la Murta”, processions, etc.
The most important days for the Moors and Christians celebration in Altea in 2019 are from September 20th to 24th.
🏝 La Roda Beach
If you’re wondering what to see in Altea in summer, don’t hesitate to visit its incredible beaches, and La Roda Beach is one of the most well-known.
However, you should know that the vast majority of beaches are pebbly. This means they’re not as comfortable as the sandy beaches we’re used to. As a tip, you can bring a lounger or beach chair to forget about any discomfort.
The great advantage of these beaches is that they’re not as crowded as those in other places or overcrowded. It’s a different place to sunbathe and enjoy the Mediterranean.
List of Altea’s beaches
Here’s a list of the most well-known beaches in Altea:
- La Escollera
- Cap Negret Beach
- La Roda
- La Solsida Beach
- El Mascarat Beach. With a beach bar for eating.
- La Olla
- La Barreta de Gualda, near the Campomanes marina.
Other nearby beaches and coves
These beaches and small coves with crystal-clear waters are adjacent to Altea and belong to the town of Alfaz del Pi:
- Albir Beach
- Cap Blanch
- Cala del Metge
Port and Nautical Club
In Altea’s port, you’ll find boats from all nationalities, not just Spain, and a nautical club. If you want to eat the best fish and rice dishes, enjoy the Restaurant at the Altea Nautical Club.
🕍 Visit to the Russian Orthodox Church
You can also take advantage of your visit to Altea to see the Russian Orthodox Church of Saint Michael the Archangel. The “Russian” church has been built almost entirely of wood, with golden domes that will leave no one indifferent.
The only problem it presents is access: there is no pedestrian path. By this, we mean that if you want to get there, you’ll have to go by car.
PS: We leave you with this Extra Tip…
🍹The Garden of Senses
In a somewhat secluded place, you’ll find a paradise called El Jardín de los Sentidos (The Garden of Senses). It’s 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 some relaxation time after a hard walk through Altea.
🎥 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 L’Olla Beach, with a small island in front of it, secluded and with the possibility of seeing the grand fireworks display in August.
Where to watch 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 to visit near Altea?
You can visit Guadalest, Albir, Algar Waterfalls, Jávea, and Benidorm.
Well, we’ve 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’ll tell you to take a walk through Altea Hills, and you might see mansions and the Galera Tower.
Remember to take a look at our bungalows or our Casas Barril for couple getaways, “wink, wink!”.
And if you have money to spare, buy a house in Altea Hills! If you want more tourist information after our post, we recommend VisitAltea.es.
Oh, and above all, make sure to enjoy!
