Altea

Local Information

Altea is the prettiest town on this stretch of the Costa Blanca with its stylish marina, lively seafront promenade and its beautiful old centre high above the glittering Mediterranean. From here there are spectacular views towards El Peñon de Ifach in Calpe to the north and Benidorm's skyscrapers to the south.

Altea is only 11km from Benidorm and can be reached by a frequent bus service or car. At the seafront in Altea there's no shortage of seafood restaurants serving mainly local rice based dishes such as paella and 'arroz a la banda'. Playa de la Roda is the main beach in Altea. It's quite narrow with pebbles which helps explain why Altea has avoided the worst of mass tourism.

This picturesque village has long been a popular haunt for artists. Through the winding, whitewashed streets you'll find the blue domed village church of Nuestra Senora del Consuelo which is well worth going inside to see.

On the way up the hill you'll see the occasional small art gallery or craft shop depending on which route you take then the street heading down from the main square has all kinds of arty shops. In fact, if you're in Altea during the summer months there's an art market in the square every evening. If shopping isn't on the agenda take a seat at Bar Plaza in this same square and enjoy some mellow blues or jazz music which befits this laid back location.