The best of Altea is, that it is one of the most charming towns to be found at the Costa Blanca.
So, it is located in the region of Alicante. In the South east of Spain.
South of the town , just a 10 kilometers away is Benidorm.
Again , the town is one of the most picturesque towns in Spain.
In contrast , Benidorm is the opposite.
Nevertheless, Altea is similar to many other of the towns at the Mediterranean sea.
Indeed, it has his new and old neighborhood.
In brief , the old section is beautiful and perched on top of the hill.
So, it is the place to be for spectacular panorama’s.
All in all , we think that everything in old town is beautiful.
Because it is popular with the tourist, it has a slow-growing community of international expats.
Climate
Because of its location nearby the Mediterranean Sea it has an excellent climate.
With 300 days of sun.
History of Altea.
In the past the Moors have the name to the place. The all Southern part of Spain was under the influence of the Moors in the middle ages.
So , the Moors give the place the name ” Althaya” . This means health to all.
About Altea
In brief , the town is a holiday place for people who will fall in love with the medieval cobbled streets .
In addition , the old quarter is a picture and a delight to wander. After all, the atmosphere is still relaxed and with character and charm .
In the past and in the present it has always been a refuge for artist , musicians and poets.
And authentic Mediterranean : fine dining, stylish restaurants, trendy bars, pretty rooftop terraces.
The access to the old town is along a maze of steep slopes and narrow streets. So every turn on the corner you make, it is a surprise. To sum up : the traditional white houses, the white washed walls and the red geranium and Bougainvillea.
In brief, it has a characteristic charm of its own.
At the top of the old village is the blue domed church.
There are many beautiful views. With glimpse of the Mediterranean sea below and the mountains at the other side.
The presence of the “Penon de Ifach” at one side the “Sierra Helada” at the other side.
Cuisine
As with the most town at the seafront , traditional fish and seafood dishes. But also rice dishes.
The menu is mostly a Spanish menu. For the international cuisine you can find it at the seafront.
Seafront
A wide promenade full of palms is the place to be for eating and drinking. The seafront is bordered by a large variety of bars and restaurants.
Are we in Spain or in the Caribbean when we take a nip of our mojito .
Shopping
You find in the town everything you wish as a tourist. From high street fashion, to hand-made handbags or jewelry. Also the arts studios are very popular, with beautiful sketches of the sea or paintings of the old town.
Beaches
Mascaret beach is next to the Marina / harbor. The harbor is an exclusive Marine with many beautiful yachts. You can find fine restaurants and cocktail bars with a lounge.
La roda is the town main beach. In fact it is an ideal place for families. There are children play parks, place for beach volley and others. Even Yoga en Zumba classes are on the beach.
In the mean time, there is also a large choice of restaurants and bars and ice cream stalls and cafés.
At the beach you can enjoy a variety of nautical activities. Such as jet ski , sailing, snorkeling, scuba diving, kayak.
L’ Olla beach is a long pebble beach. It is a nice place to hire a kayak.
There are some little local Spanish restaurants.
La Barret and La Solsida are naturist coves.
There us a nice and pleasant walk along the waterfront to Cap Blanc beach and the El Albir lighthouse. The start of the SIerra Helada.
Surrounding countryside
In particular, there are walks and signposts bicycle routes into the surrounding countryside.
The town is in the center of the Costa Blanca. So it is a perfect base for a holiday.
Indeed when you are looking for a relax holiday beside the sea front or you want to explore the inland.
Sierra Helada
As Altea bay is a part of the Sierra Helada. it is nice to discover this Sierra.
After all , it is a protected Natural park. It is worth a visit fir nature lovers.
With a little luck you can see even see the dolphins below in the Mediterranean Sea.
As you can read Altea us a perfect destination. A perfect combination of sea and mountains.