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Area Focus: Altea
Altea is without doubt one of the most charming towns to be found on Spain’s ‘White Coast’, located in the region of Alicante on the Costa Blanca. The town is just 11 kilometres north of Benidorm, yet the two resorts are worlds apart. The old section is perched on top of a hill from where you will find really spectacular views.
All in all Altea is a pretty town, popular with both holidaymakers and those fortunate enough to be able to live in the area; it has a slowly growing community of multinational expatriates. The name Altea derives from the Moors who conquered the region and named it Althaya, meaning health to all.
Altea has excellent amenities, however, if you want all-night discos and bright city lights on your holiday, give Altea a miss. This town is a holiday haven for the more discerning tourist who will be captivated by its medieval cobbled streets, its picture book old quarter and the delights of its palm-fringed seafront promenade.
The ascent to the old section along steep slopes and stepped streets reveals a broad horizon at every turn and extends along the entire La Marina region. The silhouette of the Peñon de Ifach on one side and the Helade range on the other, frame the view of the sea, with the ever present gulls sweeping low over the town.
Excursions
Eight kilometres from Altea, heading inland, is Polop, a small town surrounded by orchards and pine groves, which is highly recommended for those who seek peace, quiet and cool summer nights.
From the Via Crucis which presides over the town, you can obtain superb views of the surrounding valleys, which owe their present appearance to the work of the Morisco farmers from many years ago.
Benidorm makes a great day out with its eclectic collection of bars, playgrounds and beaches and ferry rides to the Balearics can be made from nearby Denia.
Cuisine
As with most of this region, traditional rice dishesare what you will find most on the Spanish menu. For international cuisine, Benidorm is just a short drive.
At present, the economy of Altea is based on tourism, which started to grow in the 1950s because of its good weather, beaches and the labyrinthine streets with whitewashed house-fronts that characterize the town. Altea is protected on the north by the bluffs of the Serra de Bèrnia, creating an especially mild microclimate. Its seafront esplanade is planted with palms.
This maze of cobbled narrow and crooked streets with glimpses of the bay is one of the better features of the town. Other sights include the church of La Mare de Déu del Consol (“Our Lady of Solace”), easily identifiable by its picturesque blue and white domes, tiled with glazed ceramics. There are numerous quaint restaurants near the church, some with a view over the Mediterranean. Note that, if visiting by car, you will need to park several blocks away from the church area as the immediately surrounding area is either off limits to cars and/or the streets are so narrow and steep (or have stairs) that cars cannot pass.
Puerto Campomanes Marina Greenwich is another main sight you can visit. Located near the cliffs and towards Calpe, it is the biggest port of Altea, the perfect place you can look for all kind of sea activities: from sailing, jetski, daily excursions, canoeing or just having a drink in The Bay Club. If you are looking for a good restaurant to taste all kinds of Mediterranean rices, Altea is a great option.