Altea tourist information

Altea is located in the Spanish region of Alicante on the Costa Blanca. This is without doubt one of the most charming towns to be found on Spains "White Coast". If you want all night discos and the 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 esplanade.

The town is just 11 kilometres north of Benidorm but these two resorts are worlds apart. Altea is a restful resort where theres plenty to see and do without being bothered by the mayhem which typifies some of the busier coastal towns in high season.

Altea is similar to other Costa Blanca towns in that it has a new and an old part. The old section is perched on top of a hill from which there really are spectacular views.

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.

The towns name was derived from the Arabs who named it Althaya, meaning health to all.

If you are thinking of this part of the Costa Blanca for a holiday home, you should explore a little of the surrounding area. Start by heading inland where you will see the attractive Bernia range, which runs perpendicular to the coast and very close the village.

The old and new parts of the town are clearly divided into separate parts with the old part high on the hill and the easily accessed lower part providing holidaymakers with the usual bars, restaurants and shops and a recently inaugurated esplanade.

Even the fit claim that Altea on a hot day can prove a character builder!
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 many years ago.

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. It goes without saying that the town does not suite everyone but in the main if you are free from financial pressure - looking for a part of Spain in which to retire, then Altea may be worth a look.