Wander a labyrinth of historic streets and scuba dive in the waters off this small hillside town just northeast of busy Benidorm.
Take a daytrip to the bohemian town of Altea. Given the range of activities on offer, you might just decide to stay a few nights. Sample the cuisine influenced by the Spanish Moors, spend a day having fun on the water or tour the esteemed Spanish-Christian architecture in this Costa Blanca gem.
Unlike bustling Benidorm nearby, Altea is a quiet locale where you can visit art galleries and learn some Spanish history. Start your trip by touring the city on foot. Cobblestone alleyways wind down to the Mediterranean Sea between rows of bright-white houses on the hillside.
Centuries-old buildings line the streets. Visit The Virgin of Consuelo, a parish church in the Poble Antic (Historic Quarter) with a steeple that soars to the highest point in town. Another landmark is the Our Lady of Solace church, which features an eye-catching blue-and-white dome. Wander the maze of alley-like streets and look out over the ocean from the hillside.
Sample sangria at the many cafés and restaurants around the city’s lookout points. Savour Altea’s traditional recipe of this drink, which consists of wine, fruit and locally grown herbs.
Fresh flowers and produce await you at the Old Town market. Browse different markets by the Altea sports centre to buy brightly coloured Spanish dresses and souvenirs. Enjoy the cheerful atmosphere created by performing musicians.
Go swimming or try watersports at Altea’s beach, which is never far away regardless of where you are in the city. Paddleboards and wakeboards are available for hire. Snorkel or scuba dive in a coastline cove to see the area’s marine life. Tours can be booked through one of many local operators.
Altea is a 15-minute drive northeast of Benidorm. The Old Town district is for pedestrians only, so you will have to park your car and enter the town centre on foot. The city is also accessible by bus and train. Protective footwear and a mat or foldable chair are necessary for a day on the beach, which has more rocks and pebbles than others on the Costa Blanca.
