Altea in Spain is considered one of the most beautiful Spanish cities. Nice beaches and promenade, whitewashed houses with flower pots, narrow cobbled streets, small arts and crafts shops, ice cream parlors and outdoor restaurants are just some of what Altea is offering.
Altea is a ten minute drive north of Benidorm (about 10 km), about 1 hour from Alicante along the N-332 and is one of the most memorable coastal towns on the Costa Blanca, retaining its own unique Spanish charm despite its growing tourism and popularity. Altea is located right on the sea in the middle of a beautiful bay and is surrounded by hilly mountains. The name comes from the Moorish ‘Althaya’ which means ‘health for all’.
Video Altea
The center is a treasure trove of shops, art galleries, restaurants and small whitewashed buildings adorned with flowers – all waiting to be discovered in the winding and cobbled streets of the Middle Ages, look for the famous blue-domed church of Virgin de Consuelo at the top, that’s worth the trip, the view from the top overlooking the bay of Altea with the mountains in the background is nothing short of spectacular!
Old town of Altea
Countless steps in narrow, charming streets lead you from the seafront to the vantage point of Altea. At the vantage point in Altea on a late September evening, people cross the streets. Every street corner is a kind of revelation of lovely southern ambiance. We walk along the cobblestone streets, bumping into other like-minded people out there observing life, the mood, the atmosphere. In the 16th century, the upper part of the old town of Altea was built to protect the city from attacks. A castle was built on what is now the Plaza de la Iglesia and the upper part of the city is surrounded by a wall with three gates. Today, only two of these gates exist – Vell Portal and Portal Nou.
At the top of Altea in Spain, stands the church. With its eye-catching blue dome, the church can be seen from the boardwalk and main road. The dome is a kind of symbol of Altea’s divinity. Altea is a visually beautiful city, atmospheric and incredibly charming! It is difficult to describe the mood with words. Magical and exotic is not enough. The church was built in the 19th century in the style of a Latin cross with a splendid interior of classic gold and floral motifs.
Although the church itself was built in the 19th century, it has been a place of worship here for more than 900 years. The church was damaged in the Spanish Civil War in the 1930s when one of the bell towers was destroyed by Franco’s men. If you want to know more about Altea’s history, you should attend a city tour in Altea with a guide.
Altea`s location
Altea’s location at the foot of the 1100-meter-high Sierra Bernia, with its highest peak of 1129 meters, and with Sierra Aitana’s 1500 in the west, creates a “magical” climate in the area, climatically. The mountain shields against cold winds from inland. The mountain side lies like a green oasis down to the fertile lowlands and the sea. The river that flows through the city and which is the reason why it is located right here is called Algar, which means health-giving river. The ants later called the city of Altaya.
The area around Altea has a magnificent nature with more than “300 days of sunshine” a year and is said to have one of Europe’s best climates. Some rainfall also ensures that Altea and the valleys north are among the greenest and most lush areas of the entire Costa Blanca coast. Oranges and many exotic fruits are grown here.
Airports near to Altea
Alicante is the best-placed airport for travel abroad, and like any major city, offers a variety of destinations and price points for the budget conscious. The working day is often seasonal, with later opening hours over the summer months, and many businesses still close during traditional siesta hours.
Alicante Airport (IATA: ALC, ICAO: LEAL), also known as Alicante-Elche Airport, is currently the fifth largest airport in Spain and is the gateway to the Costa Blanca resort region, serving both the Valencia Community and the Region of Murcia. It is located 9 kilometres southwest of Alicante city. Growing in size continuously over the past years, in March 2011 the airport got a brand new terminal building, replacing the old two terminals.
Corvera Murcia Airport is a new Airport in Murcia. Several airlines are flying in and out of Corvera Murcia Airport, covering an increasing number of flight routes. Corvera replaces Murcia San Javier Airport (for civilian flights) and is also run by AENA (the official airport authority). It has significant scope to handle many more additional routes.
Valencia Airport ( VLC ) also known as Manises Airport, is the tenth-busiest Spanish airport in terms of passengers and second in the region after Alicante. It is situated 8 km (5.0 mi) west of the city of Valencia, in Manises. The airport has flight connections to about 20 European countries and 5.79 million passengers passed through the airport in 2016.
A new regional terminal, expanded car parking facilities and apron area have been recently constructed in time for the 2007 America’s Cup. The runway has been also lengthened by 50 m (160 ft). The airport has one terminal and one runway. The former runway 04/22 is not in use and has no ILS but has a helipad at the southwestern end.
It is the main base of Iberia’s regional carrier Air Nostrum. Irish low-cost airline Ryanair used the airport as a hub since 2007 but decided to close it in November 2008 following a dispute over subsidies by the airport authorities. Since then the airline has continued to operate out of Valencia but as a relatively large destination airport, and not a base.
Car hire Altea
Car hire in Altea with full cover, no deposit, no excess, and zero surprises. We offer car hire with free door to door delivery/pickup service all over Costa Blanca North, including Alicante Airport and Valencia Airport. Use the search form below to find cheap all inclusive car hire in Altea or call booking +34 653 221 333.
Buy property Altea
The Costa Blanca is one of the favourite destinations for both Spaniards and Europeans to buy a 2nd home. One of the main reasons for this great influx of visitors is (besides the unrivalled climate Costa Blanca offers) the immaculate beaches stretching along the Alicante coastline. But the Costa Blanca has much more to offer in all aspects. From its mouth-watering culinary delights to the wide range of inland activities to be practised locally. The Costa Blanca is a place to be enjoyed at any time of the year. Read more about buying a property in Altea.
Map Altea
Destinations on Costa Blanca North
Costa Blanca – Costa Blanca North – Alicante – Valencia – Albir – Alcalali – Alfaz del Pi – Altea – Benidoleig – Benidorm – Benilloba – Benissa – Benitachell – Calpe – Denia – El Vergel – Finestrat – Gata de Gorgos – Jalon – Javea – La Nucia – Lliber – Moraira – Orba – Parcent – Polop – Pedreguer – Teulada – Torrellano – Villajoyosa