Altea in the Province of Valencia

Altea is located just 10 minutes (about 7km) away from Benidorm on the Costa Blanca and was once know as the ‘hippy centre’ of the area as large numbers of artists and musicians often visited and then proceeded to stay for quite some time. There has been a surge in construction in Altea in recent years, which along with the national road N-332, has helped to bring tourism to a village full of little white houses trying desperately to cling on to the 'Mediterranean village’ charm of previous years. This being said, it is still a pretty little place and still has the Spanish village image having retained its original atmosphere.

Steep and narrow streets winding their way up and through this hillside village take you to a church (with its blue domed roof) and a town square at the top, which are popular with both locals and tourists alike. The old part of the village runs down to the sea where you can find a lovely sandy beach, a new promenade linked to Albir beach and the fishing port. The most attractive, and therefore most visited part of Altea is definitely the port area with its many nice restaurants and bars.

Large numbers of foreigners now call this part of Spain their home although as in the way in Spain, these newcomers are made to feel welcome and are as much a part of the village and local culture as the native inhabitants are.

The Local Area

In the hills around Altea, particularly the Sierra de Bernia, you can get a magnificent view of the village and the Mediterranean coastline. There are some nice hotels in the hills surrounding Altea, many of which are fairly new due to the recent construction boom. Some of the regions best golf courses are also a short drive from the village allowing for a few holes in the morning and a refreshing swim in the sea in the afternoon.

Fiestas of Altea

• 16th July – Mariners de la Virgien del Carmen

• End September - Moors and Christians festival

Cuisine to Try

Altea has lots of different dishes you can try out, mainly due to the diversity of its people (native and newcomers) but as it was and still is a fishing port, then the seafood (especially mussels) is a must.

Sights You Should See

• The fish auction – 17:30 weekdays

• The old centre with its cosy bars and restaurants

• The fishing port

• The promenade with its pavement cafes and terraces

• The church with the ‘blue dome roof’

• The village square up the hills

• Guadalest – a village about 15km away perched on the edge of sheer cliffs.

• Terra Mitica – the largest theme park on the Costa Blanca

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