Discover Altea: Things to see and do
One of our favourite towns on the Costa Blanca has to be Altea. There aren’t many Pueblos Blancos in this part of Spain, so if you love a traditional white Spanish village then a visit to Altea is a must.
We’ve visited several times, at different times of the year, and there’s always plenty of things to do in Altea.
Altea is a beautiful coastal town located in the province of Alicante. The town has a newer part close to the beach with a long promenade, as well as the old town with its traditional Spanish architecture, narrow cobblestone streets, pretty plazas, and some fantastic sea views.
If you’re planning a visit to the Costa Blanca, read on for details of things do in Altea and what you must see…
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Where is Altea?
Altea is situated on the Costa Blanca, approximately 50km north of Alicante and 130km south of Valencia. It sits high up on a hill overlooking the Mediterranean Sea, with stunning panoramic views of the coastline.
How to get to Altea
By Air: The nearest airport to Altea is Alicante-Elche Airport, which is well-connected to most major cities in Europe. From the airport, you can either rent a car, grab a taxi, or jump on a bus to get to Altea.
By Train: Altea has its own train station, and you can get a train to Altea from from major cities like Alicante and Valencia to Altea.
By Tram: Altea is on the Alicante tram line going as far as Alicante to the South and to Denia in the north. Altea’s tram stop is approximately 10 minutes walk from the town centre.
By Car: You can drive to Altea via the AP-7 motorway, which runs along the Costa Blanca. Driving from Alicante to Altea takes approximately 45 minutes, and driving from Valencia takes approximately 1.5 hours.
Things to do in Altea
Some of the best things to do in Altea include:
Explore the Old Town
Altea’s Old Town, known as El Casco Antiguo, is the main highlight and the part you’ll see in most photos of the town. Here you can wander through the pretty, narrow streets to admire the whitewashed houses, often covered in colourful flowers, and stop for a drink in the bustling church squares.
There are lots of pretty boutiques and souvenir shops, as well as bars and restaurants, so you can do a spot of shopping and enjoy a nice meal afterwards.
Visit the Mirador de Altea
Being high up on a hill you have breathtaking panoramic views of the Mediterranean Sea and the surrounding coastline.
This viewpoint is the best place to stop and take in the views as well as snap some great photos. If you’re looking for Instagrammable locations, Altea is definitely one!
Relax on the beach
For more chilled out things to do in Altea, head to the beach! Altea boasts several beautiful beaches, including Playa de la Roda and Playa de Cap Blanc. You can enjoy the crystal-clear waters, have lunch in one of the many restaurants, and try some of the water sports on offer such as snorkeling and paddleboarding.
There’s a long promenade to walk along and admire the views along the seafront.
Visit the weekly market
Every Tuesday, Altea holds a bustling market where you can buy fresh produce, local handicrafts, clothing, and lots more. It’s a great opportunity to experience the local culture and grab some unique souvenirs from Altea.
Visit the Iglesia Nuestra Señora del Consuelo
This iconic blue domed church, Nuestra Señora del Consuelo, is the most recognisable place in Altea and definitely worth a visit.
The church was originally built in the 16th century, though the current church was built between 1900 – 1910, and is surrounded by the old walls that defended the people of Altea.
The church is free to enter so it’s definitely worth popping inside as well as admiring the building from the outside.
See Altea from the water
Once you’ve seen the stunning views out to see from the top of Altea’s old town, maybe you’d like to see Altea from the water.
There are lots of different boat trips and excursions on offer, including a sunset boat tour, guided kayak tour, and a party on a catamaran!
Book onto a Free Walking Tour of Altea
If you want to see all the most important parts of Altea as well as learn more about the history of the town, you can book onto a Free Walking Tour of Altea where you’ll spend a couple of hours exploring all the narrow streets and corners of the town with an expert local guide.
Where to stay in Altea
Hotel Cap Negret: A lovely, modern beachfront hotel offering comfortable rooms and stunning sea views. Ideal for families as it’s close to the beach and also has a large swimming pool to keep the kids entertained.
SH Villa Gadea: A luxurious resort located just outside Altea, featuring beautiful gardens, pools, and a spa. Ideal for families or couples looking for a bit of luxury on holiday where they can relax after a busy day of sightseeing.
Boutique Hotel La Serena: A charming boutique hotel in the heart of Altea’s Old Town, offering a cozy and authentic experience. Ideal for couples looking for a quiet hotel in the centre of town.
When is the best time to visit Altea?
The best time to visit Altea is during the spring (April to June) and autumn (September to October) seasons. The weather during these months is pleasant, with mild temperatures and less crowded beaches and town.
Summers can be quite hot, and the walk up to Altea’s old town is quite steep, so if you prefer milder weather and a more relaxed atmosphere, the cooler seasons are ideal.
Having said that, Altea enjoys a Mediterranean climate, making it a great destination whatever time of year you decide to visit.
Day trips from Altea
As well as plenty of things to do in Altea itself, there’s also lots to do nearby as well.
If you’re staying in Altea, there are some wonderful nearby towns and cities to visit on a day trip.
Our favourites are:
If you have plans to visit Altea, we hope this list has given you some good ideas of things to do in Altea. Enjoy your trip!
