Altea Seafront (8.3 km 12 mins) |
Altea Church (9.4 km 15 mins) |
Altea
Facts
Inhabitants 23780 Level above sea 61 meters Nearest airport Alicante Distance to airport 71 km Distance to beach 150 meters Max. temperature 35 C Min. temperature 12 C Altea is without doubt one of the most charming towns to be found on Spain’s ‘White Coast’, located in the region of Alicante on the Costa Blanca. The town is just 11 kilometres north of Benidorm, yet the two resorts are worlds apart. Altea is similar to other Costa Blanca towns in that it has a new and an old neighbourhood. The old section is perched on top of a hill from where you will find really spectacular views. All in all 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. C. Excursions
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 from many years ago. Benidorm makes a great day out with its eclectic collection of bars, playgrounds and beaches and ferry rides to the Balearics can be made from nearby Denia. Cuisine As with most of this region, traditional rice dishes are what you will find most on the Spanish menu. For international cuisine, Benidorm is just a short drive. Climate Altea enjoys a privileged location and an excellent mild climate, with an average year round temperature of 18-20° Altea
Altea is located north of Benidorm. It is a medium sized town with quaint winding streets that have clusters of closely packed whitewashed buildings that comfortably rub shoulders with each other.
Visitors shouldn't be fooled by the laidback atmosphere though, as Altea sports a thriving nightlife. If days are for soaking up the sun on the beach, nights are for good food and drink in some of the town's great restaurants and bars. The night time entertainment is extremely varied and can range from a traditional Iberian street cafe to live music in pubs. The nightlife gets very interesting during festival season between June through to August. There is plenty of accommodation in Altea from villas to hotels that run from nice but basic to overwhelmingly luxurious. As such, there is something to suit everyone.Altea is approximately a 50 minute transfer from the airport. |
History
The name Altea derives from the Moors who conquered the region and named it Althaya, meaning health to all. About town Altea has excellent amenities, however, if you want all-night discos and 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 promenade. 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. Altea town
It's easy to understand why Altea became a Bohemian centre for musicians, artists and writers from all over Europe when they first discovered its delights back in the early 1960s. The town is now tailored to the demands of the modern day tourist but still retains that Bohemian air. You'll find a fascinating array of tiny shops offering exquisite local crafts, paintings and gifts. There are top class restaurants where you can enjoy the local seafood and rice dishes as well as some excellent international cuisine.
The impressive new arts centre and concert hall - the Palau Altea Centre d'Arts - provides a wide range of entertainment and cultural activities for the benefit of residents and holidaymakers alike. |
