|
Altea is one of the most picturesque
places on the Levante coastline despite
the fact that some of the more recent
buildings have slightly damaged the
special beauty and charm of this Mediterranean
village. Alicante city is a half hour
drive from Altea and Benidorm is just
ten minutes away.
Altea used to be considered as a the
'hippy centre' of the area attracting
a large international community of artists
and musicians. Nowadays, tourism has
overtaken cultural activity although
a small number of artists still live
in the old part of the village.
 Altea
is full of little white houses built
on top of a hill overlooking the Mediterranean.
One of the prettiest views of the village
can be seen from a new promenade built
from Albir beach (in the village Alfaz
del Pí) to Altea port.
There is a church at the top of the
village which you can reach by going
up the steep, narrow lanes. When you
get to the top there is a small square
with a several bars and restaurants,
very popular with both locals and visitors,
next to the church. There is a viewing
point in the square with spectacular
views over Altea bay and the Mediterranean.
 Below
the old part of the village there is
a small port, a pleasant promenade and
a sandy beach with a playground for
children. For those who prefer a more
peaceful atmosphere you can reach a
small beach with white pebbles and crystal
clear water a short walk away along
the Albir promenade.
Altea, like Alfaz del Pí and
Benissa, has a large number residents
from other parts of Europe (mainly Germany,
the United Kingdom and Nordic countries).
However these villages have retained
their originality while at the same
time welcoming the new residents and
their influence on cultural activities
and gastronomy as well as the changing
urban landscape.
 Monuments
and interesting places in Altea
- The Old Part: It is a pleasure
to walk along the narrow lanes up
to the top of the hill where you get
fantastic panoramic views over the
Mediterranean.
- Iglesia Virgen del Consuelo:
The church presides the town and has
a pretty blue dome typical in Mediterranean
villages on the coast.
- The fishermen's quarters:
The barrio de pescadores
is in the lower part of the village.
Fiestas in Altea:
On the 15th August there are fireworks
from Castell de L'Olla, and 'Moros and
Cristianos' fiestas at the end of September.
Also on the 16th July the 'marineras
de la Virgen del Carmen' fiestas.
Where to eat in Altea:
Restaurante El Patio, fish, rice
and seafood (especially mussels) next
to Altea port. Very busy at weekends;
Restaurante La Capella this is
at the top of the village, it has a
pleasant evening terrace during the
summer months; Racó de Toni,
traditional cuisine. There are some
excellent restaurants just a short drive
from Altea such as Casa
Pepa (click on link for full
description) and Al
Zaraq. For the more reviews
of restaurants near Altea see: Restaurants
in Alicante, and Restaurants
in the Costa Blanca.
Accommodation in
Altea: Hotel Meliá
Altea Hills Resort (*****): This
is a luxurious hotel located on the
mountainside with spectacular views
over the coastline. Next to a golf course
and near a marina. Well equipped with
55 bedrooms, 48 junior suites and 1
suite. See
photos and on line booking.
Melía Villa Gadea (*****):
Excellent hotel with wonderful views
over the Mediterranean sea, Thelasso
Spa and good restaurant. See
photos, reviews and and book online
For more reviews of hotels near Altea
see Hotels
in Benidorm
Related links:
Beautiful
places in Spain near Altea:
|
