Altea Spain
Information and history for the town and resort of Altea, Spain.
Resorts of Spain - Altea Costa Blanca
Altea Spain - Located in the province of Alicante within the Comunidad de Valencia and about 7 km north of Benidorm on the N-332 coastal road, the town of Altea is known by many as the artists’ capital of the Costa Blanca. The narrow winding streets of the Old Town of Altea are lined with workshops and galleries of artists, potters and craftsmen who have found Altea’s tranquility and peacefullness a paradise in which to work and open their stalls and shops which are dotted throughout the Old Town and during the summer months there are excellent nightly handicraft markets held in the Plaza.
Altea itself is very picturesque, with its blue and white domed church being one of the symbolic images of the Costa Blanca. The town is located on a hill and it is a good starting point for a visit to Altea.
The parochial church, built at the start of the last century, is dedicated to the Virgen del Consuelo and next to the church is the Plaza which is situated at the highest point, from there visitors can enjoy stunning views of the azure blue Mediterranean Sea and the town’s crooked and winding streets below. Altea is well known as having the largest street market on the Costa Blanca and this is sited on the promenade on Tuesdays from 8.30 in the morning until 1pm and is definately worth a visit, here you can pick up a gift or two and stock up on fresh fruit and vegetables..
During the centuries that Altea was under Arab domination (8th to 13th Centuries) it belonged to the Taifa of Denia and was conquered by the forces of Jaime I of Aragon in 1244. The Alteanos who subsequently left their primitive village, known today as the 'Old Town', sought refuge in the tower castle and during the following years were rehoused in their current location at the top of the hill. In those long past times the town was walled and fortified and some sections of these old walls still remain today. The quaint Old Town offers visitors an illuminating glimpse of Altea's history as you wander through its crooked, narrow streets lined with ancient white-walled houses.
Being close to the sea Altea boasts not just one but 2 harbours. One, the old fishing harbour also has excellent facilities for those who enjoy sailing. The newer port, is predominantly a Sports Harbour and is located on the Calpe side of Altea. The attractive palm lined promenade which leads towards Albir village is a popular seafront meeting place with restaurants and bars spreading out onto their alfresco terraces and here in the summer time you can, if you wish, have a portrait completed whilst you have lunch as it is in this location that many of the local artists sell their paintings and handicrafts.
Altea has a beach area of around six kilometres with cliffs alternating with shingled bathing areas. The primary beach, Playa de Cap Blanch, is situated to the south and runs to join the popular beach at Albir. The Playa de Cap Negret, is a shingled beach which ends in a small cove having black pebbles, called the Cala del Soio and is to the north of Altea. Then there is Lólla a very popular beach located opposite a small island with the same name. Altea ends at the Mascarat Point where there are even more shingled coves.
Whle you are visiting take a trip to the Sierra de Bernia where the Sixteenth Century Bernia fort is located and which was originally used to control the Moors. While there is some degree of new development appearing in Altea it has not dominated the look of the town or destroyed any of its original charm and beauty.
Whilst in Altea a visit to the busy resort of Benidorm may be on your wish list, other places to visit around Altea include - Calpe and its towering rock, the Peñon de Ifach, the charming Moraira a relatively unspoilt town, Denia further to the north, and inland the ancient village of Guadalest with its medieval castle.
Altea Links: Altea Main Page - Altea Factfile - Altea Map - Altea Weather
Altea Hotels: Negret Hotel Altea
Nearby Places: Benidorm - Denia - Moraira - Calpe - Jijona - Albir - Javea - Guadalest - Villajoyosa - El Campello - Callosa d'en Sarria - Finestrat - Alfaz del Pi
Attractions: Terra Mitica - Aqualandia - Mundomar - Terra Natura - Penon de Ifach - Caves of Canelobre - Fuentes de Algar - Santa Barbara Castle
Costa Blanca Resort Guides: Denia - Moraira
Golf Courses: Ifach Golf Club - Real Faula Golf - Spain Golf
Related: Alicante - Valencia - Alicante Weather - Alicante Transfers - Spain - Builders
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