Altea lying a short distance north of Benidorm on the Costa Blanca has a transfer time from the airport of forty-five minutes. It is a charming old town that has retained its traditional atmosphere, very different from its brash, gregarious neighbour, Benidorm. Altea has smooth pebbled beaches washed by the clear waters of the Mediterranean. The harbour area has some excellent fish restaurants where the main ingredients are fresh from the morning catch. An Altea holiday offers peace and relaxation in very pleasant surroundings, as well as a guarantee of summer sunshine and a host of recreational activities in and around the area.
Altea is a charming resort with an interesting old town containing many fine buildings. It is a quiet place offering a very different holiday from the likes of Benidorm. Here you can enjoy a peaceful holiday in the sun without any raucous interruptions. Visitors benefit from Altea’s close proximity to Benidorm as they can, if they wish to leave their oasis of calm, to participate in its variety of tourist attractions.
Although Altea is essentially a family resort, those with young children may prefer a centre with a sandy beach. Water sports enthusiasts will find plenty to occupy their days including water skiing. Altea also has a nine hole golf course. Couples of all ages choose Altea when looking for a relaxing break by the sea.
The most popular time to take an Altea holiday is from April to October when the temperature ranges from a very pleasant twenty five degrees rising to the early thirties in the height of summer.
Altea is situated on the Costa Blanca fifteen kilometres north of Benidorm. It is a picturesque town surrounded by hills that manages to retain its traditional charm. Its narrow cobbled streets, with wrought iron balconies and doorways over flowing with pots of vivid blooms, are a joy through which to wander. Walk up the steep streets of Altea and you will arrive at the church dedicated to the Virgin de Consuela. It is a magnificent building with a blue domed roof and a bell tower. From here the views over the town are stunning. Hidden among the winding streets are the much loved craft and gift shops. The village of La Nuncia, a short distance north from Altea has an outdoor market each Sunday.
Altea has a good range of hotels and apartments accommodating most budgets and restaurants that cater for most tastes.
Altea has five kilometres of beaches, a harbour and a marina. The beaches are pebbly, their stones having been washed smooth by the sea, and they hold Blue Flag status for their cleanliness and their amenities. A variety of water sports are available. A palm lined promenade runs behind the beaches where bars and cafes provide day long refreshments.
The Palau Centre d’Arts has a concert hall as well as an exhibition centre and offers a variety of entertainment and activities.
Golfers have a choice of courses in the area including a nine hole course in Altea.
There are many tourist attractions in Benidorm that can be enjoyed by visitors to Altea. These include the Terre Mitica theme park, based on ancient civilisations, a popular attraction with thrilling rides and Aqualandia, a water park with daring slides. At Rincon de Loix, Mundomar the marine and exotic animal park has dolphins, sea lions and penguins, as well as birds and other small creatures. A submarine can be taken to Benidorm Island, a conservation area three kilometres out into the bay, where the clear waters enable the visitor to see the teeming marine life.
An Altea holiday offers a guarantee of warm sunshine in a quiet and relaxed atmosphere with a wealth of recreational facilities both in and out of the water.
In contrast to its close neighbour Benidorm, the nightlife in Altea is low-key, reflecting its popularity with families and older couples. Evenings are spent strolling through the narrow streets of the old town or along the waterfront enjoying a meal and a drink in the company of family and friends. Those looking for livelier times can take a taxi or bus to Benidorm where the clubs, discos and karaoke bars, all serving low cost drinks, are a magnet for fun lovers.
The narrow cobbled streets of Altea offer a delightful shopping experience with many small shops selling local crafts and gifts. Just north of Altea is La Nuncia which has an open air market each Sunday. There are minimarkets in the town providing essential holiday provisions. Those looking for a greater variety of goods can take the bus to Benidorm where there is a very large hypermarket as well as many gift and souvenir shops. There are also markets on Wednesdays and Saturdays. Popular purchases include wickerwork, leather goods, pottery and embroidered linens.
Altea has many fine sea food restaurants serving traditional dishes as well as a fair number of restaurants providing international cuisine. A good way to try Spanish food is to order a plate of tapas which consists of a medley of bite-sized dishes. Tapas are also ideal for filling the sometimes long gap between lunch and dinner, which is served later in Spain than at home.
Children are always made very welcome in Spanish restaurants and their tastes and portion sizes are usually accommodated.
Local wines are pleasant and inexpensive.
