Altea, everything you need to know about the Spanish Santorini
Perched over a hill, Altea is a balcony to the Mediterranean with white houses and a prominent blue dome from the church. These picturesque features make it one of the most beautiful towns in Alicante and Spain.
If you have traveled to Alicante, you have probably heard of Benidorm, the #1 coastal town in Spain. Altea is just a stone's throw from Benidorm and much less crowded.
Let's take a closer look at everything Altea has to offer.
What to do in Altea
Altea has served as inspiration to many artists. As soon as you reach the old town you can understand why. The narrow streets, the clobblestones, the perfectly preserved architecture make Altea the most charming town.
The church of Nuestra Señora del Consuelo is located at the top and can be seen from anywhere in town thanks to its white and blue domes. Needless to say, you have the most spectacular views of the bay and the sea from this spot.
Altea's sea promenade is the perfect place for a relaxing walk and do some retail therapy. Don't forget to get an ice-cream, they are typical of Alicante and, trust me, they are not your average ice-cream, the quality is amazing!
A trip to the Mediterranean is not complete until you go for a swim! In Altea there are several beaches: playa de la Olla, playa de Roda and playa Cap Blanc. A little bit further is Cap Negret, more secluded and with mountain range views.
Tip: visiting Altea with kids
Altea's old town is the highest spot in the village. The cobblestone steps to reach it make it almost impossible to get there with a stroller. If you are visiting Altea with a baby, be sure to bring a carrier.
Where to eat in Altea
There are many dining options in Altea. We had lunch at La Capella, a beautiful rustic restaurant with an ample terrace that offers gorgeous views of the town. They serve excellent quality Mediterranean food and classic rice dishes so popular in the are such as paella.
What to see near Altea
Right next to Altea you can find a spectacular Orthodox church made of wood. St Michael's Russian Orthodox Church was built in 2007 to be a copy of a 17th-century church in Russia. Its materials were imported from the Ural Mountains and put together by Russian craftsmen. The church is located about half way between the towns of Altea and Calpe and is open to the public. Entry is 3€.
North and South of Altea you can find other interesting coastal towns such as:
- Benidorm with its unbelievable skyscrapers
- Calpe and Peñon de Ifach, an impressive rock that you can climb
- Villajoyosa and its colorful highly instagrammable houses
I hope you enjoyed this quick guide about Altea. If you have any questions, leave them on the comment section below.
Looking into other Mediterranean destinations, check out these blog posts:
5 best things to do in Castellon
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