Opened in 1998 as Altea Village Center is a shopping center, made up of beautiful and unique picturesque Marina where one can dine at leisure by the sea. Altea is located 10 kilometers from Benidorm and 50 kilometers north west of Alicante; it’s a small town worth taking the time to explore. Whether you plan to spend your holiday in Altea or pick a day to go over there from Benidorm, this very lovely old town with colorful white houses is perfect for a peaceful outing or short-term retreat. Continue?
Altea, on the other hand, has a tranquil lifestyle and is distinguished entirely by the whiteness of its houses and narrow streets. A place that is much admired by artists, painters and musicians, the town features a rich history as well as numerous monuments.
One of Altea’s most beautiful attractions is the Church of Nuestra Señora del Consuelo, which is located in the Old Town area. The section surrounding Church Square is abundant with brilliantly colored flowers and is characterized by narrow charming streets. Besides its history appeal, Altea has an interesting selection of dining options. Local and international cuisine is both available in the many restaurants here; there are also art galleries and shops which sell traditional craft products, such as lace and embroidery.
The old town of Altea is perched upon a hill, so that one might have a view out over the coast from here. From this vantage point, you can see practically everything: the coast in both northern and southern directions (including Calpe to one side and on the other low buildings of Benidorm).
Altea has several smaller beaches and coves. The main beach, La Roda, is conveniently located near the mouth of Algar River, close to the old town. La Roda offers various water sports for recreation and has been designed to satisfy those people who like shopping and dining. Cabo Blanco, another broad beach, is next to Albir Beach (all the way south) and there are many dining and shopping possibilities here as well. Parking facilities for beach goers can also be found in this area.
Many festivals are held in Altea, such as Cristo de la Salud, Holy Week, Santa Ana and San Roc. Joyous carols of traditional music are sung, firework displays performed and costumes color the crowd in bright motley. Furthermore, Altea has several music festivals and contests, such as the Certamen Internacional de Altea.
In sum, Altea’s beautiful surroundings combined with its history offers a unique experience making it an unforgettable trip on the Costa Blanca.