Things to do and see in Altea, Spain

If you’re wondering what things to do in Altea, Spain, in this post we’ll show you the places you can’t miss, and which will surprise you in a good way. Located on the coast of Alicante, this bright town is characterised by its whitewashed facades, its narrow streets, as well as its spectacular beaches. Altea, a charming village, seems to be made to be walked through. It is a great place to get lost, and end up finding some special corner hidden in its old town.

As well as being one of the most beautiful villages in Costa Blanca, it is considered one of the most sustainable in Spain. Altea is a not a very crowded village, so it is blessed with a more intimate and unique atmosphere. Moreover, Altea is the quintessential Mediterranean holiday destination; its magic and good atmosphere reign throughout the summer. Without a doubt, it is the most authentic coastal town on the Costa Blanca. Are you going to miss it?

To find out what else you can visit on the Costa Blanca and in the province of Alicante, check out our post: Things to do and see in Alicante

What are the best places to see in Altea, Spain?

1. The old town of Altea, Spain

The old town is the essential place to see in Altea, where the best thing to do is to get lost in its labyrinth of cobbled streets. You can also admire the architecture of its buildings that will take you back to Moorish Spain. The best way to explore the old town is on foot, to soak up the magic of its streets. In addition, the old town of Altea combines an incredible mix of bustling cafes, local craft shops, local products, and art galleries.

In addition, the whitewashed houses and the blue and white dome of the Parroquia de Nuestra Señora del Consuelo, which dominates the centre of the town from above, will immerse you in the old town. Here you can find and enjoy the spectacular views of the Mediterranean coast offered by the Mirador de Los Cronistas.

2. Church Square

The Plaza de la Iglesia is the heart of Altea, and a real centre of culture and atmosphere, especially in summer. One of the highlights of the square is the Church of Altea, which is well worth a visit. Also, the interior of the Parroquia de Nuestra Señora del Consuelo is one of the essential things to see in Altea, to admire its colourful stained glass windows and baroque style decoration. This was the space occupied by the Castle of Altea, and it is where the Mirador de Los Cronistas is located, which has the most iconic sight of Altea. From its viewpoint, we feel like an active part of history, involved in the past of this town.

3. Markets in Altea, Spain

The markets of Altea are the essence of this town and one of its best-known attractions. Every Tuesday, you will find everything from food, clothes and handicrafts. Moreover, it is one of the largest street markets on the Costa Blanca, very popular with the local population, but also with tourists and locals from neighbouring villages. Situated in Calle Filarmónica, the market starts at 8:00 and lasts until 14:00. Everyone comes in search of fruit, vegetables, flowers and the freshest and highest quality traditional products of the region.

Also located at the entrance to the village, on the Camino del Algar, is the second most popular market in the village. It is also held every Tuesday between 8:00 and 14:00, but focuses on fashion, footwear, costume jewellery and handicrafts. This market is all about colour and shapes, and is the most popular with tourists.

Organise your travel itinerary with Passporter, completely free to use, easy and practical. Get inspired by the experiences of other travellers and choose the places that interest you most by adding them to your route map.

4. Promenade

The promenade is another spot in this charming town worth walking along and stopping to look around. Here you can enjoy beautiful pebble beaches. Also, this is a much more relaxed and less bustling beach area than the sandy ones. In addition, it is one of the most original and romantic spots to spend a beautiful morning on the beach.

Travel Tip: To organize your trip we recommend using Passporter totally free. You can be inspired by the experiences of other travelers, choose the places that interest you most, create the travel route with a geolocated map, upload all important documents such as reservations and invite your friends so that everyone can participate in the organization of the trip.

What are the best beaches in Altea, Spain?

Altea is located on the Costa Blanca and has a large stretch of coastline, which alternates areas of cliffs and small coves with stretches of beach on flat land. Here, we show you some of the most beautiful and well-known beaches and coves to see in Altea, Spain.

1. L’Espigó

Espigo beach is the latest addition to Altea’s beaches, having opened in 2016. This beach has a boulevard that runs along the beach and reaches the Algar river. Also, it is a fairly busy beach, 700 metres long and 30 metres wide. However, thanks to its dimensions it has enough space, and is rarely crowded. Located close to the city centre, Espigo beach is easily accessible and can be reached by walking along the beach boulevard.

2. Cap Negret

Cap Negret is an urban beach, and generally more intimate and quiet than the beaches in the centre of Altea, Spain. The beach is made up of fine gravel and small pebbles, a more comfortable option than other coves in Altea. It is the perfect combination of privacy and comfort, making this beach one of the most popular in Altea.

3. Cap Blanc

Cap Blanch beach is an easily accessible urban stretch that connects the beaches of Altea with those of L’Albir. Moreover, it has a blue flag and views from the sand that make it well worth a visit. It has an exceptional location, with the port of Altea to the left and the beautiful Sierra Helada mountain range to the right.

4. La Roda

At 1400 metres long, it is one of the longest stretches of beach in Altea. Its central location, close to the town centre, makes it easy to reach. La Roda beach is made up of pebbles, gravel and sand. This is one of the most attractive beaches for sports enthusiasts. Also, the water gets deep quickly, which favours water sports such as windsurfing.

5. Barra Grande Cove

With crystal clear and calm waters, the beautiful Cala de la Barra Grande is the perfect place to disconnect and get away from the more bustling beaches in the centre of Altea. This nudist beach is only 50 metres long and 7 metres wide. Also, its crystal clear waters offer spectacular snorkelling opportunities.

6. Metge Cove

This small natural cove is perfect for an intimate and private day at the beach. Cala del Metge is a rocky beach with spectacular views of the bays of Albir, Altea and Calpe. Access is a little tricky compared to the other beaches, but it is well worth the effort. Remember to bring something to eat and drink if you are spending the day, as the cove is far from any establishments.

What to see and do around Altea?

1. The Garden of the Senses

The garden of the senses is located in an intimate place away from the noise. Here, you will find a peculiar and different place from the rest of the places of interest in Altea, Spain, where you can have a drink and enjoy the surroundings.

2. Luis Campomanes Marina (Marina Greenwich)

Located 3 kilometres from Altea, we find the Marina Greenwich marina, located on the meridian 000º 00′ 00”. It is the only marina in the Valencian Community with these characteristics. The Mediterranean and the views it offers make the Marina Greenwich a unique and outstanding place on the Costa Blanca. The beaches and coves located around the port have a special charm. They are surrounded by mountains and landscapes you will fall in love with.

3. Hiking in the Sierra Helada Natural Park

Sierra Helada is a Natural Park and mountainous area six kilometres long with unequalled views of the sea. It reaches 439 metres above sea level. It has different routes for different levels and offers a unique environment where you can connect with Mediterranean nature. Discover the secret coves along your route and admire the unique flora and fauna of this coast.

4. Visit the Orthodox Church

The Russian Orthodox Church of St. Michael the Archangel is located in the hills of Altea. It is slightly hidden behind the trees and off the main road, which means that for many people this spectacular piece of architecture goes unnoticed. This was the first Orthodox church of its kind to be built in Spain, and its structure, iconography and gold work typify a 17th century Russian Orthodox church.

Things to do in Altea la Vella?

Altea la Vella, within the municipality of Altea Spain, had its own entity from the Middle Ages until the 16th century. This territory, between the river Algar and the Sierra de Bernia, is connected to Altea by the Camí Fondo. If you are wondering what you can see in this district, Altea la Vella stands out for its old quarter. You can also visit the hermitage of Santa Bárbara or enjoy natural areas of great value such as the Font del Garroferet or the Algar river itself.

Route map for your trip to Altea

Here is our map with the places we recommend in Altea so that you can organise your trip easily and quickly. You can also add important documents such as travel tickets, hotel reservations and even invite your friends to be part of the itinerary organisation. Using Passporter is free and will help you travel in a more organised way. You have the option of registering on the website or downloading the app to keep everything in one place in your pocket 🙂

How to organise what to see in Altea, Spain?

If you don’t know how to organise your trip to Altea, download the Passporter App and we’ll help you.

• First, get inspired by the experiences of other travellers.
• Then, create your own itinerary and add to it the suggestions of the app.
• Later, add the stops that interest you most, as well as the restaurants and bars where you want to eat (you can use the points of interest that we indicate in this post as a reference).
• Also, you can organise your itinerary by days of the route according to its location on the map (you can be inspired by the routes we present in the post).
• In addition, you can check the travel budget that the app calculates according to your travel stops, restaurants and leisure activities.
• Make the modifications you need and you’ll be all set for your trip.
• Finally, share your experience. Upload photos of each of the places you have visited on your trip to the app to inspire other users.

If you have any doubts about how to do it, you can check our post: How to create you travel itinerary with Passporter.

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