Altea

The artists' village with the blue-domed church

Altea is often called the most beautiful village on the Costa Blanca. Its whitewashed old town crowns a hill above the sea, topped by the famous blue-and-white tiled domes of its church, while the Sierra de Bernia forms a dramatic backdrop. Art, good food and an easy Mediterranean pace of life make it a favourite place to live.

General

Between the mountains and the sea

Altea has around 23,000 inhabitants and lies on the bay between Calpe and Albir, about 10 km north of Benidorm. Artists and writers have been drawn here for decades, and today the town is home to the Faculty of Fine Arts of the Miguel Hernández University, many galleries and a lively cultural calendar.

Despite its popularity, Altea has kept a calm, authentic atmosphere, with no high-rise skyline. The coastal TRAM line links it with Benidorm and Alicante, and Alicante airport is about 50 minutes away by car. Winters are mild and sunny, protected by the mountains behind the bay.

Areas

Where to live in Altea

Altea offers very different settings within a few kilometres:

Old town – cobbled lanes, white houses and stairways around the Plaza de la Iglesia, with views over the bay.
Town centre and seafront – apartments within walking distance of the promenade, shops, the marina and the weekly market.
Altea Hills – an exclusive gated residential area on the slopes towards Mascarat, with luxury villas and spectacular views.
Sierra de Altea and Cap Negret – residential areas of villas and apartments with gardens and sea views, close to the beaches.
Altea la Vella – the quiet original village inland, surrounded by countryside, with villas and fincas.

Beaches

Pebble beaches and clear water

Most of Altea's beaches are of smooth pebbles, which keeps the water exceptionally clear – ideal for swimming and snorkelling. La Roda, right below the old town, has a lovely promenade lined with cafés and restaurants.

Further along are Cap Blanc, Cap Negret and La Olla, with its small island just offshore, as well as quieter coves around Mascarat. Sandy beaches are a short drive away in Albir and Calpe.

Cap Negret beach in Altea with the Peñón de Ifach

Nature

Mountains, gorges and coastal walks

The Sierra de Bernia rises behind Altea and is crossed by one of the best-known hiking routes of the region, circling the ridge and passing through a natural tunnel in the rock. The Mascarat gorge and the Serra Gelada Natural Park between Albir and Benidorm are close by.

Inland, the Algar waterfalls and the valleys around Callosa d'en Sarrià offer fresh water, citrus and loquat orchards and quiet villages – perfect for day trips.

Gastronomy

From the fish market to fine dining

Altea has a long fishing tradition, and fresh fish and seafood are the stars of its restaurants, together with Valencian rice dishes such as arroz a banda and arroz negro. The old town is full of charming terraces, and the seafront has something for every budget.

Local produce includes the famous loquats (nísperos) from the nearby Algar valley, oranges, almonds and olive oil. The town also has a well-earned reputation for creative and international cuisine.

Restaurant tables in a street of the old town of Altea

Schools

Schools for every family

Altea has several public primary schools and a secondary school (IES), as well as private options.

International families will find British, Scandinavian and other international schools nearby in Alfaz del Pi, La Nucía and Benidorm, all within a short drive.

Sports

Sea, mountains and golf

The Club Náutico of Altea and the marina at Mascarat make sailing, paddle boarding and kayaking easy. The quiet mountain roads are so good for cycling that professional teams come to train here in winter.

Golfers can play at Don Cayo, Altea's own course, and at several other golf courses within half an hour. There are also tennis and padel clubs, gyms and hiking routes for every level.

Culture & festivals

Art, music and fiestas

The church of Nuestra Señora del Consuelo, with its glazed blue domes, is the symbol of Altea. The old town hosts art galleries, craft shops and concerts, and the Palau Altea arts centre has a year-round programme of music and theatre.

The highlights of the festive calendar are the Castell de l'Olla in August, a spectacular fireworks show over the island of La Olla, and the Moors and Christians festival in late September.

Blue-and-white domes of the church of Altea

Enjoy Houses Spain

Find your home in Altea with Enjoy Houses Spain

Enjoy Houses Spain is a local, multilingual estate agency on the Costa Blanca North. We know Altea inside out – from the old town to Altea Hills and the countryside – and guide you through every step: finding the right property, arranging viewings, negotiating the price, checking the legal and financial details with trusted partners, all the way to the notary and the handover of the keys.

Personal advice in your own language
Local knowledge of every neighbourhood
Trusted lawyers, banks and tradespeople
Help after the purchase: utilities, NIE, renovation and more

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Photos: Joanbanjo (CC BY-SA 4.0) · Diego Delso (CC BY-SA 4.0) · Валерий Дед (CC BY 3.0) · Joanbanjo (CC BY-SA 4.0) · Werner Wilmes (CC BY 2.0) · Josemanuel (Spanish Wikipedia) (CC BY-SA 3.0) · Felipe Gabaldón (CC BY 2.0)

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