Are you wondering what are the best things to do in Altea in one day? What places you can’t miss in this little charming white town? Wonder no more, we’re here to help you. Everything you need to know from Altea Old Town to the best beaches and more.
Altea is a peaceful seaside town on Costa Blanca where it seems as if time has stopped. It’s known as the Cúpula del Mediterráneo which refers to the blue dome of the town’s main church, which even from afar is an iconic image of the town. Also, the town seems to be a paradise for artists – here you can find numerous workshops, small art galleries, and craft shops with various handmade items.
Vamos, let’s go for a walk and discover all the best things to do in Altea, Spain.
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Discover Best Things To Do In Altea, Spain In One Day
Altea is located in the heart of Costa Blanca in the Province of Alicante, in the Valencian Community, in close proximity to popular holiday destinations like Benidorm or Alicante, and other beautiful small towns like Calpe, Finestrat, Guadalest, or Villajoyosa.
The answer can’t be any other than: of course, Altea is totally worth visiting. So far Altea is number two on our list of favorite places on Costa Blanca. Even though the weather was quite bad when we were visiting, we just fell for its charm. Whitewashed houses, narrow cobbled streets, and stunning beaches with calming sea views – Altea has it all. Although the town is quite small, there is plenty to see and do.
Altea is best known for its very charming white old town, the spectacular blue dome of the town’s main church – Cúpula del Mediterráneo which is visible from afar, several beautiful beaches, delicious local seafood cuisine, and for colorful festivals like Altea Moors and Christians festival.
Altea is a perfect destination for one-day trips, nice weekends, and even a home base for longer stays to slowly discover Costa Blanca. We recommend staying at least 2 days to see the town without rushing.
Altea is located only about 15km from Benidorm.
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Altea consists of two areas: the historic center and the seaside district. Let’s start with the historic center.
Altea Old Town
Altea Old Town, Casco Antiguo, should be number one on your list of things to do in Altea. Take a stroll through the picturesque maze of narrow steep cobbled streets and whitewashed houses decorated with flowers. Here you can also enjoy many craft shops, art galleries, cafeterias, and restaurants. But don’t rush, take your time and explore this charming labyrinth.
Church of Our Lady of Consolation
The Church of Our Lady of Consolation (es. Nuestra Señora del Consuelo) is located in the Plaza de la Iglesia, the heart of the Altea old town. The church is a beautiful architectural work of neo-baroque style built on the foundations of an ancient temple. It’s topped with a distinctive blue dome which can’t be missed as it’s visible from many places in town. You can visit it for free during opening hours.
Altea Viewpoints
Since the Altea old town is located on a hill, there are many places with amazing views over the Mediterranean sea, Costa Blanca, Benidorm, Calpe, and Sierra Helada Natural Park. But these three viewpoints, in particular, deserve attention so be sure not to miss them:
- Mirador de los Cronistas
- El Mirador Blanco
- Mirador Penyó d’Ifac
Altea Promenade
After visiting the Altea old town, it’s time to go down to the seaside district. Let’s start with the promenade which offers spectacular views over the bay and pebbly beaches. The promenade starts at the port and runs for about 2km. Along with it, you can find a lot of restaurants, cafes, and bars and taste various cuisines.
While walking on a promenade (and old town too!) your eyes definitely won’t miss some *bold* (as some think so) sculptures. It’s work by Antoni Miró’s, called ‘From Sea to Sea’, composed of 26 large sculptures made out of large metal panels. Sculptures are inspired by images Mr. Miró found illustrated on ancient Greek pottery, and some of them are highly erotic.
Altea Best Beaches
One of the best things to do in Altea is to hit the beach. Altea has many stunning beaches to offer, along its 6 km-long coastline. Each beach in town isn’t as crowded as those in Benidorm so here you can enjoy a quieter and more relaxed atmosphere. Most popular beaches are: Playa la Roda (closest to the city center), Playa De Altea, Playa del Albir, and Playa de L’Espigó. Remember that most of Altea’s beaches aren’t sandy but pebbly, so if you want to spend more time there consider taking sunbeds, and hard-soled flip-flops.
Russian Orthodox Church
The Russian Orthodox Church of St. Michael the Archangel is located in the hills of town and is another interesting thing to do in Altea, Spain. The church is located outside the main roads, plus it’s slightly hidden behind trees so it can be overlooked very easily. This was the first Orthodox church built in Spain, and its structure, iconography, and goldwork reflect a 17th-century Russian Orthodox church. It’s a very spectacular piece of architecture. The church can be visited every morning and in the early evening on weekends.
El Jardín de los Sentidos
About this one, we found out too late so unfortunately, we haven’t been there – but you can go if you like spending time in nature, or just looking for a quiet place. El Jardín de los Sentidos, the garden of the senses, is located only 4km away from the town center, in a place away from bustling areas. It’s an exotic garden with plants from all over the world.
Entrance to El Jardín de los Sentidos costs €10 (May 2023). Remember that entrance is exclusively for people over 15 years old. Pets are not allowed. For current prices and opening hours visit jardindelossentidos.com official website.
Marina Greenwich
Marina Greenwich is located on the outskirts of Altea, just 5km from the old town, right next to the Playa Mascarat. Marina’s name comes from its unique position directly on the Greenwich meridian (000º 00 ’00’), which also makes it the only port in the world located at this point. Around you can find a few restaurants, where you can sit and enjoy the beautiful scenery of the bay.
Altea Market
Altea street market is held every Tuesday on Carrer de la Filarmónica, close to Altea Promenade. There you’ll get a chance to buy products like vegetables, fruits, meat, cheese, clothes, household items, or jewelry.
Festivals in Altea, Spain
If you visit town in August or September, here are two festivals in Altea that you should keep an eye on:
Altea Castell de l’Olla Fireworks
Fireworks show that is held on the second Saturday in August every year.
Altea Moors and Christians
This festival commemorates the battles which took place for the control of Spain during the period known as the Reconquista. The festival takes place in September.
How to get to Altea, Spain?
Altea is located about 10km from Calpe, 15km from Benidorm, 20km from Villajoyosa, 60km from Alicante, and 130km from Valencia. The most convenient way to get to Altea is by car or by tram.
Where to park in Altea, Spain?
If you’re traveling by car don’t worry – there are many parking lots available in Altea. We left our car in this free parking lot, just a 5min walk from Plaza Iglesia, and 15min from Playa La Roda.
Airports near Altea, Spain
The closest airports to Altea are located in Alicante (70km away) and Valencia (150km away). Both airports offer direct bus connections with Altea. You can check them on rome2rio.com website.
To Altea by tram
Altea also has a tram station and you can get there easily from other towns nearby towns on Costa Blanca like Benidorm, Alicante, Calpe, or Villajoyosa. You can check out map of available connections and prices on mapa-metro.com. For example journey from Benidorm will last only about 15min (€1-2) and from Alicante 2h15min (€4-7).
To Altea by bus
From many places you can very easily reach Altea by bus, and rides are fairly cheap. For example, for a trip from Benidorm you’ll pay €1-5, from Villajoyosa €4-7, and from Alicante €9-14. Most routes are operated by ALSA bus service, so you can also check available connections on their website.
To Altea by taxi
The most expensive option, but also the fastest one if you care about time. For example, a trip from Benidorm will take only about 15min (€14-17), 15min from Calpe €15-19, and 40min from Alicante (€65-80). To learn more about taxi connections that interest you visit rome2rio.com website.
Best Things To Do In Altea, Spain – Summing up
Altea has something magical in it, hasn’t it? Narrow cobbled streets, whitewashed houses and stunning beaches with calming sea views come together perfectly. Now you know what are the best things to do in Altea, Spain and how to spend one perfect day there. So one thing left to say… Have a wonderful time there! We’re 99% sure you’ll love it!
Restaurants, accommodations, and map
Check out various recommended places below.
Where to eat in Altea?
Here are your best, high-rated options in Altea:
Where to sleep in Altea?
Hotel Tossal d’Altea
Hotel Tossal d'Altea is a charming hotel located in a restored 18th-century country house with stunning views of the surrounding mountains and the Mediterranean Sea. The hotel features cozy rooms, an outdoor pool, a restaurant serving traditional Mediterranean cuisine, and a tranquil garden.
Hotel Abaco Altea
Hotel Abaco Altea is a charming boutique hotel located in the heart of the historic center of Altea. The hotel offers cozy and stylish rooms, a beautiful garden courtyard, and a rooftop terrace with panoramic views of the town and the Mediterranean Sea.
Piso Mar Alta
Piso Mar Alta is a cozy and comfortable apartment located in Altea with a beautiful view of the Mediterranean Sea. It features a fully equipped kitchen, two bedrooms, and a private terrace for a relaxing stay.
Hotel Boutique La Serena
Hotel Boutique La Serena is a charming boutique hotel located in the heart of Altea, Spain. With stylish and comfortable rooms, a rooftop terrace with stunning views, and a great location, it's the perfect spot for a relaxing getaway.
Apartamento de diseño en Casco antiguo
This modern and stylish apartment located in the old town of Altea offers guests a comfortable stay with easy access to the town's amenities and attractions. The apartment features a fully equipped kitchen, air conditioning, and a cozy living room, making it a perfect base for exploring town.
Accommodations photos source: booking.com
