אלטאה

Spring and autumn are the best times. Summers are hot and the town is busy. Winters are mild. Fiestas in September and the Moors and Christians festival in October are popular.

• The Iglesia de Nuestra Señora del Consuelo is the parish church at the top of the old town, with a blue and white tiled dome.
• The old town (casco antiguo) has whitewashed lanes, a plaza with views and artists' studios.
• The Mirador Cronistes d'Espanya is a viewpoint over the old town and the sea.
• The Platja de l'Espigó, the Platja de l'Olla and Playa del Bol are pebble beaches by the promenade.
• The Roman aqueduct remains and the Torre de Bellaguarda are small historic sites.
• The Sierra de Bernia and its Fort offer hiking and views.
• The Castillo del Mascarat is a castle at the edge of the municipality.

• Walk up the old town to the church and sit in the plaza.
• Stroll along the promenade in the evening.
• Hike in the Sierra de Bernia.
• Visit Guadalest.

• Benidorm (about 10 km): a high-rise beach resort.
• Dénia (about 55 km): a port with a castle.
• Alicante (about 50 km): Santa Bárbara castle and the Esplanade.
• Guadalest (about 25 km): a mountain village with a castle and a reservoir.
• Valencia (about 140 km): a city of arts and sciences.

Other places nearby:

• Costa Blanca: Benidorm, Dénia and Alicante.
• Valencia: Valencia.

• By air: Alicante-Elche airport is about 65 km away.
• By train: The TRAM d'Alacant tram line from Benidorm to Dénia stops near Altea, and connects with the Alicante tram network. Long-distance trains are on Renfe from Alicante.
• By bus: Buses link Altea with Alicante, Benidorm and Valencia.
• By car: The AP-7 and N-332.

• On foot: The old town is steep, with steps and cobbles. The promenade is flat.
• Tram and bus: The tram links the coast.
• Cycling: A cycling path runs along the coast.

• Is a car worth it?: Useful for the mountains and Guadalest.
• Parking: Paid parking near the old town, and limited at weekends.
• Roads: The AP-7 is a toll road. The N-332 is free but slow.

Altea's food is Valencian. Try arroz a banda, paella, arroz con costra and fideuà, plus local seafood. Sweet wines and the Mistela liqueur are typical. The area is known for its almond and citrus orchards.

Altea is a safe town. The old town's steps are slippery when wet. Use sun protection in summer.

Altea was settled by Iberians and Romans, and under the Moors it was a fortified town. After the Reconquista in the 13th century, it became a fishing and farming town.

In the 20th century, it attracted artists and writers, and became known for its art galleries and bohemian old town.

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