Located on Spain’s phenomenal Costa Blanca, the scenic seaside town of Altea offers tourists a delightful taste of Mediterranean life. With its terrific year-round weather, lovely beachfront, multiple attractions, and laidback atmosphere, the Altea Spain old town has been a favorite of favorite for many years.
There are multiple activities and choices for those craving to view this historic old town, enjoy flavorsome local cuisine, or relax under the heartfelt Spanish sun. Its Spain’s southeastern coast ambiance makes it a striking spot for those seeking an authentic Spanish experience and beautiful landscapes. Read on to understand this town’s appealing experiences and top activities there.
Top Activities and Sights to Experience in Altea, Spain
Altea sits about 120 km south of Valencia and around 60 km north of Alicante City. It comprises two primary regions, including the beach district and the town center. The town center sits over a mountainous place facing the Mediterranean Sea. Its urban buildings and cobbled lanes give Altea a reminiscence look of a Greek island village and undeniable charm. It is Altea’s historic heart, where visitors can find many landmarks and iconic buildings.
On the lower side, Altea Beach lines the shiny blue Mediterranean waters. The extensive beach is full of cafes and bars and boasts soft golden sand. The promenade stretches fully along the shore, making for enjoyable strolls along the sea. Due to its seashore placement and its idyllic location on the Costa Blanca, Altea attracts many visitors worldwide. Below are top sights and activities to experience in Altea to make the most of your Spanish getaway.
1) Explore the Old Town
Altea’s old town lures many individuals. Give yourself some hours to walk and view the old town. Check out its charming buildings and enjoy the cobbled lanes. Admire the colorful houses adorned with flowers, stop for tapas at an outdoor café, and pop into art galleries and little boutiques.
2) Relax on Altea Beach
Altea’s tranquil beach provides an ideal relaxing destination under the Mediterranean sun. Its gently lapping waves and clean golden sands create a calm environment.
Visitors can take scenic strolls, sunbathe, or swim along the seafront walkway. The chilled-out ambiance makes it easy to relax. The beach’s calm waters allow for kayaking, snorkeling, or stand-up paddle boarding.
3) Hike to Casa de les Monges
Take a 20-minute hike to Casa de les Monges for stunning views over Altea. This famous building sits on a hilltop facing the Altea coastline. You can begin hiking from Calle Salamanca in Altea’s old town.
Trail the labeled path as it cuts upwards through pine trees until you get to the viewpoint. From here, the scenes over the town are simply fabulous. It’s a worthwhile and easy hike for anyone desiring to stretch their legs with a picturesque reward.
4) Stroll Along the Promenade
A delightful way to immerse in Altea sea views is by strolling its beachside walkway. Full of palm trees, the Paseo Maritimo extends to the marina over 1 km from Peñon de Ifach natural reserve.
It is an ideal destination for a soothing walk any time of day. You can hunt for a terrace with sea panoramas for an evening cocktail, exercise with a jog, take pictures of Altea’s coastline, or observe boats bobbing in the harbor.
5) Dine and Shop in the New Town
While the old town part of Altea is lovely and fascinating, its newer part of town is tempting and deserves a visit. Here, travelers will explore the significant dining hubs and main shopping areas stretching inland from the waterfront. It hosts most of the town’s best eateries beyond the beach bars. While there, sample baked items, cheeses, local produce, and more.
The streets have little boutiques selling everything from souvenirs and crafts to jewelry and fashion. You can pick up stunning, locally made décor items, paintings, and ceramics as keepsakes. Experience the fresh Mediterranean cuisine at Sun Palace Albir or Ocean Lounge, sample Spanish wines at cozy wine bars, or try tasty tapas plates.
6) Take a Day Trip to El Castell de Guadalest
Travelers can drive for about 20 to 30 minutes to visit the historic and iconic town of Guadalest. Due to its fairytale landscape, this medieval village lies among Costa Blanca’s finest attractions. This town neighbors beautiful valley views and steep rocky outcrops. The magic of this hidden mountain town makes it an easy day trip from Altea by bus tour or rental car.
Guadalest’s legendary buildings house exciting galleries and museums to explore. The two main scenic views are the Municipal Museum and Ethnographic Museum. Be sure also to view the valley vistas, stroll the quaint cobbled lanes, or hike up to Guadalest’s castle.
7) Charter a Yacht
Altea’s scenic harbor offers the ideal beginning point to charter your private yacht in the Mediterranean. Numerous providers offer boat tours and yacht rentals for groups small and big.
Take off from Altea harbor aboard your rented yacht or boat, then spend the day marveling at the stunning coastline, swimming in private coves, and ending at seaside eateries.
Depending on their nautical expertise, visitors can hire yachts with or without a captain. A private boat charter lets you wholly personalize your route for one of Altea’s most scenic and exclusive experiences.
8) Visit the Market Halls
First-time visitors will enjoy touring Altea’s market halls, retailing some of the area’s top gourmet goods and local produce. Altea’s core food market is the Mercado Municipal on a side street near the old town. Visitors can check out seasonal fruits, seafood, vegetables, and fresh meat at the stalls within this region.
The Mercadillo de Altea provides everything from handmade chocolates and wines to charcuterie, olive oils, and preserves for those who want artisanal gourmets. Peruse this market to take home the best food souvenirs or assemble the perfect picnic spread. Don’t leave town without sampling something extraordinary from Altea’s market halls.
9) Visit Sierra Helada Natural Park
Just about a 20-minute walk from Altea sits the rocky liveliness of Sierra Helada Natural Park. Here, you’ll discover beaches, coves, dense forests, and pristine coastal landscapes. Take in the ocean outlooks as you go through appealing coastal drives.
There are also admirable hiking trails along the clifftops and pine forests. Wildlife enthusiasts may even spot mountain goats and falcons in their natural habitat. Spend a day, pack a picnic, or capture some pictures in this pristine natural paradise away from the crowds.
10) Visit Altea’s Galleries and Museums
Beyond the fabulous beaches and food scene, Altea has a thriving art scene worth diving into. You’ll find over two dozen art galleries dotted around its charming streets. Stop by spots like Arabesque Altea to admire handmade pottery, or spend an afternoon browsing the paintings at Hispangallery Art Gallery.
History buffs will also appreciate Altea’s small museums like the Orthodox Icons Museum and the Archaeology Museum. Pop into these on your old-town explorations to learn about Altea’s heritage and local artists.
11) Enjoy the Nightlife
From evening going down, Altea transforms into a lively town with various nightlife choices, buzzing bars, and bistros. Head to the new town streets around Plaza de la Iglesia for most of the after-dark action. Hip cocktail bars like Coctelería Gins & Tonics and Bar del Sports serve mixology magic with sea views.
You can also take in dinner shows like at Menauschangelog with Flamenco performances or catch live music gigs at venue La Posada del Marqués. End the night dancing at disco pubs like Suede. Altea has entertainment to suit all ages and interests for evening fun.
12) Relax at a Day Spa
What better way to unwind on a Spanish holiday than by indulging in some pampering? Altea is home to relaxing spas for a refreshing health resort day during your tour. Thai Thai Massage Altea offers body treatments, facials, and indulgent massages using aromatherapy products and natural oils.
Beatriz Beauty Center also offers relaxing massages, beauty services, pedicures, and manicures. The beachfront SH Villa Gadea Hotel Spa is among Altea’s leading wellness spots. Spend a day refueling with healthy cuisine or relaxing in their hydrotherapy circuits.
Conclusion
With its mouthwatering Mediterranean cuisine, breathtaking scenery, and laidback seaside charm, Altea captures the top of the Costa Blanca. The beauty of its hilltops, historic lanes, and beach views entices all who visit this area of Spain. It offers diverse experiences and attractions.
Whether you’re back for more or this is your first time visiting Altea, Costa Blanca always fascinates. Its friendly local culture, fantastic food scene, and scenic old town create a tranquil Spanish escape by the sea for all.
