Altea is one of the most beautiful towns on the Costa Blanca coast in Spain. It is located in the province of Alicante, in the autonomous community of Valencia (Comunidad Valenciana), and is known for its old town with white houses, narrow streets, and panoramic views of the Mediterranean Sea.
The main attractions of Altea include the Church of Nuestra Señora del Consuelo with its blue domes, Plaza de la Iglesia square, scenic viewpoints, and the picturesque seaside promenade. Since the town is relatively compact, most places of interest can be explored in a single day.
In this guide, you will discover what to see in Altea and the best things to do in this charming Costa Blanca town. You will also find out where to walk in the old town and which attractions to include in your itinerary.
What to See in Altea — Article Contents
- Altea Old Town (Casco Antiguo)
- Plaza de la Iglesia Square
- Nuestra Señora del Consuelo Church
- Mirador de los Cronistas de España Viewpoint
- Altea Beaches
- Paseo Marítimo Promenade
- Marina Greenwich Port
- Russian Orthodox Church of Archangel Michael
- Altea Market (Mercadillo de Altea)
- Useful Information for Your Trip
Most of Altea’s attractions are located close to each other. The old town sits on a hill above the coast, while the beaches and promenade stretch along the waterfront below. This makes it easy to see many interesting places during a one-day walk around the town.
Altea Old Town (Casco Antiguo)
Altea’s Old Town (Casco Antiguo) is a true labyrinth of narrow winding streets that climb up the hill and unexpectedly descend again. White houses decorated with flowers and wrought-iron balconies, small squares, cozy cafés, and artists’ workshops create a special Mediterranean atmosphere.
Altea has long been considered one of the most artistic places on the Costa Blanca. Artists, photographers, and musicians live here, and the picturesque streets of the old town often serve as locations for photo shoots, commercials, and even film productions.
The best thing you can do in Altea’s old town is simply allow yourself to get a little lost. Around every corner you will find small galleries, souvenir shops, cozy restaurants with terraces, and unexpected views of the Mediterranean Sea.
Gradually, the winding streets climb higher and higher until they reach the very heart of the old town — Plaza de la Iglesia. This is where the main architectural landmark of Altea is located — the famous church of Nuestra Señora del Consuelo with its blue domes, which has become the symbol of the town.
Plaza de la Iglesia Square
Plaza de la Iglesia is the true heart of Altea’s old town. Most of the winding streets of Casco Antiguo eventually lead here, and this is where many of the town’s most famous photos are taken.
The small cobbled square is surrounded by cozy cafés, restaurants, and white houses with balconies decorated with flowers. It is a perfect place to stop for a cup of coffee, sit in the shade of orange trees, and simply watch the relaxed rhythm of life in the old town.
From the edge of the square, beautiful panoramic views open over the rooftops of Altea, the Costa Blanca coastline, and the endless Mediterranean Sea. It is one of the most photogenic spots in the town, where visitors come for stunning pictures and sunsets.
In the evening the atmosphere becomes especially lively: music plays on restaurant terraces, lights begin to glow, and the square gradually fills with conversations, laughter, and the aromas of Mediterranean cuisine.
The main decoration of the square is the church of Nuestra Señora del Consuelo with its recognizable blue domes, which have long become the symbol of Altea.
Nuestra Señora del Consuelo Church
One of the most famous attractions in Altea is the church of Nuestra Señora del Consuelo (Iglesia de Nuestra Señora del Consuelo), located on Plaza de la Iglesia in the very heart of the old town.
The church is easy to recognize thanks to its famous blue domes covered with bright ceramic tiles. These domes have become a true symbol of Altea and can be seen from almost any point in the town, as well as from the sea.
The modern building of the church was constructed at the beginning of the 20th century, although older religious structures once stood on this site. Thanks to its location on the top of the hill, the church seems to rise above the town and serves as the main landmark of old Altea.
Inside, the church looks quite restrained and bright. Visitors can see beautiful stained glass windows, marble altars, and neat decorative elements typical of Spanish church architecture of that period.
Entrance to the church is free. It is a great place to take a short break from the hot Mediterranean sun and experience the calm atmosphere of the old town.
Mirador de los Cronistas de España Viewpoint
For those who want to see Altea from above, it is worth visiting the Mirador de los Cronistas de España viewpoint. It is located just a few steps from Plaza de la Iglesia and is considered one of the best spots for panoramic views of the coastline.
From here, you can enjoy a wide view of the Mediterranean Sea, the white houses of the old town, and the mountain ranges surrounding Altea. On a clear day, you can see the skyscrapers of Benidorm on one side, and on the opposite side — the silhouette of the famous Peñón de Ifach rock near Calpe.
The name of the viewpoint is connected with the Association of Spanish Chroniclers — historians and researchers who study the history of Spanish cities and regions. A commemorative plaque was installed here in their honor.
The viewpoint is especially beautiful at sunset. As the sun slowly disappears behind the mountains, the sky turns soft shades of gold and pink, while the sea reflects this light. At such moments, this place offers some of the most beautiful photographs of Altea.
Altea Beaches
After walking through the old town, many visitors head to the sea, as Altea is famous for its beautiful and peaceful beaches. Unlike some resorts on the Costa Blanca, there are no huge sandy beaches here — the coastline is covered with pebbles and small stones.
Thanks to this, the water along the coast of Altea is incredibly clear and transparent. You can often see the seabed even at a fairly considerable depth.
The most popular beaches in the town are La Roda and Cap Negret. They are located next to each other and stretch along the coast for several kilometers, forming a scenic walking area with a promenade, restaurants, and small cafés.
Cap Negret Beach
Cap Negret is one of the longest beaches in Altea, stretching for about two kilometers. It is a quieter part of the coast with open sea views and the picturesque Sierra Bernia mountain range in the background.
The beach has a sand-and-pebble surface, and the water here is usually very clean and transparent. During the summer season, temporary beach services are installed where visitors can rent sun loungers and umbrellas.
La Roda Beach
La Roda Beach is located closest to the town center and is essentially a continuation of Cap Negret Beach. It stretches along Altea’s main promenade all the way to the fishing port.
The beach is pebbly, which is why the water here is also very clear, although the entrance into the sea may not be the most comfortable for swimming.
There are also water sports schools and centers offering diving and other marine activities throughout the year.
This is also where one of the most lively walking areas in the town is located — Paseo Marítimo.
Paseo Marítimo Promenade
The Paseo Marítimo promenade is one of the most pleasant places for a walk in Altea. It runs along La Roda Beach and connects the town center with the small port of Altea.
A calm resort atmosphere always prevails here: people stroll along the sea, ride bicycles, sit on restaurant terraces, or simply enjoy the view of the Mediterranean Sea.
Many cafés, restaurants, and small shops are located along the promenade. It is especially pleasant to stop here in the evening, when the terrace lights come on and the air fills with the aromas of Mediterranean cuisine and the fresh sea breeze.
Walking along the promenade, you can reach the small port of Altea, where fishing boats and pleasure boats are moored. It is a cozy place with beautiful sea views and another great spot for photos.
And if you drive a little further along the coast, you can reach another interesting marina — Marina Greenwich.
Marina Greenwich Port
Not far from Altea is one of the most unusual marinas on the Costa Blanca — Marina Greenwich, also known as Puerto Deportivo Campomanes.
Its unique feature is that it is located directly on the Prime Meridian (0° longitude), from which geographic coordinates are measured. Because of this, the place has become popular among tourists and fans of unusual photos.
The marina is surrounded by cliffs and looks very picturesque: yachts are moored here, and there are restaurants and cozy bars with sea views. It is a great place to take a walk, enjoy dinner on a terrace, or go on a boat trip along the coast.
It is especially beautiful here in the evening, when the lights of the marina reflect in the water, creating a calm Mediterranean resort atmosphere.
Russian Orthodox Church of Archangel Michael
One of the most unusual attractions in Altea is the Russian Orthodox Church of Archangel Michael (Iglesia Ortodoxa Rusa San Miguel Arcángel). It is located in a green area in the hills of the Sierra de Altea, a few kilometers from the town center.
The church was built at the beginning of the 21st century and became the first Russian Orthodox church in Spain constructed in traditional Russian style. Wooden walls, carved decorative elements, and golden domes create the impression that you have suddenly found yourself somewhere in Russia.
One particularly interesting detail is that the church was built entirely of wood using traditional techniques — without the use of metal nails. This gives the building a special historical character and makes it a unique architectural landmark in the region.
The area around the church is very quiet and peaceful. From here, beautiful views open over the mountains and the Costa Blanca coastline, which is why not only believers but also tourists interested in unusual architecture come here.
The Russian Church of Archangel Michael has become a symbol of the cultural diversity of Altea and another reminder that this small town has long attracted people from all over the world.
Altea Market (Mercadillo de Altea)
If you want to experience the authentic atmosphere of a Spanish town, it is worth visiting the traditional street market of Altea — Mercadillo de Altea. It takes place every Tuesday and attracts many locals and tourists.
At the market you can find almost everything: fresh fruits and vegetables, local cheeses, olives, spices, clothing, bags, jewelry, and various souvenirs. It is a great place to try regional products and buy something as a memory of your trip.
The market is located near the Basseta Centre parking area and occupies several streets, so you can spend quite a while walking through it, gradually discovering new stalls and the aromas of Mediterranean cuisine.
By the way, similar markets take place in other towns of the region as well. You can learn more about where and when the markets of Alicante Province operate in a separate article.
Useful Information for a Trip to Altea
If you are planning a trip to Altea, it is worth knowing in advance how to get there, where it is convenient to park, and when it is best to visit to see the town at its most beautiful.
How to Get to Altea
Altea is located on the Costa Blanca between Benidorm and Calpe, so it is quite easy to reach. You can get there by bus or by TRAM train from Alicante, Benidorm, and other resorts in the region.
Many tourists prefer to arrive by car, especially if they are traveling along the Costa Blanca. In this case, it is useful to know in advance where you can leave your car in order to walk comfortably through the old town and along the promenade.
Where to Park in Altea
If you are looking for free parking near Altea’s old town, consider the Basseta Centre parking area. It is one of the most convenient and largest parking areas in the town, designed for approximately 500 cars.
This option is commonly used by many tourists. However, it is important to remember that on Tuesdays from midnight until 17:00 the parking area is closed, as the town market takes place there.
Another free alternative is Parking Foietes, although it has fewer spaces.
Near the beach there is also the free Aparcamiento Público de la Estación de Tren parking area next to Altea’s railway station.
Near El Bol Beach there are also blue zone parking spaces where parking in Spain is paid and time-limited.
If these options are full, you can try looking for parking around Palau Altea or near the Miguel Hernández University — sometimes it is also possible to find a free space there.
When Is the Best Time to Visit Altea
Altea is pleasant to visit almost at any time of the year. Spring and autumn are especially comfortable for walking around the old town and promenade, when the weather is milder and there are fewer tourists. In summer the town becomes more lively: beaches are busy, festivals take place, and evening concerts are held.
Festivals and Celebrations in Altea
Several colorful festivals and cultural events take place in Altea throughout the year. One of the most famous is the Las Fallas festival, when large artistic figures are installed on the streets and later ceremonially burned.
Traditional Moros y Cristianos celebrations dedicated to the historical events of the Reconquista are also held in Altea.
During summer, the town often hosts music festivals, open-air concerts, and cultural events that attract both locals and tourists.
What to Try in Altea
Altea is also known for its gastronomy. In restaurants and along the promenade you can try traditional Mediterranean dishes: paella, fresh seafood, various tapas, and fish dishes.
Restaurants with sea-view terraces are especially popular, where you can enjoy dinner while watching the sunset over the Mediterranean Sea.
What to See Near Altea
- What to See in Benidorm — just a few kilometers from Altea is the most famous resort of the Costa Blanca with long sandy beaches, skyscrapers, and active nightlife.
- Calpe Attractions — the town is famous for the huge Peñón de Ifach rock and beautiful sea landscapes considered among the most impressive on the coast.
- What to See in Guadalest — one of the most beautiful mountain villages in Spain with a castle on a rock and stunning views of a turquoise reservoir.
- Algar Waterfalls — a picturesque natural park with cascades of waterfalls and natural pools where you can swim in clear mountain water.
- What to See in Denia — a cozy Mediterranean town with a historic castle, beautiful marina, and long sandy beaches.
- Main Attractions of Alicante — the provincial capital is known for Santa Bárbara Castle, the Explanada de España promenade, and an atmospheric old town at the foot of Mount Benacantil.
- Torrevieja: What to See in the City — a popular resort in the southern part of the Costa Blanca, near which the famous pink salt lakes are located.
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