Altea — The Mediterranean’s White Village

Around an hour and a half by car from Orihuela Costa, on the northern Costa Blanca, you will find Altea — a beautiful Mediterranean town known for its whitewashed houses ...

Altea — The Mediterranean’s White Village

Around an hour and a half by car from Orihuela Costa, on the northern Costa Blanca, you will find Altea — a beautiful Mediterranean town known for its whitewashed houses, narrow streets and distinctive blue-and-white dome overlooking the sea. Set between the Mediterranean and the mountains of the Marina Baixa, Altea has a very different atmosphere from the larger coastal resorts further south. It is a place to visit slowly, with time to walk, enjoy the views and simply take in the atmosphere.

Explore the Old Town

The historic centre is the heart of Altea. The old town sits on a hill above the coast, with narrow cobbled streets winding between white houses, small squares, flowers and traditional buildings. Parts of the original defensive walls can still be seen, including the old Portal Vell and Portal Nou gates. The walk uphill is worth taking slowly. Along the way, you will find small shops, cafés, restaurants, craft stores and several viewpoints looking across the town and the Mediterranean. At the top of the old town stands the Church of Nuestra Señora del Consuelo, recognisable by its famous blue-and-white ceramic dome. The church has become one of the symbols of Altea and is one of the main places to visit in the historic centre.

The Views Are Part of the Experience

One of the best things about Altea is that the town itself becomes part of the landscape. From the viewpoints around the old town, you can look down towards the Mediterranean and across the bay towards the mountains of the Serra Gelada and the Sierra de Bernia. The coastline below is very different from the wide sandy beaches found further south. Altea has pebble beaches, smaller coves and clear Mediterranean waters, including La Roda, Cap Negret and La Olla. At La Olla, a small island sits just offshore and can be reached by swimming or kayak in suitable conditions.

A Town by the Sea

After exploring the old town, head down towards the coast. The seafront is a good place to slow down after walking through the hills of the historic centre. You can enjoy a coffee, have lunch by the sea or simply walk along the promenade and watch the boats. Altea also has a long connection with fishing and the Mediterranean, and seafood and traditional rice dishes remain part of the local food culture. If you have more time, the town’s marinas and surrounding coastline offer opportunities for different water activities.

How Long Do You Need?

You can see the main historic centre of Altea in a few hours, but a full day gives you time to enjoy both the old town and the coast. For a relaxed visit, start in the morning with a walk through the historic centre, stop for lunch and then spend the afternoon by the sea. Comfortable shoes are recommended, as the old town has steep and cobbled streets. If you enjoy walking and have more time, the surrounding mountains also offer hiking routes, including trails in the Sierra de Bernia and Serra Gelada.

A Different Costa Blanca

Altea is one of those places that shows how varied the Costa Blanca can be. There are beaches and the Mediterranean, but also mountains, history, art, traditional architecture and a slower pace of life. The white houses, blue dome and views across the bay have made Altea one of the most recognisable places in the region. If you are staying on the Costa Blanca and have a free day to explore further north, Altea is definitely worth the trip. Take your time, walk through the old streets, enjoy the sea and see why this small Mediterranean town has become such a special part of the Costa Blanca. Altea is definitely one to put on your list.

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