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In the collective imagination, the Costa Blanca often conjures images of sprawling sandy beaches and bustling holiday resorts. Yet, nestled between the shimmering Mediterranean and the saw-toothed peaks of the Sierra de Bernia, lies a town that offers a different, more profound kind of magic: Altea, Spain. A place where the frenetic pace of modern life dissolves into the serene blue of the sea and the brilliant white of its ancient walls.
This is a town crowned "the most beautiful in Spain," yet one that miraculously remains one of the nation's best-kept secrets. In 2024, the prestigious
National Geographic Viajes bestowed upon Altea this incredible title, yet it has managed to avoid being overwhelmed by tourists. While cities like Valencia or Alicante attract vast numbers of visitors, Altea continues to captivate with a quiet authenticity and a deeply ingrained bohemian soul.
This is your definitive guide to discovering the soul of Altea, a rare jewel that embodies the true essence of authentic Spain.
To truly understand Altea, you must begin with the ascent into the Casco Antiguo. The journey is a transition, leaving the modern world behind as you climb the time-worn cobbled streets.
At the very peak of the hill, you arrive at the heart of Altea: the Plaza de la Iglesia. The square is dominated by the magnificent
Church of Our Lady of Consolation (Nuestra Señora del Consuelo), whose two iconic domes, tiled with a mosaic of brilliant blue and white ceramics, have become the symbol of Altea.
The atmosphere in the plaza is serene and timeless, as if the daily rush has been put on pause. The southern edge opens up to the famous
Mirador de los Cronistas, a viewpoint offering one of the most spectacular panoramas on the entire Costa Blanca. It is a moment of pure beauty that remains etched in the memory.
Altea’s Old Town is a living painting, a maze of impossibly charming, whitewashed streets. The walls of the houses are immaculately pristine, a canvas punctuated by vibrant blue-painted shutters, doors, and flowerpots filled with colourful geraniums. Cascades of fuchsia bougainvillea spill from wrought-iron balconies, adding bursts of colour at every turn. Every street and alleyway offers a new, breathtaking view of the sea or mountains.
Altea is more than just a pretty picture; it is a living, breathing community with a distinctly
bohemian heart. For decades, the town's unique light and magical atmosphere have attracted artists, writers, and musicians from all over the world. As you wander, you’ll discover this soul in the numerous small, independent art galleries, artisan workshops creating handmade ceramics and leather goods, and the quirky, artistic shops that are a joy to explore.
Altea's beauty is born from its unique geography, perfectly situated between the rugged mountains and the tranquil sea.
Unlike many of its neighbours, Altea's coastline is a series of beautiful pebble beaches (playas de cantos rodados), where the water is often exceptionally clear and the atmosphere is far more relaxed.
Looming majestically behind Altea are the limestone peaks of the
Sierra de Bernia, a paradise for hikers and nature lovers. The range offers some of the most rewarding hiking trails in the region. The most famous is a challenging circular route that passes through a natural rock tunnel, known as the
Forat de Bernia. Every path is rewarded with views that are truly worth the effort, offering a spectacular panorama of the entire coastline below.
A visit to Spain is incomplete without indulging in its culinary delights, and Altea is no exception. The town’s gastronomy is a reflection of its environment: honest, fresh, and deeply connected to the sea.
The restaurants here, whether romantic, candlelit establishments in the Old Town or traditional eateries along the seafront, pride themselves on a menu dictated by the daily catch. You can savour the simple perfection of
freshly grilled fish, indulge in a plate of tender grilled squid, or share a rich and flavourful paella packed with seafood. To accompany your meal, a glass of
local wine is, of course, a must.
To make the most of your visit, a little planning goes a long way.
Altea is a stunning year-round destination. Spring (April-May) is perhaps the most beautiful time, with pleasant weather perfect for exploring. Summer (June-August) is vibrant and lively, while Autumn and Winter offer a more peaceful, authentic experience.
Altea is located just off the AP-7 motorway, a 45-minute drive from Alicante Airport (ALC).
Anyone who visits Altea quickly understands why it is regarded as a hidden gem. What makes this village truly unique is not just its undeniable beauty, but its soul. It has managed to strike a rare and precious
balance between the sea, mountains, culture, and a quality of life that is gracefully cherished. In a world of ever-increasing pace, Altea stands as a serene and timeless testament to the power of authenticity.
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