What to see in Altea and surroundings

Altea is one of the most beautiful towns of the Costa Blanca, with an old town full of cobbled streets, viewpoints and whitewashed houses. If you are thinking about visiting it, in this article we tell you what to see in Altea and surroundings including its beaches, coves, key places and interesting excursions in the area. A practical guide to get the most out of your visit, whether you are going for just a few hours or planning a longer trip multi-day getaway.

If you spend several days in the area do not miss our related articles:

• What to see in Alicante
• Best places to eat in Alicante

11 must-see places to visit in Altea

Altea has that quiet air (although less so in summer) that is appreciated when you are looking to disconnect a little. There is no need to run from one place to another to enjoy it: the best thing to do is to strolling at a leisurely pace There are, of course, certain places that are not worth skipping. Here are the ones we like the most.

Nuestra Señora del Consuelo Church and Church Square

It is the heart of the old town and the most recognizable part of Altea with its blue domes. The square is full of atmosphere, especially in the afternoon, when the light begins to change and the viewpoints are filled with people with cameras in hand. Many of the most beautiful streets of the town start from here.

If you want to learn more about the history of this area, you can sign up for a free tour of the old town. It is one of those plans that do not cost anything (well, the will) and put in context everything you are seeing.

Viewpoints with good views: Cronistas, Portal Vell and others.

Altea is on top of a hill, so the views are guaranteed. The Mirador de los Cronistas is the most famous and it gets quite crowded, but it is worth it. Nearby you also have the Portal Vell a little quieter. On clear days you can see as far as Calpe and the Peñón de Ifach in the background.

Calle San Miguel and the most beautiful streets of the old town

The San Miguel Street is one of the most typical, with whitewashed houses, balconies full of plants and many small craft shops or boho clothing. We recommend you to stroll unhurriedly through the parallel streets, where it is calmer and you will find photogenic corners without having to dodge so many people.

Portal Vell and Portal Nou

They are two old access gates to the old town. The Portal Vell connects to the uppermost part, while the Portal Nou leads to the lower area. Although they are simple elements, they mark the defensive history of the village and today they are perfect points to get lost in the network of narrow streets.

Cervantes House

It is a old house with facade decorated with Mudejar style that calls the attention because of how different it is from the rest of the town. It is in a corner of almost obligatory passage, so you will see it by all means. You can't visit it inside, but the outside is worth the walk.

Bellaguarda Tower

It is a little further away from the tourist center, in a quiet and less crowded neighborhood. It is a old defensive tower which is now restored. If you go up here, in addition to having good views You will pass through a more local area that also has its own charm.

Promenade and Port of Altea

Once you come down from the old town, we recommend you a stroll along the promenade especially at sunset. There are bars, ice cream parlors and some restaurants with terraces. The Port of Altea It is also a good area to walk around and watch the boats return from fishing in the afternoon.

A plazano to end the day in Altea could be a sunset catamaran ridewhere you can walk along the coast of Altea and even see the famous Ifach rock of Calpe or if you prefer to make a morning plan that includes paella and drink, we recommend you this other catamaran excursionvery cool if you go in a group.

Archangel Michael Orthodox Church

This orthodox church built by the Russian community, is on the Altea Hills area. It is made of wood and has a very different style from what you would expect to find here. It is not in the center, so if you go by car, you can take advantage of the opportunity to get closer. The entrance is free of charge.

Beaches and coves to see in Altea

Altea is not famous for having large sandy beaches like other areas of Alicante, but its beaches have their point: clean water, quiet atmosphere and a different landscape from other more crowded areas.

🏖️ Watch out!
Most of the beaches of Altea are of boulder so it is essential to wear a pair of clogs or booties.

La Roda Beach

It is the main beach right next to the promenade. Here you have everything at hand: bars, ice cream parlors, seating areas, showers ... and quite a family atmosphere. Although it is not huge, it is good to spend a few hours without complications. Being next to the center, you can combine it with a visit to the old town the same day.

Cap Negret

A little further north, Cap Negret is less touristic and has a slightly different landscape: the rocks are darker and the water is usually quite clear. It is also a good option if you like to swim or snorkeling because there is usually no swell and there are areas where you can see fish.

Cap Blanc Beach

Cap Blanc is between the center of Altea and Albir, so it is perfect if you are staying in that area. It has a part with a walk and part more natural. It is longer than other beaches of Altea and not being in the center, there is usually more space. Ideal if you go with umbrella and you want to spend the whole day.

L'Olla Beach

This beach is farther away from the center and has something special: right in front of the shore there is a small island, the Island of l'Olla Some people go paddlesurfing or kayaking. In August there is a fireworks display quite well known (the "Castell de l'Olla"So if you are in the area in summer, make a note of it. The beach is quiet, although without many services, so you better go prepared.

And if you want to see the coast without having to worry about walking or parking, you can book a catamaran ride and see from the sea all the profile of Altea, its coves and cliffs. It is a highly recommended plan, especially on hot days.

What to see near Altea: excursions and getaways

One of the advantages of staying in Altea is that you have plenty of interesting places a stone's throw away. From charming villages to nature trails or more lively cities. Here are some of the most recommended places if you want to explore the surroundings.

Albir Lighthouse and Serra Gelada Natural Park

The Albir Lighthouse is about 10 minutes drive from Altea, and is a simple excursion to do on foot. The route is asphalted, has little slope and the views of the Mediterranean are amazing. On clear days you can even see the Benidorm Island. It is also a good area to see the sunset if you don't mind walking a bit.

Calpe and the Rock of Ifach

Calpe is about 20 minutes away. It has more tourism, but the Peñon de Ifach is a top visit. If you feel like walking, you can go up to the top (we warn: it is not a walk) or stay halfway up, which already has good views. In the port there are quite a few fish restaurants and seafood, some of them a bit touristy but if you search a little you will surely find some with good value for money.

Benidorm

I know, it sounds like guiris and farewells, but Benidorm has its point if you know where to move. The old town and the viewpoints of the Punta del Canfali are very cool, and if you go with children, the Aigüera Park o Terra Natura are good options. If you want a different plan, you can sign up to a quad tour of the areaThe trail takes you through paths between pine forests and has very beautiful views.

Las Fuentes del Algar

Very close to Callosa d'en Sarrià, the Algar Springs are a set of pools y natural waterfalls where you can swim. In summer it is quite crowded, but if you go early in the morning or during the week, you will enjoy it much more. The water is cold We warned, but after the Alicante heat, it is appreciated.

Guadalest

A classic of the area. This village on top of a rock looks like a postcard. It has a castle, several museums (some quite peculiar, such as the one of microminiatures), and views of the turquoise reservoir which are amazing. It is about 35 minutes from Altea and is easy to combine with a visit to the Fuentes del Algar.

Polop

Polop is a small village that preserves a certain traditional air, with its plaza de las fuentes (there are more than 200 taps), some narrow streets with white houses and the views from the old castle. It can be seen in little more than an hour, ideal if you are on your way to Guadalest or you want to make a quiet stop.

Villajoyosa

Villajoyosa is famous for its colorful houses and for the Valor chocolate (yes, you can visit the factory). It has a very nice promenade and several small coves where it is nice to stay a while. It is about 30 minutes from Altea and is a good half day plan.

Tabarca Island

If you feel like a more complete excursion, you can go to Alicante city and from there catch a boat to the Tabarca Island. The trip is short and the island can be covered in a couple of hours. It has water inlets crystal clear waters perfect for snorkeling, narrow streets and restaurants where you can try a good caldero. If you are in Alicante for several days, we leave you here an article with more ideas: what to see in Alicante in 4 days.

Practical tips for visiting Altea

Here are some of them recommendations that can help you get the most out of your visit to Altea. Here are some basic tips to help you organize your visit.

When it is best to go

• Spring and autumn are ideal: good weather, fewer people and more reasonable prices.
• Summer has more atmosphere, especially at night and on the beach, but also more heat and more tourism.
• At Christmas The town is decorated with lights and there are small markets in the square, although it is not a Christmas destination as such. Of course, the old town still has that charm even in winter, with less people and more calm.

Where to stay

In Altea there is quite a lot to offer, but if you are looking for something charming, the old town is the most picturesque. Of course, there are slopes and stairs everywhere, so keep that in mind if you go with big suitcases or a stroller.

If you prefer something more convenient for parking or getting around the area, the lower part of town (near the seafront or in Cap Blanc) has more modern accommodations and easy walking access to the beach.

Book in advance if you go in July or August, it fills up faster than it looks.

Where to eat well

There is a little bit of everything, from very touristy places to restaurants with home cooking or more modern proposals. Some recommended places:

• El Cantó del Palasiet For rice or fish with a good view (it is a bit far from the center).
• Xef Pirate The most creative tapas, in the heart of the old town.
• Café Altea For breakfast or a quiet snack.
• Ca Mezquida A simpler but well-priced option, with a menu of the day.

And if you go on a leisurely stroll along the promenade, you can also stop at an ice cream parlor or beach bar. The nice thing is to improvise a little and let yourself go.

If you want to read other articles ideal for your trip that complement What to see in Altea and surroundings you can visit our posts about Alicante.