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Top Things to Do in Altea: The Stunning White Town of Costa Blanca
The South of Spain is famous for its white villages but there’s also one on the beautiful Costa Blanca: Altea. This charming city is often overlooked in favor of its more popular neighbors, but it’s a hidden gem that shouldn’t be missed.
I was surprised by the beauty of Altea’s old town, with its whitewashed buildings and the blue-domed church on the hill, and how quiet the beach was during my visit in early August!
Lets talk more about the best things to do in Altea Spain.
Best Things to Do in Altea Spain
1. Relax on the Beach
One of the best things about Altea is its beautiful beach. Unlike other touristy beaches in the region, Altea’s beach is peaceful and quiet. This might be because it’s a stony beach rather than a golden sandy one. But I’d choose a quiet stony beach any day over a crowded sandy one.
It’s the perfect spot to lay out your towel, or rent a sun lounge, and soak up the sun and swim in crystal clear water.
I also really enjoyed the art installations at the beach promenade. It’s lovely to stroll along and take in the views.
2. Go for a Boat or Kayak Ride
Another great way to experience Altea is from the water. You can rent a boat or go on a guided kayak tour to explore the coastline and its stunning cliffs and coves. This is a unique way to see the city from a different perspective.
It’s simply a stunning view with the blue water, the coastline, and the iconic blue-domed church. You can also stop for a swim or snorkel along the way depending on your boat tour.
🤩 This fun kayak tour has amazing reviews!
3. Enjoy Some Ice Cream
No trip to Altea is complete without having some delicious ice cream at the beach. There are many gelato shops scattered along the beach promenade, offering a variety of flavors.
I had some ice cream at Heladeria Kakirucho as it has amazing reviews. I love that they have their vegan options clearly labeled and the mango sorbet I had was super creamy.
4. Wander the Streets of Altea Old Town
One of the most charming things about Altea is its old town. The narrow streets are lined with white-washed buildings, some of them decorated with colorful flowers and plants, giving it a picturesque feeling.
Honestly, it’s one of the most beautiful cities on the Costa Blanca, around every corner there was an even prettier street. Make sure you have enough time to aimlessly wander through the charming town center and explore whichever street catches your eye.
There are also so many cute shops and restaurants in the old town, making it a perfect place to spend an afternoon.
5. Visit the Beautiful Church of Nuestra Señora del Consuelo
The iconic blue-domed church that overlooks Altea is a must-see when visiting the city. It’s known as the Church of Nuestra Señora del Consuelo or Our Lady of Solace.
It’s quite a steep walk up to the church through the narrow streets of the old town, but its absolutely worth it. The views from the top are breathtaking, and the church itself is stunning both inside and out.
6. Have a Drink at the Church Square, Plaça de l’Església
After visiting the church, enjoy a refreshing drink and people-watch at the square in front of it. This popular spot for tourists has many outdoor cafes and bars to choose from. It may not be the cheapest place for a drink and food, but the lively atmosphere makes it worth it.
Sit back, relax, and take in the beauty of your surroundings while sipping on a cold beverage. Afterwards you can browse through the stalls at the square selling local products.
7. Look for the Best Viewpoint
The old town of Altea sits on a hill in the city center, which means two things: you need to prepare for plenty of uphill walking and you can find some stunning viewpoints.
There are several viewpoints in Altea that offer stunning views of the city and the Mediterranean Sea. One of the best is Mirador de los Cronistas de España, located right next to the church.
A great viewpoint with a view of the blue-domed church is from the top of Bellaguarda Tower, a non-historic reconstructed defensive tower.
But don’t limit yourself to just one viewpoint, explore and find your own favorite spot for a panoramic view of Altea.
Is Altea Worth Visiting?
Altea is probably the most unique city I visited on the Costa Blanca, and I’ve seen many there. When I went in early August, the beach was nearly empty while the old town was bustling compared to the quiet beach.
That’s exactly what makes Altea worth visiting: its beautiful, quiet beach and picturesque, lively old town. It’s the perfect destination for a relaxing day by the beach, followed by exploring one of Spain’s most picturesque old towns.
But keep in mind that the beach in Altea is not a sandy beach, so if you’re looking for a sandy beach destination on the Costa Blanca, it might not be the right choice for you.
Where Is Altea in Spain?
Altea is located on the Costa Blanca in the province of Alicante, in the region of Valencia. It’s about a 1.5 hour drive from Valencia and a 45-minute drive from Alicante.
How to Get to Altea
The closest airport to Altea is Alicante-Elche Airport, which is served by many low-cost airlines. From there, you can rent a car or take a bus or train to Altea.
The easiest way to get to Altea is by car. It’s well connected to other cities on the Costa Blanca through well maintained roads.
The bus from Alicante to Altea takes 1 to 2 hours, depending on the route and stops. The bus from Valencia to Altea takes just over 4 hours. You can check the schedule on the Spanish bus website.
There’s also a train from Benidorm to Altea. To reach Altea by train from Valencia or Alicante, you’ll need to change in Benidorm.
🤩 Don’t forget to book a kayak tour in Altea to make the most out of your visit!
Final Thoughts: What to Do in Altea Spain
Altea is a hidden gem on the Costa Blanca, perfect for those looking for a mix of relaxation and exploration.
Make sure to wander aimlessly through the charming old town, visit the iconic blue-domed church, relax on the beach, and find your own favorite viewpoint for stunning views of this beautiful city.
And of course, don’t forget to try some delicious ice cream while you’re there.
You can also combine your trip to Altea with a visit of other beautiful towns on the Costa Blanca, Spain.
Read more about Costa Blanca:
- 10 Top Costa Blanca Cities and Towns to Visit
- 13 Absolute Best Things to Do in Alicante, Spain
- Is Alicante Worth Visiting? The Answer Surprised Me!
- 11 Best Things to Do in Benidorm: Beaches, Views, and More
- Is Benidorm Worth Visiting? Only If You Have Kids or Want to Party
- Top Beaches in Benidorm Within Walking Distance of the City Center
- Top Things to Do in Villajoyosa: Hidden Gem on Costa Blanca
- 15 Top Things to Do In Calpe on the Costa Blanca, Spain
- 13 Absolute Best Things to Do in Torrevieja, Spain
- How to Visit the Torrevieja Pink Lake in Spain
- Top Things to Do in Altea: The Stunning White Town of Costa Blanca
- 9 Top Things to Do in Dénia: Travel Guide to The Coastal City
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