The best places to visit Altea, Spain

Cosily snuggling between Albir and Calpe on Spain's pretty Costa Blanca, its unmistakable landmark blue-and-white-domed church perched high on the hill above the town overlooking the sea, Altea has a cornucopia of delights and Spanish tourist attractions to offer its visitor.

If you thought you knew the Costa Blanca, think again - there’s so much more to discover. Find out more here

Old Town - Casco Antigu

Take a stroll along the quaint cobbled streets of the Carrer Sant Miguel, passing restaurants and shops along the way, with the blue domes of the church always beckoning on ahead. 

Soak up the atmosphere of the approach to Altea Old Town, an appealing mix of the old-style and the cosmopolitan.

Linger in the Plaça de l’Església for an aperitif before descending the Carrer Major and browsing the many artisan boutiques, gift-shops, local crafts, jewellers, potters and art galleries showcasing the best of the local Spanish talent as you go.

Select one of the many restaurants with rooftop terraces and a magnificent view over the Mediterranean to provide you with your evening’s delicious fare. 

Church Square - Plaça de l’Església

There can be no better way to spend an evening than in the effervescent Plaça de l’Església.

Whether it be for a drink with friends, an aperitif before a meal, or to sit awhile and soak up the ambiance, there is no doubt the Plaça de l’Església is where it’s at.

Nothing could be easier than to spend a blissful hour or so meandering through the buzzing and vibrant stalls displaying unusual wares of Spanish artesanía, leather goods, lighting, puppetry, marquetry, specialist jewellery or wooden toys.

Following this, pause for a moment on the steps of the church to marvel at the elaborately-clad balloon man’s incredible, and seemingly impossible, balloon sculpture - or the clever caricaturist’s representation of a young girl posing for him. 

But if churches themselves are of interest to you, the Parroquia Nuestra Seňora del Consuelo is, in fact, just as beautiful inside as it is outside and well worth a look if entry can be gained.

Altea beach and prom

Drift down the steep cobbled streets on the descent from the church square to the Mediterranean sea, and enjoy the sweeping vista over the bay, from the peaks of the sierra helada to the south to the peňon de ifach to the north. 

Amble leisurely along the new white balustraded promenade which leads to a stretch of Altea's beach, mostly pebbly, and the marina with its scores of luxury sunseekers. 

Visit Albir beach, just south of Altea, complete with its leisure activities, its supermarkets, restaurants, cafes and bars. 

If you thought you knew the Costa Blanca, think again - there’s so much more to discover. Find out more here

Altea market

Located close to the sea on the north side of Altea near the river Algar and the railway line, Altea market is easy to access and on the flat. 

If shopping is on your list, there is a market somewhere every day on the Costa Blanca but the Tuesday market in Atea is one of the most popular.

Ideal for costume jewellery, leather belts or wallets, rings, bracelets, tablecloths, shoes, napkins, clothes, Spanish nougat, ceramics, or something to take home for a gift. 

After the market cruise down to the sea front for a café con leche, a vino or tapas to round up a successful day.

Five of the best Spanish food markets

Altea train station

Something a little bit out of the ordinary and something that is regularly done by locals and tourists alike is to take the train from Altea to Denia from the little train station close to the sea front in Altea. 

If you arrive at the station early it is easy enough to buy one from the station or from the ticket machine. Tickets can also be purchased from the machine or the conductor once on board the train.

Great news if you are a senior citizen, jubilado - tickets are discounted by 30%, but don’t forget to take your passport to prove your age, just in case! 

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