Altea Holidays

Altea is one of the Costa Blanca’s most characterful resorts, known for its whitewashed old town, relaxed seafront and scenic position between the Mediterranean and the surrounding hills. It has a quieter, more traditional feel than nearby Benidorm, making it a good choice for holidaymakers who want coastal scenery, good food and an easy-going pace rather than big resort nightlife.

The heart of Altea is its hilltop old town, a maze of cobbled lanes, steps, small squares and viewpoints. At the top, the blue-and-white tiled dome of the Church of Nuestra Señora del Consuelo is the town’s best-known landmark, with lovely views over the bay. The streets around it are lined with craft shops, galleries, cafés and restaurants, especially atmospheric in the evening when the terraces fill up.

Down by the sea, Altea has a long promenade with places to stop for coffee, lunch or a drink overlooking the water. The beaches here are mainly pebbly rather than sandy, so beach shoes can be useful. Playa de la Roda is close to the centre and convenient for a relaxed day by the water, while Cap Negret and La Olla offer more open coastal views. La Olla is also known for its views across to the small offshore islet. Further south, the coastline towards Mascarat has coves, rocky scenery and a marina setting.

Food is a real part of the appeal in Altea. You’ll find plenty of Mediterranean restaurants serving rice dishes, seafood, tapas and local specialities, alongside international options. Evenings are generally relaxed, with wine bars, terrace restaurants and low-key live music rather than large clubs.

Popular things to do include wandering the old town, dining by the sea, visiting local art shops, taking coastal walks, or exploring nearby spots such as Albir, Calpe and the Serra Gelada Natural Park. Alicante Airport is the main arrival point for most UK visitors, with transfers by road typically taking under an hour depending on traffic.