Old town Altea: Jewel on the Costa Blanca

Altea is a coastal town located in the province of Alicante. Its old town, with its characteristic white and blue colors, is one of the most beautiful of the Costa Blanca. It is located on top of a hill and its narrow cobblestone streets are lined with typical stores and restaurants. In addition, Altea has numerous beaches and coves along its coastline.

Old town of Altea: history and architecture

Altea has a wonderful renaissance old town declared of Cultural Interest. The historic center, known as El Fornet, is the perfect place to enjoy the Medieval and bohemian flavor of the town.

The history of the old town of Altea

The history of Altea dates back to the Muslim period, when the troops of the Caliphate of Cordoba built the fortress where the Old Town sits today. After the Reconquest, the area was repopulated and the current Old Town of Altea was built, which together with the church of Nuestra Señora del Consuelo, form an architectural ensemble with a great historical and patrimonial value.

Architecture and places of interest

- Church of Our Lady of Consolation

The church of Nuestra Señora del Consuelo is undoubtedly the most emblematic monument and represents a milestone in the religious architecture of the Valencian Community. The Chapel of the Holy Christ of Altea dates back to the Modern Age, specifically to the early seventeenth century, when it was located next to the castle that defended the town. At a later stage, between 1854 and 1856, the construction of the aforementioned chapel was undertaken. The modern church was built in 1910 and designed by the architect Vicente Pascual Pastor, stands majestically at the top of the old town of Altea. Its blue and white dome is a well-known symbol of the city and can be easily spotted from the coast.

- Viewpoints of Altea: Cronistas and Portal Vell

The Mirador de los Cronistas offers breathtaking views of the bay of Altea, Benidorm, the Peñon de Ifach in Calpe and the north of the city. From there, you can admire the watchtowers of the coast and the Bernia mountain range. The Portal Vell, meanwhile, is a viewpoint that offers a spectacular view of the sea and the rooftops of the Old Town.

- Cervantes House and Bellaguarda Mill

The Cervantes House is another representative building of the Old Town. This early twentieth century eclectic house is a manor house with a totally different air from the rest of the houses that we can find in the old town of Altea.

The Bellaguarda Mill is another historical monument worth a visit. This medieval mill is the only one still standing in Altea and is believed to have been active between the fourteenth and sixteenth centuries.

Other interesting streets and squares

Other streets and squares not to be missed in the Old Town of Altea include the Plaza del Ayuntamiento, Plaza de la Cruz, Plaza de la Iglesia and Placeta del Fornet.

How to get to the old town of Altea

Road access

If you have your own vehicle, you can reach the old town of Altea through two main roads: the AP-7 freeway and the national road N-332. If you are coming from Alicante, you should take the exit indicated for Altea on the AP-7, while from Valencia you have to take the exit for Altea/L'Alfàs del Pi on the N-332. Once you have arrived in town, you will have to head to the historic center to enjoy its beauty and bohemian charm.

Public transportation: TRAM Metropolitano

The most sustainable way to get to the old town of Altea is using the TRAM Metropolitano. This streetcar connects Alicante with Denia, stopping in Altea, and has a station in the town from where you can access the center. With the TRAM you can enjoy the scenery of the coast and save yourself the trouble of finding parking in the historic center.

Free parking near the center

If you prefer to use your vehicle, there are several free parking options near the historic center. One of the most recommended is the parking of the Palau de Altea, which is located a few minutes walk from the old town. There are also other areas such as the area of the Faculty of Fine Arts or the train station area where you will find free parking spaces.

Discovering the old town of Altea

The old town of Altea, known as El Fornet, is one of the main tourist attractions of the town. In this section, we tell you everything you need to know to enjoy this bohemian jewel on the Costa Blanca.

Free tour of the historic center

One of the most recommended ways to get to know the old town of Altea is through a free tour. These free guided tours will allow you to learn about the history and curiosities of the main monuments of the historic center, as well as walk through its cobblestone streets and learn about the life of artists and artisans who have made Altea a bohemian and welcoming place.

Walking routes through the old town

If you prefer to explore the historic center of Altea at your leisure, you can also choose to take a route through its streets and admire the Church of Nuestra Señora del Consuelo. Another interesting route is the Ruta de los Miradores, which will allow you to enjoy the breathtaking panoramic views of the Mediterranean coast offered by the Mirador de los Cronistas, among others.

Craft stores and typical restaurants

The old town of Altea offers a wide variety of craft stores, where you can buy typical products of the area, as well as restaurants with a wide gastronomic offer that includes typical dishes of Mediterranean cuisine. We recommend that you take your time to stroll through its streets and discover the many charming corners that this historic district has to offer.

Popular festivals in the old town

The old town of Altea hosts numerous festivities and events throughout the year. If you have the opportunity to visit the city in September, don't miss the Fiestas de Moros y Cristianos, a historic celebration that includes parades, music and dancing. Another of the most important festivities in Altea is Holy Week, which is celebrated in March or April and includes processions and liturgical acts that recall the Passion and Death of Jesus Christ.

Natural environment of Altea

Altea is known for its picturesque beaches along the Mediterranean coast and for its breathtaking viewpoints. It also offers a wide variety of hiking trails for those interested in exploring the area.

Beaches of Altea

Altea has numerous beaches and coves ranging from the popular Roda beach to the more hidden Olla de Altea. Most of the beaches are white stone and some of them offer water sports such as paddle surfing or kayaking. There are also places where you can rent sun loungers and umbrellas. Among the most visited beaches are Playa de la Roda, Playa de la Cap Blanch and Playa de la Olla.

Hiking trails

For hiking lovers, Altea offers a wide variety of routes. Among the most popular are the Algar River Route or the Altea Coves Route or the Albir Lighthouse Route, ideal for families and very accessible. There are also other routes further away and of greater difficulty, such as the Sierra de Bernia.

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