Whether you’re looking for a modern apartment, duplex, or a luxury villa, In Costa Blanca has an Altea holiday rental suited to your tastes. Please keep in mind, our Altea holiday rentals are intended for summer tourists who want to stay for a few days or weeks.
If you’d prefer to stay in the area during the winter, however, In Costa Blanca could help you find long-term affordable accommodation in Altea.
We recommend contacting one of our helpful staff members if you have special requests concerning your Altea holiday rental.
Want to learn more about vacationing in Altea? If so, be sure to read through these tips listed below.
In fact, there are nine official beaches in Altea that range in texture from rocky to sandy. With the mild Mediterranean breeze and the glorious sunshine, Altea’s beaches are ideal for working on your summer tan. No matter what beach you choose to visit, you can bet there will be loads of water sports to take advantage of.
From jet skis and sailboats to kayaks and paddleboards, you’re bound to find a fun activity in Altea. Plus, Altea’s gorgeous waters are excellent for snorkelers and scuba divers. But it’s not just Altea’s coastal treasures that draw tourists from around the world.
Visitors never tire of walking through the whitewashed Old Town district. Be sure to spend extra time admiring Altea’s beloved blue-domed church in Old Town’s main square. You could also find plenty of cafés and restaurants serving Spanish delicacies along Altea’s promenade.
On top of dining and diving, Altea is known for its dynamic artistic community. Many musicians and painters seem to be drawn to Altea’s alluring scenery (and its art college!). Don’t be surprised to find plenty of art studios and colorful markets as you stroll the Old Town’s cobblestoned streets.
If you’d prefer to stay on the Spanish mainland, you could easily take day trip south of Altea to Benidorm. Although Benidorm is well-known for its bar scene, there are loads of family-friendly attractions throughout this city. In fact, Benidorm has some of Costa Blanca’s most popular amusement parks, as well as the gorgeous Sierra Helada Natural Park.
Just so you’re aware, Alicante is the largest city near Altea at about a 40-minute drive south. If you need to reach Valencia from Altea, then you’ll have to travel north for about 1.5 hours.
We strongly recommend booking your holiday rental in Altea ASAP.
In Costa Blanca has dozens of beautiful homes throughout this lovely city, so take your time browsing our catalog.
If you have any questions about our holiday rentals in Altea, don’t hesitate to reach out to our friendly staff.
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Altea is one of the most diverse municipalities in the region and offers a wide range of entertainment and activities. Altea is a charming village, and its old centre is one of the best parts of town. This ancient village is built on a mountain with the church as the highest point. Several narrow streets run down from this church, to where the shopping streets and main roads are located. In these charming narrow streets, you will find small restaurants, terraces, art workshops, and more interesting shops to visit during your summer evenings.
For relaxing on the beach or water activities, you are also in the right place because Altea has several small and larger beaches, all with their own charm. On the boulevards, along most beaches, there is a wide selection of bars and other entertainment that is open until very late.
In the summer months, the municipality often organizes activities such as a hippy market along the boulevard. Altea has a deep-rooted festive culture. Various city festivals are held throughout the year. These festivities are often out on the street and are accessible to everyone. If you are lucky enough to have a festive day during your holiday period, then it is advisable to go and experience a piece of Spanish culture
Altea has been a popular meeting place for broad-minded people since the middle of the twentieth century, including many artists, actors, writers and poets. That is why Altea is called the “town of the artists”. Today, Altea is the cultural capital city of the region of Valencia and is therefore still popular among the artists. Just look hoy many art studios you can find in the old centre.
There is even a Faculty of Fine Arts, part of the Miguel Hernández University in Elche. On summer evenings, artists gather at the old church square to sell their art. The artworks, mostly jewellery, handmade boxes decorated with beads or handmade candles and paintings are then displayed on one of the present stands. Often the small winding streets in the summer are adorned with paintings, hanging from the small balconies.
Església de la Mare de Déu del Consol
After the Christians reconquered Spain from the Moors in the thirteenth century, the region around Altea was gradually taken over again. The city’s defences were reinforced with city walls and a gate. This oldest district is called Casco Antiguo.
The church, la Mare de Déu del Consol, is the highest point of this ancient city. The blue church tower can be seen from afar and is said to be the symbol of Altea. Today, the square around the church is one of the most pleasant parts of Altea and the Catholic Church is still in use. Daily masses are held here, and it is freely accessible to the public. It is beautiful inside, with a small dome above the altar at the end of the church, roman pillars decorated with ornaments, the large heavenly dome with small windows and the unique acoustic sound that reverberates against the walls.
Address:
Plaza de la Iglesia - 1, Altea
If you drive on the national road N-332, just between Altea Hills and Mascarat, you will see the Russian Orthodox Church. It is a wooden building with golden domes with Christian images. The story behind the creation of this church is at least as beautiful. It seems that a wealthy Russian businessman had a house built here in the Costa Blanca. His mother did not want to come and visit because of the lack of an orthodox church. So, this businessman managed to build a church on this spot with a lot of splendour. Eventually, the proud mother, together with her son, opened the church in 2002.
The church is built by a team of Russian architects and workmen in Byzantine style with materials originating from the Russian Ural area. The church is as beautiful on the inside as it is on the outside. Every day, masses, funerals and weddings are held and are freely accessible to everyone. Opening hours:
Contact Info:
Calle Noray - 1, 03590 Altea Tel. +34 622 36 92 32 Email: pirkovskii@yandex.ru
This tower was built around 1550 and was part of a network of watchtowers along the coast of Spain. From here the sea was guarded against pirates and other enemies. The guards were able to warn the nearest watchtowers by lighting a fire.
The tower has been completely renovated in this century and now has the status of cultural heritage. The tower is located in the urbanisation, Galera del Mar. Address:
Archaeological remains of a Roman settlement have been found in Altea. This settlement was maintained for years by the Moorish occupiers before the Christians recaptured this region in the year 1244 under the leadership of Jaime I. Around the middle of the 16th century, the Bellaguarda tower was added with the aim of discovering enemies even faster. Like the tower of Galera, these towers belonged to a broad network of watchtowers that guarded the Spanish coast.
The tower has been completely renovated today and offers a beautiful view over the city.
The original construction of the tower was once higher and had a cylinder shape. Unfortunately, a large part of the building was dismantled to serve as a building material for new town halls. This tower also has the status of cultural heritage. Address:
Palau de Altea
In this theatre, various performances and concerts are held throughout the year. Tickets for performances can be purchased at the Palau but also at the town hall. Contact info:
Tel:
Tel. +34 966 88 19 24
Spain is undoubtedly the country with the most festivities you can find. There is a legend about a man that was sentenced to death and was allowed one last wish before dying. He wished that the execution would not take place on a public holiday. According to the story he could not be executed because there simply was not a day in Spain that did not have a public holiday somewhere. The latter might well be right, given a large number of public holidays in Spain. And as if that weren’t enough, they also "imported" holidays from abroad, such as Halloween and Valentine's Day. Altea is no exception to this. Local and national holidays are celebrated exuberantly here. Most festivities are accessible to everyone. For foreigners it is a unique opportunity to get acquainted with the cultural hospitality of the local population, otherwise more closed. Below is a selection of the festivities that are held throughout the year.
This three-day festival is celebrated in honour of the Holy Trinity. La Trinidad is celebrated in the month of July. This celebration is religious from the origin and is celebrated in the Bellaguarda district, that is adjacent to the old city centre. This neighbourhood consisting of small winding streets is the location for the various activities that are held during these three days. On the Plaza de Cantaría long rows with tables are placed so everyone can eat together. There is live music and for the kids, they play movies. They also organise an afternoon especially for kids with games and other activities. Church masses are held and in the evening folkloric dancers show their skills on the Plaza de Cantaría. Usually, delicious paella is served on the last day. In short, the celebration of La Trinidad in Altea is a cultural event that offers you a unique opportunity to experience Spanish culture and hospitality as an outsider.
This festivity is organized by young people and takes place in June. It is meant to honour Saint Antonio, but not everyone is aware of this anymore. Saint Antonio is the patron saint from this village, where agriculture and fishing are an important part of the culture. During the three-day lasting festivities, they finish the celebrations with a rock concert. There is plenty to see and do on the streets. The Saint Antonio Festival will take place on Friday and Saturday evening on the beach with different artists. During the day, parades are held through the streets. Paella is served, and there are plenty of activities for kids, such as games and crafts. This festivity also offers you the opportunity to get to know more about the Spanish culture.
The festival of Saint John is meant to celebrate the arrival of the summer. This four-day festival is celebrated in June and that is one of the reasons it is so popular among the youth because by then most of them have finished their classes. Altea organises different activities during this festival. The most remarkable activity is the “plantá de l´arbret”. The youth from Altea carry a twenty-meter long poplar tree from the lowest point to the highest point of the village, the old church square. During this very heavy journey through the narrow winding streets, the tree bearers are kept cool by the local elderly residents, who throw water from their windows on the heated carriers. Once arrived at the church square, four long ropes are tied around the tree and it is hoisted up and will remain until the end of the summer. In addition to this tradition, various activities are organized around the old town such as fairs, concerts, tapas, parades through the streets, mobile disco and fireworks.
The celebration of the Saint Ana festival was originally intended to honour the patron saint Ana. This Spanish cultural festival takes place on the streets, square, parking and water park of the normally quiet district, Altea la Vella. It is usually held in June and is mainly about food and drinks. The festival is ushered in by cannon shots and the ringing of the church bell. Eating and drinking sangria together on the streets is also part of it, as well as concerts with live music and various water play activities that are organised in the water park.
The Saint Lorenzo festival has been organised every year, over the last 30 years, on the second Saturday of August. The festival is mainly held around the Cap Blanche beach in Altea. On this beach, all bars are open and live music is played at the beach parties. But the main spectacle that attracts 50.000 people are the fireworks. On a safe distance of about 100 meters from the coast, there are some boats from which a 45-minute fireworks show is held. Find a good spot in advance, because if you arrive too it is almost impossible to find a parking space. After the firework, it is difficult to get a taxi. You can also avoid the crowds and enjoy the firework display from your balcony, which can be seen from the surrounding area.
This is a religious festivity that takes places in September and usually lasts for 10 days. They celebrate the defeat of the Moors at the hands of the Christians. During 500 years, the Moors ruled most of Spain until they were defeated in the fifteenth century. This changed Spain forever and continues to be celebrated annually in most Spanish municipalities, like Altea. This festival consists of theatre performances, which mainly take place in the old city centre. During this festival, battles are reenacted by large groups dressed as Moorish soldiers on one hand and Christians on the other. During this party, there is sufficient food and drinks available. There are live music and dancing until late at night. Eventually, the party ends with the necessary fireworks. The Moros y Cristianos festival is a must for any culture lover.
No less than 8 km of beach spread over 9 beaches and bays, all with their own personality. Some beaches are not yet discovered by the general public, so they offer silence and privacy. There are also beaches directly at the boulevard, so you can combine your beach visit with a snack and drink on one of the many terraces. There are also 3 beaches where you can find chiringuitos, beach bars. These chiringuitos are also perfect for a drink in the evening. There are 2 yacht clubs, where you can eat delicious and luxurious food, 2 marinas and an authentic fishing port. Nudists can enjoy one of the 3 nudist beaches. Some beaches are better reachable than others for disabled people. At a number of beaches, you can rent water sports equipment and enjoy paddleboard, kite surfing, jet skiing, and for the real daredevils even flight boarding.
Most beaches indicate the safety of the sea with a green, yellow or red flag. A green flag means that the sea is safe. If there is more of a current and/or higher waves then the green flag is replaced by the yellow flag. If the sea current is so hard that it becomes too dangerous to enter the sea, they hoist the red flag. So with a red flag, you better not go into the sea.
If you come across a blue flag, you know that you are on a good beach. A blue flag is an important quality mark of a good and clean beach. A blue flag is an environmental award that is awarded annually by the international jury of the Foundation for Environment Education (FEE). In doing so, they assess criteria such as the presence of a first-aid post, toilets and trash cans, the quality of the bathing water and maintenance of the area.
This beach is located at a bay on the southern side of the marina Campomanes. The beach is 100 meters long and 10 meters wide and covered with pebbles. It is easy to get there by car and to park. This beach, popular with local residents, unfortunately, offers little privacy. The only access road to and from the marina is in front of the beach. The houses on this road look out onto the beach. At the northern part of this beach, you can find a bar-restaurant. Here you can rent jet skis and flight boards.
Cap Blanch is the most southern beach of Altea, which borders the beach of Albir. It is covered with a combination of fine sand and pebbles and has a length of 900 meters and is around 60 meters wide. Parallel to the beach is the long boulevard with an amazing number of bars and restaurants. You can park on the boulevard or on the side streets, but in the summer it can be quite full. There are wooden paths made for disabled people, and there are low showers. It is possible to rent a beach bed and parasol. In the summer there is a small beach on the north side against the pier. They serve delicious paella there. Of course, you can find the blue flag here.
This mini beach located at a bay is only 120 meters long and 15 meters wide. The beach consists of black lava rock. Although this beach offers a lot of privacy, it is easy to get close to it by car. The marina El Portet is a few minutes away by foot, where you can find the chiringuito El Portet. Here you can get a snack and a drink. In the evening you can see fishermen or groups of people enjoying their BBQ.
This extensive beach is no less than 2 kilometres long and 50 meters wide. It varies from pebbles to fine sand. The latter is mainly to be found in front of the large hotel "Cap Negret". On this beach, there is a Red Cross post, surveillance and a lifeguard. There are public telephones, foot showers, toilets and a spacious parking lot. You can also find hotels and a campsite. There is also a small beach where you can surf and practice other beach sports. When the wind is favourable, you will be treated to a great show, seeing the kitesurfers with their surfboards and kites.
Playa de la Olla is located between Portet and the harbour Mar y Montaña. This vast beach is about 900 meters long and 50 meters wide and consists of fine sand, pebbles and rocky soil. Here there is also a Red Cross post, lifeguard, foot showers, toilets and good parking space. From this beach, you can see the mini island, L'Illeta I L'Illot. With a sailboat, you can reach it or if you are a good swimmer you can even swim to it. This beach is accessible for disabled people.
This is a unique, unspoiled piece of nature in the form of a beautifully hidden bay between two mountain cliffs. It is therefore not easily accessible. You must first walk along a mountain path to get there. Thanks to this, the bay is very popular with nudists. The little beach consists mainly of pebbles and rocky soil. The sea is crystal-clear, offering a good view of the fish. The only service you can find here is surveillance, which walks past every couple of hours. This is a fantastic place for people who are looking for peace and privacy
Playa Mascarat is a small hidden beach at a bay, just past the marina Campomanes. You can easily park your car here and in the summer 2 beach clubs are open. The beach bar "Chiringuito Mascarat" offers beach beds and offers good food. Because this beach is somewhat hidden from the general public, the southernmost part is a nudist beach. The water is clear and there are toilets available. The beach is mostly covered with small pebbles and a few parts of fine sand. It is easy to get to this beach and park your car.
Closeby, just to the north of Playa Mascarat is the small nudist beach "Cala de la Barra Grande" This hidden beach is difficult to access but if you find the way you will find a small pebble and rocky beach secluded from the outside world. The beach is no longer than 50 meters and 7 meters wide. Just like the other nudist beaches mentioned, this is a nudist beach officially recognized by the municipality. Here you will find clear water, tranquillity, privacy and above all a beautiful view of the sea and mountains.
Altea Bay is blessed with a beautiful coastline and clear, warm water. Spending time out on the sea is a must when you’re in this area. Kayaking is a safe way to enjoy the water, it's great exercise and it’s easy to do no matter what your age. Rent a double or single kayak, or rent a SUP – a Stand Up Paddle Board. Stand-up paddle boarding is becoming increasingly popular – it takes just a little practice and soon you’ll be gently paddling along.
If you are looking for something that is more high speed, you can rent a motorized boat or a sailboat. If you don’t have a boating license, there are guided tours available and you can also decide to book an experienced captain to take you to the quiet, lesser known spots. To experience the water from a different perspective, take a snorkel and mask and dive in. Rent the equipment you need and take it with you on the water activity of your choice to make the most of your day out.
If you are looking for a day trip with a group of friends, try something different and go on a kayaking tour with the Kayak Club Altea. There are double and single kayaks available, so you can go out on the water in pairs or individually. You can also rent stand up paddle boards (SUP) here or participate in a course if you are a beginner. There’s no better way to enjoy the beautiful sea of Altea Bay than onboard a kayak or SUP board. Safety vests are issued and all safety processes followed so there is nothing to worry about. Located in Porto Senso, the club is situated just a few miles north of Altea.
Contact informationSierra Altea Golf s/n. Ctra. Callosa Km 1, Altea La Vella Tel: +34 620 304 407
Website: www.kayakclubaltea.wordpress.com
La Bocana
La Bocana offers many options when it comes to water activities. Choose between a kayak or stand-up paddle board course, a guided tour with a picnic or simply rent the equipment for an hour or more. There are kayaks in individual, double, triple and children’s sizes, accommodating all kinds of formations and sizes of groups. La Bocana supplies safety vests free of charge and you can borrow goggles if you are tempted to dive in the water on your excursion. If you want to combine a couple of different activities to make a day of it, the guys at Bocana will happily arrange this too. La Bocana can be found in the centre of Altea Bay at the Marina Greenwich next to the Bay Club.
Contact informationCampomanes Marina Greenwich, Altea Tel: +34 637 800 791
Email: info@labocanasailingpoint.com
Website: www.labocanasailingpoint.com
Club Náutico is located in the harbour of Altea. The club’s mission is to promote sailing and the love of water sports to all ages. The main way they encourage newcomers to the sport is by offering courses and lessons. These are available for both adults and children. You can learn how to kayak, canoe, and sail at this club, and sea fishing is also on offer as well. There are regular competitions if you want to enter yourself, or it’s possible to simply be a spectator. There is an onsite shop where you can buy all the equipment you need for your water activities. There is also a restaurant that offers set menus on weekdays and an a la carte menu in the weekend.
Contact informationAvda. del Puerto - 50. 03590 Altea Tel: +34 965 842 185
Email: cnaltea@cnaltea.com
Website: www.cnaltea.com
Enjoy the coast of Altea from the comfort of a speed boat. Joker Boat has a selection of boats for rent, from wave runners for 2 people up to a 33-foot vessel. If you want to drive the boat yourself, a boating license is required, but if you don’t have a license you can book a captain to take you on a guided tour. When you rent a boat you get to choose a free accessory for the day, such as a donut, wakeboard, water ski or kneeboard. If you contact Joker Boat, specials outings can be arranged; longer excursions with scuba diving or picnics for example. This is an ideal way to spend the day on a special occasion.
Contact informationCalle Timonel, Local 69, 03599 Altea Tel: +34 965 013 344
Email: info@jokerboat.es
Website: www.jbimaritieme.com
Evasion Nautica specializes in renting boats, yachts and sailboats so you can enjoy the beautiful Costa Blanca. Anyone with a boating license can take out one of the boats that fit 5, 9 or 12 people. The boats are available for a few hours or a whole day. If you don’t have a license or you want to sit back and enjoy a relaxing trip, an experienced captain can take you and your group out on a tour. A tour can be booked to last 4 hours or 6 hours, and you can add a wakeboard or inflatable donut to the excursion for some extra fun. If you want to get a navigation license or skippers license, Evasion Nautica offers a variety of courses at a competitive rate.
Contact informationAvinguda Del Port – 03590 Altea Tel: +34 622 433 312
Email: evasion.nautica@gmail.com
Website: www.altea-alquilerdebarcos.com
In addition to the activities in Altea, there are a number of theme parks that are located outside Altea, such as the various water parks in Benidorm. The zoo Terra Natura, the amusement park Terra Mitica, the cactus garden, the Dino Park in Algar, the recreation park around the waterfalls in Algar and the old castle in GuadalestAdvice when visiting theme parks around Benidorm
For most amusement parks around Benidorm, the rates are around 30 euros per person. But if you want to make the most of it, you can find ways to get a discount. In any case, most parks offer discounts to visitors who arrive after 3:00 PM. Another possibility is the shops around Altea, where you can find leaflets of the various theme parks. In these folders, you can often find discount coupons, which can vary between 20% and 40%. If you take this with you, you will receive a discount when buying the tickets. Of course, you can also opt for an annual subscription because the price is only slightly more than 2x the daily rate. In other words, if you go to the same park more than twice your annual subscription will be more then worth it.
This amusement park is guaranteed fun. The park has plenty to offer such as roller coasters, a haunted house and much more. The park is located about 15 minutes driving from your house in Altea and there are enough parking places available. We do recommend though, to bring your own food because the food in the park is not only very expensive but also of very poor quality.
Opening Hours:Mid May until November (open every day from 10.30) Closing time in low season: 19:00 and in high season: 22:30Contact Information Partida del Moralet, s/n, 03502 Benidorm Tel: +34 902 02 02 20
Here you can spend a day watching animals and visiting the animal shows, such as the seal show, the dolphin show and the parrot show. After an afternoon spent here under the hot sun, you can perfectly finish the day in the accompanying water park, where you have free access with your entrance ticket from the zoo. Mundomar is definitely recommended for parents with young children. It is about a 15-minute drive from your home.
Opening Hours: Daily from 10:00 - 18:00 Contact Information: C/ Sierra Helada, s/n, 03503 BenidormTel: +34 965 86 91 01
This is a beautiful zoo as you would expect from an international zoo. The zoo has an area of 320,000 m2 with more than 1,500 animals and 200 different species. You can see various shows throughout the day, such as the famous birds of prey show in the amphitheatre. The only drawback of this vast park is that it is built on a mountain, making it very difficult for people who have difficulty walking. In that case, we recommend that you also rent a scooter when buying the ticket so that you do not have to walk all the way. If, after having seen everything, you want to cool down with a swim that is possible. This zoo also has a small water park, called Aqua Natura. Remember when you buy the entrance for Terra Natura to get one for Aqua Natura too, if you buy them separately they are more expensive.
Opening Hours: Daily from 10:30 - 18:00 Contact Information: Partida Foia del Verdader, s/n, 03502 BenidormTel: + 34 966 07 27 70
This is by far the most extensive and popular water park in the region. In this park, you can find all kinds of water attractions and a wide range of slides. There are slides for the little ones, but also for real daredevils and everything in between. The park has, among other things, the highest capsule slide in the world for those who dare to use it. They employ many lifeguards and the supervision and control in the park is well organized. The only downside is that the summers get very crowded. During the high season, it can be so busy that there is almost no room left to lay down a towel. During these months it is advisable to get hold of a seat or lounger early in the day. Aqualandia is about a 15 minute drive from your home.
Opening Hours: From the end of May till the beginning of October. Daily from 10:00 - 20:00 Contact Information: Sierra Helada, s/n, 03503 BenidormTel: +34 965 86 01 00
The "Algar waterfalls" are located 3 km from the village centre of Callosa d'en Sarriá. This is a protected nature reserve that has also been made available for recreation. Here you will find a beautiful and rich nature reserve with waterfalls. The water here is crystal-clear and always ice cold. Something that feels welcoming on a hot summer's day. After you have bought the entrance ticket for a small price of a few euro you enter the area, where you will see a long wooden staircase that goes up the mountain. These stairs take you to the waterfalls that fall down on a flat area where people can walk and enjoy the water. From here there is another waterfall down to an underlying flat area where people can jump from a rock into the clear water. And so there is a place for everyone, all the way to the bottom. Les Fonts d'Algar is about half an hour away from your home.
Opening Hours: Summer open from 09:00 - 20:00 Winters open from 09:00 - 17:00 Contact Information: Pda. Algar, s/n, 03510 Callosa d'en Sarrià Tel: + 34 965 88 01 53
Dino Park is a unique and educational historical park with dinosaurs from the Jurassic Age. Here, it feels like you are 150 million years back in time surrounded by lifelike (robot) dinosaurs. The park offers more than 30 types of setups, using moving dinosaurs with sound and realistic décor. There is also a 3D cinema where you can experience the Jurassic Age even more intensively. The park is located next to the famous Cactus garden of Algar, a place that is also an attraction all by itself and can easily be combined with a day of watching dinosaurs. Dino Park Algar is about a half-hour drive from your home.
Opening Hours: Daily from 10:00 - 18:00 July/Aug daily from 10:00 - 20:00 Contact Information: Partida Segarra s/n, 03510 Callosa d'en SarriàTel: +34 636 277 466
This cactus garden was created thanks to the initiative of two Valencian farmers in 1996. After 5 years the garden was ready for the general public. Here, you will find a large collection of the most diverse types of cacti spread over an area of 50,000 m2. The garden is located next to the Dino Park and a 5-minute walk from the Algar waterfalls. All three parks can be combined well in one day. The cactus garden is about half an hour away from your home.
Opening Hours: Daily from 10:00 - 18:00 Contact Information: Partida Armaig, 1, 03510 Callosa d’En Sarrià, España Tel: +34 965 881 095
This medieval village is built around a castle on high mountain rock. Because of the strategic position of the castle, the rulers could see their enemies coming from far away and easily stop them. Today this small village is entirely dedicated to the castle and the tourism that comes here. Actually, the whole village is a sort of open-air museum with various sights, such as the medieval dungeon and some small museums. For a small contribution, you can enter the castle and imagine yourself back in time. The highest point of the castle offers breathtaking views over the area and the turquoise lake.
Opening Hours: Every day from 10:00 t/m 18:00 Contact Information: Avda. de Alicante, s/n 03517 El Castell de Guadalest Tel: +34 965 885 298
Of course, it is great to lie in the sun all day long, but it would be a missed opportunity not to visit one of the many activities that Altea has to offer.
You can play a game of Petanca with the local residents. Or a game of golf, alone or with a friend. Or if you want to do something more romantic, then the botanical tea garden might be a good option. Otherwise, there is always the weekly market, which is not only fun to visit but also a lot cheaper than the store.
Beer brewery Althaia Artesana is a fun and cultural excursion. This microbrewery brews the 12 most diverse beers, including seasonal beers, such as the Althaia Winter Ale. It makes it even more special if you know that the entire process of making this beer takes place in Altea. From milling the grain to bottling the beer. After making an appointment you can go on a guided tour. Mayte and Jorge will show you the entire brewing process after which you can taste the beers. The entire excursion lasts an hour and a half on average.
Opening Hours: Tuesday till Saturday: 9:30 - 13:30 / 16:30 - 20:00 Contact Information: Plaza Flurs 1 local 0, AlteaTel: +34 965 840 605
Open-air restaurant on the boulevard of Altea. Every weekend, this place is full of Spaniards eating paella and that can only mean one thing, great paella is served here for a low price. It is cozy and affordable. Small children love it here because of the different attractions, such as castles, inflatables etc. Parents can enjoy their meal undisturbed while the little ones are safely entertained.
Opening Hours: Daily from 13:00 - 00:00 Contact Information: Carrer del Albir - 13, AlteaTel: +34 966 880 465
Club Hipico Altea, located between the old town of Altea and La Nucia. You can visit this horse riding school for 1-hour riding lessons or, if you prefer, for a horse riding trip through the farmland. Beginners are also welcome here. If you want to come with a group, it is always advisable to contact José or Monica in advance
Opening Hours: Daily from 16:00 - 21:00 Contact Information: Club Hipicon AlteaTel: +34 672 749 721
Tel: +34 672 749 72
Emaill: info@alteagolfclub.com
Website: www.alteagolfclub.com
Somewhere hidden between the old village and the Hills is the botanical tea garden, Jardín de los Sentidos. For a small entrance fee, you can completely shut yourself off from the busy world. This botanical garden offers more than 400 different plants from all over the world. There are various places and corners created in this garden, so you can optimally enjoy a snack or a drink, which is for sale here. As rest is an important aspect of this garden, it is only accessible to people over 15 years of age.
Opening Hours: Summer: from May 1st till October 1st from 16:00 - 23:00 Winter: from November 1st till April 30th from 11:00 - 20:00 Contact Information: Partida de la Olla – 42, Km.161,3, N-332, AlteaTel: Tel: +34 965 842 686 / +34 666 936 045
From Monday to Saturday there is always a market somewhere in the Marina Baixa. The market of Altea is held every Tuesday. In the morning around 6 o'clock, the first stands are built up and an hour later the first people are already walking on an almost completed market. There is everything for sale such as fresh fruit, vegetables, clothing, bags, linen and everything you can expect from a good market.
Often everything is a lot cheaper than in the store. It is nice to walk around the market and once you have seen everything, go for a bite in one of the food stands or bars. The disadvantage, however, is to find a place to park your car, so it is advisable to walk.
The market is about 10 - 15 minutes’ walk from your house. Another drawback is the pickpockets, which you should pay attention to. Often, they are gipsy women, who are hoping for a naive tourist who, while viewing the merchandise, have their wallets openly in their bags. As long as you keep your wallet well hidden, there is no problem.
You can find Altea's market every Tuesday at the Calle de Octubre.
Altea has a wide choice of restaurants. You will notice that there is a restaurant in almost every street. However, this does not mean that the price/quality ratio is always equally as good. Before you go out to dinner, it is advisable to ask someone who knows the restaurants. We will give you some suggestions of places that we had a good experience with and are confident to recommend.
Somewhere in a narrow street in the centre of old Altea there is a small restaurant divided over 3 floors. The owners are a Spanish and English couple, who like to chat with their customers and tell you with love about all the different specialities they serve. But mainly because of the choice of no less then 15 mojitos it is very popular. Alte Arte attracts a nice crowd and if you like good food, drinks and socializing then this is a must to experience.
Opening Hours: Daily from 18:00 - 1:00Contact Information:
Calle Concepción, 2 Tel: +34 966 881 828
Emaill: info@altearte.com
Website: www.altearte.es
This Indian restaurant is located in the old village right next to the church of Altea. The restaurant is divided over three floors and has a small roof terrace with a fantastic view over Altea. The service is Asian and very friendly.
Opening Hours: Daily from 12:00 - 16:00 / 18:00 - 00:00Contact Information:
Carrer Major, 2 Tel: + 34 865 67 32 59
Emaill: info@crownofindiaaltea.com
Website: www.crownofindiaaltea.com
Higly recommended! Little cosy restaurant with a small terrace outside. Located in the old city centre and close to the old church. The owner is also the cook and he makes culinary bites from all over the world. If you are going to eat here, we recommend asking for the menu with different appetizers. You will get several little plates with a culinary delicacy of high quality. As soon as you finish one plate they will bring you the next little bit. Very special and nice cosy atmosphere.
Opening Hours: Daily from 8:00 - 23:00 Sat-Sun: 13:30 - 15:30 / 17:15 - 23:30Contact Information:
Carrer de l'Àngel - 22 Tel: + 34 966 885 855
Emaill: Xefpirata@gmail.com
Website: www.xefpirata.es
On the national road N-332 you will find the restaurant Los Jazmines. This typical Spanish restaurant is known for its good paella. But also the rest of the menu is delicious, especially the tapas are great. The prices are reasonable and you can easily park your car in the parking lot next to the restaurant. Unfortunately, there is no outdoor terrace but the covered terrace makes up for it. The service is very friendly.
Opening Hours: Daily from 10:00 - 23:00Contact Information:
Partida la Olla 94Tel: +34 965 842 563
At the edge of the old city centre of Altea, away from the crowd, you will find restaurant Ca Mezquida. Here you will find dishes from the Moroccan cuisine. The food is of good quality and creativity. Especially in the summer, when the sun is still shining till late on the terrace, it is wonderful to sit here. The staff is more than friendly and welcoming. All in all, it is a nice experience and something a little different.
Opening Hours: Daily from 12:00 - 17:00 /19:00 -23:00Contact Information:
Calle de Cuesta de las Narices - 40Tel: +34 965 841 383
In front of the port of Altea you can find restaurant Diferens, recognizable by the spacious terrace. It is very popular among Dutch visitors because of the Dutch and internationally oriented menu. They serve nice simple dishes and sandwiches, always freshly made. The owner is part Dutch/part Spanish. The staff is always friendly and many speak Dutch, English and Spanish. The terrace is south facing and has views of the port of Altea and the sea. There is ample parking in front of the entrance on the boulevard.
Opening Hours: Daily from9:30 - 00:00Contact Information:
Del, Av. del Puerto - 1Tel: + 34 966 883 341.
In the heart of the old town, a street runs from the gate up to the church. In this narrow street, you can find some restaurants, including the Spanish restaurant Oustau. From the outside, it is hard to see how big and stylish it is inside. This restaurant is divided into different corners with a garden where you can eat. Professional service and good food in a romantic setting are what you can expect from this restaurant.
Opening Hours: Daily from 19:00 - 00:00Contact Information:
Calle Mayor - 5 Tel: +34 965 842 078
Emaill: info@oustau.com
Website: www.oustau.es/
Benidorm undoubtedly offers the best choice of entertainment. Nevertheless, there is also enough to do in Altea. If you like dancing, it is advisable to go to Benidorm though because they have the biggest selection of discos there. People who love something quieter can find enough to do in Altea.
Below we give some suggestions, but this is only a small part of what Altea has to offer.
Did you have a good experience in Altea? We are happy to include any good recommendations for our folder.
Trendy lounge club located in marina Campomanes. Eating and drinking, seeing and being seen among trendy people and the expensive yachts. During the day it is nice to stay on the terrace with a view of the harbour and sea. During day time, you can bring your children to this completely furnished lounge club with various seating areas and comfortable cushions. By the evening the DJ starts playing music and this club slowly turns into a nightclub.
Opening Hours: Daily from 18:00 - 1:00Contact Information:
Complejo Puerto Deportivo Luis CampomanesTel: +34 966 880 610
Near the church of the old town of Altea, in one of the small narrow streets you will find the famous wine bar L'Ombu. The street is narrow and the terrace is small, but that change the good atmosphere that this wine bar offers. The food here is unique as is the range of wines. Your hostess will tell you, with much passion, about the different wines. For wine lovers, this place is a must.
Opening Hours:
Daily from 12:00 - 0:00Contact Information:
Carrer Sant Josep - 12Tel: +34 966 880 114
Tel: +34 965 844 028
La Mascara is located at the charming church square of the old city centre of Altea. Especially on Saturdays during the summer, it is very nice here. Drinks and dances. It lives up to the name because of the many masks from all over the world that hang on the walls of this bar. It is run by Spaniards but is visited by a broad international audience. This bar is known for its great cocktails. You can visit Mascara until the late hours.
Opening Hours: Daily from 17:00 - 4:00 Contact information: Plaza de la Iglesia - 8Tel: +34 692 156 277
Email: Mariaelenaserrano@hotmail.com
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This is a typical Spanish bar with lots of youth. Many people come here to watch football games on TV. It is a real attraction to visit this place during "el Classico" (Madrid against Barcelona). Half of the audience is supporting Barça and the other half of Madrid. It's nice to hear all the comments, sitting on a barstool. But above all, there are never problems and it is just a very nice ambience. The prices here are very low.
Opening Hours: Daily from 15:30 - 3:00 Contact information:Calle San Pedro - 8Tel: Tel: +34 655 755 684
A typical Dutch old brown bar at the port of Altea. Feel at home here with Dutch music among Dutch people. For a moment no paella or tapas, but a traditional Dutch broodje bal, kroket, frikandel or uitsmijter. Until half past two at night you can enjoy the fun here and if you want to watch a Dutch football match, it is advisable to arrive on time to get a good seat.
Opening Hours: Daily from 8:00 - 1:30 Contact information:Av. del Puerto - 4, across the Harbord of Altea
Located on the Costa Blanca, the Spanish town of Altea has two main markets, the local market and the second-hand market. The local market sells a variety of diverse items, from souvenirs and traditionally-made gifts aimed at tourists, to essential fresh produce for locals. This includes meat, fish, fruit and vegetables, along with baked items and other locally grown produce such as flowers and plants. The second-hand market focuses more on furniture, providing locals and visitors with the opportunity to both buy and sell items for their home.
Market day in Altea takes place on a Tuesday and the market is open from 8 am until 2 pm. As the local Altea market is the biggest in the whole of the Costa Blanca, it is worth arriving early in order to have a chance to explore before things get too busy. With so much to see, sample and buy, the Altea Market makes for an enjoyable morning out.
Although market days run until 2 pm, most stalls will begin to pack up around 1 pm. You can always try and hunt out a bargain if you are arrived a little late. There are plenty of lovely cafes and coffee shops close to the market if you want to sit and soak in the atmosphere after making your purchases.
If you are interested in visiting the second-hand market, otherwise known as the Rastro Altea Market, this is open throughout the week. Rastro Altea is a more traditional brick and mortar shop, rather than a selection of market stalls. The second-hand shop Rastro Altea is open Monday to Thursday from 10am to 2pm and 5pm to 8pm, and on Saturdays from 10am to 2pm. This makes it the perfect place to stop before lunch or take a leisurely stroll in the evening before dinner.
The Mercadillo de Altea offers a taste of the traditional side of Altea, with fresh produce brought to market by local farmers, as well as other local artisan businesses selling everything from jewellery, clothing and souvenirs to flowers and home décor items. Popular with locals and tourists alike, the Mercadillo Municipal de Altea is open every Tuesday (except on holidays), and is always a bustling event, with around 300 stalls in total to peruse and explore.
There are plenty of bars and restaurants in the area, but you may be looking for some tasty locally grown ingredients to cook at home; and there is no better place to find the freshest fruit, vegetables or local fish and meat than the Mercadillo de Altea. So if you want to try making paella or tapas, be sure to make this your first stop on a Tuesday morning. Mercadillio de Altea is easy to find; located on the Camí de l'Algar Street, close to the old Church, which provides great views of Altea and the market from a bird's eye view.
Offering tourists and locals the chance to pop in and pick up a second hand bargain, the Rastro in Altea is a second hand market that is actually more of a shop, located at Partida Cap-Blanch, no 70, Local 3. Here you can buy all kinds of different second-hand items, including garden décor items as well as a whole variety of other pre-loved indoor furniture items too, from sofas and chairs to desks, beds and storage units. The Rastro Altea Market is a great place to explore if you are looking for the best second items the Costa Blanca has to offer.
Before your visit, look Rastro Altea up on Facebook, and not only will you find that this second-hand market regularly scores five-star reviews, you can also check out new items that just come in and get a sneak peek of what is currently in stock. Rastro Altea also provides a collection and moving service, so no matter how big or bulky the item, they can deliver it straight to your holiday home. The Rastro Altea Market also accept donations, in case is are furniture you may no longer want or need.
Close to the tourist hub of Benidorm, but very different; Altea enjoys a slower pace of life, with its medieval quaint cobblestone streets and traditional whitewashed houses. Some of these houses are marked with symbols of the church, which you may notice in particular on the houses that are closest to the local market. Also visit Casa de Cultura if you would like to learn more about the history of the area.
With two distinct sides to Altea, on the one hand, you can choose to explore the beach and marina, or instead opt to wander through the old town and enjoy stopping in at some of the many bars and restaurants to rest and refuel. The town itself is steeped in tradition and old Spanish charm, and the Altea local market in particular really reflects the skills and materials of local people, from handmade bags and leather shoes, to brightly painted crockery and handmade cups.
The perfect place to relax and unwind, a stay in Altea allows you to enjoy a side of the Costa Blanca that is not the usual first stop on the tourist trail.
