Pretty, peaceful, and boasting a pleasantly mild micro-climate, the city of Altea on the Costa Blanca is one of the most idyllic spots for a vacation in this beloved part of Spain. With an economy largely dedicated to tourism, Altea has been a hotspot for visitors since the 1950s when its gorgeous beaches, wonderful weather, and picturesque town made up of little streets snaking through whitewashed buildings first began to draw crowds in larger numbers. Now long established as a perfect place to holiday, the city has a lot to offer those who find a vacation rental in Altea. Read on to discover all there is to see and do in this agreeable and welcoming gem of a city in Spain...
The Charming Looks of the Old Town
Like many of the towns in the area, Altea is divided into an old town and a new town and both have something to offer. The old town, however, is particularly picturesque and a place where you could easily wander around aimlessly for hours, simply soaking it all up and taking it all in. Steeped in history, Altea is in an area first settled by the Iberians and then later joined by a Greek marketplace named Althaia. During the period of Moorish rule in Spain, Altea was owned by the Taifa of Dénia until it was ultimately recaptured by the Christians in 1244 under King James I of Aragon and fortified. What is now called the old town of Altea is the area that was walled in and protected from outsiders during this period. The medieval period remains apparent in the layout of this part of the city today, which consists of a maze of little cobbled streets offering glimpses of the sea and winding between whitewashed buildings and historic architectural gems. The crowning glory of all of the buildings in this pretty and picturesque part of the city, however, has to be the church of La Mare de Déu del Consol (or, Our Lady of Solace). Immediately identifiable by its gorgeous blue and white domes with glazed ceramic tiles, this beautiful building is free to visit during opening hours if you also want to see the interior. Furthermore, the church is surrounded by little bars in the Plaza de la Iglesia where you can sit out and admire the building while sipping on a coffee or a glass of wine. As you explore the winding streets of the old town, you will actually find lots of little bars, restaurants, handicraft shops, boutiques, and more to peruse or patronise. Home to the Faculty of Fine Arts of the University of Miguel Hernández Elchauch, the city of Altea also has a firm reputation as a centre of arts and culture so you’ll regularly stumble across little galleries, artists, musicians, and more, all adding to the charming atmosphere of the city - a great reason for culture vultures to book a holiday rental in Altea.
The Truly Stunning Beaches in the Area
Right below the old town, you will find the famous 2km-long, palm-lined promenade of Altea, where there are endless tapas bars, restaurants, cafés, and more to explore, all overlooking the beaches of Altea. Altea is well-known for her beaches and there are many excellent examples to choose from. In particular, the city beaches of Altea are large, popular, and scenic, with pebble strands and crystal-clear water. Playa la Roda, the main beach of the city, is 500m long, located just at the foot of old town and next to the port, and boasts sunbed and parasol rentals, palms and the town as a backdrop, and ready access to the various nearby eateries. A mix of sand and pebble, this is a very pretty and beloved gem but it is worth keeping in mind that the beach drops into the sea very quickly and those bringing kids should be extra vigilant. The Nueva Playa De Altea, or, “New Beach,” is connected to the main beach and is also both easily reached from the promenade and close to the amenities of the town. A long strand with fine pebbles, this is a more spacious spot. For other beaches, you need to get a little bit further out of town so you won’t be able to stroll down but each has their own unique charms that make it worthwhile to seek them out if you love a beach day and exploring different options. For example, the bays of Mascarat are about 6km north of Altea and have some stunning beaches like the peaceful and lovely Platja Mascarat, which is a perfect spot for to swimming and snorkelling. Similarly, the hidden beach of Cala El Collao boasts a dramatic rocky backdrop and rich turquoise waters that are popular among avid snorkellers. So, if you love lazing on the beach during a holiday, be sure to browse our selection of vacation rentals in Altea and find the right one for you!
The Mild and Pleasant Climate Throughout the Year
As mentioned, Altea has a particular microclimate and is a Mediterranean coastal city so one of its biggest selling points is its mild and appealing climate. The summers are hot and dry but the winters are mild and windy. Not quite a winter sun destination, Altea is, however, a spot where you can expect average temperatures of around 20 degrees Celsius of higher from May to October, giving you plenty of opportunities to plan your vacation in Altea throughout the year. If you don’t mind slightly cooler weather, you can of course visit during the colder winter months but if you are a sun-seeker looking for some proper heat any time between June and early September is likely to suit. Rain is not frequent but mostly comes in March, April, and May. When it does rain, it is unlikely to come for days upon days at a time, so if it does happen, you may get a couple of days of it or a few hours here and there but are unlikely to suffer too much from wet weather.
The Quieter Lifestyle Offered by the Town
Unlike some of Altea’s nearest neighbours – such as Benidorm some 11km away – this is not a destination for those looking to party. Altea is ideal for the discerning tourist in search of a little bit of peace and tranquillity, for rest and relaxation in stunning surroundings. In this gem of a town, you can look forward to wandering the medieval cobbled streets, ambling along the coast under the shade of the swaying palm trees, relaxing on those picture-perfect beaches, seeking out panoramic views over the coast, and generally slowing down and appreciating all that is around you. If you are in need of a proper break then a villa in Altea is an excellent idea.
The Vibrant Schedule of Annual Festivals
Despite the fact that Altea is not the party town that some of its neighbours may be and a good deal more peaceful, it does not mean that nothing ever happens in Altea. In fact, the city actually boasts an impressive annual schedule of special festivals and celebrations. These include the most famous Altea festival, the Castell de l'Olla, which sees fireworks launched into the waters from the beach and involves music and other exciting elements in addition to the spectacle of the fireworks. Taking place on the Saturday closest to the 10th of August, the feast of St. Lawrence, it began as a tribute and gesture of respect to local pyrotechnician Blas Aznar and now attracts more than 50,000 people each year who camp out on the beach or float out on the water in rented boats to admire the display. On the fourth weekend in September, meanwhile, the Moros y cristianos festival takes place, commemorating the 500 years of Muslim rule in the Iberian Peninsula and its end in the 15th century. Beginning on the Friday, the event lasts several days and sees battle recreations, parades in medieval costume (with those outfitted as the Christians on horseback and those as the Moors on camels and elephants), music, food, and more. At Easter, there are more solemn though rather impressive and dramatic processions for Holy Week as well as the carnival celebrations before Lent begins. During Lent itself, there is the Sant Antoni del Porquet festival dedicated to pork, with a parade through the old town at midday, and then everyone shares a plate of rice, enjoys and performs some folk songs and dances, before finally tucking into some roast pork. Finally, Encontes is a festival dedicated to the ancient art of storytelling that takes place from the 15th to the 20th of May and fills Altea with song and stories for people of all ages. For those who love festivals that are steeped in tradition and local flavour, these wonderful examples all ensure that a vacation rental in Altea is all the more appealing!
A truly dreamy city full of unique charms and incredible beauty both natural and man-made along the beloved Costa Blanca, a villa in Altea is ideal if you are looking to plan a relaxing holiday in Spain for your next vacation!
