Insider Guide to Altea

What To Do In Altea

Altea can be a little touristy, but certainly not swamped by tourists.

So, if you like a destination where the crowds are somewhat smaller and impeccably well-behaved, Altea is a perfect pick.

Below, we give you a little taste of things to do in Altea…

Altea Coastal Catamaran Cruise

Take in panoramic vistas along Altea’s coastline on an unforgettable Catamaran Cruise.

And look back from the sea at the whole of Altea and its splendid blue-domed church perched high on the hill.

Stopping off at inland coves, you can swim in the translucent waters of the Mediterranean while looking up in awe at the Sierra Helada and Bernia mountain ranges as well as the imperious Peñon de Ifach, more commonly referred to as Calpe Rock.

Catamaran view to Albir Lighthouse

Alternatively, book a Sunset Trip and take in the majesty of Altea as the sun goes down, a glass of Cava in one hand, snapping Insta-worthy pics with the other.

Visit Altea’s Beautiful Beaches

From the pebbled Playa de l’Espigo to the crystal clear waters of Altea’s two nudist beaches at Cala de la Barra Grande and Cala del Metge, Altea has a go-to strip of land by the sea to entertain all beach lovers.

Altea Beach

Blue Flag Playa de la Roda is nearly 1.5km in length and centrally located, so often just a short walk if staying in Altea town. You’ll find plenty of water sports on demand and a web of volleyball nets set up to work off an excessive lunch.

Out of season you might find you have the place to yourself – heaven!

La Roda Beach

Playa de L’Olla is a favourite of ours, 1km of pebbles, rock and sand, it sits between two marinas with views out towards L’Illeta, a small islet 500 metres from shore.

L’Olla d’Altea Beach

It’s a magical area, made more enchanting when the famous annual firework display takes place at Castell de l’Olla, lighting up the Mediterranean Sea and Altea coastline, and watched by over 50,000 people who arrive from all over Europe to witness the spectacle.

Keep An Eye Out For Festivals

Altea has a jam-packed cultural calendar filled with fiestas and festivals throughout the year.

Many celebrations focus on Altea’s artistic heritage as well as its many traditions, so you’ll encounter open-air music extravaganzas during July and August, the drama of the San Juan and Moors and Christians celebrations and, in February, Festa del Porquet, a culinary homage to all things pork.

Jardin de los Sentidos

A Dutch chap called André left the Netherlands well over 25 years ago and landed in Altea.

Here he set about designing a Garden of the Senses eventually creating a 3000m2 paradise filled with over 400 plants from around the world.

Located on the outskirts of Altea, if you have a passion for visiting botanical gardens this is a must-visit attraction.

Peace and tranquillity are the order of the day, plus the obligatory tearoom where you can enjoy a cuppa in an oasis of calm.

Altea Russian Orthodox Church

Reflecting the style of a 17th-century Russian Orthodox church, the Iglesia Ortodoxa Rusa San Miguel Arcangel is a masterpiece in terms of architecture.

If you’re driving along the N332 you’ll catch a glimpse of its golden onion domes but, for us, you simply need to park up and have a good snoop around. Quite a memorable experience, and another awesome place for a photo op.

Russian Orthodox Church

Altea Tuesday Market

One of Costa Blanca’s largest weekly markets sets up stall every Tuesday in Altea. Located to the north of town, along Cami de l’Algar, it’s always worth a visit even if only for the sense of well-being that an outdoor market seems uniquely capable of providing.

As with most markets, there’s plenty of tat for sale but also locally handcrafted souvenirs and traditional gifts to take back home.

Plus, if you’re a habitual people watcher Altea Market is the proverbial pot of gold at the end of the rainbow.

Where To Eat in Altea

Whether you’re a foodie or not, experiencing new regions by taste alone is a worthy endeavour.

With that in mind, Altea has a lengthy list of divine establishments to grab your attention.

Al Fresco Diners, Altea Old Town

Traditional rice dishes and seafood tend to dominate the local menu, however, Altea is very much an international destination and likewise, the gastronomic offer has a multinational flavour.

El Castell

Head to Altea’s Casco Antiguo and not far from the church you will come across Restaurante El Castell, where wood-fired pizzas steal the show.

Along with pasta that shouts wow and a cornucopia of delicious salads this is a restaurant to remind you that you’re on holiday.

And that you deserve this.

Restaurante El Castell, Altea Old Town

Díferens Altea

Unquestionably a favourite go-to when in Altea, especially for breakfast.

A comprehensive range from classic Spanish to international, a good vibe and friendly staff.

Located on the beachfront, close to Altea Port, enjoy al fresco dining when the sun is out and find a cosy table inside when a little cooler.

A 10/10 every time for Díferens!

Breakfast at Díferens

El Cranc Chiringuito

Family owned and part of the Altea hospitality fraternity since 1982 this chic beach bar – chiringuito – is set on L’Olla beach with stunning views out to sea and a proudly Mediterranean seafood and paella menu.

Don’t forget to reserve your table at El Cranc as it’s super popular with the locals.

Restaurante El Cranc, L’Olla d’Altea

Crown of India

Even in a coastal Mediterranean town you still manage to find a place to savour Britain’s favourite dish.

Sunil and Silvia opened their Indian restaurant in 2013 and the Crown of India has been a hit with British visitors ever since.

Crown of India, Carrer Major

Quite stupendous views from the top terrace, a small supplement is required to bag a table but worth it, and as the sun goes down it’s a comforting experience to order your favourite curry with naan and a side.

And for dessert…

If you have a sweet tooth, pop into De Sabors Patissers in Altea Old Town, just before you get into Plaza de la Iglesia.

This is Cake Heaven, right here, right now. And right next to the church!

After careful consideration, you can sit down at an outside table to taste your chosen one.

Alternatively, buy a couple to take away – one for now and the other for, well… now!

De Sabors Patissers

Where to Drink in Altea

If you’re up for a drink — or four — Altea bars won’t let you down. We are not talking noisy neighbour Benidorm level, but we are talking about a delightful set of drinking spots that would earn their spurs on any bar crawl.

Here’s a few to get you in the mood.

La Mascarada

La Mascarada, located in Altea’s most famous plaza in Altea Old Town, is the perfect venue to kickstart your evening.

A collection of masks from across the world adorn the walls, strangely adding to the atmosphere of this gem of a pub.

La Mascarada Cocktail Bar

It gets a tad lively after 10pm, not sure if this is when the masks come out but everyone seems to be nursing a classic cocktail and listening to the relaxing sound of good music drifting into the warm night air.

Bahìa Bar

One of those laid-back beachfront bars that excel at reminding you that you’re on holiday. So enjoy!

The two guys running the ship at Bahìa Bar are top-notch and the cocktails even better.

Such a lovely setting and high fives for making our favourite holiday drink so memorable (Campari and Fresh Orange, by the way!).

Bahìa Bar

Olla Beach Bar

The upmarket enclave of L’Olla d’Altea is home to the famous El Cranc seafood restaurant and the sumptuous Restaurante L’Olleta.

But in the same vicinity is a chilled-out bar with a beach shack vibe, warm welcome and the occasional live band.

Olla Beach Bar

Olla Beach Bar is worth a little walk from Altea down the N332 until you hang a right into this sheltered cove full of the beautiful people – give it a go.

We did!

Where to Stay In Altea

Where you stay on holiday is often key to your ultimate experience in a destination — the good news is that Altea accommodation has improved over the years and now possesses a raft of quality hotels and apartments to ensure the stay part of your holiday is one of the best parts.

Check out four of our favourite places to stay in Altea.

Hotel Ábaco

Created out of an 18th-century bakery back in 2004, the owners added a new building to create a larger Hotel Ábaco that now brands itself as Ábaco Vintage and Ábaco Fusion.

Currently managed by Thomas and Adelina, attention to detail is priority number one for these guys.

Hotel Ábaco, Calle Unión

In addition to 18 luxury bedrooms they also have holiday homes in their portfolio, each located within 100 metres of the hotel.

They’ve called one of them Nice House. And, incredibly, it’s a really nice house.

Hotel La Serena

The adult-only recommended Hotel La Serena is perfect for a grown-up getaway. You’re greeted by a captivating blend of modern sophistication and subtle charm from the moment you arrive.

The hotel’s whitewashed facade and vibrant blue accents perfectly complement the nearby azure dome of Altea’s famous church and the sun-dappled Mediterranean Sea.

Standout features include a secluded swimming pool, stunning sea views from the roof terrace, and elegant, minimalist-style rooms that ooze refinement.

Hotel La Serena

Add in a petite wellness spa and classic French restaurant, L’Etiquette, and you end up with one of those places you just know you’ll want to return.

Hostal Blue Sardine

Everything seems to be boutique these days but Blue Sardine is the real deal.

A unique and pretty inspiring little crib to shack up for a few days and immerse yourself in the Altea experience.

Just over the road from the beachfront while in the opposite direction you get to the town centre and up into the Old Town.

Ticks a lot of boxes, especially the ‘I want to stay somewhere cool’ box.

Blue Sardine, Calle Pescadores

Hotel Cap Negret

We love this place!

So redolent of the 1970s and an earlier era of tourism.

Brought up to date with its 2018 renovation, Hotel Cap Negret is everything you want from your Spanish hotel by the sea.

Poolside at Hotel Cap Negret

Cool interiors, pool overlooking the Med and a few steps onto the beach.

Set on a coastline to die for and close enough to Altea for a gentle walk on an evening, we can appreciate why some guests return year after year.

Where To Shop In Altea

Simply walking the sometimes steep and often cobbled streets of Altea is pleasure enough for any visitor.

But with its artistic temperament and well-to-do residents helping to craft an eclectic and quietly refined retail experience, shopping here is genuinely therapeutic.

It might not be so great for your pocket but it’s unquestionably good for the soul.

Artisan Altea

As you meander the narrow streets of Altea Old Town you’ll come across small, tucked-away fashion emporiums, artists’ workshops selling their paintings and ceramics, handmade souvenir stores and boutique vintage shops specialising in surprise.

La Buena Juanita, Carrer Sant Miguel

In the town centre, pop into the Municipal Market for fruit and veg.

And for women’s fashion take your pick from the many shops that have their home along the N332 road separating the town from the promenade.

Altea Municipal Market

Travel

How To Get To Altea

Alicante is the nearest airport and from here you can take the ALSA bus to Benidorm, hopping off at Avenida de Europa before catching the Avanza Bus No 10 to Altea from Avenida del Mediterráneo.

Alternatively, if you are staying in Benidorm, you can head up to Benidorm Tram Station situated on Avenida de Beniardà and catch the Line 9 tram to Altea which takes approximately 13 minutes.

Car hire from Benidorm is really easy, too. We always use Centauro, a trusted Benidorm brand, part of the Benidorm story for decades and with a handy office location in the Rincón de Loix of the resort.

Where To Visit Nearby

Whether you use local transport services or hire your own car, it is worthwhile heading to Altea la Vella, a small village with a large expat population and a handful of quality restaurants such as Restaurante Ca Toni. The number 27 bus takes about 22 minutes as it runs along the coast before heading inland.

A cab will set you back about £15 while a walk will set you back about 50 minutes!

If you are travelling under your own steam it is certainly worth visiting some of the wonderful nearby towns and villages of Polop de la Marina, Guadalest, and Tàrbena.

For more great places to eat, drink and stay check out ALTEA in our Beyond Guide.