Do
Altea can be a little touristy, but certainly not swamped by tourists. So, if you like a place where the crowds are somewhat smaller and impeccably well-behaved, this is probably the place for you. Below, we give you a little taste of things to do in Altea…
Enjoy an Altea Catamaran Cruise
Take in panoramic vistas along Altea’s coastline on an unforgettable catamaran cruise. 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.
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.

View of Sierra Helada from catamaran
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 sand to entertain all beach lovers.
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 watersports on demand and a web of volleyball nets set up to work off an excessive lunch.
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.
It’s a magical sort of place, 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.

Altea Beach
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 place. 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 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.
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.

Altea Orthodox Church