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Town and municipality in Spain
Photo: ConradMoeller, CC BY-SA 2.5 via Wikimedia Commons
Altea is a charming seaside town of 22,000 people (2018) on the Costa Blanca of Alicante province. Visitors are drawn by its good weather, its beaches and its charming old town.
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Iglesia de Nuestra Señora del Consuelo / Church of the Virgen of Consuelo
At the highest point of town, near the site of the former castle. Its two blue- and white-tiled domes are considered to be the town's emblem.
A reconstructed 16th-century watchtower. It is accessible from the street via a short staircase.
Fundación Eberhard Schlotter
Established in memory of German painter Eberhard Schlotter who lived and worked in Altea until his death in 2014 and housed in a 17th-century residence, the foundation has a permanent collection of the artist's works and hosts rotating temporary exhibits. It also is a venue for workshops and concerts, and has a small giftshop.
The small museum has a permanent exhibit of works by local painter Juan Navarro Ramón (1903-1989), with two other rooms used for temporary exhibits.
Church of St Michael
The first Russian Orthodox church built in Spain is a striking replica of a wooden 17th-century Russian church. It was completed in 2002 from entirely Russian construction materials, mostly from the Urals region, and using only Russian labor.
Walking tours and other excursions in Altea and the Costa Blanca.
La Olla Fireworks
Moros y Cristianos / Moors and Christians
The annual Moors and Christians festival is very popular.
A venue for a range of performing arts, including theatre, dance, and music. Well-known musicians who have performed here include José Carreras, Mstislav Rostropovich, and Julio Iglesias.
Operating for more than 100 years, this baker is especially well-known for its coca a la llumà. It's best to arrive early before they run out, or to reserve the day before. They can also make on request a non-traditional vegetarian version without the blood sausage and bacon.
This popular tapas place is especially known for minxto, a specialty of the Alicante region typically served with aioli. All seating is outdoors on a pleasant terrace.
A popular chiringuito directly on the beach which serves a range of traditional Valencian dishes and drinks – the paella is especially recommended. Reservations by telephone only.
Serves authentic Indian cuisine with friendly service, and has a very pleasant rooftop seating area with great views of the old town and the harbour. Tip: if you prefer the food spicy, rather than less spicy as Spaniards generally prefer, request so when placing your order. Reservations are required for rooftop seating.
Known especially for hamburgers and veggieburgers, all meals here are made with organic, locally-sourced ingredients, and there are many vegetarian and vegan options. Reservations are strongly recommended, especially in summer.
Operated by a French chef, serves very creative dishes.
The well-regarded restaurant serves Moroccan cuisine with a selection of Moroccan wines, and has a few vegetarian options.
Serves classic regional dishes including such specialties as coca a la llumá and espencat, a Valencian-style salad. Reservations can be made by telephone or online. Online reservations are temporarily closed.
Probably the most well-known restaurant in Altea, serves French-inspired Mediterranean cuisine in a very pleasant courtyard.
A beachfront modern hotel with an onsite restaurant, bicycles available for rent, free parking (reservation required), and free Wi-Fi. All rooms have sea views. Pets permitted for €10+/night.
A small boutique hotel with an onsite bar, spa and sauna, outdoor pool, bicycle rental, and free Wi-Fi. Parking €15/day (reservation required), pets permitted on request.
It's in a 300-year-old converted Altean farmhouse and olive mill, and has a highly regarded restaurant, Almàssera de Guillem, which can accommodate special diets on request. Other facilities include an outdoor pool, fitness centre, and sauna. Free Wi-Fi and free parking.
It's on the beach, and gas four onsite restaurants, an outdoor pool, fitness centre and spa, and free Wi-Fi. Parking €11/day (reservation required). All rooms have a terrace.
Can accommodate tents, campervans, and caravans. Facilities include toilets and showers, an onsite bar-restaurant and shop, and self-service laundry. Pets permitted with prior notice.
Has spots for tents, campervans, and caravans, and also has bungalows and wood cabins for rent. Also has toilets/showers, laundry facilities, fitness centre and tennis courts.
Rather large market. No food, only clothing, hardware etc...
Fruit and vegetable market
A weekly street market with local fruits, vegetables, nuts, olives, and other food products, with many organic products.
Mercado Municipal / Municipal Market
The town's main market is a good place to pick up fresh fish, produce, and meat, and has an onsite delicatessen and bakery.
By bus
Llorente Bus runs bus routes 010, 012 and 031 from Benidorm, with five stops in Altea. Interactive schedules and route maps are available online.
Parking in the Casco Antiguo is restricted to residents only; there are several free car parks on the periphery.
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Alicante · International · ALC
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