Stroll through the old town of Altea!

The cozy town of Altea with its cozy white houses and cozy narrow streets and its picturesque surroundings is really one of the nicest and most beautiful places on the Spanish Costa Blanca. This fun artsy artistic town is actually a large museum itself.

Altea in the province of Alicante directly on the Mediterranean Sea. It is approximately 50 kilometers northeast of the city of Alicante.

The city is built on and against a hill. Because there were always many painters, sculptors and other artists living in this seaside resort, you can see that through many artistic influences. Even today you can still find many workshops in Altea. There are many unique pieces for a nice price. (!)

The Iberians were the first to settle here at the mouth of the Algar. Later, the Greeks established a market place here, called Althaia, after Althaea the mother of Meleager from Greek mythology. Both the name of the river and of the city have a medicinal connotation, which makes it assumed that this used to be a healing and medicinal place. The Romans also settled along this coast. Several archaeological remains have been found, such as the villa and bathhouse in the nearby Museo al Aire Libre Villa Romana in L'Albir (municipality of L'Alfàs del Pi).

During the Moorish period, the city and its surroundings were part of the emirate of Denia and there were several farms here, such as d'Albalat and Benasquer. The Arabs took care of the still existing irrigation systems, which greatly improved the possibilities for agriculture and fruit cultivation. In 1244, James I of Aragon reconquered the Iberian Peninsula from the Moors. This Reconquista and the battle against the Moorish pirates (the Barbary pirates) is still celebrated in September every year in Altea during the Moors and Christians (Moros y Cristianos) celebrations.

The area was gradually repopulated with Christians and the city was fortified and walled. This part is now known as the old town or the Casco antiguo de Altea. The highest point here is the Església de la Mare de Déu del Consol d'Altea, the blue domes of which are now Altea's 'calling card'. In 1729 Altea also received city rights. During the eighteenth and nineteenth centuries, approximately 5,000 people lived there, mainly engaged in agriculture and fishing. Only with the start of tourism from the fifties of the twentieth century did the population increase significantly, and only then did the strip of land between the old town and the sea be built on.

Train the calves and make your way through the steep streets of Altea! Because the old center (Casco antiguo de Altea) is on a hill, it is certainly good for the condition. The walk certainly pays off, because you will imagine yourself in a Valhalla full of art galleries, craft shops and terraces. You can also buy fantastic souvenirs here.

You enter the old center through a gate that dates from the Middle Ages. This gate is called the Portal Viejo in Spanish. Translated, this simply means 'old gate'. Once in the old town, you will find plenty of atmosphere through the balconies and door facades decorated with colorful flowers.

In the old part you will also find the Iglesia nuestra Señora del Consuelo. This church has blue domes and therefore stands out from a distance. There is a nice square at the church. In summer there is a lot going on here: markets are set up and street theater fills the square.

With a coast of more than 6 km you can expect a beach here and there. Altea does not disappoint! The beaches mostly have white pebbles and have many pleasant terraces and restaurants.

La Olla is one of the longer beaches of Altea and is easy to reach, even for people with reduced mobility. A perfect beach from where you can discover the sea while diving is El Mascarat. La Roda has the most amenities of all beaches, because it is located directly on the boulevard. Umbrellas and sunbeds are rented on this beach. La Roda's Blue Flag Award also guarantees that it is clean and environmentally friendly.

If you travel to the north of Altea you will find the Iglesia Ortodoxa Rusa. This is the very first Russian Orthodox Church established in Spain. The church was built by Russian workers and is a work of art in itself. The building consists mainly of wood and has one tower and four beautiful entrances. The Iglesia Ortodoxa Rusa certainly wouldn't look out of place in a fairy tale.

Also make time to visit the boulevard of Altea. Here are shops, terraces and restaurants. The boulevard is surrounded by palm trees and is good for a long walk. Tip, this is a very beautiful scene when the sun rises and sets.

The northern mountain range Sierra de Bernia likes to be visited by hikers. Cars can be parked near the chain and then admire nature on foot. If you choose to climb the Sierra de Bernia, you will be rewarded with a view of the Mediterranean Sea that many travelers will be jealous of.

Enjoy!

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