Altea is one of the most photogenic towns on the Costa Blanca. Its whitewashed houses, the contrast between the sea and the mountains, and the iconic blue dome of the Iglesia del Consuelo make this town a must-see destination. In this guide, you’ll discover what to see in Altea , the must-see experiences if you’re coming for just one day, and everything its old town and beaches have to offer.
HOW TO GET TO ALTEA: TRANSPORT AND CONNECTIONS.
Altea is located between Alicante and Benidorm, with good connections to both the centre of Altea and the old town .
By car: Take the AP-7 (exit 64) or the N-332. Alicante is 45 minutes away and Valencia is 1 hour 30 minutes away.
Alicante Airport: 40-45 minutes by car, or ALSA buses and private transfers drop you off near the historic center of Altea .
By tram: Line 9 connects Alicante (2 hours) and Benidorm (25 minutes). The station is a short walk from the historic center , a popular starting point for those looking for a day trip to Altea .
By bus: ALSA covers routes from Alicante, Benidorm and Valencia with stops just minutes from the beach and the old town .
EATING IN ALTEA: FLAVORS YOU’LL ONLY FIND HERE.
Gastronomy is an essential part of the experience. Charming taverns abound in Altea’s old town , and restaurants with sea views are found along the promenade.
If you like to start the day off right, having breakfast in Altea , in a café in the historic center or on a terrace overlooking the sea, is almost a ritual. Even in the old town, brunch can be enjoyed with that Mediterranean atmosphere that seems to make time stand still.
Our selection includes recommended restaurants, cozy bars, and gastronomic spots that are essential when thinking about what to do in Altea .
THE BEST BEACHES IN ALTEA AND ITS PROMENADE.
The coastline offers everything: Playa de la Roda , next to the center of Altea , Playa de l’Olla opposite the islet, and the coves of Mascarat. A one-day itinerary for Altea’s sights typically includes exploring the old town and ending at the beach, very close to the historic center . The viewpoints along the promenade are also ideal for taking the best photos of Altea’s old town .
WHERE TO SLEEP IN ALTEA: THE BEST ACCOMMODATION
Altea offers everything from hotels with sea views to rural houses surrounded by nature. In the old town, there are bohemian accommodations, beachfront options on the seafront, and in Altea Hills, luxury villas with unique views. Choosing where to stay in Altea depends on your plan: a traditional atmosphere in the old town , coastal life in the center of Altea , or tranquility in Altea La Vella .
WHAT TO SEE IN ALTEA: MUST-SEE PLACES IN 2025
If you’re wondering what to see in Altea in one day , these are the must-see spots:
Altea Old Town (historic center)
Cobblestone streets, white houses, bougainvillea, and sea views. The old town is the heart of the city and its most photographed spot.Church of Our Lady of Consolation
The most famous blue dome on the Costa Blanca and a lively square, perfect for enjoying the viewpoints.Viewpoints of Altea
The one in the Church Square and the one of the Chroniclers of Spain offer unique panoramic views of the coast and the mountains.Altea la Vella
A rural area with its own charm, surrounded by nature and peace.Altea Hills
Residential area with spectacular views, ideal for lovers of modern architecture and landscape.
LIVING IN ALTEA: A GUIDE FOR FUTURE RESIDENTS
With around 24,000 inhabitants, Altea combines an international atmosphere with a peaceful lifestyle. Many Europeans choose to settle here, attracted by the climate, the sea, and the local culture.
In the historic center, life is alive among squares and traditional shops, while in Altea Hills, luxury villas with Mediterranean views predominate. In Altea la Vella, you’ll find rural tranquility and nature just a stone’s throw from the sea.
The town offers comprehensive services: a health center and private clinics, schools and colleges, supermarkets, weekly markets, and sports activities ranging from golf to rowing. All with that coastal town feel that preserves the authenticity of Altea’s old town .
SERVICES AND DAILY LIFE IN ALTEA
HEALTH
Altea combines the charm of an old town with modern services that make everyday life easier for both residents and visitors.
Health: Public health center, private clinics, and multilingual specialists. The regional hospital is less than 10 minutes’ drive from the center of Altea .
Education: schools, high schools, and daycare centers in the city center; as well as highly regarded international centers in the surrounding area.
Shopping: Supermarkets, bakeries, and fruit shops in the old town and the lower part of the city; every Tuesday, the weekly market fills Altea’s historic center with fresh produce and handicrafts.
Sports and wellness: municipal sports center with indoor pool, gyms, rowing club in the harbor, and yoga and Pilates centers.
Transportation and travel arrangements: TRAM, ALSA buses, taxis, and parking near the upper district—convenient if you’re planning what to see in Altea in one day . You’ll also find the Tourist Office and Town Hall in the center.
ART AND CULTURE: THE CREATIVE HEART OF THIS MEDITERRANEAN TOWN
Altea’s old town is also a hub for art. Its cobblestone streets are home to galleries, ceramics workshops, sculptors, and textile art shops that keep the creative essence of the historic center alive.
Festivals and events fill the old town with life throughout the year: Moors and Christians, the Jazz Festival, open-air exhibitions, and concerts in squares overlooking the sea. The presence of the Faculty of Fine Arts contributes to the bohemian atmosphere that distinguishes Altea on the Costa Blanca.
Those wondering what to do in Altea beyond beaches and gastronomy will discover a place where culture blends with everyday life, turning every visit into an authentic experience.
LOCAL CORNERS AND EXPERIENCES: ALTEA WITH AN AUTHENTIC LOOK
Beyond beaches and monuments, Altea invites you to wander leisurely. Side streets, cobbled staircases, and hidden viewpoints reveal the more intimate side of Altea’s old town .
Exploring without a map is the best way to discover the historic center : historic facades, wooden doors, flowers on balconies, and hidden corners not listed in guidebooks. This is where many travelers find the real defining factor of what to see in Altea in one day .
For alternative plans on the Costa Blanca, you can combine this visit with Guadalest or the old town of Polop de la Marina , another charming enclave.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS ABOUT ALTEA
What to see in Altea in one day?
The must-see sights include exploring the old town, visiting the Iglesia del Consuelo, enjoying viewpoints like the one in the Plaza de la Iglesia, and strolling along the seafront promenade or Playa de la Roda.
(Do you like history? Discover what this town was like centuries ago ➤ suggested link )
What are the best beaches in the area?
The most recommended are:
• Playa de la Roda : urban, accessible and family-friendly
• Playa de l’Olla : wilder, in front of the islet
• Cala del Mascarat : quiet, perfect for snorkeling or diving
What is the weather like in Altea?
Temperate Mediterranean. Mild winters, pleasant summers, and over 300 days of sunshine a year. Ideal for both vacations and year-round living.
How many inhabitants does it have?
Around 24,000 residents, with a large international community from countries such as the United Kingdom, Belgium, the Netherlands, and France.
How to get there from Alicante Airport?
• By car: 45 minutes via AP-7 or N-332
• By bus (ALSA) or TRAM from Alicante
• Private transfers and taxis are also available
What can you do in Altea?
• Nautical activities: kayaking, catamaran, diving
• Hiking trails in the Sierra de Bernia
• Festivals such as Moors and Christians or the Jazz Festival
• Markets, exhibitions and concerts
Where to stay?
• Old Town : traditional and bohemian
• Seafront promenade : with sea views
• Altea Hills : high-end residential area
• Altea La Vella : nature, peace and relaxation
Is it a good area to live?
Yes. It offers quality of life, excellent weather, a good atmosphere, educational and healthcare services, and tranquility. Ideal for families, retirees, and teleworkers.
Is it better to live in Altea or Benidorm?
If you enjoy the laid-back lifestyle of a town like Altea, but are unsure whether a larger city like Benidorm can offer more amenities, activities, and opportunities, here’s our complete guide to living in Benidorm in 2025 : housing prices, recommended areas, and local tips.
Where can you eat well?
Notable restaurants include Ca Joan , Casa Vital , Oustau , and La Capella . There are also taverns serving home-cooked food at reasonable prices in the Old Town.
Are there rural or disconnecting options?
Yes. In Altea La Vella, you’ll find rural accommodation, hiking trails, and family hotels perfect for a getaway surrounded by nature.
OFFICIAL SOURCES
For more information about Altea, you can visit the following official websites:
Altea City Council — Municipal information, events, services and news:
Valencian Community – Altea Tourism — Tourist information, routes, and activities updated by the Generalitat
- You can also consult the updated official information at the Valencian Community Tourist Office.
Ideas you might also like:
Explore more experiences near Altea:
Hotels in El Albir – Just 5 minutes from Altea
Options with sea views and good value.Recommended restaurants in El Albir
Where to eat well in the neighboring town.Guadalest – The village hanging on the mountain
Essential excursion less than 40 minutes away.Polop de la Marina – Local Routes and Secrets
A charming village with views of the Sierra de Aitana.What to do in Albir – Plans, routes and activities
Nature, gastronomy and leisure by the sea.Events and festivals in Albir and Alfàs del Pi
Cultural agenda and traditional festivals.- Return to the main page
WHO ARE WE?
Liveinalbir.com is a personal project created by residents of Marina Baja for over 15 years. We know Altea inside out: its cobblestone streets, pebble beaches, viewpoints, and traditional festivals. We have experienced its evolution, its cultural life, and its daily life throughout the seasons.
Our goal is to share, in an independent and friendly way, the best that this corner of the Costa Blanca has to offer: landscapes, history, culture, services, and real-life experiences from those of us who regularly enjoy it.
If you found this guide helpful, we’d love to hear from you. You can contact us at info@liveinalbir.com .
Updated: August 2025
Each article is written from practice:
We know which beaches are quieter and which areas have the best atmosphere.
Which local restaurants and shops are really worth visiting.
Where Altea’s true charm lies beyond the tourist attractions.
Our goal is simple: to help you experience this town in the province of Alicante as it truly is, so you can enjoy your visit or stay authentically and without surprises. Because when you know the details no one tells you, everything changes.