{"id":214,"date":"2026-10-07T10:11:10","date_gmt":"2026-10-07T08:11:10","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/alicanterunaway.com\/blog\/?p=214"},"modified":"2026-10-07T10:11:15","modified_gmt":"2026-10-07T08:11:15","slug":"things-to-do-in-altea","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/alicanterunaway.com\/blog\/en\/things-to-do-in-altea\/","title":{"rendered":"Things to Do in Altea: Old Town, Beaches and Views"},"content":{"rendered":"

Altea<\/strong> is one of the Costa Blanca’s most recognisable towns: whitewashed houses climbing a hillside, cobbled lanes, blue domes and the Mediterranean always in view. Yet there is more to it than the classic old-town photograph. Altea also has pebble beaches, small harbours, artists’ studios, seafood cooking and landscapes stretching towards the Sierra de B\u00e8rnia and Mascarat.<\/p>\n

This guide covers the best things to do in Altea<\/strong>, how to plan a day trip and practical tips for enjoying the town at an unhurried pace.<\/p>\n

1. Walk up to Altea Old Town<\/h2>\n

The historic quarter, known as El Fornet<\/em>, occupies the top of the hill. Explore streets such as Costera del Mestre de la M\u00fasica, Calle Mayor, Salamanca and Santa B\u00e1rbara without following too rigid a route. White fa\u00e7ades, plants, small shops, galleries and intimate squares preserve the feel of a Mediterranean village.<\/p>\n

The lanes are steep and uneven, so comfortable walking shoes are useful. Drivers will usually find it easier to park outside the heart of the old town and complete the climb on foot.<\/p>\n

2. Visit Plaza de la Iglesia<\/h2>\n

Plaza de la Iglesia is the centre of historic Altea. It is dominated by Nuestra Se\u00f1ora del Consuelo<\/strong>, the church whose blue-and-white tiled domes form the town’s best-known landmark. Around the square are terraces, pedestrian lanes and viewpoints overlooking the bay, Serra Gelada and the Pe\u00f1\u00f3n de Ifach.<\/p>\n

\"Blue
The blue domes of Nuestra Se\u00f1ora del Consuelo define Altea’s skyline.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

3. Find the best viewpoints<\/h2>\n

The balconies near the church square provide sea and mountain views without leaving the old town. Mirador de los Cronistas de Espa\u00f1a is the best known, but smaller viewpoints appear as you explore the upper streets. Early morning and late-afternoon light are especially flattering and make summer visits more comfortable.<\/p>\n

4. Explore Bellaguarda<\/h2>\n

Bellaguarda recalls Altea’s defensive past. It is quieter than the main old-town route and reveals small squares, traces of the former walls and residential lanes. Walking downhill towards the modern centre also shows how the town expanded from the hill to the sea.<\/p>\n

5. Stroll along the seafront<\/h2>\n

The Mediterranean promenade links beach areas, restaurants and the harbour. Its level route is a welcome contrast after the old town’s slopes. Boats, sailing clubs and waterfront terraces remain an everyday part of Altea’s character.<\/p>\n

6. Choose between La Roda, Cap Negret and l’Olla<\/h2>\n

Altea’s beaches are mainly gravel, pebbles and rounded stones rather than fine sand. La Roda<\/strong> is the central urban option; Cap Negret<\/strong> feels more open; and l’Olla<\/strong>, opposite the Illeta and l’Illot islets, has attractive coastal views.<\/p>\n

Water shoes can be helpful. Always check sea conditions and follow local beach guidance before swimming.<\/p>\n

7. Discover Mascarat and its coves<\/h2>\n

North of town, the coastline becomes steeper. Mascarat’s cliffs, marinas and small coves reveal a different side of Altea. It is an appealing area for scenery and coastal walks, but heat, terrain and current access conditions should be considered before setting off.<\/p>\n

\"Mascarat
At Mascarat, cliffs and small coves replace Altea’s urban waterfront.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

8. Visit Altea la Vella and Sierra de B\u00e8rnia<\/h2>\n

Altea la Vella has a quieter, more rural atmosphere below B\u00e8rnia. Access routes towards the mountains begin nearby, including demanding walks such as the Forat de B\u00e8rnia circuit. Check the forecast, carry water and choose a route suitable for your group; mountain walking is not an improvised extension of an old-town stroll.<\/p>\n

9. See Altea’s artistic side<\/h2>\n

Altea has attracted painters, musicians, craftspeople and other artists for decades. Galleries and workshops in the old town maintain this identity, reinforced by the local Fine Arts faculty. Step inside spaces that are open, support local makers and check the cultural programme for the day of your visit.<\/p>\n

10. Try the local food<\/h2>\n

Altea’s cooking combines fish, local vegetables and rice dishes. Seasonal menus may include seafood, dry or soupy rice and traditional Marina Baixa recipes. The seafront and harbour offer plenty of places to eat with a view, while the old town is known for terraces and smaller restaurants.<\/p>\n

How to spend one day in Altea<\/h2>\n