Discover Altea: Alicante’s Charming Coastal Jewel

Perched along the sparkling Costa Blanca in Alicante, Altea is a picturesque coastal town renowned for its whitewashed old town, azure Mediterranean waters, and bohemian charm. Nestled between the bustling energy of Benidorm and the rugged beauty of the Sierra Helada Natural Park, Altea offers a serene escape with its cobbled streets, vibrant arts scene, and stunning beaches. Whether you’re wandering through the historic Casco Antiguo, relaxing on Playa de la Roda, or exploring nearby gems, Altea is a must-visit destination. Join us at Travelianis.com as we uncover the magic of Altea and its connections to Alicante, Benidorm, Calpe, Villajoyosa, Guadalest, Algar Waterfalls, and Moraira! 😊

A Bohemian Haven with Coastal Charm 🏛️

Altea’s heart is its Casco Antiguo, a maze of narrow, whitewashed streets crowned by the iconic Church of Nuestra Señora del Consuelo with its blue-tiled domes. The town’s vibrant arts scene, with galleries and craft markets, adds a bohemian flair, while its beaches, like Playa de la Roda and Playa Cap Blanch, offer golden sands and clear waters. Altea’s relaxed vibe and stunning sea views make it a perfect blend of culture and coastline.

What to Do:

• Explore Casco Antiguo: Wander the cobbled streets, visit art galleries, and climb to the church for panoramic views of the Mediterranean.
• Relax on Playa de la Roda: Enjoy this central beach with calm waters, ideal for swimming and sunbathing near the old town.
• Shop at the Artisan Market: Browse handmade jewelry, ceramics, and local crafts at the Tuesday morning market in the old town.

Traveler’s Tip: Visit the old town in the evening for cooler temperatures and vibrant street life. Wear comfortable shoes for the steep, cobbled paths. 🌄

Nature and Outdoor Adventures

Altea’s location between the sea and the Sierra Helada Natural Park offers a wealth of outdoor activities, from coastal hikes to water sports. The surrounding Costa Blanca provides rugged cliffs, hidden coves, and scenic trails for adventurers.

Top Activities:

• Hiking in Sierra Helada: A 4-km round-trip trail to the Albir Lighthouse, offering stunning views of Altea’s coastline and Benidorm’s skyline.
• Kayaking to Cala del Soio: Paddle 2 km from Playa Cap Blanch to this secluded cove, perfect for snorkeling and exploring sea caves.
• Cycling to Calpe: A 15-km coastal ride along flat roads to Calpe’s iconic Peñón de Ifach, with breathtaking Mediterranean vistas.

Traveler’s Tip: Pack water, sunscreen, and sturdy shoes for Sierra Helada hikes, as trails can be rocky. Rent kayaks or bikes from Altea’s marina for coastal adventures. 🌲

Iconic Attractions Near Altea 🚶‍♂️

Altea’s prime location on the Costa Blanca makes it an ideal base for exploring nearby towns, beaches, and cultural landmarks.

• Alicante (55 km): A vibrant city with the historic Santa Bárbara Castle, a bustling marina, and the Explanada de España promenade.
• Benidorm (12 km): A lively resort city with Levante and Poniente beaches, a vibrant skyline, and theme parks like Terra Mítica.
• Calpe (15 km): Home to the striking Peñón de Ifach rock, a natural park with hiking trails and Mediterranean views.
• Torrevieja (124 km) is also popular among expats and holidaymakers looking for sun, sea, and affordable living.
• Villajoyosa (25 km): A colorful coastal town with rainbow-hued houses, a chocolate museum, and sandy Playa Centro.
• Guadalest (25 km): A historic mountain village with a 11th-century castle, bell tower, and turquoise reservoir views.
• Algar Waterfalls (20 km): Cascading waterfalls and natural pools near Callosa d’en Sarrià, perfect for swimming and picnics.
• Moraira (25 km): A tranquil fishing village with a charming marina and sandy Playa de l’Ampolla.

Traveler’s Tip: Take the Alicante Tram to Villajoyosa or Alicante for a scenic coastal ride. Book guided tours to Guadalest or Algar Waterfalls for a hassle-free day trip. 🚌

Hidden Gems and Secret Spots

Altea’s surroundings hide lesser-known treasures that offer solitude and unique experiences for adventurous travelers.

• Cala del Soio: A secluded, pebbly cove 3 km from Altea’s center, reachable by a short hike or kayak, perfect for snorkeling.
• Mirador Cronistas de España: A quiet viewpoint in the old town, offering panoramic views of the coastline and Sierra Helada.
• Torre de Bellaguarda: A 16th-century watchtower 2 km from Playa Cap Blanch, with coastal views and a glimpse into Altea’s history.
• Palau Altea Gardens: A serene garden near the cultural center, ideal for a peaceful stroll or picnic.
• Cala del Mascarat: A hidden beach 5 km away, accessible via a 2-km hike, with crystal waters and minimal crowds.

Traveler’s Tip: Bring water shoes for Cala del Soio’s rocky shore. Visit Mirador Cronistas de España at sunset for a magical view of Altea’s coastline. 🏝️

Dining and Local Flavors 🍴

Altea’s culinary scene blends Mediterranean classics with local Alicante specialties, offering fresh seafood, paella, and arroz a banda (rice with fish). The old town’s cozy restaurants and beachfront eateries create a vibrant dining experience.

Top Spots:

• Oustau de Altea (Casco Antiguo): A charming restaurant serving arroz a banda, grilled seafood, and Alicante wines in a historic setting.
• La Claudina (Playa de la Roda): A beachfront eatery offering paella valenciana and fresh fish with sea views.
• BonAmb (near Cap Negret): A Michelin-starred restaurant known for creative Mediterranean dishes and local ingredients.
• Pastelería El Artesano (Old Town): A bakery for turrón (almond nougat) and coca boba (sweet bread), perfect for a beach picnic.

Traveler’s Tip: Try horchata, a refreshing tiger nut drink, at a local café. Visit Altea’s Tuesday market for local cheeses, olives, and turrón to create a beachside feast. 🥘

Getting to Altea 🚍

Altea is a 1-hour drive from Alicante-Elche Airport (60 km), with excellent public and private transport options connecting to Costa Blanca destinations.

• Buses: ALSA buses connect Altea to Alicante (1h 15m, €5–8) and Benidorm (20 min, €2). For Guadalest or Algar Waterfalls (20–25 km), book a guided tour or take a taxi (€30–40). For Moraira (25 km), take Line 001 via Calpe (40 min, €3–4). Check schedules on the ALSA website.
• Tram: The Alicante Tram (L1) connects Altea to Alicante (1h 15m, €5), Benidorm (20 min, €2), and Villajoyosa (40 min, €3). Check schedules on the TRAM Alicante website.
• Taxis: A taxi from Alicante Airport to Altea (60 km) costs €80–100; to Benidorm (12 km), €20–30; to Calpe (15 km), €25–35. Book via Radio Taxi Altea (+34 965 84 41 11) or Alicante Taxi (+34 965 10 11 11).
• Private Transfers: Fixed-price transfers from Alicante Airport to Altea cost €70–90 for up to 4 passengers. Reserve through Shuttle Direct.
• Uber/Bolt: Uber and Bolt are available in Alicante but unreliable in Altea as of September 1, 2025.
• Driving: Rent a car for flexibility, with parking available near Playa de la Roda (€3–5/day) or free in quieter areas like the old town.

Traveler’s Tip: Rent a car to explore remote spots like Cala del Soio or Guadalest. Pre-book taxis or transfers for airport runs to avoid summer queues. 🚗

Distances to Key Destinations from Altea 📍

Altea’s central Costa Blanca location offers easy access to regional attractions. Below is a table showing approximate distances (in kilometers) to key destinations, with names listed in full on both axes:

Notes:

• Distances are measured by road from Altea’s Casco Antiguo.
• Travel Times: Altea to Alicante (55 km) takes 1h by car or tram. Altea to Benidorm (12 km) takes 20 min by car or tram. Altea to Guadalest (25 km) takes 30 min by car. Summer traffic may increase travel times.
• Check bus schedules on ALSA or tram schedules on TRAM Alicante.

Why Altea Should Be Your Next Stop

Altea is a captivating blend of bohemian charm, coastal beauty, and cultural richness, offering an unforgettable Costa Blanca experience. Whether you’re wandering the whitewashed streets of Casco Antiguo, relaxing on Playa de la Roda, or exploring nearby Alicante, Benidorm, Calpe, Torrevieja, Villajoyosa, Guadalest, Algar Waterfalls, or Moraira, Altea delivers a perfect mix of serenity and adventure. Its artistic vibe and prime location make it an ideal base for discovering the region’s diverse treasures.

Plan your visit with Travelianis.com for more travel guides, insider tips, and inspiration to make your Altea adventure unforgettable! Share your Altea moments in the comments, and subscribe to our newsletter for exclusive travel deals! ✈️