Discover Altea!
Altea is a small, charming town with a characteristic center on top of a hill. In this center, the many narrow streets, white picturesque houses and art galleries stand out. Altea is a town with personality!
History
Numerous civilizations (Iberians, Greeks, Phoenicians, Romans, and Muslims) left their traces and influences throughout history. In the 17th century, the city often had to deal with pirates.
Since the 18th century, it became a refuge for many artists, writers, and musicians. In the ’60s–’70s it was still very loved by creative people and Altea got its Bohemian atmosphere.
Altea things to do
Altea is culture and carries the title of “cultural capital” of the Valencian Community. It accommodates the Palau de Altea, with a faculty for Fine Arts from the University, a music conservatory, a cultural center, and an Ethnic Music museum.
The “Iglesia Ortodoxa Rusa” is a Russian Orthodox church just outside the center. This does not seem like something special, but it will to who has seen it. It was the first Russian Orthodox church in Spain. It was built by a, who else, a Russian billionaire and based on a Russian Orthodox church of the 17th century.
Efforts nor money were spared, and Russian workers started their work with, among others, wood from the Ural Mountains and, as is customary in orthodox churches, the gold foil was used abundantly.
In the oldest neighborhood of Altea, the “Torra de Bellaguarda” can be found. This is a former tower from the city wall which, just like the “Torre de la Galera”, has been declared Cultural Heritage.
The “Iglesia nuestra Senora del Consuelo” can be considered as the symbol of Altea. This Parish Church dates back to the start of the 20th century. Apart from the higher position, the double blue domes with white decoration, in particular, take the spotlight.
Because of its elevated position, it is often called the “Iglesia de Arriba” (elevated church).
This is a charming parish that is worth viewing.
The old center that you can reach via the “Portal Vieja”, a gate from the Middle Ages, is also a recommendation. Steep, narrow, winding streets that climb the hill. Previously, the houses served as working places, nowadays these houses are nice restaurants, pleasant bars with a terrace and various galleries.
To the beach in Altea
Altea’s coastline is about 8km long and it consists of several beaches (playas), bays (calas) and cliffs (alcantilados).
“La Roda” is the most popular beach as it focuses most on the tourists. Where the tourists are, water sports cannot be missed. The cozy boulevard with shops, ice cream parlors, bars, and restaurants is a wonderful place to stroll along.
Interesting fact: This beach is also accessible to people with reduced mobility.
Other beaches with pebble or sand are: “Cap Negret”, “El Mascarat”, “La Olla”, “Cap Blanch” and “La Solsida. Keep in mind that the last one is a nude beach.
La Vella
Altea la Vella is a village that is part of Altea. This village is located about 3 kilometers north at the foot of the Sierra de Bernia. In 2007, the village counted 544 inhabitants. The church “Parroquia de Santa Ana” is central here.
Altea for sale
Are you looking for an apartment with a view of the marina? Or rather a luxurious villa in the coveted “Altea Hills”? Or do you prefer a bit quieter in “Santa Clara”?
Regardless of what you are looking for, we can offer it to you. View our full range here
