Altea
Altea is without doubt one of the most charming towns of the Costa Blanca North. It's old town is packed full of character and the impressive church with its blue and white tiled dome roof has to be one of the most photographed landmarks of the area.
The N332 splits the town in half. On one side are the sandy and pebbly beaches which are backed by the long promenade and the marina. On the other side of the road is the old and new town. The tram station and busy Tuesday morning market are both to be found in the new town. The old town is a must. It's cobbled lanes, many of which are stepped, wind up to the plaza at the top of the hill with the church and magnificent views of the mountains and the sea. The pedestrianised streets are packed with top class restaurants and a fascinating array of tiny shops offering exquisite local crafts, paintings and gifts.
.Places of interest and ideas of things to do in Altea
- Old Town: steep cobbled streets packed with character, restaurants and shops.
- Church: Nuestra Senora del Consuelo with famous blue and white tiled dome.
- Beaches: sandy and shingle beaches.
- Promenade: long beach front with great selection of bars and restaurants.
- Marina: at southern end of town.
- Tram Station: for tram south to Benidorm and Alicante or north to Denia.
- Market: large Tuesday morning.
Ideas of places to twin Altea with day or night
- Enjoy a morning wandering around the old town of Altea, exploring its cobbled streets and popping into the craft and gift shops. There are lots of characterful restaurants for lunch , then take a walk down to the beach and a stroll along the promenade.
- Spend the morning in the hustle and bustle of the large street market, which is held every Tuesday near the new town. Then jump on the tram and visit Denia for a bit of lunch before enjoying the return journey back through the beautiful scenery of the Costa Blanca North.
- Visit the tourist magnet that is the nearby Fonts del Algar waterfalls Then head to Altea for a walk along the long beach front promenade and a filling menu del dia at any of the lovely restaurants which line it.
Places of Interest
Altea Car Park 1
N38o35.835 W0o02.975Parking: is in the car park or any of the spaces alongside the road in the direction of the port and is free.
From here: turn left or right for the beach and promenade with a selection of restaurants or cross the road for the tourist office and walk up into the old town.
Top tip: this is the best car park to use for the sea front.
Altea Car Park 2
N38o35.930 W0o03.358Parking: is in the car park or any of the spaces on the side of the road and is free.
From here: cross the road and walk along any of the streets following the signs for the Poble Antic, the old town.
Top tip: this is the best car park to use for visiting the old town.
Altea Car Park 3
N38o36.144 W0o02.857Parking: is in the underground car park and is charged for by length of stay.
From here: cross the town hall square and walk down to the beach, or walk along the main shopping street for the old town.
Top tip: when driving into the car park make sure you keep right into the public car park and not the private one! This is the best car park to use for the tram station and the market, but if you don't mind walking a little further you can use car park 1 or 2 both of which are free!
Altea Marina
N38o35.517 W0o03.322Parking: is in the car park and is free
From here: walk down to the port, turn left and walk way from the boats for the sandy beach and promenade.
Altea Market Large Tuesday Morning
N38o36.347 W0o02.915Parking: this is the coordinate for the market, to park the closest is pay car park 3, or park for free and walk further from car parks 1 and 2.
From here: from pay car park 3 use the bridge to go over the tram line away from the town hall square and then turn right, follow the shopping trolleys to the market.
Altea Tram Station
N38o36.117 W0o02.975Parking: this is the tram station. If you want to park for free use car park 1 or 2 and walk to the station or use pay car park 3 which is underneath the station.
From here: there is only one platform which is used by the trams going north and south. Buy your tickets on the tram.
Top tip: Take a look at the official website to find out timetables.
