Altea
Whitewashed streets, artistic charm and coastal views — ideal for couples and relaxed Costa Blanca holidays
Overview
Things To Do
Deals
Travel Guide
Altea, located on Spain’s Costa Blanca between Benidorm and Calpe, is a picturesque coastal town known for its whitewashed Old Town, artistic atmosphere and relaxed pace. Around 2.5 hours from the UK via Alicante Airport, it offers warm summers reaching 30°C+ and mild winters around 15–20°C. Unlike larger resorts, Altea has preserved its traditional character, with narrow streets, artisan shops and scenic viewpoints. The town combines beaches, culture and nature, with easy access to nearby destinations. Altea holidays appeal to UK travellers seeking authenticity, tranquillity and scenic coastal views.
✨ Why Visit Altea
- Charming Old Town — whitewashed streets and historic architecture
- Artistic atmosphere — galleries, studios and local crafts
- Quieter than Benidorm — relaxed, low-rise environment
- Scenic coastal setting — views of mountains and Mediterranean coastline
- Short transfer time — around 1 hour from Alicante Airport
- Great base for exploring — close to Calpe, Benidorm and inland villages
🌴 What Makes Altea Special
Altea stands apart from nearby Benidorm and Calpe due to its preserved character and artistic heritage. While Benidorm is known for nightlife and high-rise hotels, Altea offers a slower pace with traditional architecture and cultural appeal. Compared to Calpe, Altea’s Old Town is more historic and visually distinctive, with elevated viewpoints and narrow streets creating a unique atmosphere. It is one of the most authentic destinations on the Costa Blanca.
📍 Key Areas to Explore
- Altea Old Town — Historic hilltop centre with galleries and cafés
- Playa de la Roda — Central beach with promenade and restaurants
- Cap Negret — Quieter beach area with natural surroundings
- Altea Marina (Campomanes) — Harbour with dining and nightlife
- Serra Gelada — Nearby natural park with hiking trails
A relaxed coastal town combining culture, beaches and scenic exploration.
🏞️ Nature & Outdoor Activities
- Walk coastal trails in Serra Gelada Natural Park with sea and mountain views
- Hike paths around Altea hills offering panoramic views over the coastline
- Cycle quiet roads connecting Altea to Calpe and surrounding areas
- Explore nearby countryside and traditional inland villages
🏖️ Beaches
- Relax at Playa de la Roda with calm waters and promenade cafés
- Swim at Cap Negret beach with quieter surroundings and clear water
- Visit nearby coves along the coastline for a more secluded experience
- Take short trips to sandy beaches in Benidorm or Calpe
🍽️ Food & Drink
- Dine at restaurants in Altea Old Town with views over the Mediterranean
- Try traditional tapas and seafood dishes in local eateries
- Enjoy Alicante wines in relaxed bars and cafés
- Visit marina restaurants for seafront dining experiences
🎉 Nightlife & Entertainment
- Enjoy relaxed evening bars in Altea Old Town
- Visit marina lounges for a more vibrant atmosphere
- Attend cultural events and live music in summer
- Take short trips to Benidorm for nightlife options
📸 Instagram-Worthy Spots
- Blue-domed church in Altea Old Town
- Whitewashed streets and stairways overlooking the sea
- Coastal views from Serra Gelada
- Altea marina with boats and sunset reflections
Best Value Deals
🏨 All Inclusive Holidays
Altea has limited all-inclusive options, as the town focuses on boutique hotels and apartments. Nearby resorts such as Benidorm offer a wider selection within a short drive. Expect packages from £300pp including flights in shoulder season, providing strong value for a quieter coastal stay.
👨👩👧👦 Family Holidays
Altea is suitable for families seeking a calm and safe environment. Beaches are clean and accessible, while the promenade provides space for walking and cycling. For larger attractions such as water parks and theme parks, Benidorm is just 10–15 minutes away.
💎 Luxury Holidays
Luxury in Altea focuses on boutique hotels, hillside villas and marina properties. Expect stylish accommodation, sea views and peaceful surroundings. Compared to Marbella, Altea offers a more understated and authentic luxury experience at a lower price point.
⏰ Last-Minute Deals
Altea offers good last-minute deals due to its mix of apartments and smaller hotels. Discounts are common outside peak summer months, particularly in May, June and October. Flexible dates help secure the best value.
Why book with us:
💷 Low deposits from £49pp
🔄 Flexible payment plans with balance due 6 weeks before travel
🛡️ ATOL Protected — your money and flights are safeguarded
✅ Free amendment window on selected packages
📞 UK-based customer support, 8am–11pm every day
📅 Best Time to Visit Altea
Altea enjoys a warm Mediterranean climate. Summer (June–August) reaches 28–32°C, ideal for beach holidays. May, June and September offer 24–28°C with fewer crowds and better value. Winter remains mild at 15–20°C, suitable for city breaks and long stays.
🏨 Where to Stay
- Families: Playa de la Roda, Cap Negret
- Couples: Altea Old Town
- Luxury travellers: Marina and hillside villas
- Budget travellers: Central apartments
🚗 Getting Around
Altea is walkable, especially around the Old Town and beachfront. Trams connect Altea to Benidorm, Alicante and Calpe (€2–€6). Car hire (€25–€40/day) is useful for exploring inland areas and the wider Costa Blanca.
💡 Travel Tips
- Wear comfortable shoes for walking Old Town cobbled streets
- Visit Old Town early morning or evening to avoid heat
- Tap water is safe but bottled water is commonly preferred
- Use trams for scenic coastal travel
- Book restaurants in peak summer evenings
Map Of Altea
Top Experiences
Explore Iglesia de Nuestra Señora del Consuelo
Iconic blue-domed church overlooking the Old Town and coastline.
Walk Altea Old Town
Cobblestone streets, art galleries and whitewashed houses with sea views.
Relax at Playa de la Roda
Central pebble beach with promenade cafés and calm waters.
Visit Altea Marina
Harbour area with restaurants, bars and boat trips.
Day trip to Guadalest
Scenic inland village with castle views and museums.
Explore Serra Gelada Natural Park
Coastal reserve with walking trails and panoramic viewpoints.
Travel Information
Everything You Need To Know Before You Jet Off To Altea.