Location
- Beach
- Village
- Coastal
- Romantic
- Historic
- Events / Festivals
- Sightseeing
Altea is situated on a promontory overlooking the Mediterranean, with a backdrop of the Sierra Bernia Mountain range. In times past, it has been inhabited by Iberians, Greeks, Phoenicians, Romans and Arabs. (Altea comes from the Greek word Althaia, meaning “I cure.”) Indeed, with its special microclimate and clean air, it is one of the healthiest places in the world in which to live.
At the highest point of the old town is the church, with its blue and white tiled domes. This is perhaps the most recognized symbol of Altea. While walking the winding, narrow streets with the flower bedecked balconies, the old town surrounding the church appears to have changed little since the 16th century. In these winding alleyways, you will find painters, potters, and traditional crafts studios, in addition to exclusive boutiques and excellent restaurants and cafés. From the church square, which is paved with pebbles from the beach, you have panoramic views of the bay of Altea.