This page is all about the town of Altea on the Costa Blanca coast of Spain.
It contains useful Altea tourist information for people intending to visit or holiday in Altea.
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Altea is one of the best places to visit on the Costa Blanca. It has retained it’s beauty and charm unlike many other former fishing villages.
Altea is located south of Calpe and about 15 kilometres north of Benidorm. This makes it a great location to live or visit.
Altea has a quiet charm yet is close to bigger more vibrant towns with good shopping and nightlife.
Other towns nearby are La Nucia, Polop, Callosa d’En Sarria, Albir and Alfaz del Pi.
In this tourist guide to the tourist resort of the town of Altea on the Costa Blanca coast of Spain we help visitors who are planning a trip with useful and practical advice on many tourism related subjects such as airport transfers to Altea, car hire, accommodation, hotels, hostels, apartment to rent, villas to rent, Altea map, sightseeing, weather, where to go, where to stay, travel information and what to see and do in Altea.
To make the best of your visit and holiday we cover everything you need to know about Altea. We also have photos, picture galleries, views, videos and webcams of Altea.
History
Altea has a population of 20,000 but in the summer tourist season this swells to 50,000. The name Altea comes from the Greek: Altahia (I heal) and from the river Algar (the river of the health). Numerous groups of people settled in Altea, including the Iberians, Greeks, Romans and Moslems.
Altea prospered due to it’s strategic importance because the city lies in the vicinity of the mouth of the river Algar. Altea harbour was perfect for supplying the sailors and fisherman with fresh drinking water.
Under the Greek and Roman leaderships, the region became an important trade centre. Many factories sprung up producing dried salt fish.
The production was also improved by the Arabians however Altea was hit badly at the beginning of the 17th century due to attacks by pirates, what led to a dramatic decline of the population numbers and the guns to fight the pirates off are displayed in the town.
Sights and Attractions
Altea is famous for the landmark church of Nuestra Senora del Consuelo or Virgen del Consuelo with its fantastic looking blue roof. This is set up on a hill and can be seen for miles around.
The old town part of Altea is set on a steep hillside and the streets are littered with small designer shops and is popular with artists.
Amongst the narrow streets with their scenic white houses, orange trees and geraniums you’ll find painters, potters and many other traditional craftsmen’s studios.
There is a real authentic Spanish feel to Altea town, often missing from others on the coast.