Altea: The true gem of Spain's Costa Blanca

Altea is exactly the kind of town that comes to mind when I think of Spain. Its whitewashed houses adorned with colorful flower-filled balconies, narrow cobblestone streets, and charming plazas create the perfect Mediterranean setting. At the heart of the old town stands the iconic blue-and-white dome of the Church of Our Lady of Consolation, surrounded by inviting cafés, restaurants, boutiques, and artisan shops. As you wander uphill, you're rewarded with breathtaking panoramic views of the Mediterranean Sea that make every step worthwhile. It’s one of those places that instantly makes you slow down and enjoy the moment. If I ever decide to buy a home in Spain, Altea would undoubtedly be at the top of my list.

For the best experience, I highly recommend staying in the historic old town rather than in one of the large beachfront hotels. Being able to step outside your door and stroll through the picturesque streets in the early morning or late evening is part of Altea's magic. We've stayed several times with Mimar Urban Altea, a company that offers beautifully restored homes right in the heart of the old town. The properties feature stunning sea views, authentic Spanish charm, and—best of all—they're pet-friendly! Below are photos of the house we've stayed in on multiple occasions, along with what I consider my dream home in Altea.

Exploring Altea's Charming Old Town

Perched on a hill overlooking the Mediterranean, Altea's Old Town is crowned by the iconic blue-and-white dome of the Church of Our Lady of Consolation, one of the town's most recognizable landmarks. Without a doubt, it is one of the most beautiful and picturesque coastal towns in Spain. Its whitewashed buildings, winding cobblestone streets, colorful flower-filled balconies, and breathtaking sea views create a magical atmosphere that is impossible not to fall in love with. Every corner feels like a postcard, inviting you to slow down and simply enjoy the beauty around you.

The Old Town is also home to some fantastic restaurants. A few of our favorites include:

Crown of India – If you're craving Indian cuisine, this restaurant is an absolute must. The food is outstanding, and if you're lucky enough to get a table on the terrace, you'll enjoy spectacular views of the Mediterranean while you dine.

La Llar dels Santos – We stumbled upon this hidden gem while wandering through the Old Town, and it ended up being one of the highlights of our trip. The owner grows many of the fruits and vegetables used in the dishes in his own organic garden, combining them with fresh local ingredients to create truly exceptional meals. The peaceful courtyard terrace, overlooking the coastline, makes the experience even more memorable.

In Bocca al Lupo – A charming Italian restaurant with a warm, welcoming atmosphere, friendly staff, and delicious homemade dishes at very reasonable prices. It's the perfect place for a relaxing dinner after a day of exploring.

As you wander through the Old Town, don't miss the many scenic viewpoints overlooking the sea. They offer incredible panoramic views and are some of the best places to capture stunning photographs of Altea and the Mediterranean coastline.

If you're visiting during the summer, you'll often find artisan markets, live music, and street performers filling the plazas and narrow streets. Be sure to check the local events calendar before your trip, as there is usually something special happening.

One of my favorite experiences in Altea is taking an early morning walk just after sunrise. Before the cafés open and the visitors arrive, the streets are wonderfully quiet, allowing you to admire the town in complete peace and capture beautiful photos without the crowds. Later in the afternoon, after the traditional Spanish siesta, the town comes alive with locals and visitors enjoying outdoor cafés, shopping, and evening strolls. Experiencing both the peaceful morning and the lively evening is part of what makes Altea such an unforgettable destination.

Take a hike... to the lighthouse!

There is a beautiful natural park in nearby L'albir that has a nice walking path to the lighthouse. It could take between 30 minutes to an hour, depending on your pace, but it has some amazing views of the Mediterranean Sea. There is also a trail that takes you down to a more secluded beach if you don't like crowded beaches. After your hike, you can go down to Albir and enjoy a drink or a meal at one of the many restaurants along playa del Albir.

Rocky beaches

Altea is characterized by having long rocky beaches instead of sandy beaches. To me, there are many advantages and disadvantages to this, but overall, I think I like them! The worst part about the rocky beach is walking (duh), so make sure you bring water shoes if you plan to go for a swim. It is very entertaining watching people trying to leave their flip flops near the water and then walk in. I guess walking in isn't as bad as trying to get out...trust me, it will be your number one entertainment (I have personally entertained people as well). So as long as you bring some water shoes, you'll be fine! There is no sand (or very little), so your things don't get sandy. Also, the sound of the water washing over the rocks is so calming and relaxing! The water for the most part is clear blue, unless you are unlucky enough to come when the algae are washing off, which was the case of our very first visit. My recommendation is: bring a chair and shoes, give it a try and make your own opinion...at least you can say you did it once!

I hope I convinced you to visit this beautiful town! It is really magical, full of amazing restaurants, astonishing views, traditional architecture, and a vibrant lifestyle. If you go once, you will want to come back!