by salvador delclaux January 29, 2023 6 min read

Discovering the beauty and charm of the Mediterranean dome.

A tourist guide to Altea, Costa Blanca" The coastal town of Altea, located in the province of Alicante, is affectionately known as the "dome of the Mediterranean" due to the impressive blue ceramic domes that adorn the Consuelo church and dominate the picturesque old town located on a hill. The charm of Altea lies in its traditional architecture, composed of small white cobbled houses and located on a slope that descends towards the Mediterranean Sea. Tourists who appreciate natural beauty have long discovered the unique charm of Altea and that is why, currently, 40% of its 25,000 inhabitants are foreigners. In addition, Altea is surrounded by other treasures of the Costa Blanca, such as Calpe and Benissa, which also have a rich historical heritage. If you are planning a visit To Altea, there are many activities and places to explore, here we mention them.

Exploring the labyrinth of streets of the old town of Altea: El Fornet

The old town of Altea, known as El Fornet, is a true architectural jewel that has stood the test of time and has maintained its traditional appearance despite the constant flow of tourists on the Costa Blanca. Overlooking the Mediterranean Sea, this labyrinth of cobbled streets and winding stairs spreads organically over a hill. What makes this place special are the little details that make it unique, like the unexpected mosaics, ornate doors, and colorful flowers in every corner. If you are planning a visit to Altea, we recommend that you get lost in its streets and let yourself be surprised by everything it has to offer you.

The majestic church of Consuelo: the architectural symbol of Altea

In the heart of the city of Altea, majestically located on a hill, is one of the most impressive architectural jewels in the region: the Consuelo church. This majestic Catholic temple is the main symbol of the city and is visible from anywhere, from the promenade to the nearby beaches. The church is known for its two large blue ceramic domes, a distinctive feature that has become an inseparable symbol of Altea.

The history of the Consuelo church dates back to the beginning of the 17th century, when an austere temple was built in the same place. However, in 1901 a renovation was carried out and the current building was constructed, which has been carefully restored and maintained ever since. The combination of ancient and modern architecture makes this church a unique and spectacular place that is a must-see for any traveler visiting Altea.

The city of Altea offers two main routes to reach the iconic Temple of Consuelo. One of them is the so-called Costera del Mestre de la Música, a staircase that winds between white houses and whitewashed buildings, providing an impressive view of the city as you climb. The other option is Pont de Moncau street, which runs through charming squares, such as Plaza del Agua or Plaza de la Cruz, where you can find a variety of bars, pubs and restaurants. Both itineraries offer a unique and exciting experience, full of history and culture, and are full of surprises around every corner. No matter which route you decide to choose, we assure you that your trip to the Consuelo church will be an unforgettable experience.

Unique and impressive experience at the Cronistas viewpoint: the best viewpoint in Altea.

The city of Altea is known for its impressive natural beauty and rich history, but one of the best ways to appreciate all this wonder is through its viewpoints. One of the most notable viewpoints is the one located near the church of Nuestra Señora del Consuelo, known as the Cronistas viewpoint or the Muralla viewpoint. From here, you can enjoy a stunning panoramic view of the city, its port and the distant cliffs of the Sierra Helada, and on clear days, you can even see Benidorm's Peñón de Ifach. This viewpoint has recently been included in the list of the most beautiful viewpoints in Spain, and it is easy to understand why. The view is simply stunning. The Cronistas viewpoint is an ideal place to watch the sunset and enjoy a stunning view of the city and its surroundings. The town is built on a steep slope, which means there are many other charming viewpoints in the area worth visiting, each with a unique and spectacular view. In addition, the Cronistas viewpoint is a historical place, since it is part of the wall that surrounded the city in times past.

The Altea Weekly Market: a unique experience of culture and tradition.

The Altea market is a true expression of the city's culture and tradition, and one of the main tourist attractions. Every Tuesday, the weekly market is held, an event that brings together hundreds of stalls that open their doors from early in the morning and close in the afternoon. The market is structured in two main areas: on Calle de la Filarmónica, there are stalls selling fresh fruits and vegetables from the nearby garden, offering a wide variety of local and seasonal products. Meanwhile, on Camí del l'Algar street and in the Town Hall square, there are stalls selling clothing, footwear, bags, purses, hats and a wide variety of artisan products and decorative objects. However, you do not have to be interested in shopping to enjoy the Altea market, as it is a social event that you should not miss, as it is an opportunity to experience local life and enjoy the bohemian atmosphere of the city. It is an environment full of color and energy, where you can taste local food.

Exploring the beautiful Paseo Marítimo de Altea: a place to enjoy nature, the sea and fun.

The Paseo Marítimo de Altea is a wonderful area that offers a unique experience for visitors. The boulevard, which begins at the port and extends for one kilometer, is the perfect place to enjoy a walk or a bike ride while admiring the beautiful seascape. Along the promenade, there are a wide variety of restaurants and bars offering delicious rice and seafood dishes, as well as numerous volleyball fields and children's swings located on the beach. La Roda beach is the main beach in the urban center and is 1,400 meters long. This beach has been awarded the blue flag due to the excellent quality of its waters and services, and is a popular place for water sports such as windsurfing, kayaking and scuba diving. Further north is l'Espigo beach, an artificial lagoon created sheltered from the mouth of the Algar River in 2016. Its waters are always calm, which makes it the best option to enjoy with children. In summary, the Paseo Marítimo de Altea is an essential place for those looking to enjoy an unforgettable holiday surrounded by nature and the sea.

Discovering the tranquility of Playa de la Olla in Altea: a place to enjoy the sea and nature.

Playa de la Olla in Altea is an impressive place to visit and enjoy a day at the beach. With a shore of sand, gravel and stones that extends for about a kilometer, this beach is ideal for those looking for a quiet place away from the hustle and bustle of the city. In this suburban area, where chalets and orchards abound, you can rent small boats and surfboards to enjoy the waves of the sea. In addition, it is possible to swim to the two islets that protrude from the sea a few meters further in, known as Isleta de l'Olla. It is important to mention that La Olla beach is quiet all year round, but on August 10, during the San Lorenzo festival, it is filled with people due to the launching of fireworks known as "El Castell de l'Olla" . If you are in Altea on that date, don't miss this impressive celebration. In short, Playa de la Olla is an ideal place for those looking for a relaxing and peaceful experience in contact with nature and the sea.

Discovering the beauty of the Temple of the Archangel Michael near Altea: an architectural and religious jewel.

If you are looking to explore places beyond Altea, we recommend that you visit the Temple of the Archangel Michael. This impressive Russian Orthodox temple is located on the road to Calpe, near the Altea Hills urbanization. It is the first Russian Orthodox church built in Spain and its architecture is unique and inspired by the churches of the 17th century. The church is built with materials from the Urals and is easily visible from the N-332 highway. It is a place of great importance to the Russian Orthodox community and an interesting visit for those interested in architecture and religion. Without a doubt, it is a place that deserves to be visited and appreciated for its beauty and history.

Snorkeling on Albir Beach: A unique experience in a natural oasis near Altea.

Albir Beach is a special place to visit and enjoy a day at the beach. Although this beach is located outside the limits of Altea, it is very close to it. With a stone shore, it is especially recommended for snorkeling due to the rich fauna and flora that inhabit its seabed, especially the Posidonia meadows. This is supported by the blue flag that flies on its beaches and its isolated location. It is an ideal place for those looking for a unique experience in contact with nature and the sea. Without a doubt, it is a place that should be visited and appreciated for its beauty and natural wealth.


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