A beautiful, traditional small city on Spain’s Costa Blanca, Altea has almost everything you could want from a Spanish getaway, with mild and pleasant weather all year round, great beaches and authentic old streets lined with whitewashed houses.
For those that want all the fun of a world-class beach holiday without the big crowds and party atmosphere of some of the more famous destinations, it’s the perfect choice. Read on for our list of five great reasons to go to Altea.
Stroll Along the Beach
One of the best things to do after getting set up in your accommodation on any holiday is to head out and hit the beach. It gets you out of the hotel, lets you relax and reminds you why you came away from home.
Here in Altea, you’ll be greeted with white sands and shimmering blue waters, and a new promenade offers the perfect opportunity to stroll along the seafront. While there are restaurants, cafes and bars all around, perhaps the best reason to come here is the view – a panoramic horizon stretching from mountain peaks in the south to the towering, 332m-high Peñon de Ifach to the north.
Wander the Old Town
Once you’ve embraced the sunshine and warmed yourself on the beach, the next place to explore for the laidback traveller is Altea’s old town. Also known as the Casco Antigu, or ancient district, this part of town boasts a range of local craft shops and some truly great restaurants.
As with the beach, though, the main attraction here is the atmosphere that mixing the modern with the traditional in a charming, welcoming way.
Top Tip: Drop into one of the area’s art galleries to appreciate work produced by local talents in a quiet, secluded environment.
Visit Denia
If you want to get out and see some more of the Costa Blanca, the port city of Denia is only a short train ride away.
Just check online or with a tourist rep for service times, turn up to the station and buy your tickets. More mature guests should also make sure to bring their passports, as there’s a 30% seniors’ discount to take advantage of.
Once you arrive in Denia, you can visit one of its several museums, go up to the imposing Denia castle, or just stroll around the marina.
Shop in the Market
While the old town shops are a good place to pick up local crafts, those who appreciate the hustle and bustle and exploratory nature of a market should head to the town’s north side on a Tuesday for a ‘can’t-miss’ shopping experience.
There are markets all around the Costa Blanca, of course, but Altea’s is one of the most popular, and it’s easy to see why. The range of clothing, jewellery, ceramics and more is truly staggering.
Whether you’re looking for a souvenir to remember your trip by or the perfect gift for friends and family at home, you’re guaranteed to find something great here.
Spend Time in Placa de l’Esglesia
Finally, we come to perhaps the best place to spend time in the whole town. Though its name translates to the rather pedestrian-sounding ‘church square’, the Placa de l’Esglesia is one of the most vibrant parts of Altea, offering yet more local craft shops, a buzzing atmosphere and a variety of great little cafes, bars and restaurants. I would suggest visiting this charming spot early in your visit as you’re sure to want to return, even if it is just to soak up the ambiance.
Don’t Miss: The chance to see the main church itself – its blue and white domes are an integral part of the town’s skyline, and one of its best-known landmarks.
Where to Stay
With a continental breakfast available each morning and spacious, comfy units with air-conditioning, flatscreen TV and a private bathroom, the Maison Condesa is perfect for any relaxing stay in Altea. Even better, though, it’s adults-only meaning that those who prefer the quieter life while on holiday can rest assured that they will get it here.
If you want somewhere with a few more bells and whistles, this is for you. Rooms come with all the amenities you’d expect, but also a hydromassage bath and pillow menu. The Salux SH Villa Gadea Thalasso Spa, meanwhile, offers countercurrent pools, Vichy showers and a Turkish bath, as well as a range of different treatments. Add in a great variety of restaurants, including the Miramar and the more exotic Japanese Kitsume and you’ve got the perfect relaxing hotel.
Though it also boasts an outdoor pool, a terrace, and a variety of food and drink options, perhaps the best attraction here is the private access you get to Cap Negret de Altea, a pebble beach with incredible views. There’s also a range of entertainment to sweeten the deal and ensure you’ll never be stuck with nothing to do in the evening.
How to Get There
Flights from the UK to Alicante airport can be very reasonably priced, and you can save even more by avoiding the busiest month of July and the school holidays – another joy of travelling without kids.
Once you’ve landed, a Shuttle Direct transfer will get you from the airport to town in comfort, offering a door-to-door service from arrivals to your accommodation. If you want to avoid the stress of navigating foreign public transport, this is the option for you. I suggest pre-booking in the UK so that you are all set when you arrive.
Overview
- UK to ALC Flight Time: 2 hours 20 minutes
- ALC to Altea Distance: 72 kilometres
- Shuttle Direct Transfer Time: 52 minutes
About Shuttle Direct
Here at Shuttle Direct, we’re proud to be Europe and North Africa’s favourite airport transfer operator. With a fleet of friendly and experienced drivers who know their local areas well, we can get you where you need to go in comfort and style and without any fuss.
