Altea

Altea is situated in the region of Alicante on the Costa Blanca. This is doubtless one of the most enchanting towns to be encountered on Spain's "White Coast". If you want clubs and the city lights on your holiday, give Altea a miss. This town is a haven for the more discerning tourist who will be fascinated by its medieval cobbled streets, its picturesque old quarter and the joys of its palm-fringed seafront.

The town is just eleven kilometres north of Benidorm only these two holiday resorts  are worlds apart. Altea is a relaxing holiday resort where there's enough to see and do without being troubled by the mayhem which symbolises a few of the busier coastal towns in peak season.

You will find it sixty-two kilometres north of Alicante's El Altet airport. Flight time from the U.K  is approximtely two and a half hours and the drive to Altea takes approximately forty-five minutes on the motorway.

You will pass by the skyscrapers of Benidorm and in the distance you will see one of the Costa Blanca's most distinctive landmarks - the church of Altea with its impressive dome of blue and white glazed ceramic tiles. Make a trip up to the church, through the narrow streets of the old town, among your fist priorities. Thread your way up through the cobbled lanes (a lot are stepped and inaccessible to traffic) until you arrive at the plaza at the top of the hill where you will discover the church and the most splendid views of the mountains and Altea bay.

It's easy to realise how Altea became a centre for musicians, artists and writers from all over Europe when they first found its delights back in the early sixties. The town is nowadays aimed at modern day holidaymaker but still keeps that Bohemian air. You will discover a charming range of small shops offering beautiful local crafts, pictures and gifts. There are first class restaurants where you can savor the local seafood and rice dishes in addition to as some excellent international cuisine.

Alongside the seafront you will discover a series of pebble and shingle beaches where all types of water sports are available during the summertime. The seafront  is also the venue for the vast Tuesday market, among the largest of its kind on the Costa Blanca. It is the ideal place to pick up some outstanding bargains (Moroccan carpets, inexpensive clothing, ceramics etc) along with a few extremely questionable "designer" watches, T-shirts and sunglasses.