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Whitewashed houses, narrow alleyways and a view of the shimmering blue Mediterranean - Altea looks like a Mediterranean still life composition. The blue-tiled dome of the Nuestra Señora del Consuelo church rises strikingly above the historic town centre and shapes the silhouette of the town.
A stroll through the city reveals the complexity of Altea: the occasional chugging of fishing boats in the harbour, conversations from small street cafés, the clicking of cameras in the old town. The façades tell stories - in the form of azulejos and stone details that date back to antiquity. The origins reach back to the Greeks, Carthaginians and Romans. The Moorish past is also reflected in architectural elements and the city's former affiliation with the Kingdom of Dénia.
Today, the town is primarily known as the cultural centre of the Valencia region. Numerous galleries, open studios and seasonal exhibitions characterise the cityscape.
Contemporary art forms meet traditional craftsmanship in simple, often historic buildings. The three well-known local music schools and the Villa Gadea cultural centre underline Altea's role as a place of artistic exchange. Concerts, workshops and cultural programmes offer a variety of insights into the creative scene throughout the year.
The city structure is divided into two clearly distinguishable areas: the bustling district around the Rey Jaime I shopping street with the harbour and waterfront promenade - and the terraced old town, which stretches up steps and alleyways to the church. Here you will find peace, perspective and impressive views over the bay.
The coastline is around six kilometres long and offers a variety of beaches - from the pebbly bay of La Olla to the dark volcanic rocks at Cap Negret. El Mascarat, La Roda and Cap Blanch are also popular stretches of coast that alternate between being developed for tourism and being close to nature.
Altea is not a classic holiday destination, but rather a place to arrive - for anyone looking for art, history and serenity under the southern sun. Despite its growing popularity, the municipality has retained much of its originality.
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