ALTEA Costa Blanca

ALTEA is a town divided into three parts – the coastal strip which is sandwiched between the warm blue waters of the Mediterranean, and the old town situated high on the hill, which was once an ideal defensive position. There is also an area located further inland which is known simply as Old Altea. The total population consists of about 14,000 people.

In fact Altea is an ancient settlement, and famous for the Christian tower and Moorish blue dome of the ‘village’ church, a landmark which can be seen from miles around because of its prominent position, perched high on the hill occupied by the old town. Judging by the number of postcard photographs of the building seen from afar on sale along the coast, it must be one of the world’s most familiar images of the Costa Blanca.

Scattered around the outskirts of the town are numerous housing developments, where a mixture of residents from abroad and affluent Spaniards own properties. Many of the groups of houses are very exclusive, being of the highest quality.

Altea is important enough to have its own railway station. In fact it has three due to the linear form of the town. The rail route on which it stands connects the important administrative centres of Denia and Alicante, and partly because of the ease of access by rail and road, the town possesses a wide range of shops, hotels and restaurants, as well as sporting facilities, including a very good golf course and a modern yacht harbour. Market day in Altea, every Tuesday, is an event that should not be missed. One market stretches almost the full length of the promenade, whilst another specialising in fruit and vegetables occupies a large area in the old town.