Things to Do in Altea
Discover the Whitewashed Old Town, Blue Domes and Beautiful Costa Blanca Coastline
Whitewashed houses, narrow cobbled streets filled with flowers and a beautiful church with distinctive blue domes. Welcome to Altea, one of the most picturesque towns on the Costa Blanca! Just a short drive south of Moraira, Altea is a wonderful place to spend an afternoon or an entire day.
Wander through the charming Old Town, discover independent boutiques and art galleries, enjoy a leisurely lunch in a beautiful square or take a stroll along the Mediterranean seafront. And don’t forget your camera. Around almost every corner, you’ll discover another lovely street or a wonderful view towards the sea.
We’ve been living on the Costa Blanca for many years, and Altea remains one of our favourite places to visit.
Here are our favourite things to do in Altea, together with a few practical local tips to help you make the most of your visit.
Explore Altea Old Town | Whitewashed Streets and Mediterranean Charm
The historic centre of Altea, known as the Casco Antiguo, sits on a hillside overlooking the Mediterranean Sea. It’s the beautiful whitewashed Old Town that makes Altea so recognisable. Narrow cobbled streets, traditional houses decorated with colourful flowers, small art galleries and charming independent shops create a wonderfully Mediterranean atmosphere. One of the nicest things about exploring Altea Old Town is that you don’t really need a route. Simply wander through the streets, turn down a little side road and discover something unexpected. You might come across a beautiful doorway, a small gallery or a viewpoint overlooking the sea. Look out for Portal Vell and Portal Nou, two historic gateways that remind visitors of Altea’s fortified past.
Our tip: visit the Old Town in the morning or towards the end of the afternoon, particularly during the summer months.
The streets are steep and sometimes uneven, so comfortable walking shoes are definitely recommended.
Visit Altea’s Famous Blue-Domed Church
One of the most famous attractions in Altea is the beautiful Iglesia de Nuestra Señora del Consuelo. Its striking blue-and-white tiled domes rise above the white houses and have become the symbol of the town. You can spot the church from several places along the coast, but it’s even more impressive when you reach the top of the Old Town. The present church was built in the early twentieth century and stands in the heart of the historic centre. Even if you’re not particularly interested in churches, this is one landmark you shouldn’t miss. And immediately outside, you’ll discover another of our favourite places in Altea.
Plaza de la Iglesia | A Beautiful Square with Wonderful Views
For us, Plaza de la Iglesia is one of the loveliest spots in Altea. This charming square surrounds the famous church and is home to several restaurants, bars and welcoming terraces. It’s the perfect place to stop for a coffee, a refreshing drink or a relaxed lunch after exploring the steep streets. But don’t leave without taking a short walk towards the nearby viewpoints. From here, you’ll enjoy lovely views across the white rooftops, surrounding hills and the Mediterranean Sea. The atmosphere is especially beautiful later in the day, when the afternoon sun casts a warm glow over the whitewashed buildings.
Our personal tip: if you have time, stay in Altea until the early evening.
As the terraces begin to fill and the streets become a little livelier, the Old Town takes on a completely different atmosphere.
Walk Along Altea’s Seafront Promenade
Altea has much more to offer than its beautiful Old Town. Down by the Mediterranean, you’ll find a long seafront promenade with restaurants, cafés and terraces overlooking the water. It’s a lovely place for a leisurely walk, an ice cream or a long lunch beside the sea. Unlike the sandy beaches of Moraira, many of Altea’s beaches are covered with smooth pebbles and gravel. Playa de la Roda is one of the best-known beaches close to the town centre. If you’re planning to swim, bringing water shoes is a good idea.
We particularly enjoy combining a wander through Altea Old Town with a walk along the seafront. It’s a lovely way to experience two very different sides of the town in one visit. And if you enjoy watching boats, you can also explore the marina area.
Shopping in Altea | Boutiques, Art Galleries and Local Treasures
Altea has long attracted artists and creative people, and you can still see that influence throughout the Old Town. Instead of large shopping centres, you’ll find independent boutiques, small galleries, jewellery shops and businesses selling ceramics, artwork and home accessories. It’s the kind of place where you might unexpectedly discover a lovely handmade souvenir or something unusual for your home. The streets around the historic centre are particularly enjoyable for browsing.
Lower down in town, around Avenida Jaume I, you’ll find a more traditional shopping area with a mixture of shops, cafés and local businesses. And when you’ve finished shopping, there’s always a terrace nearby where you can sit down and enjoy the Spanish sunshine.
Cervezas Althaia | Discover a Local Craft Brewery
Fancy doing something a little different during your day in Altea? If you enjoy craft beer, we’d recommend taking a look at Cervezas Althaia, a local brewery producing a variety of speciality beers. The brewery offers guided tours where you can learn about the brewing process and discover how its beers are made. A typical visit lasts approximately one and a half to two hours and includes a tasting of four beers paired with locally produced food.
English-language tours are available on selected days. It’s an enjoyable alternative to sightseeing, particularly if you’ve visited Altea before and are looking for a different experience.
Our tip: book ahead and check the current tour schedule before making your way to the brewery.
Discover the guided tours and tastings at Cervezas Althaia.
Love Walking? Discover the Sierra de Bèrnia
If you enjoy hiking, the mountains surrounding Altea offer another wonderful reason to explore the area. The nearby Sierra de Bèrnia is known for its dramatic scenery and panoramic views over the Mediterranean coastline. One of the best-known walking routes leads towards the Forat de Bèrnia, a natural tunnel through the mountain with remarkable views on the other side. However, this is a proper mountain walk, not a casual stroll through Altea.
Some circular routes are approximately 11 kilometres long and include rocky paths and substantial changes in elevation. For that reason, we’d recommend planning a mountain walk as a separate activity, particularly during the warmer months. If you’re visiting Altea for the first time, we’d concentrate on the Old Town, church and seafront instead. There’s plenty to enjoy without trying to fit everything into one day!
How to Get to Altea from Moraira
Altea makes an easy day trip from Moraira. The drive generally takes around 35 to 45 minutes, depending on the route, traffic and where you’re staying. You can follow the coastal route via Calpe and the N-332, which offers several attractive views of the Mediterranean along the way. Alternatively, you can travel via the AP-7 motorway.
We particularly enjoy the coastal route when we’re not in a hurry. It’s a lovely opportunity to appreciate more of the coastline between Moraira, Calpe and Altea.
Where Is the Best Place to Park in Altea?
Because Altea Old Town is located on a hill, we wouldn’t recommend trying to drive through its narrow historic streets looking for somewhere to park. Instead, leave your car in the lower part of town and explore on foot. One convenient option is Parking Plaza del Ayuntamiento, close to Avenida Jaume I. From the car park, it’s approximately a fifteen-minute walk to the Old Town and the church. Bear in mind that the route involves a noticeable uphill climb. The car park also has fairly tight spaces, so drivers of larger vehicles may prefer to look at alternative parking areas. If you’re mainly visiting the promenade and beach, parking closer to the seafront may be more convenient.
Find Parking Plaza del Ayuntamiento in Altea.
Can You Travel from Moraira to Altea by Tram?
Yes, although it takes a little more planning. Moraira doesn’t have its own tram station, but nearby Teulada is served by Line 9 of TRAM d’Alacant, which connects with Altea. You’ll first need to arrange transport from Moraira to Teulada station. The tram offers an interesting alternative to driving and provides another way to discover the Costa Blanca. However, we recommend checking the latest timetable before travelling, particularly for your return journey.
Check the official TRAM d’Alacant website.
Our Favourite Way to Spend a Day in Altea
If friends staying in Moraira asked us how we’d spend a first visit to Altea, we’d suggest something simple:
Seafront promenade · Old Town · Blue-domed church · Mediterranean viewpoints · A long lunch or early dinner around Plaza de la Iglesia.
You don’t need to rush. Altea is one of those places where wandering through the streets and stopping for a drink can be just as enjoyable as visiting the main attractions. And if you visit during the summer, we’d consider exploring the waterfront first and heading into the Old Town later in the afternoon, when temperatures become more comfortable. Sometimes the best holiday experiences are the ones you don’t plan too carefully.
Discover Altea from Your Holiday Villa in Moraira
One of the things we love most about Moraira is its location. You can enjoy the peaceful atmosphere of a smaller Mediterranean coastal town, while places such as Altea, Calpe, Jávea and Guadalest are all within easy reach. Spend the day discovering Altea’s beautiful streets, enjoy a leisurely lunch overlooking the sea and return to your holiday villa for a refreshing swim in your private pool. Not a bad way to spend a holiday, is it?
At Moraira Holiday Homes, we’ve been specialising in holiday accommodation in Moraira and the Benissa Costa since 2004. Because we live locally and know our properties personally, we’re always happy to share our favourite places and help you discover more of this beautiful part of Spain.
Looking for a comfortable base for your Costa Blanca holiday? Explore our holiday villas and apartments in Moraira.
More Beautiful Day Trips from Moraira
Altea is just one of many wonderful places to discover during your holiday. From the picturesque streets of Jávea to the mountain village of Guadalest and the dramatic coastline around Calpe, there’s always somewhere interesting to explore.
Discover our favourite day trips and excursions from Moraira.
Frequently Asked Questions About Altea
What are the best things to do in Altea?
The main attractions in Altea include exploring the whitewashed Old Town, visiting the famous blue-domed church of Nuestra Señora del Consuelo, enjoying the atmosphere of Plaza de la Iglesia and admiring the Mediterranean viewpoints. The seafront promenade, art galleries, independent shops and nearby Sierra de Bèrnia also make Altea well worth visiting.
Is Altea worth visiting from Moraira?
Absolutely! Altea is one of our favourite day trips from Moraira. It generally takes around 35 to 45 minutes to reach by car, depending on traffic. You can explore the historic centre, visit small boutiques, enjoy a leisurely lunch and take a stroll along the Mediterranean promenade. It’s suitable for both a half-day excursion and a full day out.
Where is the best place to park in Altea?
We recommend parking in the lower part of Altea rather than driving through the narrow streets of the Old Town. Parking Plaza del Ayuntamiento is one option, approximately fifteen minutes’ walk from the historic centre. The route to the church involves an uphill climb, and parking spaces can be tight. If you’re mainly visiting the beach, look for parking closer to the seafront.
What is the best time of year to visit Altea?
Altea is worth visiting throughout the year. Spring and autumn are particularly pleasant because the temperatures are usually comfortable for walking through the historic centre. During July and August, we recommend visiting early in the morning or later in the afternoon. The Old Town is especially atmospheric in the evening, when the terraces and restaurants become livelier.
How long do you need to explore Altea?
Half a day is usually enough to explore the Old Town, visit the church and enjoy the main viewpoints. However, we’d recommend allowing a full day if you’d also like to walk along the promenade, browse the shops or enjoy a relaxed lunch or dinner. Altea is a place where taking your time is part of the experience.
Can you visit Altea without a car?
Yes, although travelling from Moraira requires some planning. Moraira doesn’t have a tram station, but you can travel from nearby Teulada to Altea on Line 9 of TRAM d’Alacant. You’ll need to arrange transport to Teulada first. Check the latest timetables before travelling, especially for the return journey.
Does Altea have sandy beaches?
Most of Altea’s beaches are predominantly pebbly or covered with gravel, rather than the soft sand found at some other Costa Blanca destinations. Playa de la Roda is one of the main beaches close to the centre and promenade. Water shoes can make swimming and walking along the shoreline more comfortable.
