Altea - The Cultural Capital of the Valencian Region

Added: 04/20/2006

Every year more and more people choose the mild Mediterranean climate of the Costa Blanca with its year round sunshine, open beaches and boulevards, and friendly welcoming people. The northern Costa Blanca shares the same privileged climate as California, South Africa and Southern Australia. It's a great place to have a break from the business of life. One sure stop along your way is the city of Altea -- known as the "culture capital" of the Valencia region!

Spain's Northern Costa Blanca is characterized by miles of sand beaches, spectacular mountain ranges and terraced almond and olive orchards leading down to the lowland orange and lemon groves. The fine, white sand of the beaches of Costa Blanca are from where its name came, but there is more to this quiet region than just beautiful beaches. The inland terrain with high craggy mountain peaks, rolling hills covered in cherry blossom and deep lagoons is a paradise for hikers, while the densely populated coastal town provides accommodation and nightlife.

Calpe Rock is a favorite destination for the international climbing community as is the nearby Moro de Toix. By far the most popular Costa Blanca short breaks resort is Benidorm, which is heavily commercialized with many high-rise hotels, animal parks, and other entertainments. The busting Old Town of Benidorm is a good place to experience Spanish life and try out one of the local Tapas bars.

The National Park at Calpe is now home to flocks of flamingos and is worth a visit. The southern side of the Bernia range overlooks beautiful Altea Bay, making a gentle arc with the old hilltop town of Altea at its centre and curving around to its far end at Albir and the Sierra Helada. Altea is located a ten minute drive North of Benidorm and is one of the most memorable coastal towns of the Costa Blanca, retaining its own unique Spanish charm in spite of its increasing tourism and popularity. It lies directly by the sea and is surrounding by rugged mountains. The name comes from the Moorish 'Althaya' which means 'health to all'.
Altea is a town steeped in history and has long been a popular retreat for artists, sculptors and writers. With the recent addition of the University Of Culture And Fine Arts and a new concert hall Altea has been bestowed the official title of the 'Cultural Capital of the Valencian region'. Always influenced by the sea Altea now combines the ancient cobbled streets of the old town with one of the Mediterranean's promenades. The wide pebble beach stretches from La Olla Island to Albir and is a favorite place for its chiringuito bars serving delicious Paellas and the comfortable cafes, pubs and restaurants that line the promenade. Try the Ostereicher for Viennese coffee and cakes or the San San for the younger crowd.

The city centre is a treasure trove of shops, craft galleries, restaurants and little white-washed buildings adorned with flowers, look for the famous blue-domed church of the Virgin de Consuelo. It is well worth the walk, the views from the top overlooking the bay of Altea with the mountain backdrop are nothing short of spectacular. The Church itself is a 'must-see' - spectacular murals, sculptures and stained glass windows - beautiful inside as out.

The Altea market is worth a visit. It's the largest in Costa Blanca taking up much of the sea front and selling everything from fruit and vegetables to clothing and home furnishings. Altea harbor is a little further along with its 360 moorings and boats of all flags from around the world.

Everyone who comes here is sure to be stunned with amazing views and variety of things to do.

Rate this article:

Bad

Good

Article comments:

No comments for this article yet. Post your comment now!

Return to top of the page