DISCOVER ALTEA

Traditionally, Altea has been a highly valued space for artists and craftsmen who have sought refuge in this town. With a recognizable skyline where the two domes of the Parish Church always capture the first glance the upper part of the city is a privileged balcony overlooking the Mediterranean, with narrow pedestrian streets and an enviable atmosphere Crafts and gastronomy play a significant role in this part of the urban core, offering a variety of specialties.

This shift towards the artistic and cultural has been recognized by authorities, who awarded Altea the Cultural Capital of the Comunidad Valenciana in 2019-20. Throughout the year, the city hosts up to 300 high-quality cultural events.

Beyond reading these numbers – which technically reflect what happens – the true enjoyment lies in strolling through the streets of the historic center and breathing in that love for art and culture wherever you go Perceiving it wherever your gaze lands Sensing it behind the door of what seems like a studio, behind the windows that allow the unmistakable Mediterranean light to penetrate the interiors of the houses.

Sensitivity to this reality led the Universidad Miguel Hernández to establish its Fine Arts faculty in Altea, accentuating the city’s artistic character. Furthermore, the programming of concerts, theatrical performances, and the presence of art galleries ensure a continuous flow of cultural activity throughout the year.

By the sea, Altea offers well-equipped beaches for the enjoyment of bathers and boasts three marinas (one located within the fishing port) serving as bases for various nautical and aquatic activities: sailing, rowing, fishing, diving, kayaking, or swimming. Here, you’ll find everything you need to initiate yourself into any activity or refine your technique.

One doesn’t have to be on board a boat to enjoy the sea. Snorkeling is an intense experience that be enjoyed in areas like Cap Negret, the Mascarat y the Olla. Because, if Altea is rich in its upper part, so are its seabeds, teeming with life that offers a daily spectacle of nature.

If you prefer sports on solid ground, cycling is one of the main options In fact, Altea has positioned itself as a reference in road cycling tourism Apart from the fact that the province of Alicante, in general, is a destination frequented by professional cyclists due to its topography and climate, enthusiasts have up to ten routes, starting and ending in Altea, allowing them to enjoy the municipality and surrounding areas.

Moreover, tool benches have been installed for the use of all enthusiasts in case of any unforeseen events. Also, there is comprehensive information about all the businesses and companies related to cycling or declared cycling-friendly.

Nature hides a treasure very close to Altea: the Algar River, where its pools and rapids offer a space for fun and contact with nature suitable for the whole family.

With so much activity, it’s inevitable to think about recharging energy and that’s where gastronomy, another of Altea’s strengths, comes into play. As a tourist destination, Altea offers a diverse range, including restaurants specializing in in international cuisine. But it never loses sight of its origins.

As a coastal town, Altea has a culinary tradition linked to seafood and local produce Among the most typical dishes are arròs amb fessols or l’arròs amb fessols i polp, both rice dishes with beans Depending on the area where ancestors lived, whether by the sea or in the orchard, it’s normal to find these two types of rice, identical in preparation but with a difference in ingredients, featuring octopus in one and a variety of vegetables in the other.

Paellas and rice dishes are traditional in the area: you can find mixed paella, anchovy paella – a local specialty – rice with onion, rice with lobster, rice a banda, and seafood stew.

s for sweets, orange rolls, Easter monas, and sweet potato pastries for Christmas are very typical.

With all that Altea has to offer and the sensitivity shown by its inhabitants, it’s no wonder it has opted to be the first Smart Tourist Destination certified with fewer than 50,000 inhabitants. Another guarantee of quality.