Gusto Casa Spain

Altea, artistic with picturesque streets

Altea Costa Blanca

Altea, undoubtedly one of the most charming villages on the Costa Blanca. With its whitewashed houses, azure sea, and green hills, this is a place you won’t quickly forget. Here, you won’t find mass tourism, but peace, atmosphere, and a touch of luxury. It’s a town for life lovers, creatives, and those seeking tranquility, and the best part is: You’ll feel at home the moment you arrive.

Do you dream of strolling through atmospheric streets, having breakfast with a sea view, or owning a property with panoramic views of the coast? Then Altea is your place.

This is also where Lindy fell in love with the Costa Blanca, and it was the destination for our very first holiday together.

Altea

What Altea has to offer

Our very first holiday on the Costa Blanca? We spent it in Altea la Vella, at the golf course. Beautiful views, great restaurants, a calm atmosphere, and that charming, somewhat hidden center of Altea… we were hooked. Now that we have a house in Pedreguer, we keep coming back to Altea. Altea has charm, coziness, and warmth. No wide sandy beaches or trendy beach clubs, but real character, color, and class. By the way, the xiringuito El Cranc is truly fantastic and has a bit of an Ibiza vibe, like Playa Olla.

The Old Town is a picture-perfect scene. White houses, blue domes, brightly colored doors, and narrow streets winding up towards the viewpoint. You really feel it in your calves. But it’s worth it. That view… This is one of those places where you stop in silence.

El Cranc Altea Playa Olla
Altea La Vella

Altea

Where do you want to live?

Each neighborhood in Altea has its own atmosphere. Think carefully about what suits you. Here are a few of our favorites:

El Casco Antiguo

Living in a postcard. Small streets, characterful houses, and the most beautiful sea views. Not always practical, but certainly full of charm. Here you’ll find townhouses or apartments. Little outdoor space, high ceilings, and a lot of character. You’ll fall in love with it spontaneously. But it’s definitely less comfortable here.

Altea Hills

Exclusive living in the mountains with views over the bay. A lot of privacy, modern villas, often with infinity pools, and that luxury resort feel. When you drive up with the green letters, it feels like Hollywood. There are stunning villas, but also apartments with large terraces. The view over the greenery and the sea completes it all.

Mascarat & Marina Greenwich

Modern apartments by the marina and the water, with restaurants within walking distance. The view here is beautiful. However, you’re a bit further from the authentic little restaurants and shops.

Cap Negret & La Olla

Right by the sea, with quieter beaches and a more relaxed atmosphere. A lovely mix of houses and apartments, close to the promenade but just outside the hustle and bustle. El Cranc is definitely our favorite here.

Altea la Vella

Our personal favorite. Peace, space, views, and great restaurants. Lots of greenery, a beautiful golf course, and surprisingly a lot of charm for such a small village.

What we drive to Altea for and our favorites during our holidays

  • Acupuncture in Altea: You might not expect this. Especially not in this place. But there’s really a great acupuncturist by the promenade. I drive there especially for him. He’s skilled and speaks good English.
  • Shiraz Wine & Gastrobar: On a lovely square, Dutch owner, great food, and fantastic wines. We ate here at Christmas. We looked at this gentleman and didn’t know where we knew him from. He’s the former owner of Lefebvre and Bresson (now closed) in Utrecht. Two old favorites from our hometown.
  • Paladar: Simply a really good tapas place. They also sell all kinds of delicacies, and you sit comfortably by the promenade. It’s smart to make a reservation because it’s always busy.
  • Il Giardino Nova Bussola (Altea la Vella): Top Italian favorite. Yes, we know we’re in Spain, but we love returning here. Delicious pasta in a large Parmesan bowl. Truly, I love it.
  • Nou Valentino: This is a restaurant in Altea La Vella. Belgian owners, cozy atmosphere, good menu. But the decor, I had my doubts about that 😉
  • Restaurant L’Étiquette: BBeautiful terraces and great food. This is the restaurant of Hotel La Serena. It’s also nice in the off-season when you can privately book their wellness area. We really think it’s a top spot.
  • Xiringuito El Cranc: A fancier beach restaurant with delicious rice dishes and even an alcohol-free sgroppino.
  • Menu del dia at Jacaranda: The restaurant at Altea Golf Club (formerly Don Cayo) has a very affordable Menu del Dia for both lunch and dinner. The quality is good, and you sit on the terrace, soaking up the sun.
  • BG Moda: Beautiful and high-quality brands. Not cheap, but nice items. They also have a home store with delightful scented candles.
Gastrobar Shiraz Altea

Which neighborhood suits you?

Whether you’re looking for the lively bustle of Arenal, the authentic charm of the Old Town, or the tranquility of a villa with sea views, Altea has something for everyone. Here are a few popular neighborhoods:

Each neighborhood in Altea has its own atmosphere. Think carefully about what suits you. Here are a few of our favorites:

El Casco Antiguo: Living in a postcard. Small streets, characterful houses, and the most beautiful sea views. Not always practical, but definitely very atmospheric. You’ll live here in townhouses or apartments. Little outdoor space, high ceilings, and full of character. You’ll fall in love with it instantly. But comfort is a bit less here.

Altea Hills: Exclusive living in the mountains with views over the bay. Lots of privacy, modern villas, often with infinity pools, and that luxury resort feel. When you drive up and see the green letters, it feels like Hollywood. There are beautiful villas here, but also apartments with large terraces. The view of the greenery and the sea completes it all.

Mascarat & Marina Greenwich: Modern apartments by the marina, with restaurants within walking distance. The view here is stunning. However, you’re a bit further from the authentic little restaurants and shops.

Cap Negret & La Olla: Right by the sea, with quieter beaches and a more relaxed atmosphere. A beautiful mix of houses and apartments, close to the promenade but just outside the hustle and bustle.

Altea la Vella: Our personal favorite. Peace, space, views, and great restaurants. Lots of greenery, a beautiful golf course, and surprisingly a lot of charm for such a small village. A similar location to the Hills, but much cheaper. Drive up, and you’ll get some of the best views.

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Why choose Altea?

Altea is a town where everything comes together: rich history, natural beauty, and a vibrant community make it a place where life just feels a little bit better. Whether you dream of a modern apartment by the promenade, a charming townhouse in the historic center, or a luxury villa with an infinity pool in Altea Hills, this is the perfect place to make your Mediterranean dream a reality. Check out our listings.

And Gusto Casa Spain is happy to help you find a beautiful home in Altea. With our knowledge of the local market and personalized approach, we’ll help you find the house that really suits you.