Altea: artistic, with picture-book streets
A village you don't forget
Altea is without doubt one of the most charming villages on the Costa Blanca. With its whitewashed houses, azure sea and green hills, it is a place you don't forget. There is no mass tourism here — instead there is quiet, atmosphere and a touch of luxury. It is a town for people who enjoy life, for creative types and for anyone looking for calm. And the lovely thing is that you feel at home immediately.
Do you dream of wandering atmospheric streets, breakfast with a sea view, or a home looking out over the coast? Then Altea is your place.
This is also where Lindy fell in love with the Costa Blanca, and it was where we went on our very first holiday together.
Altea
What Altea has to offer
Our very first Costa Blanca holiday? We spent it in Altea la Vella, by the golf course. Good views, good restaurants, a calm atmosphere and that charming, slightly hidden centre of Altea… we were sold. Now that we have a house in Pedreguer (La Sella) we still keep coming back. Altea has charm; it is warm and welcoming. No wide sandy beaches or fashionable beach clubs — but character, colour and class. And the xiringuito El Cranc is genuinely wonderful, with a hint of the French Riviera about it, down at playa Olla.
The old centre is a painting: white houses, blue domes, brightly coloured doors and streets winding up towards the viewpoint. You feel it in your calves — but it is worth it. That view… it is one of those places that stops you for a moment.
Where do you want to live?
Every part of Altea has its own feel. Think carefully about what suits you. A few of our favourites:
El Casco Antiguo
Living inside a postcard. Small streets, houses full of character and the best sea views in town. Not always practical, but wonderfully atmospheric. You live in townhouses or apartments here: little outdoor space, high ceilings, plenty of character. You fall for it on the spot — but there is genuinely less comfort.
Altea Hills
Exclusive living up in the hills with a view over the bay. Plenty of privacy, modern villas, often with infinity pools and that luxury-resort feeling. Driving up past the lettering set into the hillside, it feels a bit like Hollywood. There are beautiful villas here, and also apartments with large terraces. The view over the greenery and the sea finishes it off.
Mascarat & Marina Greenwich
Modern apartments by the marina and on the water, with restaurants within walking distance. The view here is beautiful. You are a little further from the more authentic restaurants and shops, though.
Cap Negret & La Olla
Right on the sea, with quieter beaches and a more relaxed feel. A good mix of houses and apartments, close to the promenade but just outside the bustle. El Cranc really is our favourite.
Altea la Vella
Our personal favourite. Quiet, space, views and good restaurants. Lots of greenery, a lovely golf course and surprising atmosphere for such a small village. A comparable position to the Hills, but a good deal cheaper. Drive up and the views really are the best around.
What we drive to Altea for
And our favourites from the holidays we spent here.
Acupuncture in Altea
Perhaps not what you would expect, certainly not here. But there is a genuinely good acupuncturist on the promenade. I drive over specially. He knows what he is doing and speaks good English.
Shiraz wine & gastrobar
On a pleasant little square, Dutch owner, good food and wonderful wines. We ate here at Christmas, looked at the owner and couldn't place him — he used to run Lefebvre and Bresson (now closed) in Utrecht. Two old favourites from our own city.
Paladar
Simply a very good tapas place. They sell all sorts of delicatessen items too, and the setting on the promenade is lovely. Worth booking — it is always busy.
Il Giardino Nova Bussola (Altea la Vella)
Our top Italian. Yes, we know we are in Spain, but we keep coming back. Wonderful pasta served out of a great wheel of parmesan. Honestly, I love it.
Nou Valentino
A restaurant in Altea la Vella. Belgian owners, a warm atmosphere, a good menu. The decor, though — I had my doubts 😉
Restaurant L'Étiquette
Beautiful terraces and lovely food. It is the restaurant of Hotel La Serena, and out of season you can hire the spa privately — a nice touch. We rate it highly.
Xiringuito El Cranc
A smarter beach place with wonderful rice dishes and even an alcohol-free sgroppino. It belongs to a large hotel with the restaurant L'Olletta. The mussels are my favourite.
Menu del día at Jacaranda
The restaurant at Golf Club Altea (formerly Don Cayo) does a very affordable menu del día at both lunch and dinner. The quality is good and the terrace catches the sun beautifully.
Hotel Nomad
It reminds us a little of Marrakech: colour, a courtyard garden and good spots to get some work done.
Xe Que Bo
A good gastrobar with lovely food, good wine and remarkably cheap coffee and tea.
BG Moda
Good brands, well made. Not cheap, but lovely things. There is a branch in Dénia too, and they have a homeware shop with wonderful Baobab scented candles.
Why choose Altea?
Altea is a town where everything comes together: the rich history, the natural beauty and a lively community make it a place where life is just that bit better. Whether you dream of a modern apartment on the promenade, a characterful townhouse in the historic centre or a luxury villa with an infinity pool up in Altea Hills, Altea is the perfect place to make your Mediterranean dream real.
And Gusto Casa Spanje is glad to help you find a good home in Altea. With our knowledge of the local market and our personal approach, we find the home that genuinely suits you.
