Altea

Altea is a town and municipality in the province of Alicante, in the Valencian Community of Spain. It lies on the Costa Blanca, north of Benidorm, along the Mediterranean coast. The municipality includes a low-lying coastal zone and a historic hillside area, with the old town perched above the sea.

The historic center preserves a medieval street plan and whitewashed houses, clustered around the blue-domed Church of Nuestra Señora del Consuelo, a prominent symbol of the town. Its roots stretch back to ancient Iberian and Moorish periods, with development continuing under the Crown of Aragon after the Reconquista. The old town remains a focal point for visitors and cultural life, while newer neighborhoods spread along the coast.

Altea is known for its crafts tradition, including pottery and ceramics, as well as its galleries and artisan workshops. The town hosts cultural events and religious and folk celebrations throughout the year. The surrounding coastline offers a Mediterranean landscape of cliffs and coves, and the nearby Serra Gelada Natural Park enhances the scenic setting with coastal viewpoints and natural habitats.

The local economy is driven by tourism, services, and fishing, with agriculture persisting in inland valleys. Altea is connected by road to the A-7 coastal corridor and nearby towns; rail access is limited, with the nearest major stations in Alicante or Benidorm. The climate is Mediterranean, featuring mild winters and hot, dry summers, which supports year-round visitation and agricultural activity in the area.