An artists' town with a blue-and-white church dome, fine galleries and one of the Costa Blanca's most picturesque old towns
Altea is the Costa Blanca's artists' town — a white-and-blue Mediterranean town that has kept its soul. The iconic blue-and-white church dome is one of the region's most photographed sights. The town centre is home to galleries, ceramics workshops and restaurants serving regional Valencian food.
Why Altea?
Altea — An artists' town with a blue-and-white church dome, fine galleries and one of the Costa Blanca's most picturesque old towns
Altea is the Costa Blanca's artists' town — a white-and-blue Mediterranean town that has kept its soul. The iconic blue-and-white church dome is one of the region's most photographed sights. The town centre is home to galleries, ceramics workshops and restaurants serving regional Valencian food.
Altea on the Costa Blanca attracts international buyers and visitors for: iconic blue-and-white church dome overlooking the town, a thriving artists' scene and galleries and a calm, cultural atmosphere. Below you will find a complete guide to Altea — from culture and transport to prices and practical advice for buyers and renters.
Culture, life and experiences in Altea
Altea is known as the Costa Blanca's artists' town, with a thriving gallery and craft scene in the old town. The iconic blue-and-white domed church tower (Iglesia de Nuestra Señora del Consuelo) is one of the region's most photographed sights and stands over the town's whitewashed houses. Altea celebrates local ferias and has an active cultural life with art exhibitions year-round.
Nightlife in Altea is culturally and relaxedly oriented — wine bars, galleries and restaurants with sea views, rather than club life. It attracts a crowd seeking aesthetics and culture rather than partying.
Transport and infrastructure in Altea
Alicante airport is around 50 minutes' drive from Altea. A local TRAM line connects Altea with Benidorm and Alicante.
Transport is a combination of TRAM, bus and car. Taxis are available, but to a lesser extent than in the bigger tourist destinations.
Tourism, beaches and leisure in Altea
Altea has a mix of sandy and rocky beaches, generally of good quality but not as long and wide as Benidorm's. Golf is not a central part of the town's identity.
Altea is a quiet, culturally oriented town with little nightlife noise. The climate resembles the rest of the northern Costa Blanca — mild and fairly dry, with a charming view over the bay that creates a particular local light that has long attracted artists.
Everyday costs and property advice in Altea
Eating out in Altea is moderately to highly priced, in keeping with the town's cultural and slightly more exclusive image. Rent is above the Costa Blanca average, but below the most exclusive Costa del Sol destinations.
Before you buy: Altea's niche market typically means a slower but stable sales process — buyers here are often more culturally motivated than investment-focused. The Valencia region's tourist licence is required for short-term letting.