An artists' town with a blue-and-white church dome, fine galleries and one of the Costa Blanca's most picturesque old towns
Short-term letting in Altea requires a Valencia tourist licence. The town's aesthetic and cultural image allows for premium positioning.
Why Altea?
The rental letting market in Altea
Short-term letting in Altea requires a Valencia tourist licence. The town's aesthetic and cultural image allows for premium positioning.
Altea, as part of the Costa Blanca, has solid demand for holiday accommodation year round, driven by both tourists and the growing number of digital nomads and long-stay travellers. That makes the town an attractive place to own a property you let out when you are not using it yourself.
Tourist licence and rules in Altea
To let your property in Altea on a short-term basis (under roughly 2-3 months per tenant) you need a valid tourist licence. In Valencia region this is issued by the Generalitat Valenciana, and you must register the property with a specific licence number that must appear in all listings.
The rules are actively enforced, and fines for illegal letting can run into several thousand euros. It is therefore essential to have the licence sorted before you start advertising the property on Airbnb, Booking.com or similar platforms.
Expected rental income in Altea
In high season, a property in Altea can typically be let for 700-1,800 EUR per week in high season for an apartment or smaller villa. Over a full year, with a realistic occupancy rate of 50-70% in the most popular areas, this can provide a solid ongoing return — particularly if the property is also used privately outside the season.
Remember that rental income must be taxed in Spain (typically 19% for EU citizens on net income) and may also need to be declared in your home country — but double taxation treaties typically prevent you from paying full tax twice on the same income.
How to get started letting in Altea
Start by applying for a tourist licence from the Generalitat Valenciana, and make sure the property meets the requirements for safety, fire equipment and signage. Next, you should invest in professional photos — in a market like Altea, where iconic blue-and-white church dome overlooking the town is a big part of the appeal, good photos make a real difference to your booking rate.
Consider whether you want to manage the letting yourself, or use a local property management company that handles key handover, cleaning and guest communication — particularly relevant if you do not live in Spain full time.
Long-term letting as an alternative in Altea
If you prefer a more stable, less administration-heavy solution, long-term letting (over a year) to locals or expats can be a good alternative to seasonal short-term letting. It does not require the same tourist licence, but is instead governed by the general tenancy law (LAU), which gives the tenant stronger rights.
Areas in Altea
Explore the individual areas in Altea for more specific information on prices and character:
Frequently asked questions about letting in Altea
Do I need a tourist licence to let my property in Altea?
Yes, if you let it short-term to tourists. The licence is issued by the Generalitat Valenciana in Valencia region, and the licence number must appear in all your listings on platforms such as Airbnb and Booking.com.
How much can I earn letting out my property in Altea?
In high season, a property can typically be let for 700-1,800 EUR per week in high season for an apartment or smaller villa. The annual return depends on the occupancy rate, but 50-70% during the most popular periods is realistic for a well-located property in Altea.
Which platforms should I use to let my property in Altea?
Airbnb and Booking.com are the most widely used platforms and offer the broadest exposure. For luxury properties, specialised platforms aimed at premium holiday rentals can attract a more qualified pool of guests.
What is the difference between short-term and long-term letting in Altea?
Short-term letting requires a tourist licence and generates higher income per night, but requires more administration and is subject to seasonal swings. Long-term letting does not require a tourist licence, provides a more stable income, but is governed by the general tenancy law, which gives tenants stronger rights.
Do I need to declare rental income from Altea in my home country?
In most cases, yes — rental income typically needs to be declared in your home country, but you usually pay Spanish tax on the income first (around 19% for EU citizens), and this can then be offset against tax owed at home under the relevant double taxation treaty, so you are not taxed twice on the same income. Check the specific rules that apply in your country of residence.
Need help letting out your property in Altea?
Contact us for a no-obligation chat about your options in Altea. We give impartial advice and help you move forward — whether you're just starting your research or ready to take the next step.
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