Intro
Costa Blanca's prettiest secret sits just 10km from Benidorm – but feels like a different world. Altea serves up whitewashed old town charm, gorgeous pebble beaches, and knockout Mediterranean views without the madness.
Why Visit Altea? 🎨🏖️
Destination Highlights ✨
🏛️ Stunning old town with cobbled streets, blue-domed church, and jaw-dropping sea views
🏖️ 6km of gorgeous pebble beaches – crystal-clear water perfect for swimming and snorkelling
🎨 Artsy, bohemian vibe – packed with galleries, craft shops, and proper Spanish character
🌅 10km from Benidorm close enough to visit when you want to go wild, but far enough to get some rest whilst you're away!
Good to Know 💡
The Essentials 📍
Weather: Mediterranean climate with hot summers (28-31°C) and mild winters (13-17°C). June to September is peak sunshine time, with barely any rain and 10+ hours of sun daily. Water temps hit a lush 23-26°C summer through early autumn.
Price Guide: A pint will set you back around €2.50-3.50, with a three-course meal at a local restaurant about €20-25 per person. Beach bars are brilliant for sundowners without breaking the bank.
Getting Around: The old town's pedestrian-only and perched on a hill (proper workout!), but it's gorgeous. Flat promenade along the beach is perfect for strolls. Buses run regularly to Benidorm and Alicante – dead cheap at around €1.60.
Fun Fact 🌍
Marina Greenwich in Altea sits right on the Prime Meridian (0° longitude) – it's the only marina in the Valencian Community with this claim to fame. You can literally stand between the eastern and western hemispheres!
Top Hotels in Altea 🏨
For Beach Lovers 🏖️
Hotel Cap Negret
Right on the beachfront with direct access to the sand. Pools for adults and kids literally by the seashore, plus they've got entertainment, a gym, and kids' club in summer. All rooms have terraces with views – proper holiday vibes. Golf course just 7km away if you fancy a round.
Pierre & Vacances Altea Port
Down at Puerto Luis Campomanes, close to beaches and away from the major tourist centres. Two-bedroom self-catering apartments with kitchenettes, balconies, and outdoor pool. Marina location means loads of bars, restaurants, and water sports on your doorstep – brilliant for families who want flexibility.
Need More Options? 🏨
Check out nearby Albir and Calpe for more hotels just a short drive away, or look at Benidorm if you want maximum choice with all the action.
What to Do in Altea 🎯
For Culture Vultures 🎨🏛️
Old Town wandering – climb the cobbled streets to Plaza de la Iglesia and the stunning blue-domed Church of Nuestra Señora del Consuelo
Art galleries and craft shops everywhere – Altea's been a bohemian artist haven for decades
Viewpoint hopping – cracking panoramas across to
Benidorm, Calpe Rock, and the Sierra Helada mountains
Tuesday street market – biggest on the Costa Blanca, running from 5:30pm (perfect for late risers!)
For Beach Bums 🏖️☀️
Playa de la Roda – main beach right by town with promenade, cafes, and all facilities
Cap Negret Beach – kilometre-long stretch with crystal-clear water and distinctive black pebbles
La Olla Beach – gorgeous spot with an islet you can swim or kayak to for snorkelling
Mascarat Beach – hidden gem between cliffs with calm, clear water for divers
For Active Types 🚴♂️⛰️
Sierra Helada Natural Park – stunning coastal hikes with cliffs over 400m high (Spain's tallest on the east coast!)
Marina Greenwich – three marinas offering kayaking, paddleboarding, boat trips, and water sports
Forat de Bernia hike – spectacular mountain trail with panoramic sea views at the end
Diving and snorkelling – pebble beaches mean crystal-clear visibility underwater
For Foodies 🦞🍷
Fresh seafood everywhere – beachfront restaurants serving catch of the day with Med views
Traditional rice dishes – this region does paella and arròs properly
Old town tapas – hidden gems in the narrow streets serving proper local flavours
Marina dining – loads of choice at Puerto Luis Campomanes with international and Spanish cuisine
When to Visit Altea 📅
Peak Season (July-August) 🌡️🔥
Hottest time with temps hitting 30-33°C and beach season in full swing. Old town gets busier but never as rammed as Benidorm. Sea temps at their warmest (24-26°C) – perfect for swimming.
What's On:
San Pedro Festival (June 24th) – massive celebrations with fireworks
Moors and Christians re-enactments – late August medieval battle performances
Evening summer markets along the seafront
Shoulder Season (May-June & September-October) 🍃☀️
Brilliant time to visit with gorgeous weather (23-28°C) and fewer crowds. September's particularly lush – still proper warm for beach days but the August hoards have cleared off. Prices drop and you'll get better hotel availability.
What's On:
May-June – almond blossoms in the countryside, perfect hiking weather
September-October – harvest season, local wine tastings, and autumn festivals
Winter (November-February) ❄️🌤️
Mild with temps around 13-17°C – chilly for swimming but brilliant for exploring without sweating. Occasional rain but nothing major. Perfect if you want the old town to yourself and don't mind skipping beach days.
What's On:
Quieter streets perfect for photography and wandering
Local life – see Altea as residents live it, without tourist crowds
Cheaper prices on accommodation and flights
Top Tip: Bring water shoes! Pebble beaches are gorgeous and keep the water crystal-clear, but they're not the comfiest to walk on barefoot.
Popular Altea hotels
More Altea hotelsWeather in Altea
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FAQs
How far is Altea from Benidorm?
How far is Altea from Benidorm?
Just 10km north – about 15 minutes by car or cheap buses run regularly for around €1.60. Perfect if you want to experience Benidorm's nightlife without living in the middle of it.
Are the beaches sandy or pebbly?
Are the beaches sandy or pebbly?
Pebble beaches all along Altea's coast – they're smooth and range from fine gravel to larger stones. The upside? Crystal-clear water that's brilliant for snorkelling. Just bring water shoes and you're sorted!
Is Altea good for families?
Is Altea good for families?
Absolutely! It's way quieter than Benidorm with a relaxed vibe. Hotels like Cap Negret have kids' pools and entertainment. Beaches are calm and safe, plus the old town's car-free for wandering.
What's the old town like?
What's the old town like?
Proper gorgeous – whitewashed houses with colourful flowers, narrow cobbled streets, and that stunning blue-domed church at the top. It's pedestrian-only and perched on a hill, so you'll get a workout climbing up, but the views are worth every step.
How do I get from the airport to Altea?
How do I get from the airport to Altea?
Flights from the UK and Ireland take around 2.5 hours to Alicante Airport, which is 60km from Altea. From there, you can get buses (takes about 90 minutes), or if you don't fancy lugging your cases around, a taxi takes 50 minutes direct. And just to make life easier for you 😉 we can sort your transfer when you book with us, so it's all included in your ATOL protection.
Is Altea expensive?
Is Altea expensive?
More affordable than the big resorts. Dinner at a local restaurant runs €20-25 per person, pints are €2.50-3.50, and beach bars won't rinse your wallet. It's proper good value for the Costa Blanca.
When's the best time for swimming?
When's the best time for swimming?
June through October – sea temps range from 23-26°C. August is warmest but also busiest. September's a proper sweet spot with warm water and fewer crowds.
Is the old town accessible?
Is the old town accessible?
It's cobbled and hilly with lots of steps, so it can be challenging for wheelchairs or buggies. The beach promenade is flat and accessible though, and loads of restaurants at sea level have easy access. If accessibility is important for your holidays, make sure to use our filter for disabled-friendly hotels in our search bar options to find the perfect place for you and yours to stay.