Altea

Altea is a charming place located south of Calpe and about 15 km north of Benidorm. It has a population of 20,000 but in the summer tourist season this swells to 50,000. The name Altea comes from the Greek: Altahia (I heal) and from the river Algar (the river of the health). Altea is famous for the church “Nuestra Señora del Consuelo” or “Virgen de Consuelo” with its fantastic looking blue roof. The old town of Altea is set on a steep hillside. The streets are littered with small shops and it is a popular place for artists. Amongst the narrow streets with their scenic white houses, orange trees and geraniums you'll find painters, potters and other traditional craftsmen. The harbor and marina of Altea are very pretty and scenic and a great place to eat or drink. The beach of Altea is over 5 km long and is divided into the stoney Cap Negret beach followed by the La Roda beach next to the old town and the largest beach:Cap Blanc to the south which blends into the coast of Albir. Altea is surrounded by mountains making it is a very scenic place. The Sierra de Bernia reaches up to 1130 metres.