Altea
is located in the Spanish region of Alicante
on the Costa Blanca. This is without doubt one
of the most charming towns to be found on Spains
"White Coast". If you want all night
discos and the bright city lights on your holiday,
give Altea a miss. This town is a holiday haven
for the more discerning tourist who will be
captivated by its medieval cobbled streets,
its picture book old quarter and the delights
of its palm-fringed seafront esplanade.
The
town is just 11 kilometres north of Benidorm
but these two resorts are worlds apart. Altea
is a restful resort where theres plenty to see
and do without being bothered by the mayhem
which typifies some of the busier coastal towns
in high season.
Altea
is similar to other Costa Blanca towns in that
it has a new and an old part. The old section
is perched on top of a hill from which there
really are spectacular views.
The
ascent to the old section along steep slopes
and stepped streets, reveals a broad horizon
at every turn and extends along the entire La
Marina region: the silhouette of the Peñon
de Ifach on one side and the Helade range on
the other, frame the view of the sea, with the
ever present gulls sweeping low over the town.
The
towns name was derived from the Arabs who named
it Althaya, meaning health to all.
If
you are thinking of this part of the Costa Blanca
for a holiday home, you should explore a little
of the surrounding area. Start by heading inland
where you will see the attractive Bernia range,
which runs perpendicular to the coast and very
close the village.
The
old and new parts of the town are clearly divided
into separate parts with the old part high on
the hill and the easily accessed lower part
providing holidaymakers with the usual bars,
restaurants and shops and a recently inaugurated
esplanade.
Even
the fit claim that Altea on a hot day can prove
a character builder!
Eight kilometres from Altea, heading inland,
is Polop, a small town surrounded by orchards
and pine groves, which is highly recommended
for those who seek peace, quiet and cool summer
nights. From the Via Crucis which presides over
the town, you can obtain superb views of the
surrounding valleys, which owe their present
appearance to the work of the Morisco farmers
many years ago.
Altea
is a pretty town. Popular with both holidaymakers
and those fortunate enough to be able to live
in the area.
It has a slowly growing community of multinational
expatriates. It goes without saying that the
town does not suite everyone but in the main
if you are free from financial pressure - looking
for a part of Spain in which to retire, then
Altea is definatly worth a look.
