Altea la Vella

Altea's roots date back to the period of the Iberian culture, but the oldest visible remains are Roman ruins, including the aqueduct of 'Els Arcs'. When Spain was dominated by the Muslims, Altea belonged to the Taifa de Denia, which was conquered by Jaime I in 1244.

Altea's inhabitants abandoned their primitive urbanization. That part of the town is now known as Altea la Vieja (Old Altea). They sought refuge in the tower-castle that dominated the original town. The castle was surrounded by defensive walls, parts of which still exist in the form of two entrance gates that provide access to Altea's center. The town grew beyond its walls and the first area that was formed, was the sailor's district of Rabal de la Mar. Later a fishing harbor developed in Rabal de la Mar and nowadays, the seaside district is Altea's most popular part.

The old part of town consists of a maze of narrow, winding streets, many of which are so steep that they are built like steps. They culminate in a small square that extends next to the town's interesting church of La Mare de Déu del Consol (Our Lady of Solace). One side of the square provides excellent views over the surrounding area. The church dates from the beginning of the 20th century. It has a distinctive white and blue-tiled roof and it is dedicated to the Madre de Dios del Consuelo.

Altea has always been a refuge for artists, because of its tranquility and its beauty. As a result you will find numerous galleries, potteries and craft shops in town. After tourists started arriving in the 1960s, many of these businesses were converted into bars and pubs.

Altea's beautiful seafront esplanade is lined with bars and restaurants, as well as palm trees.

There are many hotels and restaurants in town. Altea is on the Costa Blanca, some 385 km southeast of Madrid.

Several kilometers south of town is the luxurious neighbourhood of Altea Hills, where Russian elite lives. You can see a Russian Orthodox church there.