Altea, derived from the Arabs who named it 'Althaya' and meaning 'Health to all'
Altea sits just north of Benidorm old town and is positioned on a steep hillside 500 meters from the sea and above the modern beachfront developments. It is similar to other towns on the Costa Blanca due to it having a new and an old part of the town. The old town being perched high up on a natural balcony over the sea. It is popular amongst artists and bohemians alike due to it being restored by a colony of artists back in the 1950's. Here amongst the steep, stepped narrow streets, white houses, orange trees and geraniums you'll find painters, potters and many more traditional craftsmen's studios, shops and little boutiques.
The promenent building in Aleas is undoubtably the church of La Virgen de la Consuelo (a church with a blue dome roof), which stands at the highest point of this picturesque town and is surrounded by some excellent restaurants and cafes.
Altea has recently seen the addition of a new fine arts university and a stunning new concert hall and is fast becoming the cultural capital of the Costa Blanca. It's become a very popular tourist town due to its close proximity to Benidorm but amazingly Altea has managed to keep its original charm and unique character.
Local Fiestas
11th and 13th June: San Antonio (Partida Cap Blanch)
24th June: San Juan (Partida el Fornet)
16th July: San Pedro y la Virgen del Carmen (Calle Sant Pere)
23t th and 25th July: San Jaime (Partida Cap Blanch)
July: Santa Anna en Altea la Vella
August: San Roque (Partida la Huerta)
1st -14th August: San Lorenzo (Partida La Olla, Castell de l'Olla)
August: San Luis (Partida el Barranquet)
September: San Tomas (Partida Cap Negret)
September (4th week): Fiestas Patronales Cristo del Sagrario. Moros
y Cristianos
3rd and 4th december: Santa Barbara (Partida Sogay)
8 december: Purísima Concepción en Altea la Vella
December: Fiesta de Fin de Año en la Plaza de la Iglesia