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Things to Do in Altea, Spain
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Plan language: EnglishMost popular attractions in Altea, Spain
If you are looking for things to do in Altea, Spain, start by getting lost in Casco Antiguo de Altea, a labyrinth of whitewashed alleys climbing a hillside. At the top stands Nuestra Señora del Consuelo Church with its striking blue-tiled dome visible for miles. Later, stroll the palm-lined Paseo Marítimo de Altea, where you can watch fishing boats bob in the turquoise Mediterranean.
1. Playa de la Roda
Swap sand for smooth pebbles and impossibly clear water at Altea's most character-filled beach. Feel the satisfying clatter of stones underfoot as you wade into turquoise Mediterranean waters.
Quick facts: Stretching nearly a kilometer along Altea's coastline, this pebble beach is backed by a striking promenade of black-and-white patterned tiles. Its unusual mix of smooth grey stones and crystal-clear waters makes the Mediterranean feel extra turquoise here, especially on sunny afternoons.
Highlights: On summer evenings, locals gather on the pebbles with towels and wine as the sun melts behind the Sierra Bernia mountains, creating a communal sunset ritual that's been happening for decades. The sound of the sea washing over the round stones makes a distinctive rolling clatter you won't hear on sandy beaches, like nature's own percussion.
2. Mirador del Cronista
The finest perch in all of Alicante province for sweeping coastal views and that famous blue-domed skyline. Watch fishing boats bob in the marina below while the Mediterranean stretches endlessly to the horizon.
Quick facts: From this viewpoint at 250 meters above sea level, you can spot the entire coastline from Cap de la Nau all the way to the Cape of Santa Pola. The silver-domed church that anchors the view was built by local villagers carrying stones up the hill on their backs in the early 18th century.
Highlights: Stand here at sunset and watch the whitewashed old town shift through six shades of gold, pink, and violet before the twinkling lights of the marina flicker on below. The silence at this hour is remarkable, broken only by church bells and the distant clink of glasses from terraces tucked into the maze of cobblestone alleys behind you.
3. Puerto Deportivo de Altea
Where else can you watch fishing boats unload their morning catch while sipping a cold beer? Wander the boardwalk past sleek yachts, splash in the calm sea, and eat grilled octopus steps from the water.
Quick facts: More than 500 boats bob in its waters, from small fishing vessels to luxury yachts worth millions. The marina's distinctive white-and-blue architecture mirrors the iconic dome of Altea's old town church above.
Highlights: On summer evenings, local fishermen still sell their daily catch directly off their boats at the far end of the dock, a tradition that has continued for generations. The smell of fresh sea salt mixes with sizzling garlic shrimp from the waterfront chiringuitos as the sun paints the marina's white tiles in shades of amber and rose.
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4. Fundación Frax
Step into a wonderland of 3,000 antique musical instruments, from harpsichords to player pianos. Watch and listen as these mechanical marvels come to life in live demonstrations.
Quick facts: A staggering 3,000 musical instruments fill every corner of this private collection, with some pieces dating back four centuries. The collection spans everything from a 1700s harpsichord to antique music boxes, gramophones, and even a piano that once belonged to a famous composer.
Highlights: Tucked inside a modest 19th-century building, the collection hides a working 1920s Wurlitzer organ that still belts out tunes during afternoon visits. Visitors can hear the mechanical roar of player pianos and watch music boxes spin live, making the museum feel more like a time machine than a display hall.
5. Palau Altea
Perched above the Mediterranean, this domed landmark rewards visitors with sweeping coastal views from its crown. Climb narrow spiral staircases, then wander terraced gardens filled with bougainvillea and citrus trees below.
Quick facts: Up to 80,000 visitors climb its 719 steps each year with no elevators available. The distinctive blue and white dome visible from miles away is covered in 44,000 ceramic tiles handmade by local artisans.
Highlights: During summer solstice, a narrow beam of sunlight passes through a small opening in the dome and lands precisely on a specific mosaic tile near the altar, a phenomenon the builders incorporated intentionally. Locals still gather on rooftops during the Moros y Cristianos festival to watch fireworks reflect off the glazed tiles, turning the entire dome into a kaleidoscope.
6. Playa de Cap Negret
A pebble beach where turquoise water meets mountain views, far from the crowds of the Costa Blanca. Feel the smooth stones under your feet as you swim in impossibly clear water with the Old Town of Altea glinting white on the hill above.
Quick facts: This pebbly shoreline sits right where the Sierra de Bernia mountains tumble into the Mediterranean, creating a dramatic contrast of grey stones against turquoise water. Unlike the sandy beaches nearby, the smooth pebbles here make the water crystal clear with no sediment stirring up, even on windy days.
Highlights: At the western end of the beach, a natural spring seeps through the rocks, creating a small freshwater pool that mixes with the sea at high tide. Locals know to scoop handfuls of the smooth cap negret pebbles, which were historically used as ballast for trading ships heading to North Africa.
7. Mirador del Mascarat
Gaze 200 meters straight down into a razor-cut gorge where mountains meet the sea. Watch fishing boats bob in Calpe's bay while golden light washes over Altea's dome-tiled skyline.
Quick facts: Perched 200 meters above the Mediterranean, this lookout offers a vertigo-inducing view of the razor-sharp Mascarat Gorge. The cliffs here were carved by the Algar River over millions of years, creating a dramatic split in the Sierra de Bernia mountain range.
Highlights: At sunset, the apricot-colored houses of Altea's old town seem to glow against the deep blue sea far below. On clear days you can spot the outline of Ibiza on the horizon, a faint purple smudge 100 kilometers across the water.
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Traditional Sweet Dishes
Coca de llanda
Coca de llanda is a soft, spongey cake from the Valencia region, traditionally baked in a shallow metal pan. It is often infused with lemon zest and topped with a generous dusting of sugar.
Pastissets de moniato
These small fried pastries are filled with sweet potato jam and dusted with sugar. They are a beloved treat during local festivals and Christmas in Altea and the wider Alicante province.
Turrón de Alicante
Turrón de Alicante is a hard nougat made with whole almonds, honey, and egg whites. This ancient confection dates back to Moorish times and is a Protected Designation of Origin product.
Traditional Savory Dishes
Arroz a banda
Arroz a banda is a traditional rice dish from the Alicante coast, cooked in a rich fish broth. The rice is served separately from the seafood, which is often eaten as a second course.
Fideuà
Fideuà is like a seafood paella but made with short noodles instead of rice, cooked in a savory fish stock. It originates from nearby Gandia and is hugely popular all along the Costa Blanca.
Coca amb tomata i tonyina
This simple flatbread is topped with ripe crushed tomato, olive oil, and canned tuna. It is a classic Alicante style coca, often enjoyed as a tapa or light lunch with a side of olives.
Traditional Beverages
Horchata de chufa
Horchata de chufa is a creamy, milky drink made from soaked and pressed tiger nuts (chufas). It originated in nearby Valencia and is served ice cold, especially during summer months.
Agua de Valencia
Agua de Valencia is a refreshing cocktail made from cava, fresh orange juice, vodka, and gin. It was invented in the 1950s at a bar in Valencia and has become a staple celebratory drink all along the coast.
Mistela
Mistela is a sweet, fortified wine made from Moscatel grapes grown in the Alicante region. It is produced by adding alcohol to the grape must before fermentation ends, resulting in a rich, raisiny sweetness.
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Most popular day trips
Benidorm
Vibrant coastal resort with beaches, nightlife and theme parks
Alicante
Provincial capital with a seafront promenade and Santa Barbara Castle
Valencia
Large city home to the City of Arts and Sciences complex
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Getting there
Train stations
Renfe Cercanias line C1 connecting Alicante and Valencia
From Alicante Airport, take bus or taxi to Alicante station, then Renfe C1 train to Altea. The trip takes about 1 hour.
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