Nuestra Señora del Consuelo Church

About

Quick facts: The blue and white domes of this church are made from thousands of hand-painted ceramic tiles that glow under the Mediterranean sun. Its construction took nearly 70 years from the early 20th century, with local fishermen and farmers contributing tiles they made themselves.

Highlights: Inside, the wooden altarpiece was carved by a local sculptor named Miguel Box using wood from a single 400-year-old olive tree. During the annual Moros y Cristianos festival in April, the church becomes the dramatic backdrop for mock battles with over 500 costumed participants marching through the narrow white streets.

Insider tips

• Arrive by 9 AM to have the plaza almost entirely to yourself before tour groups arrive from nearby Benidorm.
• The best photo angle is from the narrow street Calle del Museo, which frames the domes between white houses.
• Skip the small parking lots near the church and use the free lot at the base of the hill by the port.
• Visit during a weekday in May or October for pleasant weather and far fewer visitors than summer.

More attractions in Altea

Playa de la Roda

Mirador del Cronista

Puerto Deportivo de Altea

Fundación Frax