Exploring Altea Old Town

​A few minutes down the coast from Albir, is the quite similarly said but differently spelt, Altea (I used to think it was Albea and Altea haha). Although similar in name, these two little towns are pretty much opposites. Albir is a modern and relatively lively town laden with shops and tourists (but not enough tourists to make it a pain!). Altea is a sleepy town with classic whitewashed Spanish buildings and a beautiful blue-domed church in the centre. The Virgin of the Consol church is the focal point of the town and can be seen from miles away. Altea itself consists of the sea front and harbour area, and then behind this, up a hill (or steps if you're on foot) is the rest of the town backing onto the mountains. This means that the church is elevated and can be seen from miles around. If you're at the opposite end of Albir and look down the coast, you can still see the blue dome in the distance!

Due to Altea's slight elevation, you get fantastic vistas of the turquoise bay and surrounding towns, you can even see the skyscrapers of Benidorm in the distance. It's a very nice walk along the sea front from Albir to Altea, with plenty of places to rest for a drink en route - although make sure you take your hat and sun cream as there's no shade.

View of the mountains from the back of Altea town

Street leading down to the sea front

Street with a view!

The most peaceful seat in Altea

What a view

Segura Mountains

View across the bay to Albir and the Serra Gelada national park

Virgin of the Consol church

Inside the blue dome!

Another view of the church

The blue of the bay

The blue dome of the Virgin of the Consol church can be seen from all over Altea

Altea marina

Peaceful streets

Some quirky door art

View over the Med from the top of the town

Sleepy town