Girasoles La Reserva De Altea Hills About Altea

Altea is located in the Spanish region of Alicante on the Costa Blanca. This is without doubt one of the most charming towns to be found on Spain's "White Coast". If you want all night discos and the bright city lights on your holiday, give Altea a miss. This town is a holiday haven for the more discerning tourist who will be captivated by its medieval cobbled streets, its picture book old quarter and the delights of its palm-fringed seafront esplanade.

Located in the Marina Baixa region at Costa Blanca, the city of Altea opens up to the sea from one of the most beautiful bays on the Mediterranean coast. On the top of a hill, protected from cold winds by the mountains behind, this place has all the charm of a Mediterranean coast village. Altea is located 10 km from Benidorm, 50 km from Alicante and 120 km from Valencia. Even if you never set foot outside Altea during your holiday you won't run short of sights to see, places to visit and things to do. And if you're keen to venture further afield, the Costa Blanca and its hinterland offers a wealth of major attractions - both natural and man made - within easy reach.

Start by exploring the town itself. Set off from the Plaza del Convento and follow the Pont de Moncau which leads you to the Vellaguarda. From here you'll wend your way through the narrow medieval streets which wind steadily upwards to the plaza in the old quarter. Make the blue-domed parish church of the Virgin del Consuelo your goal. But be prepared for many distractions along the way. The streets themselves are a delight with their whitewashed buildings adorned with jasmine and geraniums. Private homes, shops and restaurants sit comfortably side by side in a jumble of buildings which are full of character with their intricately carved wooden doors, balconies and metal grilles.

Take your time. Partly because the climb to the top through these stepped and cobbled streets is quite demanding. But mostly because you'll want to stop and explore the many gifts shops, art and craft galleries and tempting back streets along the way. At the top you'll be rewarded with a magnificent view over Altea Bay with the Sierra Bernia mountain range providing an impressive backdrop. Make sure you've got your camera or camcorder with you! Stop here for a drink or a meal in one of the bars and restaurants which circle the cobbled plaza. It's a perfect place to sit and relax - never too noisy and never too "touristy". Visit the Virgin del Consuelo (Our Lady of Solace) church - built at the turn of the century and quite as elaborate inside as out. Its slender bell tower and huge blue dome beautifully decorated with blue and white glazed ceramic tiles make it one of the Costa Blanca's major milestones (a postcard favourite!).