Altea’s history goes back many centuries and is characterised by the manifold civilisations which have passed Altea on their way along the course of time. Iberians, Fenicians, Muslims, Greeks, and Romans have all left their marks. It appears that the name Altea is also of Greek origin, as it is thought to have come from the Greek word Altahia, meaning `I heal´. Since the town is located at the mouth of the Algar river (meaning 'the river of health'), historians assume that in the old days Altea was a hamlet with strategic, medical, and beneficial value.

microclimate

Costa Blanca´s unusually mild microclimate ensures pleasant daytime temperatures - all the same at which season - and that is unique on the European mainland and also compared with the Balearen. Sun-bathes is all year round possible - although not guaranteed in the winter always - although recover yourself is the entire year reliably. The winter is particularly interesting, if you rank among the group of active holiday-people and love to play golf, walking or kinds of extreme sport.

main points

One of the main points to start is the beautiful old part of town Alteas with innumerable bar, cafes, restaurants and small shops, as well as modern shopping centers unites outside of the town, partially with many considerable Outlets. Every visitor to Altea is invited to a journey of exploration on foot. The labyrinth of narrow alleys offering a gorgeous view over the Bay of Altea is what has given Altea its fame. On your way you will pass numerous small stores, boots, and galleries offering a wide range of hand-crafted goods.

the coast

Cliffs and pebbled beaches vary each other along Altea’s 6 kilometres long beach. Little bays and beaches follow in succession from the Barranco del Mascarat up to the pier marking the border with L'Alfás del Pi.
Near the old town centre lies the Playa de la Roda beach, while the biggest beach, Cap Blanch, can be found a little further south, merging seamlessly with the Albir beach. Further north lies the Playa de Cap Negret beach, a pebble beach with at its end a small inlet with black rocks named Cala del Soio. Another beach favourite is L´Olla, situated right across from its namesake island.
Altea's borders are marked by the mountain peak Mascarat and the Sierra de Bernia, where one will find inlets with small pebble beaches such as La Barreta, La Solsida, and La Galera.

golf

Golfer come at price-crowned courses (a new Executive course and a new Championship course of the stardesigner Jack Nicklaus which are only 10 min. far away - details on request). Both courses were drafted by the company, which is conducted by the prestigeful player Jack Nicklaus. The professional course (par 72) is in the north and has spreads fairways, which will please you in their entire way from the wonderful views to the Mediterranean, as the mountain route of Finestrat. In the south, “Executive Field” (par 62), lays into pretty lowers with pinewood, which offers a fastidious way between versatile natural obstacles. Completed in 2005 between la Sierra Finestrat and the Mediterranean Sea, Club de Golf Real de Faula offers a spacious twin eighteen-hole golf course. The area also hosts two 5-star hotels, swimming pools, tennis lanes, a kids club, a fitness centre, restaurants and shopping facilities.