Altea Area Guide

Altea Area Guide

Whitewashed gem with a dramatic silhouette

· Subareas · Fredrik Serneholt

Altea – Whitewashed Gem, Coastal Tranquility & Artistic Soul

Tucked away between the Mediterranean blue and the dramatic silhouette of the Sierra de Bernia, Altea is one of Costa Blanca's most beautiful and artistic towns. With its hallmark whitewashed houses, narrow cobblestone streets, and deeply ingrained bohemian tradition, Altea offers a tranquil and soulful life—minutes from the activity of Benidorm and the facilities of Alicante.

At Serneholt Estate, we consider Altea to be a timeless gem that invites those in search of beauty, inspiration, and harmony along the seaside.

Location & Lifestyle: Where Is Altea?

Altea is located between Calpe and Benidorm on the Costa Blanca, about 45 minutes north of Alicante Airport. While convenient, it is worlds apart in its peaceful atmosphere, old-world charm, and relaxed seaside pace.

The town is split between the sleepy old town above the coastline, and the modern beachfront suburbs like Altea la Vella and the fashionable marina zone. Artists, writers, retirees, and international families all flock to Altea's peace and picture-postcard charm. It's a town to stroll slowly, breathe deeply, and live well.

Dining in Altea

Dining: Slow, Seasonal, and Stylish

The dining in Altea is subtly outstanding, blending charm with quality. The old town has romantic eateries tucked into centuries-old buildings where sea views, candlelight, and Mediterranean flavors blend. Contemporary bistros, tapas bars, and seafood eateries with international and Spanish cuisine line the beachfront promenade and Altea's marina.

Standouts include Oustau de Altea for haute cuisine, Xef Pirata for creative tapas, and dozens of cafes serving up fresh seafood, local wines, and homemade desserts in charming atmospheres.

Shopping: Elegant, Artisanal & Relaxed

Altea's shops are as unique as its streets. Local artists and artisans sell ceramics, jewellery, and clothes in small specialist shops—especially in the old town. Weekly markets offer everything from fresh produce to fabric, and the promenade is lined with design shops and swimwear.

You won't find high-street chains here. Shopping in Altea is instead relaxed, chic, and focused on local creativity—a perfect reflection of the town's artistic heart.

Hiking in Altea

Healthcare: Reliable, Peaceful, and Close

Altea has first-rate close healthcare. It has local pharmacies and clinics for day-to-day care, and is close to Hospital Marina Baixa in Villajoyosa and private hospitals in Benidorm and Alicante.

Multilingual services are readily available, and residents can have peace of mind thanks to Spain's strong public system and private alternatives like Hospital Clínica Benidorm.

Education: Imaginative and Linked

Altea families have a number of good schools to choose from—both Spanish state schools and international schools in nearby towns. The likes of Sierra Bernia School and The Lady Elizabeth School are a short drive away and offer British curricula in safe, supportive environments.

The town also has a long tradition for the arts, with a campus of the University of Miguel Hernández specializing in fine arts and design in Altea itself.

Sports & Outdoor Living: A Life in the Open

Altea is made for outdoor living. The seafront promenade stretches for kilometres—ideal for walking, running, and cycling. The nearby Sierra de Bernia is a paradise for hikers, with views over the coastline that are not forgotten.

The Altea Club de Golf, padel courts, and marina watersports clubs ensure that keeping active is easy. Kayaking, paddleboarding, sailing, and even diving are a way of life here, with the calm, clean waters a short stroll from your doorstep.

Amazing Altea

Family Life: Peaceful, Scenic, and Supportive

Families love Altea as a safe and nurturing place to live. Its small-town feel, high standard of amenities, and natural setting all make it an ideal place to raise children. The proximity of parks, playgrounds, music festivals, and local events give a sense of community.

Complexes like Altea Hills offer gated communities with security, pools, and modern properties amidst natural settings and sea views.

Why Serneholt Estate Clients Love Altea

Our buyers love Altea because it is charming and picturesque. It's elegant but never flashy, cosmopolitan but very local. Whether artists, retirees, or young families, buyers are drawn to its unique combination of peace, culture, and seaside.

Why We Love It

We love Altea since that is where Mediterranean lifestyle, nature, and art converge. It is a town that has heart, history, and harmony. Whether you prefer a hillside villa with views of the sea, a townhouse in the historic village, or a chic marina apartment, Altea immediately becomes your home.

If Altea's charm has captured your heart, Serneholt Estate would be happy to guide you to your dream house under the whitewashed roofs.

Fredrik Serneholt

The Author

Fredrik Serneholt CEO / Lic. Agent - Spain/Sweden

The CEO Fredrik Serneholt of Serneholt Estate have been more than 20 years in the industry.