A dissemination blog about travel and gastronomy

Altea: The Jewel of the Costa Blanca

Introduction

Altea, a small town located in the province of Valencia, Spain, is a hidden gem on the Costa Blanca. With its Mediterranean charm, cobblestone streets, and panoramic views, Altea is a tourist destination that offers a unique experience for visitors.

The Old Town of Altea

The Old Town, or the old quarter, is the heart of Altea. This historic neighborhood is filled with narrow, steep streets, whitewashed houses, and a plethora of art shops, boutiques, and restaurants. At the top of the Old Town is the iconic Church of Our Lady of Consolation, known for its blue-tiled domes that are a symbol of the Costa Blanca.

The Port of Altea

The port of Altea is another of the city's tourist attractions. Here, visitors can enjoy a variety of water activities, from sailing to diving. The port is also home to a number of seafood restaurants, where you can taste fresh local dishes while enjoying the sea views.

The Beaches of Altea

Altea boasts a number of beautiful and peaceful beaches. La Roda Beach, Cap Negret Beach, and Cap Blanch Beach are just a few of the beaches that visitors can enjoy. These beaches offer crystal clear waters and a relaxing atmosphere, perfect for a day of rest under the Spanish sun.

The Gastronomy of Altea

The gastronomy of Altea is a blend of Mediterranean flavors and local traditions. Visitors can enjoy a variety of dishes, from paellas to tapas, all prepared with fresh and local ingredients. In addition, Altea is known for its wine production, so visitors can enjoy a wine tasting at one of the many wineries in the city.

The Natural Environment of Altea

Altea is surrounded by a beautiful natural environment. From the mountains of the Sierra de Bernia to the Serra Gelada Natural Park, visitors can enjoy a variety of outdoor activities, such as hiking, cycling, and bird watching.

The Art and Culture of Altea

Altea is known for its vibrant artistic and cultural scene. The city hosts a number of art galleries, artist workshops, and music and film festivals. In addition, the University of the Arts of Altea offers a variety of programs and courses for those interested in the arts.

Gastronomic Products of Altea

Rices and Paellas

Altea, like the rest of the Valencian Community, is famous for its rices and paellas. The seafood paella is especially popular, with fresh ingredients from the Mediterranean Sea. The arroz a banda, black rice and baked rice are also highly appreciated.
Fish and Seafood

Altea's coastal location allows local restaurants to offer a wide variety of fresh fish and seafood. Among the most outstanding are the gilt-head bream, monkfish, octopus and red prawns, all prepared in various ways to highlight their flavor.
Mistela and Moscatel

Altea is known for the production of sweet wines, especially mistela and moscatel. These wines are made from moscatel grapes from the region and are perfect to accompany desserts or to enjoy on their own.
Nougats and Ice Creams

Altea, being close to Jijona, is also famous for its nougats and ice creams. The nougats, made from honey, sugar, egg white and almonds, are a traditional Christmas sweet, while the ice creams are a delight to enjoy during the hot summer months.

Highlighted Gastronomic Places of Altea

Altea, with its Mediterranean charm, offers a wide range of gastronomic options, from haute cuisine restaurants to traditional taverns. Here we present some of the most outstanding places:

Oustau Restaurant

Located in the old town of Altea, Oustau Restaurant is famous for its French cuisine with a Mediterranean touch. Here you can enjoy dishes such as foie gras, duck a l'orange and a variety of exquisite desserts. The intimate atmosphere and exceptional service make this place a perfect option for a romantic dinner or a special celebration.

El Tío de la Pipa Tavern

For a more traditional experience, El Tío de la Pipa Tavern is an excellent option. This establishment, located in the heart of Altea, offers a wide variety of tapas and typical dishes of the region, such as paella, arroz a banda and the fresh fish of the day. In addition, its cozy atmosphere and excellent selection of local wines make this place a favorite among locals and visitors.

La Capella Restaurant

If you are looking for a unique gastronomic experience, La Capella Restaurant is the place for you. Located in an old chapel, this restaurant offers a fusion of Mediterranean and modern cuisine, with dishes such as tuna tartare, beef tenderloin and a variety of homemade desserts. In addition, its impressive decoration and panoramic view of Altea make this place a must-visit destination.

El Cau Tavern

El Cau is a charming tavern located in the old town of Altea. Known for its creative tapas and cozy atmosphere, this place is perfect for a casual meal or a dinner with friends. Here you can enjoy dishes such as grilled octopus, ham croquettes and a variety of local cheeses and sausages.

Sports Activities in Altea

Hiking

Altea offers hiking routes with panoramic views of the Mediterranean Sea and the Sierra de Bernia. You can explore the Serra Gelada Natural Park or the route of the l'Albir Lighthouse.

Sail

Thanks to its coastal location, Altea is an ideal place to practice water sports. You can rent a sailboat and enjoy the sea breeze while sailing through the waters of the Mediterranean.

Golf

If you are a golf lover, Altea has high-quality golf courses like the Don Cayo Golf Club, where you can practice your swing while enjoying sea and mountain views.

Diving

The crystal clear waters of the Mediterranean are perfect for diving. In Altea, you can find several diving schools that offer courses for all levels, as well as excursions to nearby diving sites.

Places near Altea

If you are in Altea and wish to explore a bit more, here we present you with some nearby cities and towns that offer unique tourist and gastronomic experiences:

Benidorm

Benidorm, a vibrant tourist destination on the Spanish Costa Blanca, is famous for its beautiful beaches, lively nightlife and varied cuisine, which includes delicious seafood and traditional Valencian dishes such as paella.

Calpe

Calpe, a charming tourist destination on the Costa Blanca of Spain, is famous for its golden beaches, its impressive Ifach rock and its vibrant culinary scene, offering delicious fresh seafood and traditional Valencian paella.