 Altea
is a city located to the north of the very popular tourist area of Benidorm
and to the south of Denia. It is an historic city filled with blue mosaic
tile domed churches, whitewashed houses and tranquil natural surroundings.
It is a beautifully landscaped region, with quaint shops and restaurants,
and peaceful beaches. The climate is also mild year round, thanks to the
bordering mountains that block the northern winds and warm Mediterranean
Sea breezes.
It is considered a well-placed
village, very respectful of its natural environs. It is a getaway for many
of Europe's so called elite traveling class, from the artists to celebrities
and writers. These elites enjoy the old neighborhood surrounding the church
with international and local cuisine served in the restaurants. Even the
most modern part of the town located at the foot of the town's hill has
been built with respect to a less modern age of architecture.
Altea is a pedestrian town.
The streets are small and intricately laid out in fabulous mazes. The Mestre
la Musica Street is a good starting point. It is a small stone street surrounded
by stone houses and leads up to the entrance of the walled village. Mayor
Street is where the church is located. The church, called the Church of
the Virgen of the Consolation, was constructed in 1910 and is the center
of all the cultural activity in the town.
The blue mosaic tiles on
the dome of the church were all handpainted and the ornately decorated
interior of the church gives it a very Mediterranean feel. There is a very
bohemian-chic market filled with crafts from local artisans located here
from Easter to September in the square. There are also a few remains of
a castle that was once located here as well.
The public fish exchange
on the docks in Altea also provide a source of free entertainment everyday
around 6 o'clock in the evenings. At this time, the fishing boats come
in and the local restaurant owners haggle with the fishermen in Valencian.
Altean restaurants benefit from the weather as well, with many fresh ingredients
available year round.
Featured
Self-Catering Accommodation / Altea Hotels
/ Top
About the Author - Ray Walberg's
web pages can be found on different online publications related to altea
in spain. You might find out more about his work on altea
hills at different sources for altea hills tips. |
