Take A Spin Around Altea
Whether coming from the south from Benidorm or from the north from Calpe or Denia, blue mosaic domes of a church will signal you arrival at one of the most beautifully landscaped areas on the Costa Blanca region in Spain, Altea. Altea seems to have it all: year-round mild climate, cute llittle corners, whitewashed houses and marvelous views of the sea. Along with its tranquil atmosphere, it will all take your breath away. It is a concrete example of a much privileged tourist area with pristine natural surroundings enhancing the old grace of the original town. Even though massive construction and expansion of hotels and restaurants are taking place, respect for nature has not been withdrawn leading to the preservation of its enchantment.
Tourists found moving about in Altea are not the usual ones we see and think about. Spanish painters, writers and celebrities shy away from the limelight into the quietness of the city. The old neighborhood near the church becomes their new hang-out, as well as the typical restaurants serving both international and good, old home-cooked meals and its winding maze of streets. Modern architecture meets the old especially the ones found at the foot of the hill where the mix is laid out quite nicely.
Altea's Fantastic Foot Trip
Going on foot is the very best way to take a closer look at places in Altea. Upwards, is Mayor Street where you will see a simple church that is the center of all cultural activities in the vicinity. One gets a rather Bohemian kind of feeling when one sees the set-up of the crafts market during Easter to September. A local group of craftsmen bring character to the square. The Church of the Virgen of the Consolation, built in 1910 on top of an old and very primitive parish, is the most notable of the monuments around the area. Its interior is ornately decorated with hand-painted blue tiles on its dome, making it very Mediterranean in style. A castle used to be seen beside it but none of its remains are left to be seen today.
Be entertained with a colorful show of the locals for free without even paying or reserving a seat. The show starts at the docks every six in the afternoon when numerous fishing boats arrive with their haul and bargaining for fresh fish starts. But what's most intriguing is that it's done in pure Valencian fashion, in their native language and amazingly "at high speed"!
Eat Your Heart Out at Altea
Fantastic weather brings out the best in Altean dining where food can be eaten at the terraces overlooking the sea in its modern part along the promenade. Among these is Bodegon de Pepe, known for its authentic decoration and huge mussel servings. Furthermore, the quaint and relaxing old area portion of the city makes for a nice dinner with menus that are friendly for everyone's budget. - 16752
Whether coming from the south from Benidorm or from the north from Calpe or Denia, blue mosaic domes of a church will signal you arrival at one of the most beautifully landscaped areas on the Costa Blanca region in Spain, Altea. Altea seems to have it all: year-round mild climate, cute llittle corners, whitewashed houses and marvelous views of the sea. Along with its tranquil atmosphere, it will all take your breath away. It is a concrete example of a much privileged tourist area with pristine natural surroundings enhancing the old grace of the original town. Even though massive construction and expansion of hotels and restaurants are taking place, respect for nature has not been withdrawn leading to the preservation of its enchantment.
Tourists found moving about in Altea are not the usual ones we see and think about. Spanish painters, writers and celebrities shy away from the limelight into the quietness of the city. The old neighborhood near the church becomes their new hang-out, as well as the typical restaurants serving both international and good, old home-cooked meals and its winding maze of streets. Modern architecture meets the old especially the ones found at the foot of the hill where the mix is laid out quite nicely.
Altea's Fantastic Foot Trip
Going on foot is the very best way to take a closer look at places in Altea. Upwards, is Mayor Street where you will see a simple church that is the center of all cultural activities in the vicinity. One gets a rather Bohemian kind of feeling when one sees the set-up of the crafts market during Easter to September. A local group of craftsmen bring character to the square. The Church of the Virgen of the Consolation, built in 1910 on top of an old and very primitive parish, is the most notable of the monuments around the area. Its interior is ornately decorated with hand-painted blue tiles on its dome, making it very Mediterranean in style. A castle used to be seen beside it but none of its remains are left to be seen today.
Be entertained with a colorful show of the locals for free without even paying or reserving a seat. The show starts at the docks every six in the afternoon when numerous fishing boats arrive with their haul and bargaining for fresh fish starts. But what's most intriguing is that it's done in pure Valencian fashion, in their native language and amazingly "at high speed"!
Eat Your Heart Out at Altea
Fantastic weather brings out the best in Altean dining where food can be eaten at the terraces overlooking the sea in its modern part along the promenade. Among these is Bodegon de Pepe, known for its authentic decoration and huge mussel servings. Furthermore, the quaint and relaxing old area portion of the city makes for a nice dinner with menus that are friendly for everyone's budget. - 16752
About the Author:
Focusing on the topic of hotels in altea, John Bakers is publishing almost entirely for http://www.alicante-spain.com . You can have a look at his writings on altea on his site.
