Experience a fascinating journey through time in one of the most beautiful villages on the Costa Blanca. This guided tour tells the storey of Altea – from the Arabic Alṭāya, a place of peace, to today's white jewel by the sea.
Your tour starts down at the promenade, where the sound of the sea welcomes you. From here, your path slowly leads you up into the old town – through narrow, cobbled streets lined with white houses, ornate balconies, and bougainvillea that shine in bright colours.
On the way up, you'll learn how Altea was founded during the Moorish era and what the name Alṭāya actually means. The Arab influences are still noticeable today – in the structure of the old town, in the architecture, and in the special feeling of peace that permeates this place.
At the top of the old town, the heart of Altea awaits: the Nuestra Señora del Consuelo church with its famous blue and white domes that tower over the city. From here, you'll have a breathtaking view of the sea, the surrounding mountains, and the city's white rooftops—a moment that invites you to pause.
Life pulsates around the church square: street musicians, small galleries, studios, and cafés create a special atmosphere. You'll feel why Altea has inspired artists, musicians, and writers for decades. Here, history blends with creativity – a place where the old and the new come together harmoniously.
The tour then takes you through the charming artists' alleys, past traditional workshops and galleries where local artisans exhibit their work. Your guide will tell you stories about the Moorish past, the Christian reconquest, and the emergence of today's Altea – a city that has retained its original character despite all the changes.
Finally, you'll reach the lower streets again, where you can experience modern Altea with its Mediterranean joie de vivre. Small boutiques, cosy tapas bars, and the view of the turquoise sea are the perfect end to your journey through time and culture.