Facts

Level above sea: 61m
Nearest airport: Alicante
Distance to airport: 70 km
Valencia airport: 120 km
Maximum temperature 35° C
Minimum temperature 12° C

History of the Town
There are various theories as to the origins of the town’s name. Some say that The Iberian coastal settlements at the mouth of the Algar river in the wide Bay of Altea were later joined by a Greek marketplace, named Althaia.
Altea as a village dates from the 7th century and said to take its name from the period when the Moors conquered the area and named the town Altaya, meaning “Health to all”.

During the Moorish domination the land around Altea belonged to the Taifa of Dénia until it was recaptured by the Christians in 1244 under James I of Aragon. The town was quickly fortified, and walls were erected to enclose what is now known as the “old town” from outsiders.

These days, the economy of Altea is mostly based on tourism, which started to grow in the 1950s due to the good weather, beaches and the labyrinthine streets with whitewashed house-fronts that characterise the town. Altea is protected from the north by the mountains of the Serra de Bèrnia, creating an especially mild microclimate. The well maintained seafront promenade is planted with palm trees.

The town is twinned with (among others) Sherbourne UK, Granville France, Meersen Netherlands, and Bad Kotzting Germany,

Access
From the A7 motorway junction 64, the national road N332 runs trough the town. The local train/tram service between Alicante & Denia stops in Altea. Alsa buses stop outside the train station.

Markets
Indoor Market; Monday to Saturday, Calle Jaume I
Outdoor Market Tuesdays, Camino del Algar, near bridge.
Fruit & Vegetable Market Tuesdays, Calle Filarmonica, 1 min. from seafront.

Altea Port
Home to Alteas fishing fleet, as well as use as for private mooring and local diving clubs & schools.

Cultural Activities
Various events take place the whole year round, at the following venues:
– Casa de Cultura / Public Library
– Palau Altea’s large modern theatre
– Schlotter Foundation Altea – Art Gallery & Exhibition centre

Fiestas
Altea celebrates a variety of fiestas throughout the year, where citizens and
visitors alike can participate,

Activities include: music, processions, competitions, meals, fireworks etc.

The major fiestas of the year include:

– February, Cristo de la Salud
– June, San Antoni & San Joan
– July, San Pere, & San Jaume y Santa Ana
– July, Balconadas
– August, San Roc
– August Castell Fireworks display
– September, Moros y Cristianos
– December, Santa Barbara