Altea, derived from the Arabs who named it 'Althaya' and meaning 'Health to all'

Altea sits just north of Benidorm old town and is positioned on a steep hillside 500 meters from the sea and above the modern beachfront developments. It is similar to other towns on the Costa Blanca due to it having a new and an old part of the town. The old town being perched high up on a natural balcony over the sea. It is popular amongst artists and bohemians alike due to it being restored by a colony of artists back in the 1950's. Here amongst the steep, stepped narrow streets, white houses, orange trees and geraniums you'll find painters, potters and many more traditional craftsmen's studios, shops and little boutiques.

The promenent building in Aleas is undoubtably the church of La Virgen de la Consuelo (a church with a blue dome roof), which stands at the highest point of this picturesque town and is surrounded by some excellent restaurants and cafes.

Altea has recently seen the addition of a new fine arts university and a stunning new concert hall and is fast becoming the cultural capital of the Costa Blanca. It's become a very popular tourist town due to its close proximity to Benidorm but amazingly Altea has managed to keep its original charm and unique character.