Summary: The Old Town of Altea is the historic heart of this charming Costa Blanca town, famous for its whitewashed houses, blue-domed church, and Mediterranean views. With cobblestone streets, artisan shops, and lively squares, it’s a must-visit for anyone exploring the region.
Altea’s Old Town is the whitewashed, blue-domed heart of the Costa Blanca—think cobbled lanes, artisan shops, sea-view miradors, and the iconic church of Nuestra Señora del Consuelo at the top. Park at Basseta Centre or the new Algar Viaduct car park, walk up via Calle San Miguel, circle the square, and linger at the Mirador de los Cronistas de España for the classic view. Evenings (golden hour) are best; summer nights are lively with artisans and music, and August brings the sea-launched Castell de l’Olla fireworks nearby.
Why Altea’s Old Town is Special
The hilltop casco antiguo blends Mediterranean calm with real village life: white façades, flowered balconies, black-and-white paving, and the blue-tiled domes of the parish church—visible for miles and the town’s defining silhouette. Around the church square, narrow lanes drop toward the sea, revealing little ateliers, cafés, and viewpoints at every turn.
👉 Read more: Ultimate Guide to Altea, Spain (2025 Edition)
Altea Old Town Orientation: The Essentials
Centerpoint: Plaza de la Iglesia & the Church of Nuestra Señora del Consuelo (the “blue dome”).
Top viewpoints: Mirador de los Cronistas de España (south bay panorama) and Glorieta del Maño / Baluarte de la Casa de la Señoría (north toward Peñón de Ifach).
Historic gates: Portal Vell (Puerta de Valencia, 17th c.) and Portal Nou (Puerta del Mar, 18th c.)—remnants of the walled town.
👉 Read more: Viewpoints & Attractions in Altea
Getting There & Parking (2025)
By TRAM (Line 9): Altea (Garganes) stop connects north/south along the coast; frequency is typically hourly (summer night services expand).
Best parking for the Old Town:
Basseta Centre (free; closed on Tuesdays during the weekly market setup).
New Algar Viaduct Car Park (≈274 spaces) by the pedestrian bridge—great for a scenic walk in.
Accessibility note: Easiest step-light access to the Old Town via Calle San Miguel and Calle San José.
The Perfect Short Walking Route (60–90 min)
- Start at Calle San Miguel: artisan shops, classic photo up toward the domes.
- Plaza de la Iglesia: circle the square, peek inside the church, then step to the Mirador de los Cronistas de España for bay views.
- Carrer Major → Portal Vell: descend via the patterned stones to the historic arch; pop over to the Mirador del Portal Vell.
- Optional detour to Torre de Bellaguarda (quiet square, small historic tower, lovely angles).
Locals say… grab a gelato before the descent—sunset light on the white walls is 🔥.
👉 Read more: The True Local Life in Altea
When to Visit Altea’s Old Town
Golden hour & evenings: Soft light for photos; lively terraces and artisan stalls in summer.
August highlight: Castell de l’Olla—Spain’s famous sea-launched fireworks at La Olla beach (plan transport; crowds!).
Practical Tips
Footwear: Real cobbles + slopes—wear comfy shoes.
Market Tuesday: Expect parking changes near Basseta Centre from Monday night; arrive early.
Blue-zone streets: Check meters/signage if you choose on-street parking.
Heat: In summer, do mornings or evenings; shade is limited in the upper lanes.
Food, Drinks & Shopping
The Old Town leans artisan over mass retail: ceramics, paintings, bijou galleries, and small boutiques—especially along Calle San Miguel and Carrer Major. For food, think tapas terraces and a few long-running Mediterranean kitchens around the square and side streets.
👉 Read more: Markets in Altea
👉 Read more: Restaurants in Altea
Accessibility
Altea has been working on accessible urban routes and signage; if stairs are an issue, take the gradual approaches via San Miguel/San José or taxi up to the square and stroll the flatter streets first.
FAQ – Altea Old Town
Is Altea worth visiting?
Yes—compact, photogenic, and genuinely atmospheric. It’s one of the Costa Blanca’s most charming historic centers.
What’s the best time to visit Old Town Altea?
Golden hour into evening. Cooler temps, softer light, lively terraces, and artisan stalls in summer.
How long do you need to see Old Town Altea?
1.5–2 hours for the essentials; half a day if you add shopping, photos, and a meal.
Is Old Town Altea hilly / many steps (accessibility)?
Yes—cobbles and slopes. Take the gentler Calle San Miguel/San José approach or taxi up to the square; explore the flatter streets first.
What’s the easiest walking route to the blue-domed church?
Calle San Miguel → Plaza de la Iglesia → Mirador de los Cronistas de España. Classic, gradual, and photogenic.
What are the best viewpoints in Old Town Altea?
Mirador de los Cronistas de España (bay panorama) and the Portal Vell area. Sunset is the money shot.
Where to eat in Old Town Altea?
Around Plaza de la Iglesia and Calle San Miguel you’ll find tapas terraces and Mediterranean kitchens. (Link to your Restaurants in Altea directory.)
Where to park for Altea Old Town?
Try Basseta Centre (avoid Tuesdays) or the Algar Viaduct car park; both are convenient for the walk up.
What is the Old Town called in Spanish?
Casco Antiguo de Altea, centered on Plaza de la Iglesia and the blue-domed church.
Old Town Altea or Albir—which should I choose?
Altea Old Town for historic charm, artisan lanes, and views; Albir for a flat, modern beach promenade and easy strolling.
Conclusion: Is Altea’s Old Town worth a Visit?✅
Altea’s Old Town is the Costa Blanca’s postcard: simple, elegant, and best enjoyed slowly. Do the loop (San Miguel → Square → Miradors → Portal Vell), time it for sunset, and let the blue domes lead you around.
🔑 Key Takeaways:
Park at Basseta Centre (not Tue) or Algar Viaduct; walk up via San Miguel.
Don’t miss Mirador de los Cronistas and Portal Vell.
Evenings are magic; August adds Castell de l’Olla nearby.
