There is no better way to get to know Altea than with its beaches and its food.
TWO NAMES FOR ONE VILLA
Altea It is a town that has a lot of history to tell behind it. There is evidence of Iberian and Roman settlements in the surroundings of the town, although it is with the arrival of the Muslims when it began to have more importance.
The Muslims left a great legacy in Altea, belonging to the Taifa (kingdom) of Denia after the split of the Caliphate of Córdoba. In fact, it is believed that the name of Altea comes from Althaya, a name given by the Muslims that referred to " Health " for all.
Altea, two names for a quiet and beautiful town
Jaime I the Conqueror would be in charge of conquering the city in the year 1244 and baptize it with the new name of Altea . But the Muslims continued to inhabit it for a time until the expulsion of the Moors from the peninsula was decreed. This caused Altea to become depopulated and for very little it almost fell into oblivion.
Luckily, a small area of Bellaguarda (the current Altea) and **in the 18th century the old Altea was repopulated, renaming it Altea la Vella (The Old) **. That is why we can say that there are two Alteas, the one that makes us enjoy a blue summer and the one that takes us on a journey through history.
THE OLD TOWN: ALTEA LA VELLA
Perhaps it is one of the things that remains engraved in the traveler's retina when he arrives in Altea. Around the church of Nuestra Señora del Consuelo spreads a bunch of white houses, dressed by cobbled streets that twist like vines and that around every corner provide a wonderful trip to a flowery window or a quiet terrace or a palm tree that defies the bright summer sun.
Through the streets of Altea
And it can be easy to get lost in that tangle of gleaming white streets, where above the roof of the houses you can see the radiant Mediterranean Sea and where each balcony is a spectacular viewpoint . It is the heritage of the Arabs that has reached this point, the need to have the water close and in sight and to crown the doors with hand-painted tiles.
Perhaps this is why the old town is full of small craft shops ; and because Altea is a source of inspiration for artisans and artists of all kinds. The Altea Crafts Show , located in the Plaza de la Iglesia in summer, is an example of the importance of crafts in Altea, as it attracts artisans from all over. This year the Mostra brings together 22 artisans and has 18 stands where ceramics is once again the protagonist.
Tranquility is a beach in Altea
BLUE FLAGS EVERYWHERE
The beaches of Altea are often not to everyone's taste since most of them are full of pebbles. But that is not a problem when you have an almost insulting blue Mediterranean Sea in front of you, a mild temperature and not too much crowding. . In addition, August is a perfect month to travel to Altea since tourism is somewhat more moderate and it does not make you want to commit suicide when you want to find a hole in the sand without being crushed.
Not counting the Club Náutico, on the coast of Altea we can find three blue flags, since this year the distinction has also been awarded to the L'Espigo beach . This beach is in fact the youngest because it is barely 3 years old and was born as a consequence of the restructuring of the urban area . It is a beach that has all the comforts and services located on the boulevard and, despite the stones, it is quite comfortable.
La Solsida is a good way to start discovering the secrets of Altea.
The other blue flags are found in the Cap Blanch and La Roda beaches . This last one is one of the largest beaches in Altea and it stands out because the bathing area becomes deep very quickly, so it is easy for the lifeguard's whistle to be heard on more than one occasion.
Diving lovers can find exciting trips in coves such as Solsida , where it is also possible to practice nudism. And if what you want is to practice water sports, the most suitable beach is Cap Negret , which also has several companies that are dedicated body and soul to the adventure between the waves.
EAT IN ALTEA
It seems that when we talk about looking for a restaurant to eat decently on the Alicante coast, all the alarms go off. Perhaps it is time for us to lose that fear, fundamentally because some places like Altea have already got their act together gastronomically speaking.
Oustau (Mayor, 5), Pascual Robles' house, continues to be one of the coolest bets in Altea today, one of the most unique spaces in the town that dares to name each dish after a Hollywood star . Impossible to resist his duck breast with blueberries , a delicacy that jokingly goes by the name "Angry Birds".
A safe bet is always a good **rice at the Hotel San Miguel restaurant** where the desserts are also homemade (top, top, top). the sights of the black (Sta. Bárbara, 4) with a good sticky rice or the gin and tonics of La Mascarada (Pza de la Iglesia, 8) are two other reasons to enjoy Altea to the fullest.
THE TERRAMARIS PHENOMENON
But if there is a restaurant that must be recommended, it is without a doubt Terramaris (Count of Altea, 36). Just a few months ago it opened its doors and we can already say that it is undoubtedly the revelation restaurant.
Jordi Bernat has ventured into creating a space where he has taken care of every last detail , even preserving that wonderful hydraulic tile mosaic that is over a hundred years old. His kitchen is honest and close, as he is, betting on a proximity product that can raise the most skeptical to the heights.
Jordi is one of those who gets up at 5 in the morning to bring the best of the market, because in his tiny cold room there is only room for what is consumed that day, to give rhythm and emotion to the grill without more. an exquisite red prawn from Denia, a sea bream that can eat six or a turbot , always presented at the table before being grilled, paired with some local wine while the sea breeze enters through the terrace.
In addition, Jordi dares on his grill with wagyu and for dessert with a simply spectacular brioche French toast. In short, Terramaris is synonymous with a product, a very good product. . For that alone, we already want to return to Altea.
DID YOU KNOW...
In Altea the first Russian Orthodox Church was built, that of the Archangel Michael , in the bizarre urbanization of Altea Hills. All construction materials are of Russian origin and were transported from Russia during the 5 years that were used in its construction.
**One of the most unique places in Altea to have tea is in the Garden of the Senses**, a tearoom located in a peculiar garden that has been built with plants brought from all over the world.
The pink tomato from Altea is a species native to the area . It is a very difficult species to obtain and its flavor is incredibly sweet. We have tried it in Terramaris and it is a scandal.
The Russian Orthodox Church is one of Altea's discoveries.
The alleys of Altea