Altea is one of those places that’s more amazing every time you go. You arrive there and it’s like you’re in a place completely different from the rest of Alicante. You can sense happiness and excitement in the air and Altea gives off an atmosphere of peace and serenity: the hippie stores, the charming restaurants with their terraces, and the winding, cobblestone streets.
Altea is a town in Alicante with lots of charm, mountains, and sea, and the best part is the historic old town and its square. To reach the Plaza de Altea, the best bet is to head up the “cuesta de las narices,” a hard 25-minute hike or a rather stress-free five-minute car ride. Unsurprisingly, I recommend going up in car. You can park in the free parking lot in Palau, but the ascent is worth it.
You can access the plaza through different streets, all of which invariably lead to the square. You can see the church dome from a mile away. The charming part begins in the streets themselves: they’re pedestrian-only, cobblestoned, and have a selection of stores offering clothing, jewelry, art, and the “balconadas,” art exhibits put on by local students of the prestigious Altea Fine Arts School.
The Plaza de Altea is, without a doubt, one of my favorite places in the whole world. I’m not exaggerating. I love passing through there, especially at night, and stopping in one of the little craft shops (even if I don’t buy anything) and having a bit to eat in one of the many phenomenal restaurants in the area.
The views from the viewpoint near the Rosa de la Vientos aren’t to be missed. You just have to see them. The Plaza de Altea is a special place. To begin with, getting there is something of a feat. It’s not easy, and all the streets that take you there are winding, but it’s a pleasure to explore and make your way through all those narrow, white alleyways.
The small coastal village of Altea is known locally and abroad as an enchanting and romantic destination, and all you have to do to understand why is take a stroll to the town's main square as the sun goes down. If you're in the old town of Altea, basically all the streets end up in the main square but if you have trouble finding it, the ever-present steeple and evocative blue domes of the Señora del Conuselo Church will help guide you.
If you visit outside of the peak season, the plaza is absolutely magical.
It's a beautiful place, you feel at peace and relaxed with the views and the sound of the waves on the beach.
