Altea

Altea is the Costa Blanca's artistic village, a whitewashed hill-town that tumbles down toward the sea beneath a landmark blue-and-white tiled dome. The old town is a pedestrian maze of narrow lanes, steps, craft shops, galleries and small squares, centred on the church of Nuestra Senora del Consuelo. The dome, glimmering in the sun, is visible from far along the bay and has become the town's emblem. Altea has long attracted painters, potters, writers and musicians, and the lanes are lined with open studios and shops selling ceramics, jewellery and textiles. From the church square, balconies and terraces look out over the sea, the sweep of the bay, the Peñón de Ifach in the distance and the line of high-rises of Benidorm to the south. A day trip combining Altea with Guadalest is among the most popular excursions from Alicante: you get the mountain village in the morning and the coast in the afternoon, with time to wander, sit with a coffee and browse the shops.

The best way to see Altea is to climb to the church first and wander down. From the square, steps lead through arches and past houses painted in white and blue, often with bougainvillea and geraniums. Look out for the small viewpoint terraces, the old town walls and the shaded lanes of the artisan quarter. The lower town stretches toward the seafront promenade, where a pebble beach, a marina and a row of restaurants make a pleasant place for lunch, especially fresh seafood and rice dishes.

There is a weekly market on Tuesdays (the day can change, so confirm locally) and an arts-and-crafts atmosphere throughout the year. In summer, evening concerts and exhibitions appear in the squares. The old town is hilly and cobbled, so wear comfortable shoes, and carry water in summer when the lanes retain heat. The church is usually open to visitors outside services and asks for modest dress.

Tours differ in how much time they allow: a combined Guadalest and Altea trip normally gives one to two hours in the town, enough for a stroll and lunch. If you want a more relaxed experience, visit independently by car or tram and stay longer. The region around Altea also offers rewarding outdoor activities, including kayaking to sea caves, coastal walks and diving, so the town works as a base as well as a day trip.

Parking in the old town is limited, so use the lower car parks and walk up. Allow half a day. Altea is less suitable for wheelchairs because of the steep cobbles, but the lower promenade is accessible.

For the best photographs, walk up before the shops open, when the lanes are empty and the light comes low across the white walls, then return in the late afternoon for the dome in warm light. Ask about local ceramics and handmade jewellery in the small shops, and compare prices before buying.

If you have time for a second visit, an evening stroll shows another side of the town, with restaurants and bars filling the squares and the sea turning dark beyond the rooftops. Keep in mind that some shops close for a long lunch, so plan browsing for the morning or after five.