EN EN NL NL DE DE FR FR ES ES IT IT PT PT DA DA SV SV NO NO FI FI PL PL ZH ZH RU RU AR AR TR TR CS CS RO RO HU HU LT LT ET ET BG BG HR HR SK SK HE HE JA JA KO KO HI HI UK UK SR SR EL EL SL SL LV LV ID ID
Alt text: Stone pathway with benches, green fence, and trees, leading to a scenic view.

Costa Blanca · Spain

Altea

Altea is a picturesque coastal town on Spain's Costa Blanca, known for its distinctive white-washed old town and stunning views of the Mediterranean. With a population of approximately 24,592 residents, it offers a tranquil yet culturally rich environment. The municipality covers an area of 34.4 square kilometers, blending mountainous backdrops with blue flag beaches.

24.592
Population
3856
Sunshine hours/year
14m
Elevation
24
AQI (Fair)
3
Blue Flag Beaches
24
Hotels
Narrow alley with white buildings, balconies, and a clear blue sky.
A cozy white-walled room with a balcony, offering a charming street view.
Cozy room with sea view, balcony, and modern amenities.
Alt text: Modern apartment with balcony, city view, wooden flooring, and large windows.

Living & Lifestyle

Life in Altea centers around its historic core, the Casco Antiguo, characterized by narrow cobblestone streets and the iconic blue-domed church of La Mare de Déu del Consol. The town provides essential amenities for daily living, including 61 restaurants and 13 banks. Despite its size, the town maintains a relaxed pace, though options for general retail are smaller compared to larger commercial hubs like Benidorm.

Culturally, Altea has a strong artistic heritage, attracting painters and craftsmen who have settled in the old town. The community is a mix of local Spanish residents and an international population, creating a diverse atmosphere. The municipality currently has 32 local public holidays and festivals in 2026, reflecting a vibrant calendar of traditional events.

Health services are accessible with 6 pharmacies and at least 1 dentist recorded in the area. The town is family-friendly, though the hilly topography of the old town requires a moderate level of fitness to navigate on foot.

Alt text: Stone bridge with arched openings, blue railing, and a clear blue sky in the background.

Climate & Weather

Altea enjoys a Mediterranean climate classified as warm and temperate. The town experiences an average of 3,856 hours of sunshine annually, making it one of the sunniest locations in the region. Temperatures range from an average of 11.3°C in January to a warm 27.2°C in August. The summers are hot and dry, while winters remain mild, allowing for year-round outdoor activities.

Precipitation is concentrated mainly in the autumn and winter months, with an annual total of approximately 55 rain days. October is typically the wettest month, receiving around 87mm of rain, while July is the driest with only 7mm on average. The sea temperature remains comfortable for swimming from late spring through early autumn.

Month °C gem. °C max°C min Rainfall mm Sun hours
January 12.3° 16.0°9.0° 50 mm 262h
February 13.1° 16.6°9.7° 19 mm 255h
March 14.3° 17.7°11.0° 73 mm 297h
April 16.1° 19.4°12.8° 42 mm 322h
May 19.4° 22.6°15.9° 29 mm 390h
June 23.8° 27.0°20.2° 12 mm 402h
July 26.6° 29.9°23.2° 7 mm 422h
August 27.0° 30.3°23.7° 17 mm 384h
September 24.1° 27.3°21.1° 41 mm 327h
October 20.6° 23.9°17.5° 44 mm 295h
November 16.2° 19.7°13.0° 37 mm 254h
December 13.6° 17.0°10.4° 43 mm 246h
Alt text: Outdoor terrace with a view of a garden and stone wall.

Getting Around

Altea is well-connected by road and rail along the Costa Blanca. The nearest major airport is Alicante-Elche (ALC), located approximately 57.8 km to the southwest, which is about a 45-minute drive. Valencia Airport (VLC) is 104.6 km to the north. Public transport is facilitated by the TRAM Alicante system, with the 'Altea' train station located just 1.8 km from the town center and the 'Olla Altea' station only 1.5 km away, providing direct links to Benidorm and Alicante.

The municipality is served by 4 local bus lines with 27 stops connecting different districts. The terrain is generally flat near the coast, with a cycling-friendly gradient of 1.8% and an altitude of 14m, making it easy to explore by bike.

Alicante-Elche (ALC)

57.8 km

Valencia (VLC)

104.6 km

Malaga-Costa del Sol (AGP)

447.3 km

Lines

4

Stops

27

Cycling: flat (gradient 1.8%)

Nature & Beaches

Altea boasts over 8 kilometers of coastline featuring diverse beaches such as the Platja de la Roda near the town center and the scenic Platja de l'Olla. Environmental quality is high, with three beaches, Cap Blanc, El Bol, and La Roda, having been awarded the Blue Flag certification for 2026. The Serra de Bèrnia mountain range creates a dramatic backdrop, offering trails like the Pas de la Rabosa, and the town features several viewpoints including the Torre de Bellaguarda.

Blue Flag Beaches (2026)

Viewpoints

Marinas

Sports & Recreation

The municipality offers diverse sports facilities, including the Polideportivo Altea Garganes and the Complex Esportiu Joan Montiel. Tennis enthusiasts can access the Club de Tenis Altea, while golfers have options like the Altea Club de Golf and the nearby Meliá Villaitana. For water sports, the Port d'Altea and the Luis Campomanes Sports Marina provide berths and rental services.

The area is also popular for hiking and cycling, with routes like the Mirador del Forat de Bèrnia offering scenic challenges. Local swimming pools are available at facilities like C.P. Les Rotes de San Chochim.

Golf Courses

Hotels & Tourism

24 hotels in Altea

Amenities

Restaurant

61

Pharmacy

6

Bank

13

Cafe

24

Dentist

1

Air Quality

PM2.5

4.4

µg/m³

PM10

6.5

µg/m³

NO²

4.1

µg/m³

Ozone

61.0

µg/m³

UV Index

0.0

Education

Families moving to Altea have access to international education within the vicinity. Notable options include the Costa Blanca International College and the Lope de Vega International School. These institutions offer British or international curriculums, catering to the large expatriate community in the Marina Baixa region.

International Schools

Economy & Income

The local economy is primarily driven by tourism, real estate, and services. The average net income per person is approximately €12,313, with a median income of €15,750. Household net income averages around €31,507. The real estate market is robust, with 69 properties currently available, reflecting the area's popularity as a second-home destination.

Net income/person

€12.313

2023

Net/household

€31.507

Median income

€15.750

Gross/person

€14.770

Local Holidays (32)

2026-01-01

Año Nuevo

2026-01-06

Día de Reyes / Epifanía del Señor

2026-02-28

Día de Andalucía

2026-03-01

Dia de les Illes Balears

2026-04-02

Jueves Santo

2026-04-03

Viernes Santo

At a Glance

  • Population of 24,592 (INE 2025) in a 34.4 sq km area
  • Average of 3,856 sunshine hours and 55 rain days per year
  • 3 Blue Flag beaches: Cap Blanc, El Bol, and La Roda
  • Located 57.8 km from Alicante-Elche Airport (ALC)
  • Closest train stations within 2 km (Altea and Olla Altea)
  • International schooling available at Costa Blanca International College
  • Real estate options ranging from €99k to €8m, averaging €1.46m

Neighbourhoods

Altea Hills
2 real estate
→
El Fornet
46 real estate
→
Urbanització Alhama
22 real estate
→

Browse by Property Type

New Build
19 real estate
→
Apartments
15 real estate
→
Villas
27 real estate
→
Penthouses
1 real estate
→
New Build
2 real estate
→
Country Houses
1 real estate
→
Land & Plots
7 real estate
→
Commercial
1 real estate
→
Properties
17 real estate
→

Available Properties

The real estate market in Altea is diverse, ranging from apartments to luxury villas. Currently, there are 69 properties listed for sale, with prices ranging from €99,000 to €8,000,000. The average listing price is approximately €1.46 million. The market includes 26 detached villas and 16 bungalows, alongside a mix of apartments and land. High demand exists for properties with sea views, particularly in the Altea Hills area.
New Build (19) Apartments (15) Villas (27) Penthouses (1) New Build (2) Country Houses (1) Land & Plots (7) Commercial (1) Properties (17)
Bekijk alle woningen in Altea →

Frequently Asked Questions

How far is Altea from the nearest airport?
Altea is located 57.8 km from Alicante-Elche Airport (ALC), roughly a 45-minute drive by car.
What are the average temperatures in Altea?
Altea has mild winters and hot summers. January averages 11.3°C, while August reaches an average of 27.2°C.
Are there international schools in Altea?
Yes, the area is served by Costa Blanca International College and Lope de Vega International School.
Is the town bike-friendly?
Yes, the coastal area is generally flat with a low gradient (1.8%), making it suitable for cycling.
How many beaches does Altea have?
Altea has several beaches, including Platja del Cap Negret, Platja de l'Olla, and Platja de la Roda.
What is the average price of real estate in Altea?
The current average asking price for a property in Altea is approximately €1,464,799.
Is there a train station in Altea?
Yes, there are two stations nearby: Altea station (1.8 km) and Olla Altea station (1.5 km).
vestalinks.com

Worth knowing

Buying Process steps to buy apartment Costa del Sol → Costs & Fees buying costs property Spain percentage → Tax & Legal non-resident property tax Spain explained → Living in Spain living on the Costa del Sol as British expat → New Build new build Costa del Sol 2025 completion overview → Rankings Blue Flag Beaches Costa del Sol 2026 →