Altea (Costa Blanca):

Altea has a spectacular setting surrounded by the Sierra Bernia mountains and dominating the Bay of Altea . Tall cliffs and beaches are overloo ked to the south by the Gelada mountain, crowned by the well known Altea lighthouse. The seafront esplanade is adorned with palm trees and restaurants and cafes .

An impressive blue domed church stands out in the main square and has stunning views of the coast. Bars and terraced restaurants clothe the narrow winding streets complete with flower festooned balconies.

The town has become a popular centre for arts and crafts which are displayed on the stalls of the Plaza de la Iglesia and in the weekly street market. A new concert hall and a regular diary of events draws music lovers from all over the area. It is also famous for its festival in September dedicated to the Moors and Christians when processions, pageantry, dances and concerts enliven the atmosphere.

Slightly inland is Altea Hills which is becoming well known in its own right and the gateway to some fertile nispero (a kind of medlar fruit) plantations which are quite a local delicacy and a wonderful sight in February when the bright orange fruit crop. Try them if you can they taste like a cross between an apricot and orange and are delicious.