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.