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ALTEA-COSTA
BLANCA
In
the Marina Baixa region at Costa Blanca, the
city of Altea opens up to the sea from one of
the most beautiful bays on the Mediterranean
coast. On the top of a hill, protected from
cold winds by the mountains behind, this place
has all the charm of a Mediterranean coast
village. Altea is located 10 km from Benidorm,
50 km from Alicante and 120 km from Valencia.
By road: The connections by road with Altea is
the Mediterranean motorway A-7, exit (salida)
65. The main road N-332 connects Altea with
Alicante and Valencia.
Even if you never set foot outside Altea
during your holiday you won't run short of
sights to see, places to visit and things to
do. And if you're keen to venture further
afield, the Costa Blanca and its hinterland
offers a wealth of major attractions - both
natural and man made - within easy reach.
Start by exploring the town itself. Set off
from the Plaza del Convento and follow the
Pont de Moncau which leads you to the
Vellaguarda. From here you'll wend your way
through the narrow medieval streets which wind
steadily upwards to the plaza in the old
quarter. Make the blue-domed parish church of
the Virgin del Consuelo your goal. But be
prepared for many distractions along the way.
The streets themselves are a delight with
their whitewashed buildings adorned with
jasmine and geraniums. Private homes, shops
and restaurants sit comfortably side by side
in a jumble of buildings which are full of
character with their intricately carved wooden
doors, balconies and metal grilles.
Take your time. Partly because the climb to
the top through these stepped and cobbled
streets is quite demanding. But mostly because
you'll want to stop and explore the many gifts
shops, art and craft galleries and tempting
back streets along the way.
At the top you'll be rewarded with a
magnificent view over Altea Bay with the
Sierra Bernia mountain range providing an
impressive backdrop. Make sure you've got your
camera or camcorder with you!
Stop here for a drink or a meal in one of the
bars and restaurants which circle the cobbled
plaza. It's a perfect place to sit and relax -
never too noisy and never too
"touristy".
Visit the Virgin del Consuelo (Our Lady of
Solace) church - built at the turn of the
century and quite as elaborate inside as out.
Its slender bell tower and huge blue dome
beautifully decorated with blue and white
glazed ceramic tiles make it one of the Costa
Blanca's major milestones (a postcard
favourite!).
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