The white coast …

Thanks to its  in Europe unique climatic conditions the Costa Blanca, the white coast, has developed into one of the most favourite regions for summer and winter holidays. With more than 300 sunny days in the year the temperature only rarely drops below 18º  C, while the summer months offer a relatively pleasant heat of 28 to 30º C. The water sport and golf enthusiasts can indulge in their favourite pastime during the whole year in excellent conditions. A passionate swimmer can take the plunge until late autumn with water temperatures of around 20º C. Quite often the beaches are well visited even on Christmas Day!

Even though the Costa Blanca has developed touristically on an enormous level during the last years one can still find small fishing ports or little villages inland  where time seems to have stood still and where one can enjoy the calm and beautiful atmosphere. Nowadays the coastal towns offer an international flair during the whole year which has greatly influenced the manifold gastronomic choices as well as the cultural and leisure activities which can be experienced.

The landscape is ever changing. Here you’ll find long sandy or pebble beaches, steep cliffs, fruit and vegetable plantations and a mountain range of up to 1.400 meters in the interior. With 9 months of “spring” and 3 months of “autumn” the first almond trees are in bloom sometimes as early as December. The “nispero”, the medlar fruit, can be enjoyed in March and tomatoes, oranges and lemons are available during the whole year.

… and the white fishing and artists town

The once very small fishing village of Altea has preserved its very own charm, especially in the old town with its nooks and corners and its small white chalked houses. Until today Altea is known as an artists town which is proved by the numerous galleries and arts and crafts markets at Easter and in the summer and last but not least by the recently inaugurated Music Palace and the Dance and Arts Academy.

Altea has approximately 20.000 inhabitants and life takes place in the old town in the international restaurants, cafés and bars or on the long seafront promenade which invites the visitor to have a leisurely walk, browse in the small shops and have a cool drink with a built-in sea view in one of the many bars.

3 kilometres away from lively Altea the quiet suburb Altea La Vieja, surrounded by holiday villas  developed on the Sierra Bernia mountain, is well worth a visit.