Altea

Traces of Iberians, Romans, and Muslims have been found in the municipality of Altea. In 1244, James I of Aragon conquered the town. The current townscape of the Casco Antiguo, with its whitewashed houses and narrow, cobbled streets, defines the old town center of El Fornet.The central parish church, Nuestra Señora del Consuelo, with its blue domes, was built between 1900 and 1910, though the parish itself dates to the early 16th century. Altea has long attracted artists, including the painter Benjamín Palencia, the German artist Eberhard Schlotter, and writers such as Vicente Blasco Ibáñez and Rafael Alberti. This creative atmosphere still shapes the city's cultural life. The Moros y Cristianos are celebrated in February for San Blas and in September with parades; the Museo Casal del Festero displays costumes from these festivals.

Altea is best explored on foot, especially the Old Town with its steep alleys and panoramic views; comfortable shoes are essential for this. The TRAM d'Alacant (Line 9) connects Altea with coastal towns like Benidorm, Calp, and Dénia; multi-journey tickets save costs.Bicycles are well-suited for the promenade and flatter coastal sections. Taxis are available. Current tram timetables and ticket information can be found with the operator TRAM d'Alacant. In the Old Town, cars are generally excluded.