Altea Old Town

White streets, viewpoints, and tradition

Although it is not known whether its name stems from the Greek word Althaia, meaning "I heal", or from the Andalusian Arabic attlaye, meaning "watchtower", the truth is that this area of Marina Baja, with its narrow streets ascending to the highest point of the town like a watchtower, heals the soul of everyone who visits. If you also want to enjoy this healing charm, we will tell you what to see in the old town of Altea so you can discover all its corners.

What to see in Altea's old town

Calle San Miguel

You can start your tour on Calle San Miguel, where white houses with balconies full of flowers will welcome you to Altea’s historic center. You will begin to feel the atmosphere of the area, with many craft shops where you can take home a beautiful souvenir, and you will also find bars and restaurants.

Iglesia de Nuestra Señora del Consuelo

It's impossible to skip this point when wondering what to see in Altea's old town, because as you walk along Calle San Miguel, the Church of Nuestra Señora del Consuelo awaits you in the Plaza de la Iglesia with its two beautiful domes covered in tiles. If its exterior impresses, don’t miss the opportunity to go inside, where its baroque interior and religious sculptures are even more stunning.

Calle Mayor hasta el Portal Vell

Once you've enjoyed this beautiful square, where you can pause for a snack, continue the route through Altea's old town along Calle Mayor. You will continue delighting in the intertwining of white-facade houses and cobbled streets up to the Portal Vell, the ancient entrance to the northern part of the city, which dates back to the 17th century.

Molí de Bellaguarda

If you still think there’s more to see in Altea's old town, there are some surprises left. To discover this one, you need to retrace your steps along Carrer del Portal Vell until you reach the Costera del Mestre Música and visit the Molí Bellaguarda. This historic spot, also known as Aljub, is a hydraulic mill used between the 14th and 16th centuries that is very well preserved. A piece of local history, closely linked to water, that you shouldn’t forget to see.

Mirador del Manyo

Leaving the mill, we will go back along Costera Mestre Música to enjoy one of the most famous viewpoints in Altea’s old town, the Mirador del Manyo or Glorieta del Maño, where you can enjoy spectacular views of the coastline. Certainly an incredible spot where you should take a snapshot.

Mirador y Casa Cervantes

If you liked the views and want to see more viewpoints, the next step we recommend is a 2x1. Continuing along C/Hondo, you will reach a quirky eclectic-style house known as “Casa Cervantes”, from early 20th century, owned by someone who loved the works of the writer. Right next to this striking house, there is another viewpoint from which you can enjoy beautiful views of the Mediterranean coast and the mountains. Undoubtedly another memorable photo opportunity.

Mirador de los Cronistas de España

Leaving the viewpoint and descending Calle Santa Bárbara and Plaça de la Iglesia, you will reach the last point of our route about what to see in Altea’s old town, but not the least important. The Mirador de los Cronistas de España is another spot where you’ll want to snap a photo to impress your followers on social media.

From this vantage point, you will also have beautiful views of the Mediterranean with the port and the mountains as main focal points, along with the charming maze of white houses seen at the foot of the hillside, sprinkling life into this part of Marina Baja.