Moving down the coast to the South of Valencia, after the town of Calpe, on a slope is a nice town of Altea.
Althea (Altea) is a small seaside town located 10 km North of Benidorm, has perfectly preserved its unique way of life and has a special charm of ancient fishing settlements. At the time the city was an important Phoenician port. The Arabs, who rebuilt the city, called it "Altia", which means "health for all".
The streets are always lively: here travelers will small cozy restaurants and bars serving traditional local dishes.
The atmosphere of this ancient town, situated at an altitude of 500 meters above sea level, is a magnet for many years, the Bohemians – artists, musicians, writers.
This city is considered to be the most beautiful city of the Costa Blanca. Hillside location, paved walkways and stairs (there is an opinion that the longest of them has about 250 steps) leading to the peak, where it overlooks the town blue-and-white glossy domes, a symbol of the Catholic Church Nuestra Señora del Consuelo (by the way, this Church is a symbol of the city). And yet her image and pictures love to put on postcards and Souvenirs of the Costa Blanca, for which it is also called "dome of the Mediterranean".
The old town is situated around the Church, on the slopes of the hill. Historical monuments: the Ruins of the Fort de Bernia (XVI century), the watchtower Torre de La Bellaguarda (XVI century), the watchtower Torre de La Galera (XVII century).
Narrow streets of white houses lead to the top of the mountain where he hid the historic centre of Altea. Here you will find art shops, unusual gift shops and boutiques that are definitely worth a visit.
The landscape of the marshmallow variety. Steep escarpments are moving in low from the sea shore pale pebbles in the sun. The mountain "Sierra Bernia" and "Sierra Aitana" towering at a height of approximately 1100 and 1500 m, and protect the city from cold winds from the North and North-West. "Sierra Helada", closes the Bay of Altea to the South. The average annual temperature is 19 degrees. In the surroundings of Altea is one of the most exclusive urbanizations of the coast of Altea hills, where around 5* hotel "Melia Altea Hills" is stretched imposing villas and apartment complexes.
Many famous artists from around the world have selected this city as their place of residence. On the beach everyone can practice all kinds of water sport is boating on yachts, sailing boats, scuba diving and many others.
Altea is close to Russian Orthodox Church (the Church of St. Archangel Michael) is the first and only (so far) Orthodox Church in Spain. From Russia were brought an ancient icon of Kazan Mother of God, Archangel Michael and other saints.
