If you've ever stood at the water's edge in Altea and looked up at the hillside — that cascade of whitewashed walls, the blue-and-white tiled dome of the church glinting in the September sun — you already know why the Altea Old Town (Casco Antiguo) is considered one of the most beautiful historic neighbourhoods on the entire Costa Blanca. After ten years of living here, I still catch myself stopping mid-step on those cobblestones, genuinely amazed that this place exists.
But knowing it's beautiful and actually knowing how to explore it are two different things. This guide gives you everything: which streets to walk, what to eat, where the hidden viewpoints are, how long you need, and why September is genuinely the best month to visit.
Getting Up There: The Practical Stuff First
The Casco Antiguo sits on a hill above the modern town and seafront. There's no direct road access to the upper streets — and honestly, that's part of the charm. You have three realistic options:
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Find rentals →On foot: The most rewarding approach. From the seafront promenade, follow the signs up through Carrer de la Mar. It takes about 15–20 minutes and gets steep near the top. Wear proper shoes — not flip-flops. Trust me on this.
By the free lift (elevator): There's a public elevator on Carrer Sant Pere that connects the lower town to the old quarter. It's free, open most of the day, and an absolute godsend if you're with young children or elderly family members.
By car to the perimeter: You can drive to the parking areas near the base of the old town (Plaça de l'Esglèsia area has the nearest spots) and walk the last stretch. Parking is trickier in summer but much easier now in September.
The Heart of It All: Plaza de la Iglesia
Every visit to the Casco Antiguo should begin — or end — at Plaza de la Iglesia, the main square dominated by the Church of Nuestra Señora del Consuelo with its unmistakeable blue-and-white tiled dome. This is Altea's icon, the image on every postcard.
The church itself dates from the 17th century and is well worth stepping inside. The interior is cool, calm, and surprisingly moving — a stark contrast to the brilliant sunshine outside. Masses still take place here regularly.
The square around it is surrounded by terrace bars and restaurants. My recommendation: grab a coffee at one of the terraces in the morning when the light hits the dome from the east. In the late afternoon, the whole square turns golden. In September, without the peak summer crowds, you can actually find a table without planning your life around it.
The Streets Worth Exploring
Altea's old town isn't large — you can cover the main areas in two to three hours — but the joy is in wandering without a plan. That said, here are the streets I always end up recommending:
Carrer Major: The main artery of the old town, lined with art galleries, ceramic shops, and restaurants. Altea has an exceptionally strong artistic community (there's even a fine arts faculty from a local university here), and you'll see that reflected in the quality of the galleries. This isn't tourist-tat territory.
Carrer de la Mar: The steep, stepped street that climbs from the lower town. It's atmospheric any time of day, but magical in the early evening when the light softens and locals start to appear.
The back lanes behind the church: Most visitors don't go here. Quieter, more residential, with pots of geraniums and cats sunbathing on doorsteps. This is where you get a genuine sense of what it means to live in Altea's old town.
The Best Viewpoints in the Casco Antiguo
Altea's position — perched above the bay — means viewpoints are everywhere, but some are better than others.
Mirador del Fornet: The most famous, just a short walk from the church. On a clear September day, you can see the Peñón de Ifach in Calpe to the north, the Sierra Helada, and the sweep of the bay all the way to Benidorm's skyline. Bring your camera.
The terraces of the upper restaurants: Several restaurants in the Casco Antiguo have roof terraces or elevated dining areas with extraordinary views. Sunset dinner up here is one of the definitive Altea experiences.
The cemetery viewpoint: A little-known one, and yes, it sounds odd. The old cemetery at the edge of the hill has views that genuinely rival the Mirador del Fornet. Locals know about it. Now you do too.
Where to Eat in the Old Town
The restaurants in Altea's Casco Antiguo tend toward the higher end — you're paying partly for the setting — but there are good options at various price points.
Oustau de Altea on Carrer Major is a local institution, specialising in Mediterranean cuisine with French influences. The terrace is lovely and the rice dishes are exceptional.
La Cuina de l'Àvia (Grandmother's Kitchen) serves traditional Valencian home cooking. It's small, informal, and the kind of place where the owner will tell you what to order. Listen to her.
For tapas and something more relaxed, Bar El Fornet near the mirador is a favourite with locals — honest food, fair prices, and one of the best locations in the old town.
Art Galleries: A Genuine Scene
Altea's artistic reputation isn't marketing fluff. The Universidad Miguel Hernández has its fine arts faculty here, and the old town has attracted working artists for decades. Spending an hour exploring the galleries on and around Carrer Major is genuinely worthwhile.
Many galleries are small, independently owned, and very happy to talk about the work. September is a good month because you often catch the end of summer exhibitions and openings for autumn shows.
Why September Is Perfect for the Old Town
I've written before about September being the best month to visit Altea generally, but the old town specifically benefits enormously from the thinning of summer crowds. In July and August, the main square and Carrer Major get genuinely packed — it can be hard to enjoy the details when you're shuffling through a crowd.
In September, the pace changes. The light is softer, the temperatures have come down from the brutal August peaks (you're looking at 27–30°C rather than 35°C+), and the whole experience is more relaxed. The local businesses are still fully open, festivals are still happening, but the streets have breathing room again.
Practical Tips for Your Visit
- Best time of day: Early morning (8–10am) for photography and quiet streets, or late afternoon into evening for atmosphere and dining.
- Wear comfortable shoes: The cobblestones are beautiful and uneven. Not negotiable.
- Take cash: Several of the smaller shops and art galleries prefer cash.
- Allow more time than you think: Most people plan an hour and stay three.
- Visit mid-week in September: Even now, weekends bring day-trippers from Benidorm and Valencia.
Stay in Altea and Explore at Your Own Pace
The Casco Antiguo is wonderful for a day trip, but it's even better when you're staying in Altea itself and can visit at different times of day — at dawn before anyone else is there, or late at night when the square is quiet and lit beautifully.
Browse our holiday rentals in Altea — apartments and villas across the town, many within walking distance of the old town. When you book direct with JV Properties, you save up to 18% compared to booking through Airbnb or similar platforms. That's money better spent on a dinner at Oustau de Altea.
Altea's old town isn't just a sight to tick off. It's the kind of place that makes you understand why people come to the Costa Blanca and never quite leave.
