Altea with Kids: The Complete Family Guide (2026)

Altea with kids is one of those combinations that sounds like it might not work — cobbled streets, no sandy beaches, a village built on a hill — but trust me, after a decade of living here and watching hundreds of families fall completely in love with this place, I can tell you it absolutely does. In fact, Altea might just be the best-kept secret on the Costa Blanca for families who want something more than a concrete resort and a wave pool.

Let me walk you through everything you need to know before you arrive with little ones in tow.

The Beach Question: Yes, Altea Is Great for Families

The first thing parents Google is "does Altea have sandy beaches?" — the honest answer is no, the main town beach (Playa del Albir borders it to the north) is pebble and shingle. But here's what nobody tells you: kids actually love it. There's no sand in the eyes, no sand in the sandwiches, and the water clarity is extraordinary — you can see the bottom at 3 metres. The pebble beach at L'Olla is calm, well-sheltered and has shallow entry that toddlers handle well. Pack some cheap water shoes from any local supermarket (Mercadona in Altea town has them from May onwards for about €4).

For a proper sandy day out, Playa de Levante in Benidorm is just 12 minutes by car or you can take the local TRAM (the coastal train that kids absolutely love) — it runs from Altea station every 30–40 minutes and costs around €2.50 each way for adults, under-6s free.

Best Activities for Kids in Altea

Terra Mítica & Aqualandia, Benidorm

Kayaking Along the Altea Coast

Altea Old Town Treasure Hunt

Guadalest Valley Day Trip

The TRAM Coastal Railway

Eating Out in Altea with Fussy Eaters

Altea's restaurant scene is more sophisticated than your average resort town, but there are plenty of family-friendly spots that won't make you feel like you're imposing with a buggy. La Capella in the old town has a terrace with space for prams and does excellent pizza alongside more adventurous options. Down on the paseo (promenade), several of the chiringuito-style beach restaurants offer simple grilled fish, fries and salad that keeps everyone happy.

For self-catering families — and honestly, this is where holiday rentals in Altea really shine — Altea has a great local market on Tuesday and Saturday mornings near the bus station where you can load up on fresh fruit, local cheese and pastries for a fraction of restaurant prices.

Practical Tips for Families in Altea

Buggy warning: Altea's old town is largely inaccessible with a pram. The streets are steep, cobbled and narrow. Either use a carrier/backpack for babies, or leave the buggy at your accommodation. The lower town and paseo are completely flat and pram-friendly.

Parking: In May, parking is still relatively easy. The main free car park is near the bus station (Calle de la Mar). There's also pay-and-display parking along the seafront promenade. In July and August this becomes much harder — another reason May is a great month to visit.

Shade and heat: May in Altea is warm (24–27°C) but not punishing. By 1pm the sun is strong though. Plan beach time for mornings, do the old town in early evening when it cools down and the light is golden.

Pharmacies: There are two pharmacies in central Altea. Spanish pharmacists are excellent with children's health queries and will often advise without needing a doctor's appointment for minor issues.

Where to Stay in Altea with Kids

For families, an apartment or villa beats a hotel every time — more space, a kitchen for snacks and early dinners, and usually a private or shared pool. Browse family-friendly properties in Altea and book directly through JV Properties to save up to 18% compared to Airbnb or Booking.com prices for the same home. That's a significant chunk of budget you can spend on the theme park tickets instead.

Look for properties in the lower town or along the N-332 coastal road for easy beach access. If you want the old-town experience, just factor in that steep walk back up with tired legs.

Final Thought

Altea rewards families who want a real experience rather than a manufactured one. It's beautiful, it's human-scale, and it's far less hectic than Benidorm or Calpe in summer. Come in May or early June if you can — the water is warm enough to swim, the crowds haven't arrived, and the whole place feels like it's yours.

Explore holiday rentals in Altea and lock in your dates before the summer rush. Booking direct means more money for gelato on the paseo — which, with kids involved, is always the right financial priority.