Since arriving at my apartment in Spain a week ago, I have settled in nicely and am enjoying living in Altea, Spain. Adjusting to daily life in this beautiful part of Alicante on the Costa Blanca has been easy and enjoyable.
After exploring Altea and the nearby towns, I have found my favourite morning walking routes, settled into an afternoon routine and discovered the best grocery stores nearby. The weekly Altea food market is also just a short cycle away.
For anyone exploring Altea and the Costa Blanca, the surrounding mountains are perfect for hiking and enjoying the outdoors. So far, I can safely say: I like it here.
Altea City
Mirror, mirror on the wall, who is the prettiest of them all? I think the answer might just be Altea.
ALTEA, of course!
Since living in Altea Spain, I have quickly discovered why this town is so popular. Located in the province of Alicante, right by the Mediterranean Sea, Altea is a beautiful place on the Costa Blanca. More importantly, it still has plenty of charm and a genuine local feel.
Altea is one of those places that immediately catches your attention. Whitewashed houses cover the hills. Narrow streets twist through the old town. Meanwhile, beautiful views of the Mediterranean Sea appear around almost every corner.
When people talk about dream destinations on the Costa Blanca, Altea Alicante certainly deserves a mention. The town offers a wonderful mix of culture, relaxation and everyday Spanish life. Although it can be lively, it rarely feels too busy. In fact, there always seems to be a quiet street, a small café or a sunny spot where you can simply watch the world go by.
The best of Altea …
For me, living in Altea Spain is also about enjoying the simple things. You can walk along the beach promenade and stop for a coffee overlooking the Mediterranean. Alternatively, you can enjoy local tapas in one of the many restaurants. There is certainly no shortage of places to sit, eat and enjoy the Costa Blanca sunshine.
However, if you are feeling a little more energetic, head towards Altea’s old town. From there, you can climb the stairs and wander through the narrow streets towards the beautiful Parroquia de Nuestra Señora del Consuelo. With its famous blue domes, the church is one of the most recognisable landmarks in Altea Alicante. Moreover, the views from the old town are well worth the climb.
What I particularly like about Altea is the atmosphere. There is simply no need to rush. Mornings can be spent walking beside the sea. Then, afternoons are perfect for exploring the small streets and local shops. Finally, evenings are all about good food and enjoying the Mediterranean atmosphere.
So far, living in Altea Spain has given me the chance to experience a different pace of life. Whether you come here to explore, relax or simply enjoy the Costa Blanca, Altea has something very special about it.
It really is a gorgeous place to be.
And yes, mirror, mirror on the wall, I still think Altea might just be the prettiest of them all.
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Living in Altea continues…
Costa Blanca, Altea and surroundings
The Costa Blanca stretches for more than 200 kilometres along the Mediterranean coastline in the province of Alicante, on the southeastern coast of Spain. So, no matter which direction I want to go, there always seems to be a mountain to cross.
When it comes to scenic beauty, Altea on the Costa Blanca certainly stands out. The dramatic mountains create a stunning backdrop. In fact, they seem to surround me wherever I go.
Naturally, there are plenty of hiking routes to explore. At the same time, countless villas are built into the surrounding hills. They all seem to be fighting for the best views over the Mediterranean Sea.
And yes, the higher the house, the better the view.
The hills…
However, there is another side to living so high up. The hills are steep and the roads are often narrow. Therefore, I can’t quite see the practicality of living at the very top.
Cycling up one of those steep hills every day? Maybe not…
Still, living in Altea, Alicante, means having some of the most beautiful landscapes on the Costa Blanca right on your doorstep. Whether you enjoy hiking, cycling or simply taking in the views, this is certainly a beautiful area to explore.
The plan for 2020
That said, I am planning to hike the mountains next year – read here: Best hiking trails in Altea Alicante. The Sierra Helada Natural Park looks like a great place to start. For now, however, I am enjoying exploring the area by bicycle. It is much easier without all the luggage, by the way!
Fortunately, adventure is never far away when living in Altea Spain. With mountains, coastal paths and plenty of outdoor routes nearby, there are many ways to stay active. So, for now, my bicycle is the perfect way to explore more of Altea Alicante and the surrounding Costa Blanca.
And it seems I am not the only one.
The Costa Blanca is clearly a popular destination for outdoor lovers like me. Everywhere I go, I see people cycling, hiking and walking. I have even spotted people rock climbing. Therefore, I have a feeling my time in Altea will be filled with plenty of outdoor adventures. But first, I am looking forward to a quiet Christmas in Altea. It will also give me some time to plan my next adventures for 2020.
So, Merry Christmas from Altea, Alicante, on the beautiful Costa Blanca!
Until next year. And, as always, thank you for following my travels so far.
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