Villas for Rent in Altea, Apartments to Rent

ALTEA
Costa Blanca Villa and Apartment Holidays

Altea, between Calpe and Benidorm, is set on a hill rising above its famous white-tiled parish church, whose dome, blue with a white geometric design, is one of the symbolic images of the Costa Blanca. The hills behind the town are one of the region's most desirable places to rent villas and apartments, with many beautiful holiday properties available to rent. Altea has retained it's beauty and charm, unlike many other former fishing villages, making it a great location to live or visit. It has a quiet charm yet is close to larger and more vibrant towns with good shopping and nightlife.

Many races settled here, including the Iberians, Greeks, Romans and Moslems, and it prospered because of it's strategic importance at the mouth of the river Algar. Under the Greeks and Romans, and later the Moors, the region became an important trade centre but the town was hit badly in the early 17th century by marauding pirates, leading to a dramatic population decline.

Today, the beautiful old town centre retains its special charm. When visiting the town, start at the Plaza del Convento and take the Pont de Moncau - leading to the Vellaguarda district, an area of steep narrow cobble-stoned streets with pretty white houses with balconies, orange trees and geraniums. The Plaza, with the Church of the Virgen del Consuelo, is the cultural and leisure centre. The town's peacefulness and tranquillity make it a paradise for artists and craftsmen whose shops and stalls are scattered throughout the old town.

A wide promenade flanks the 6 kilometre long beach, with cliffs alternating with shingled bathing areas. Playa de la Roda is adjacent to the old town centre, whilst the main beach, Playa de Cap Blanch, is to the south and runs into Albir's beach. The Playa de Cap Negret, a shingled beach ending at a small cove with black pebbles called the 'Cala del Soio', is to the north. L'Olla is another popular beach opposite a small island of the same name. The town ends at the 'Mascarat point' and the Sierra de Bernia, at the La Barreta, La Solsida and La Galera shingled coves.

The town is surrounded by stunning mountain scenery - the Sierra de Bernia reaches 1130 metres, and with its Font del Garroferet and ancient castle, it is well worth visiting.