A Day in the Old Town of Altea — My Favourite Hidden Gem in Spain

By Isa | IsaUnpacked

There are some places you visit once and immediately know you'll keep coming back to. For me, that place is the Old Town of Altea. I try to visit at least once every trip to Spain because it just has everything beautiful views, charming local shops, incredible food, and this atmosphere that makes you feel like time slows down the second you step onto those cobblestone streets.

If you're anywhere near the Costa Blanca and you haven't been yet, let me walk you through exactly why this little town deserves a spot on your list.

Walking Up to the Plaza

The magic starts before you even reach the top. As you walk up towards the plaza, the narrow streets are lined with the cutest little local shops. We're talking small independent businesses with handmade ceramics, art, jewellery, woven bags the kind of places where everything has a story behind it. I always go in hoping to find a bracelet, but honestly, just browsing and wandering through the streets is part of the whole experience.

There's no rush here. That's the thing about Altea. It invites you to slow down, peek into doorways, stop at a little gallery, maybe chat with a shop owner. It's the opposite of a high-street shopping trip, and I love it for that.

The Plaza & the Old Church

When you finally reach the plaza, it opens up into this cosy, charming space that instantly feels like the heart of the town. It's surrounded by restaurants with outdoor terraces, and there's always this lovely buzz of people enjoying the afternoon. But the real centrepiece? The old church, standing proudly right in the middle of it all with its iconic blue-and-white tiled dome.

If you get the chance to go inside, I really recommend it. The church is full of beautiful art, detailed decorations, and these gold touches that catch the light in the most stunning way. The whole space feels peaceful almost heavenly, if that doesn't sound too dramatic. It's one of those moments where you just stand there quietly and take it all in.

The Viewpoint You Can't Miss

Just around the corner from the plaza, there's a viewpoint that will genuinely take your breath away. You look out towards Albir with the sea stretching out in front of you and the mountains rising up behind, and it's just a lot of beauty to process at once.

It's obviously a perfect spot for photos (your Instagram will thank you), but it's also one of those places where you want to just stop, breathe, and appreciate where you are. I've stood at that viewpoint multiple times now, and it hits the same way every single time.

Where to Eat After a Day of Exploring

After a full day of wandering, you're going to be hungry, and Altea delivers. There's a restaurant I love that's indoors but somehow still feels like you're sitting outside, which gives it this really special, airy atmosphere. The food was incredible. I ordered the steak tartare and the gambas, and both were absolutely worth it. The kind of dishes where you go quiet for a second because you're too busy enjoying every bite.

And because no good day ends without something sweet, I found the most delicious ice cream. So creamy, so full of flavour. I went for pistachio (obviously), and it was so good I ate every single bite. I even had to defend my cone from a little ice cream thief who had their eye on it. That's how you know it's the real deal.

Why Altea Keeps Pulling Me Back

Some places are beautiful but feel a bit empty. Others are fun but overwhelming. Altea is neither. It's got this perfect balance of beauty, charm, and warmth that makes every visit feel special, even when you already know what's around the next corner. The cobblestone streets, the views, the church, the food, the little shops, it all comes together into something that just feels right.

If you're planning a trip to the Costa Blanca, please don't skip Altea's Old Town. It's one of those places that stays with you long after you leave.

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