Altea la Vella between local history and the Sierra

Historical traces in the town centre

Altea la Vella combines a town centre bearing traces of different eras with a landscape shaped by the Sierra, mountain peaks and destinations in the surrounding area. In the historic centre, the street layout preserves the square shape of a former Islamic castle; the castle now lies beneath the buildings. The Santa Anna Church characterises the townscape of Altea la Vella through its size and form.

Font Gran and views of the Sierra

Calvari is an area of particular scenic interest with views of the Sierra. The view of the Sierra combines with the central structure of Font Gran that has been preserved to this day, forming part of the local landscape. Font Gran lies at the foot of the mountain on the path between the Sierra and the centre of Altea la Vella. It has been documented since the 16th century; the central structure preserved today dates from 1884.

The peaks of Penyes del Portixol, El Rellotge and El Portixol are located in the immediate vicinity of Altea la Vella. Platja de l'Albir beach is located in the surrounding area of Altea la Vella. Thus, the wider local area offers both mountain and coastal landscapes.

Hiking with a clear classification

For hiking enthusiasts, the PR-CV 436 Camí de la Cova de la Serp trail runs between Altea la Vella and Pinós. At the same time, it has been classified as suitable only to a limited extent because deficiencies were identified in the signage. Anyone incorporating hiking into their travel plans should take this classification into account when assessing the trail.

Archaeology and local history

The history of the town reaches back to different periods. The Iberian gravestone stele of Altea la Vella depicts a warrior equipped with his own weapons. The Iberian necropolis served as a burial site for the nearby Iberian settlement of Altea la Vella. The first Carta Puebla of Altea la Vella dates from 1279.

Destinations in the surrounding area

The surrounding area of Altea la Vella offers further destinations for a range of interests. The Mirador Monte Toix viewpoint is located nearby. Also in the surrounding area are the Sala de Exposiciones Ajuntament Vell museum and the Museo al Aire Libre Villa Romana de l'Albir museum. Mundomar Zoo is another destination in the surrounding area.

If you would like to stay in Altea la Vella, you can choose your accommodation to suit your preferred type of trip. Local history, landscape, hiking and excursions offer different points of focus. When choosing a hotel or holiday apartment, you can decide which of these facets should set the pace of your trip.

Further destinations: La Galera.

To the higher-level travel overview: Altea.