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Altea | |
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 Flag  Coat of arms | |
  Altea Location in Spain Show map of Province of Alicante Altea Altea (Valencian Community) Show map of Valencian Community Altea Altea (Spain) Show map of Spain | |
| Coordinates:38°35′55″N0°3′7″W / 38.59861°N 0.05194°W /38.59861; -0.05194 | |
| Country |  Spain |
| Autonomous community |  Valencian Community |
| Province | Alicante |
| Comarca | Marina Baixa |
| Government | |
| • Mayor | Jaume Llinares Cortés (2019) (Compromís) |
| Area | |
• Total | 34.43 km2 (13.29 sq mi) |
| Elevation | 61 m (200 ft) |
| Population (2024-01-01)[1] | |
• Total | 23,963 |
| • Density | 696.0/km2 (1,803/sq mi) |
| Demonym | Alteà / Alteano |
| Time zone | UTC+1 (CET) |
| • Summer (DST) | UTC+2 (CEST) |
| Postal code | 03590 |
| Official language(s) | Spanish andValencian |
| Website | Official website |
Altea (Valencian:[alˈtea],Spanish:[alˈtea]) is a city andmunicipality located in theValencian Community, Spain, on the section ofMediterranean coast called theCosta Blanca.
At present, the economy of Altea is based ontourism, which started to grow in the 1950s because of its good weather, beaches and the labyrinthine streets with whitewashed house-fronts that characterize the town. Altea is protected on the north by the bluffs of theSerra de Bèrnia, creating an especially mildmicroclimate. Its seafront esplanade is planted with palms.
The city is notable for being residence of a number of affluent Russian migrants.[2][3]
TheIberian coastal settlements at the mouth of theAlgar river in the wide Bay of Altea were later joined by a Greekmarketplace, namedAlthaia.[4]
During theMoorish domination the land around Altea belonged to theTaifa of Dénia until it was recaptured by the Christians in 1244 underJames I of Aragon. The town was quickly fortified, and walls were erected to enclose what is now known as the "old town" outsiders.
This maze of cobbled narrow and crooked streets with glimpses of the bay is one of the better features of the town. Other sights include the church ofLa Mare de Déu del Consol ("Our Lady of Solace"), easily identifiable by its picturesque blue and white domes, tiled with glazed ceramics. There are numerous quaint restaurants near the church, some with a view over the Mediterranean. Note that, if visiting by car, you will need to park several blocks away from the church area as the immediately surrounding area is either off limits to cars and/or the streets are so narrow and steep (or have stairs) that cars cannot pass.
Altea shares a campus of theUniversity Miguel Hernández, in which the Faculty ofFine Arts is located.
The most important and well-known festival in Altea is the Castell de l'Olla, a festival offireworks that are launched into the sea, on the beach of l'Olla, giving rise to an impressive combination of light, gunpowder and music. In theValencian language, this type of fireworks is calledCastell (Castle). It takes place on the Saturday closest to the day ofSt. Lawrence, the 10th of August. The spectacle usually includes a golden-palm-tree-firework rising into the night sky. The event began as a tribute to local pyrotechnician Blas Aznar (locally known astio Blai). The fireworks display is a gesture of utmost respect to this man, a way of honouring his memory, and of giving all spectators the gift of miraculous beauty. More than 50,000 people come every year to enjoy the spectacle, some sitting on the beach, others floating in rented boats to get a better view.[1]
Every year, many Spanish cities participate in a symbolic war betweenMoors and Christians to commemorate the 500 years ofMuslim dominance over most of the Iberian Peninsula and its end in the 15th century in the course of theReconquista. The festival lasts several days, and is supposed to represent the fall of the city into the hands of theMoors and its recovery. On the fourth weekend in September, Friday, the festival begins with a peal of bells and a cannon fire. The inhabitants of the town divide into groups, as the two sides in the conflict, and stage battles in the old town and on the beach. In addition to the battles, the festival includes parades in costumes and dress inspired by the fashions of medieval times. The Christians are on horseback and wear furs, metal helmets, armour andarquebuses. In contrast, those who become Moors for the weekend ride camels or elephants and wear ancient Arab costumes.
InPascua (spanish word forEaster), the inhabitants of Altea hold solemn, somewhat macabreprocessions throughout the town during theHoly Week, which have a vivid dramatic flair to them. There is also a carnival beforehand, traditionally and symbolically representing the last chance to have some fun before Lent begins.
DuringLent, Altea has a special festival dedicated topork. Pork is very present inSpanish cuisine, with traditional hams,suckling pigs in celebratory meals and pig's tails or pig's trotters for stews. Nothing is wasted, every part of the animal is used. This festival takes place in mid-February, and consists of a parade through the old town at midday, after which everyone shares a hearty plate of rice, sings folk songs and dances, and finally tastes a roast pig.
The Encontes festival is a celebration of the ancient art ofstorytelling. It is held from 15 to 20 May. Dozens of events are organised to entertain the visitors with stories and songs. This festival is aimed at all audiences.
Altea is a founding member of theDouzelage, a uniquetown twinning association of 24 towns across theEuropean Union. This active town twinning began in 1991 and there are regular events, such as a produce market from each of the other countries and festivals.[5][6] Discussions regarding membership are also in hand with three further towns (Agros inCyprus,Škofja Loka inSlovenia, andTryavna inBulgaria).
Altea, Spain – 1991
Bad Kötzting,Germany – 1991
Bellagio,Italy – 1991
Bundoran,Ireland – 1991
Granville,France – 1991
Holstebro,Denmark – 1991
Houffalize,Belgium – 1991
Meerssen, theNetherlands – 1991
Niederanven,Luxembourg – 1991
Preveza,Greece – 1991
Sesimbra,Portugal – 1991
Sherborne,United Kingdom – 1991
Karkkila,Finland – 1997–2016
Oxelösund,Sweden – 1998
Judenburg,Austria – 1999
Chojna,Poland – 2004
Kőszeg,Hungary – 2004
Sigulda,Latvia – 2004
Sušice,Czech Republic – 2004
Türi,Estonia – 2004
Zvolen,Slovakia – 2007
Prienai,Lithuania – 2008
Marsaskala,Malta – 2009
Siret,Romania – 2010
Rovinj,Croatia – 2016Asikkala,Finland – 2016
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Municipalities ofMarina Baixa | ||
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European Union: Members of the town twinning "Douzelage" | ||
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