Moving to Altea
The whitewashed jewel of the Costa Blanca
Altea is widely considered the most beautiful town on the Costa Blanca — a hillside maze of whitewashed houses crowned by the iconic blue-tiled dome of the Mare de Déu del Consol church. An artists' enclave with a sophisticated, bohemian atmosphere, it draws visitors and residents who want authentic Spanish charm without the crowds of Benidorm just minutes away.
Property prices in Altea
A premium micro-market. Restored townhouses in the Casco Antiguo, hillside villas with sea views in Altea Hills, and seafront apartments on the promenade.
| Property type | Typical price range | Rental (per month) |
|---|---|---|
| Apartments from | €200k | €700 – €1,400 |
| Quality townhouses | €350–700k | €900 – €1,800 |
| Villas in Altea Hills | €700k to €5M+ | €1,500 – €4,500+ |
Strong year-round rental demand from long-stay expats and seasonal tourists; tight supply for quality long lets.
Best areas to live
Casco Antiguo (Old Town)
Restored townhouses in narrow cobbled streets around the blue-domed church — pedestrianised, full of life, walk to everything.
Altea Hills
Gated hillside urbanisation with sea-view villas, communal pools, security and easy AP-7 access.
Seafront promenade
Modern apartments along the Paseo Marítimo with sea-view terraces and restaurants at your door.
La Olla & Mascarat
Lower-density family streets between Altea and Calpe, mature gardens, near small coves.
Schools & education
Public Spanish/Valencian schools plus access to nearby international schools (Lady Elizabeth, Sierra Bernia, Costa Blanca International College) within a 20-minute drive.
Healthcare
Public health centre in Altea, regional hospital (Hospital Marina Baixa) 10 minutes away in La Vila Joiosa, and several private clinics (HLA, IMED, Vithas) within easy reach.
Getting around & transport
TRAM Metropolitano Line 9 connects Altea to Alicante, Benidorm and Dénia. The AP-7 motorway is 5 minutes inland. Alicante airport is 50 minutes by car.
Safety
Very low crime rate. Comfortable to walk at all hours; standard precautions in tourist zones.
Pros & cons of moving to Altea
Pros
- Old town widely considered the prettiest on the Costa Blanca
- Strong arts and culture scene
- Mediterranean climate with 300+ days of sunshine
- Established international community and English-speaking services
- Excellent public and private healthcare access
- Strong food culture, beaches and outdoor lifestyle
- Direct flights to most major European cities from ALC
- Property still good value compared to the French or Italian coast
Cons
- Long-term rentals can be tight in peak summer
- Spanish bureaucracy (NIE, residency, taxes) takes patience
- Some coastal areas feel touristy in July–August
- Spanish is essential for serious inland integration
Who Altea suits best
- Couples and creatives seeking authentic Spain
- Retirees who want culture, not nightlife
- Remote workers and second-home owners
- Buyers of character properties and villas
Want the full lifestyle deep-dive? See our Altea town guide for beaches, restaurants, things to do and events.
Moving to Altea — FAQs
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