Buying Property in Altea

If you asked someone to paint the perfect Mediterranean village, they'd probably paint Altea. This whitewashed hilltop old town, crowned by its iconic blue-and-white-tiled church dome, cascades down to a pebble shoreline with the Sierra Bernia mountains as a backdrop. Often called "the artistic capital of the Costa Blanca," Altea has attracted painters, sculptors, and writers for decades — and the creative influence shows in its galleries, its architecture, and its refreshing refusal to become just another overdeveloped resort.

For UK buyers weary of identikit coastal urbanisations, Altea is a revelation. At just 22,000 inhabitants, it feels intimate and genuine, yet it sits within easy reach of all modern amenities — the bustling city of Benidorm is just 10 minutes south, and Alicante airport is a manageable 70-minute drive. The town has its own university campus (a branch of the Universidad Miguel Hernández focused on fine arts), lending it an intellectual energy that's unusual for a town of this size.

Property in Altea ranges from characterful townhouses in the winding old-town streets to contemporary villas with panoramic Mediterranean views on the surrounding hillsides. Prices are competitive for what you get — a genuine, beautiful, year-round-liveable town that hasn't been hollowed out by mass tourism. The growing but unpushy international community (Dutch, Belgian, Scandinavian, British) adds cosmopolitan flavour without diluting the Spanish essence.

• Spain's most beautiful coastal village — Altea regularly features in "prettiest villages in Spain" lists. The whitewashed old town with its cobbled streets, bougainvillea-draped balconies, and the landmark blue-domed Iglesia de Nuestra Señora del Consuelo is genuinely stunning and rigorously protected from unsympathetic development.
• Thriving arts and culture scene — The Palau Altea arts centre, the Faculty of Fine Arts, dozens of independent galleries, and a year-round programme of exhibitions and concerts give Altea a cultural life that punches far above its weight.
• Not overdeveloped — Unlike nearby Benidorm, Altea has maintained strict control over high-rise development. The skyline is church domes and terracotta roofs, not tower blocks. This protects both the character and the long-term property values.
• Sierra Bernia hiking — The dramatic limestone ridge behind Altea offers world-class hiking with routes ranging from gentle walks through cherry orchards to the famous Bernia ridge traverse with its tunnel and 1,000-metre views.
• Strategic location — Altea sits at the meeting point of the Costa Blanca's quieter northern stretch and the more developed south. Benidorm's shopping, nightlife, and theme parks are 10 minutes away when you want them; the tranquil coves of Calpe and Moraira are 20 minutes north.
• Year-round community — This is not a ghost town in winter. Altea has a genuine year-round population, with shops, restaurants, and markets operating 12 months a year. The international community is active but integrated, not isolated.
• Excellent healthcare — Hospital Marina Baixa in nearby Villajoyosa and the modern private Hospital IMED in Benidorm are both within 15 minutes, with English-speaking staff accustomed to treating international patients.
• Good rental yields for quality properties — Altea attracts a more discerning rental market willing to pay premium rates for character properties. Villas with old-town views or sea vistas achieve strong weekly rates, particularly from the Dutch, Scandinavian, and UK markets.

The costs of buying property in Altea follow the standard Valencian Community rates. Budget 10–13% additional for a resale property or 13–15% for a new build.

Annual running costs include IBI (council tax, typically £250–£1,000/year), community fees for apartments or gated developments (£50–£250/month), home insurance, and utilities. Non-resident owners pay annual income tax on a deemed rental value. Use our cost calculator to estimate your total costs.

Dining

Altea punches above its weight gastronomically. The old town is packed with intimate restaurants — from traditional Spanish fare to French bistros and creative fusion kitchens. Oustau (housed in a 16th-century building) and La Claudia are local favourites. Down by the seafront, fish restaurants serve the day's catch. For everyday needs, there's a weekly market and several supermarkets in the lower town.

Beaches

Altea's main beaches are pebble rather than sand — a feature that keeps them cleaner and less crowded. Playa de la Roda is the central town beach with a lovely promenade. Cap Negret has distinctive dark volcanic pebbles. For sandy beaches, the massive Playa del Albir is a 10-minute drive, or head to Benidorm's Levante and Poniente beaches.

Golf

Club de Golf Altea (Don Cayo) is a scenic 9-hole course perched on the hillside with extraordinary coastal views. The 36-hole Villaitana Golf complex in Benidorm (15 minutes) offers two championship courses. Several other courses are within a 30-minute drive, including La Sella, El Plantio, and Bonalba.

Healthcare

Hospital Marina Baixa (public, 10 minutes in Villajoyosa) and Hospital IMED Levante (private, 15 minutes in Benidorm) provide comprehensive medical services. Both have English-speaking staff experienced with international patients. Several dental and GP clinics in Altea itself cater to the international community.

Schools

Colegio Internacional Lope de Vega and Costa Blanca International College are both accessible from Altea, offering British and international curricula. The Spanish state schools in Altea have good reputations, and bilingual education options are expanding across the Valencian Community.

Getting there

Alicante-Elche Airport (ALC) is approximately 70 minutes south via the AP-7 motorway — the most convenient option with year-round flights from 15+ UK airports on Ryanair, easyJet, Jet2, and British Airways. Valencia Airport (VLC) is around 2 hours north, useful as a secondary option. In summer, transfer services and car hire are readily available.

Getting around

The TRAM light rail connects Altea to Benidorm (10 minutes) and onwards to Alicante, making it possible to live car-free in the lower town. However, a car is recommended for accessing hillside properties and exploring the surrounding area. The old town is pedestrianised and best explored on foot. Cycling along the coastal path towards Alfaz del Pi and Albir is popular.

The 90-day rule

As UK nationals, you can spend up to 90 days in any 180-day period in Spain's Schengen zone without a visa. To stay longer, consider a non-lucrative visa (for those with passive income), a digital nomad visa, or formal residency. Owning property does not confer any right to extended stays — plan your visa strategy before you buy.

Language

Spanish and Valencian are the official languages. English is spoken in tourist-facing businesses, medical facilities, and estate agencies. The international community in Altea is diverse (Dutch, Belgian, Scandinavian, British), so you'll hear multiple languages. Learning Spanish will greatly enhance your daily life and integration.

Safety

Altea is exceptionally safe. It's a small, close-knit community where serious crime is rare. Normal precautions against petty theft apply during peak summer months. The town has an active Policía Local presence and benefits from the low crime rates typical of smaller Spanish coastal towns.