Altea, Coastal municipality in Marina Baixa, Spain
Altea is a coastal municipality in Marina Baixa on the Costa Blanca, with white houses cascading down the hills toward the Mediterranean Sea. The beaches lie between smooth pebbles and boulders, while the winding lanes of the old quarter coil around the church on the summit.
The settlement began as a Greek trading post called Althaia near the Algar River and later fell under Moorish rule. In 1244, Christian forces reclaimed the area and incorporated it into the Crown of Aragon.
The blue and white ceramic domes of the Mare de Déu del Consol church crown the highest point of the old town and shine far along the coast. These roofs have become the hallmark of the place and shape its appearance day and night.
The old town sits on a hill and requires quite a bit of stair climbing, while the beach promenade remains flat and easy to reach. Visitors planning to explore the upper part should wear comfortable shoes and expect narrow lanes without car traffic.
The Castell de l'Olla is a fireworks festival that launches a huge pyrotechnic show over the sea and draws more than 50,000 spectators each year. The spectacle takes place in August and transforms the sky and water into a sea of lights.
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