Round Town: Local News Benidorm, Alfaz, Altea.

But despite its geographical closeness, it’s a world apart from Benidorm essentially because its residents are mostly Spanish. There is a huge sense of community and belonging in Altea’s people; traditions and fiestas are taken very seriously and the Valencian dialect is spoken amongst the town’s people, as opposed to the national Spanish language of Castellano.

Classed as a fishing town, there is both a ‘working’ harbour to where the bloated trawlers return every afternoon, and a fine yacht club, where you can wander around expensive boats, and dream of Lottery wins! But it’s back from the sea front that the real delights of Altea are revealed.

Tiny, steep narrow cobbled streets lead to Altea’s famous blue domed church that sits on top of the town. At night, the church square comes to life with street vendors selling their artistic wares; paintings, carvings, jewellery and many other hand crafted items. The whitewashed, unimposing exteriors of the ancient townhouses open up to reveal a variety of cuisine, from pizzas to sushi and it is almost mandatory to spend at least one sultry summer evening soaking up the bohemian atmosphere of this truly Spanish town.

Altea celebrates its annual fiestas over the second weekend in September with the spectacular battles between the Moors and the Christians. Altea boasts the biggest weekly market on the coast every Tuesday morning. Find it adjacent to the river bed.

To visit Altea, exit Benidorm and join the N332 north and you can’t miss Altea, easily recognizable from its blue domed church. Alternatively, hop on the number 10 bus for a euro twenty five each way.