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Buyer-side property advisory in Spain for buyers from abroad. We work only for the buyer, never the seller. Published fees.
Property
Altea
A whitewashed artist haven on the Costa Blanca — cobbled old town, international community and the highest property prices outside Marbella.
Suited to: Retirees · Artists · Second-home owners · Remote workers · Families
- Costa
- Costa Blanca
- Province
- Alicante
- Population
- ~24,592
- British Community
- ~1,500
- Airport
- Alicante–Elche
- ~70 km
- Train
- TRAM light rail to Alicante and Dénia
Updated 12 Oct 2026 · Facts checked against INE and the padrón · How we check
Photo by Damian Ochrymowicz on Unsplash
Decide
Is Altea right for you?
Who it suits
- Affluent retireesExcellent
Established international community, mild microclimate (protected by Serra de Bèrnia), exceptional dining, relaxed pace.
- Artists and creativesExcellent
Real artist colony, galleries, workshops, Miguel Hernández University Fine Arts campus.
- Second-home ownersGood
Strong summer rental demand, property holds value, easy airport access.
- Remote workersModerate
Good broadband, quiet environment, fewer co-working spaces than Alicante city.
- FamiliesModerate
Safe, small-town feel. Limited English-medium school options — nearest in Benidorm or Alicante.
Costs
What it costs in Altea
Typical figures, each with its source and date. Prices move, so check before you commit.
- Typical rent
- ~€890 a month
- 70 m² flat, Alicante province average (€12.7/m²)
- Source: idealista, September 2026
Guides
The Altea guides
The place
About Altea
Altea is the Costa Blanca's best-known artist and bohemian enclave. Its historic centre — a maze of cobbled streets, whitewashed houses and the iconic blue-and-white domed church of La Mare de Déu del Consol — sits above a palm-lined seafront promenade that feels more Mediterranean than tourist.
The town divides into two distinct worlds: the old town ( Casc Antic) with galleries and independent restaurants, and the modern seafront and Altea Hills with its luxury villas and international residents. For British relocation planners, Altea offers a more refined, less brash alternative to nearby Benidorm.
The trade-off is clear: higher prices, fewer services than larger towns, and a dependence on a car or the TRAM for anything beyond local shopping. This is not a budget relocation spot — it is a lifestyle choice.
Practicalities
Practicalities
Getting there
- Coastal town in northern Alicante province, between Benidorm and Calp.
- Approximately 55 km north of Alicante city and 10 km north of Benidorm.
- Alicante–Elche Airport: ~70 km (50 min drive). Valencia Airport: ~140 km.
- TRAM (Tramvia de la Marina): connects to Alicante and Dénia. Line 9 stops at Altea.
- Road: N-332 and AP-7 motorway.
First admin steps
- Padrón: Register at Altea town hall (Ayuntamiento de Altea).
- NIE/TIE: National Police in Alicante or Benidorm.
- Healthcare: Register at local health centre after padrón. Hospital Marina Baixa (public, Villajoyosa) for hospital care; private clinics in Benidorm.
- Tourist rental: VT licence required under Valencian law.
- Language: Spanish and Valencian in administration. English widely spoken in commerce.
Not sure which visa or residency route fits? Compare the routes for British movers
Map
Altea on the map
Pins show the town, its nearest airport and the towns nearby. Positions are approximate.
Stay
Where to stay in Altea
Hotels, apartments and holiday lets for a scouting trip, with live prices. Zoom out to see the towns nearby.
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Get help
Get help in Altea
English-speaking businesses and the offices you will deal with.
Local businesses
Featured listings are paid placements.
Town finder
Not sure Altea is the one?
Answer three questions to see how Altea fits, and which towns to look at as well.
Questions
Altea: common questions
Is Altea a good place to retire from the UK?
Excellent. Established international community, mild microclimate (protected by Serra de Bèrnia), exceptional dining, relaxed pace.
Is Altea good for families?
Moderate. Safe, small-town feel. Limited English-medium school options — nearest in Benidorm or Alicante.
Which airport is closest to Altea?
Alicante–Elche (~70 km); Valencia (~140 km)
Can you get to Altea by train?
TRAM light rail to Alicante and Dénia. No high-speed train.
How big is the British community in Altea?
~1,500
How do I register on the padrón in Altea?
Register at Altea town hall (Ayuntamiento de Altea).
Compare
Compare Altea
Nearby towns
Benidorm
~10 km south · Full services, international schools, nightlife, hospital. High-rise resort atmosphere.
Calp
~10 km north · Iconic rock, slightly more affordable, larger marina, similar climate.
Moraira
~35 km north · Even more exclusive, higher property prices, affluent international community.
Dénia
~45 km north · Port city, ferry to Balearics, gastronomy, more services.
Last updated: 12 Oct 2026