Spain is an amazing and unique country. The homeland of bullfighting, flamenco, ancient castles and structures. Unearthly beauty beaches with snow-white sand and blue sea, amazing combinations of tastes of traditional cuisine and brilliant authors of fine art - all this is only a small part of the culture of this country. Visiting Spain, none of its merits should not be missed. The country of sun and fun is famous for its resorts, comfortable and beautiful beaches. One of the paradisiacal areas can rightfully be called the city of Althea. Spain, of course, is proud of such a small, but quite popular place.
City `s history
Like all the rest of the Mediterranean, the area of Altea was inhabited by people even before our era. For many centuries, the owners of the coastal lands were replaced, until the eighth century our territory was inhabited first by the Iberians, then by the Visigoths, until everything passed under the ownership of the Islamic empire. In 1244, the city was again conquered by King Jaime of Aragon, and only in 1279, he received his official status and completely passed under the control of Spain. To date, Althea is on the most popular coast of the country - Costa Blanca, and is quite a popular tourist town. The main part is at the foot of the mountain, and the Old Town occupies the upper part. Once an ordinary fishing village selling fresh catch, today Althea enters the province of Alicante and is part of the Valencian Autonomous Society.
About the title
It is a general misconception to translate the name of the city as "health for all" or "I heal", mistakenly believing that it comes from the Greek "Altahia". However, to this word the origin of the name of the city has nothing to do with, and in Spanish sources mention of this word is not found anywhere. In fact, the name originated from the ancient Greek "Althaia", which translates as "I pray." There are also versions of the origin from the Arabic and Spanish languages "attalaya" and "atalaya", meaning "watchtower", several ruins of which, by the way, are in the city.
Altea Properties
Not so large population of Altea. Spain is considered one of the most densely populated countries in Europe, but it is in Altea you can feel a little freedom and enjoy the space, because there are only 25 thousand people. Glory to the city was brought and its unusual appearance, in the people it was nicknamed "the snow-white corner of paradise", and it is not surprising. Almost all the houses are painted in snow-white, blinding in the sun, and the whole ensemble completes the main symbol of the city, located on the dais, the Church of the Blessed Virgin Mary with a bright blue dome. All houses, incidentally, very small height, as more than four floors are prohibited.
Another feature of the city is the passion of its inhabitants to art, even the faculty "Fine Arts" from the University of Miguel Hernández in Elche has been opened on the territory. Tourists have the opportunity to enrich themselves culturally through numerous galleries, exhibitions and theaters. Despite the uniform life and architecture, preserved from ancient times, the city is not deprived of modern buildings. At the entrance to the city, modern offices, expensive boutiques with clothes, are striking, but all this is only on the surface, its inner part remains true to itself.
The city's attractions
The main place of pilgrimage of tourists and local residents is the Church of the Blessed Virgin Mary, or the monastery "Barefoot Carmelites", located in the quarter of La Oia. It is not a historical monument, as it was built a little more than half a century ago, but, nevertheless, quite popular in the city of Altea, Spain. The photos brought by tourists from the rest, often depict and the only Orthodox church in the whole country of the Archangel Michael, located in Altea. It was built with the money of Russian-speaking residents of the city in a very beautiful and picturesque place. "Palau Altea" - a place that is also interesting for tourists in the city of Altea, Spain. Attractions are usually lured by their history, but this city building is popular for other reasons. It hosts an evening of art: art exhibitions, concerts, theater, including opera, staging and much more. No less popular is the embankment, where tourists gather in the evenings, shops with souvenirs are working, the lights of the night city are lit.
Old city
Its charm lies in the narrow streets, along which it is so fascinating to roam, reviewing architecture and looking into random shops. Since it is located on the top of the mountain and towers over the whole city, it has been equipped with special observation platforms, from which a magnificent view of the sea opens. In small shops that meet along the way, you can successfully acquire artfully made handmade items. Of course, to overcome numerous stairs and climb up quite heavily under the scorching sun, so explore the Old City is best in the evening. At this time you can enjoy the sunset, evening lights, dine with traditional cuisine, and at the end of the journey, climbing higher and higher, rest on the famous church.
Local legends
Local people like to sometimes sit in warm evenings and share with tourists stories and myths about their native town. One of these legends tells of the enchanted pear tree and its mistress, Aunt Miseria. Her name is translated as "beggar", which she was. She lived in a cave, in front of which grew a tree with fruits of pears. They also ate, and that, that fell from city citizens. Everyone knows about the stories when the saints put on the clothes of travelers or poor people to check people for kindness or to be convicted of evil. The story of the old woman was no exception, once it was visited by Saint Antonio, who was very pleased with the hospitality of the one that had practically nothing. In gratitude, he rewarded her with the gift she asked him: an opportunity to punish any thief who climbed onto her tree to mow pears. While she did not give permission, no one could get off the tree. It so happened that the cunning old woman managed to drive the death itself onto the tree, that she came for her, but then let go, taking from her the promise that she would come for her only when she herself asked about it. The legend says that if you find a pear tree in the city of Althea, Spain, then most likely, next to him and lives the same woman.
Hotels in Altea
In the city, quite a lot of hotels are built, because in the season begins a large influx of holidaymakers. One of the most popular is the hotel "Abako Altea", although tourists who rest there, note that the hotel is not at all similar, but rather to a large house with friendly hosts. Guests also call it authentic, with a bit of romance, and incredibly welcoming. Not less known is the five-star hotel "Biya Gadea" due to its large territory and internal infrastructure in the town of Altea, Spain. Hotels compete with each other every year, after all the city is small, however these two hotels have typed the greatest quantity of pleasant responses. Not so famous are the hotels of "Tossal d'Altea", "La Serena" and "San Miguel", but their customers also note the pleasant atmosphere and service. It is worth noting the hotel "Althea Hills" (Spain), as a quiet and comfortable place to relax.
Weather for the whole year
As in any other city on the Mediterranean coast, the season starts in May and ends in September. These months in the year are considered the warmest and most suitable for swimming in the sea and relaxing on the beach. Summer is very hot, the temperature rises to 35 degrees, but the nights are cool. Because of the sea, the climate is humid, so the high temperatures are felt much easier, especially when you can escape from the heat in the pleasant coolness of the sea. In the city of Altea (Spain) in May and September, a little crowded, there is no stuffiness and heat. This is almost the ideal time to relax. In winter, the temperature does not fall below 15 degrees. Although you can not swim and sunbathe, it is an excellent opportunity to wait out the harsh Russian winter in pleasant conditions: there are no tourists, and prices are lower than in the season. Most hotels are closed, but some continue to work all year round. The weather in Altea (Spain) does not cease to please tourists all year round.
Reviews of holidaymakers
Many tourists try to cover several cities during the rest period, try to see as many sights, visit different places. But each of those who have a point on the map in the town of Altea in the route of the trip, will certainly not forget to express delight from this place. Despite the small territory, it is impossible to study all the neighborhoods at once, and each time, returning back, you can discover something new. Most tourists, of course, remain satisfied after visiting the city of Altea, Spain. Reviews, in general, are full of kind and pleasant words, many like the tranquility and uniformity that reigns in this place. There are at the same time those who did not like the quiet life and lack of entertainment, but here you can not please everyone. It is important to remember that you can learn about any place in advance. Altea is designed for a quiet and family holiday and is ideal for a trip with children. At night, music does not rustle and there is no crowd noise, so vacationers are provided with peaceful sleep and a pleasant rest.