A nice walking route

Most people know the town of Altea from the white chalked houses and the old church that stands proud on top of the hill overlooking the Mediterranean. The old town surrounding this church breath a Bohemian and relaxed atmosphere with lots of shops, bars, restaurants, and viewpoints. However the surrounding area around this picturesque town offers lots to see, and 5 different walking routes will show you 5 different ways to get to know Altea and its fascinating landscape. The first 4 routes start next to the municipal sports complex, besides the red bridge. The 5th route, however, starts at the entrance of the port of Altea.

This link shows you the exact routes and their landmarks on google maps.

How to get to Altea?

As with many of the other towns in the Costa Blanca, Altea is connected with the rest of the coast by the AP-7 motorway and the N-332 coastal road. Many large parking areas are available in the town.

Route 1: Ruta Verde, the green route

When we start walking around Altea, we start with the path that also is known as the Corredor Verde (the green corridor) that goes along the ancient Camino Real de la Mar. During this walk, you will discover some unique landmarks, such as the Cap Negret Volcanic beachfront. Scientists recently discovered this area to be over 2 and a half million years old.

Furthermore, you can discover several mansions and bunkers that remain from the Spanish Civil War, still, stand guard at the seafront. These bunkers are remains from the Spanish Civil War. If you wish to take a break during your trip, why not stop at one of the many chiringuitos. They offer drinks and local specialties as paella and agua de Valencia. This route is suitable for individuals with limited mobility, and can also be done by wheelchair or bicycle.

Route 2: Ruta Roja, the red route

This route takes us via the Cami Fondo all the way to Altea la Vella. It is said that this is the original location where the town of Altea was founded, In addition to a visit to Altea la Vella, you can also visit the Hermitage of Santa Bàrbara.

From there the path runs back through the Sogai area towards the Algar river. The natural areas like Font del Garroferet and the Algar River itself are truly beautiful areas to see.

The river is especially impressive after lots of rainfall. This path has a low level of difficulty and can be done walking or by bicycle. For people with reduced mobility, there is the alternative trail at the Hermitage of Santa Bàrbara in the direction of Camí Fondo.

Route 3: Ruta Azul, the blue route

This route takes us along the bedding of the Algar River, up the forest trail on the south side. The path turns back to Altea after the small artificial lake where the Algar and Guadalest River merge. This part of the trail is known as the old Cami de Mandem. This particular route learns us how important the Algar RIver has always been for the history of Altea.

Proof of this is the oldest flour mill, the Moli dels Moros, that stands in ruins on the river bank. The second-largest pine tree in the Valencian Community, the Pi del Senyoret amazes at first sight with it width over 20 meters, The final part of the route shows the charming L’Horta district with the typical irrigation channels and the Sant Roc hermitage.

Route 4: Ruta Naranja, the orange route

This route passes through the area that was re-populated after the founding of Vila Nova d’Altea (New Altea) in 1617. The Horta district, with the Sant Roc hermitage and the Pi del Senyoret, form part of this route. As does the Barranquet district, dominated by the impressive Sant Luis Hermitage,

The path continues on the Cami Vell d’Alcoi, one of the most important paths in the 17th century. And if you want to avoid the slopes take the alternative route over the Cami de la Lloma.

Route 5: Ruta Magenta, the purple route

This route starts at the entrance of the port of Altea and leads us to walk around the south part of the scenic rural landscape of Altea. We come across the Sant Antoni and Sant Luis hermitages and the remains of a Roman Aquaduct. The last part of the route leads us through the residential area El Planet to cross to N-332. From here we follow the coast back along the bay and marina of Altea.

This link shows you the exact routes and their landmarks on google maps.