Altea...
Altea is similar to other Costa Blanca
towns in that it has a new and an old part. The old section is perched on top of a hill from which
there really are spectacular views. The ascent to the old section along steep slopes and stepped
streets reveals a broad horizon at every turn and extends along the entire La Marina region: the
silhouette of the Peñon de Ifach on one side and the Helade range on the other, frame the view of
the sea, with the ever present gulls sweeping low over the town.
The towns name was derived from
the Arabs who named it Althaya, meaning health to all. If you are thinking of this part of the
Costa Blanca to purchase a holiday home then you should explore a little of the surrounding area. Start by heading inland where you will see the attractive Bernia range, which runs perpendicular
to the coast and very close the village. The old and new parts of the town are clearly divided into
separate parts with the old part high on the hill and the easily accessed lower part providing
holidaymakers with the usual bars, restaurants and shops and a recently inaugurated esplanade. If you have difficulty with mobility, or require the use of a wheelchair, then Altea may not be
appropriate for you in that streets are so steep that it has been necessary for steps to be cut
into them. Even the fit claim that Altea on a hot day can prove a character builder!
Eight kilometres from Altea, heading inland, is Polop, a small town surrounded by orchards and pine groves, which is highly recommended for those who seek peace, quiet and cool summer nights. From the Via Crucis which presides over the town, you can obtain superb views of the surrounding valleys, which owe their present appearance to the work of the Morisco farmers many years ago. Altea is a pretty town, popular with both holidaymakers and those who are fortunate enough to be able to live in the area. It has a slowly growing community of multinational expatriates. It goes without saying that the town does not suite everyone but in the main if you are free from financial pressure - looking for a part of Spain in which to retire, then Altea may be worth a look.
Learn the Language...
Learning to speak Spanish will give you tremendous advantages...
It will also give you pride and confidence so even before you get here try to
learn the basics. There are several methods, some claim to be fast but
that all depends on you, not the course, so choose what's best for you.
Our useful links page carries a couple you might consider as a starting
point.
Spanish PDQ is from Linguaphone and is a fun, holiday-style course aimed at beginners wanting to
learn basic Spanish. It uses proven teaching methods and has a strong focus on
essential vocabulary, so you will quickly be able to handle a wide variety of
everyday situations. At less than £30 it's a bargain.
Learn to speak, read and write Spanish to an elementary level.
Learn 500 essential Spanish words and phrases.
Perfect your accent by listening to native Spanish speakers.
Focus on the vocabulary that you need.