Explore beyond Benidorm
Altea Day Trip from Benidorm: Old Town, Views & Getting There
Fancy a change from Benidorm without turning the day into a military operation? Altea brings whitewashed streets, sea views and plenty of reasons to stop for a coffee. The main decision is whether to tackle the hill before lunch or after it. We vote before.
Checked 26 October 2026 · Practical advice for your holiday
Is Altea worth visiting from Benidorm?
Yes, especially if you enjoy old streets, photographs and a day that unfolds on foot. Altea is a separate town north of Benidorm, with an upper historic centre and a lower seafront. Those two parts make a useful combination: sightseeing first, a gentler wander afterwards.
Our suggestion is to allow half a day for a first visit, or longer if you want a leisurely meal. That is planning advice rather than a timed tour. You do not need to tick off every lane to have a good day.
Best for
Couples, photographers and anyone who enjoys a slow wander with interesting stops.
Think about
Slopes, steps and uneven paving in the Old Town. Comfortable shoes earn their suitcase space.
Bring
Water, sun protection and a return travel plan. Your phone battery would appreciate a little consideration too.
What to see in Altea
The Old Town and church square
The familiar Altea skyline belongs to the church of Nuestra Señora del Consuelo, with blue-and-white tiled domes above the historic streets. Walk towards the square, taking the climb at your own pace. The lanes are part of the attraction, so leave room for an unplanned turn.
Viewpoints, small shops and a proper pause
Look for a viewpoint on your wander and give yourself time to enjoy it. Galleries and craft shops can make good browsing stops; individual businesses set their own hours. If seeing the church interior matters to you, check locally rather than assuming the doors will be open.
The seafront
Finish down by the water instead of heading straight back. Altea’s coast includes pebble beaches, so do not expect a second Levante Beach. Bring suitable footwear if a beach stop is part of your plan.
How to get from Benidorm to Altea
Bus: line 010
The operator lists line 010 between Benidorm, Albir and Altea, with stops along Avenida del Mediterráneo, Rincón de Loix and Severo Ochoa. Pick a stop that suits your accommodation and check the direction before boarding. Check the official 010 route and timetable →
TRAM: plan around the stations
TRAM line 9 serves the Benidorm–Altea corridor. Compare the journey from your hotel to a station with the walk at the other end: the best option is the whole trip, not simply the minutes on board. Use the official TRAM journey planner for your date and service notices.
Taxi or car
A taxi may be convenient for a group, but ask about the fare and your intended drop-off. If driving, follow signed parking and access restrictions rather than asking a narrow Old Town lane to become a car park. We have not quoted fares or fixed journey times because starting points and conditions vary.
A relaxed suggested half-day
- Arrive and get your bearings. Identify your return stop or station before the wandering begins.
- Explore uphill while you have energy. Aim for the church square, allowing breaks and photo stops.
- Stop for lunch or a drink. Check the menu before sitting down, particularly for dietary needs.
- Come back down to the seafront. Enjoy an easier final stretch, then head back without a last-bus sprint.
Travelling with someone who finds climbs difficult? Make the lower town and waterfront the main outing, and ask the tourist office about suitable access to the upper streets. There is no prize for finishing a day out with sore knees.
Altea or Albir?
Choose Altea for the historic hilltop setting. Choose Albir if your plan is more about the seafront, lunch and an optional lighthouse walk. You can combine them, but one place enjoyed properly often beats two places visited at a trot.
Useful questions before you go
Can I visit Altea without hiring a car?
Yes. Check bus line 010 and the TRAM planner, comparing stops with your hotel and your planned walk.
Is the Old Town suitable for everyone?
The slopes, steps and uneven surfaces need consideration. Ask about a route suitable for your own mobility needs; do not treat the entire historic centre as step-free.
Can I still have an evening out in Benidorm?
A daytime visit leaves that option open. Check your return transport, then look at the current Benidorm entertainment guide rather than planning around an old poster.
Useful official links
Destination and transport information checked on 26 October 2026. Our suggested itineraries are editorial advice, not fixed tours. Check current services, conditions and access before travelling.