Is this an artwork or reality?

The sound of the waves hitting against the pebbles is waking me up from my little nap in the morning sun. I can barely open my eyes, with the bright sunrays shining on them, and my back aches from the hard stones beneath me. I don’t even know for how long I’ve been sleeping here at the beach. Maybe an hour? I’ve been drawn into the calmness of this place. I see a girl meditating very close to the water, another woman practicing sun salutations, and over there, a father teaching his children how to skip stones across the sea, watching them bounce again and again. It makes me smile – I used to play that with my dad when I was little, too. 

Inner peace and happiness seem to be what all those people have in common. There is this special energy that both radiates from and attracts people to the little town Altea on Spain’s Costa Blanca. “Somewhere between Valencia and Alicante” you might say to someone who doesn’t know where Altea is. This Somewhere is so much more than another coastal town! Many English or Dutch people come to spend their winters or even move here permanently. The old town, with its characteristic white houses, has been an inspiration for many artists, whether in literature or visual arts. Let’s have a look – or rather, a walk – through the small town of Altea. 

The sea, the architecture & the culture make Altea so worth living

We start at the beach, where the Mediterranean waves gently lap against the stones. In Altea you won’t find any sand at the beach. The main reason for this is to keep away the big tourist crowds, and it works well. Alongside the beach promenade there are lots of great restaurants and cafés. But believe it or not, the oldtown offers an even more romantic atmosphere than the promenade. So, let’s go up there, to the Casco Antiguo de Altea. We take the path alongside Plaza de Convent, and of course, we need some energy boost before climbing the stairs. For all coffee lovers: Café Plant Shack is your place to go. They have organic beans from D’Origen Coffee Roastery, and the friendly waitresses are from England and Argentina. Altea brings together free spirits from all over the world! Just as in the Boutique Bohemia Life next door which perfectly complements Altea’s Mediterranean vibe. The shop is owned by Lynn and Jan, two English women with a passion for fashion.

Exploring Altea on different levels

Once you go up the stairs to the old town, every time you look back, you will be amazed by an even more breathtaking view than before. The sea and the sky blend into a perfect harmony of blue hues. A gentle sea breeze brushes against my skin. Oh, how I love breathing in the fresh Mediterranean air. I used to say that the blue of the sky was my favorite color, but I’ve come to realize that I love the color of the sea reflecting the clear blue sky even more. 

After strolling around the oldtown, perhaps stepping into some charming shops and admiring the view from different angles, you might start feeling hungry. I highly recommend the restaurant La Fornera, an Italian restaurant offering both small and large dishes. Their bruschetta is delicious, and the view from the terrace is as beautiful as a painting – locals would call it “maravilloso”. With the mountains in the background, it’s also a perfect spot to watch the sunset. And if, like me, you end up in the mood for something sweet, head over to Qvo Helado Artesano. Their homemade ice cream flavors change daily. With my pistachio ice cream in hand, I take a different route back down to the beach, passing by the iconic church of Altea. The setting sun bathes the beautiful buildings in golden light. Outside of the restaurants you can see and hear people chatting and laughing. Walking downwards, I enjoy the tranquility in the small and twisted roads.

Altea invites us for finding peace

Arriving just in time for today’s Yin Yoga class at Qi-Yoga Centre, right next to the beach promenade, I decide on a whim to join. My favorite moment of the day is returning to the beach after my yoga session. I feel the powerful energy in my heart I gained from the day – the warmth of the sun, the endless blue sky, the delicious food, and the awakening of my body and spirit through yoga. At night, the waves look different. They are black. Only the moon’s reflection adds a glimpse of color to the darkness. I close my eyes and let myself be carried away by the returning sounds of the waves. Oh, if only I could freeze this moment…