ALTEA COSTA BLANCA

Sheltered and encircled by steep hills and cliffs, Altea tumbles down the slopes below the blue tiled domed church of La Virgen de la Consuelo, sitting at the highest point of the picturesque old village like a cherry on a cake. A Roman settlement, the original fishing village was restored by a colony of artists in the 1950s and a variety of painters, craftsmen and potters are still among its inhabitants. Their sense of style spills over into the steep white streets, shaded by orange trees, festooned with geraniums and lined with tempting boutiques. Inevitably such charms, and Altea's proximity to Benidorm, attract huge numbers of visitors. The beach is backed by a pleasant palm lined esplanade with a wide range of restaurants, and there are good water sports facilities.