The little town is without all the high-rise ugliness of the surrounding Costa Blanca. A little oasis, with the old town of Altea rising behind - a delight of cobbled steps, little houses and restaurants tucked in as you rise to the top of the hill to the little chapel. Back down by the shore, Hotel Altaya is in the centre of everything - on the promenade, a delightful row of little bars/cafes/restaurants across the road from the sand and sea, could be 1980's - no razmatazz or vulgarity.