Long-Term Rentals in Altea
Browse long-term rental properties in Altea on the Costa Blanca.
Living Long-Term in Altea
Altea is a cultural and artistic haven that attracts long-term residents seeking a slower, more creative pace of life. The town has a health centre, pharmacies, a Consum supermarket and a wonderful daily market. Being home to the Universidad Miguel Hernández Fine Arts faculty gives it a youthful, cultured energy not found in typical resort towns.
Monthly rents start from around 700 euros for a two-bedroom apartment, with hillside villas and Altea Hills properties at the upper end. The Marina Baixa hospital in Villajoyosa is 15 minutes away, and international schools in Benidorm and El Campello are within 30 minutes. Spanish is the dominant daily language, so basic skills are helpful but not essential.
Monthly Budget
From ~€700/month (2-bed apartment)
Healthcare
Health centre, Marina Baixa hospital 15 min
Expat Community
Artistic & international — Spanish dominant
Lifestyle
Galleries, university town, markets
Living in Altea — A Practical Guide
Monthly Costs
| Item | Range |
|---|---|
| 1-bed apartment rent | €500–780/month |
| 2-bed apartment rent | €650–1,050/month |
| Utilities (elec/water/gas) | €80–145/month |
| Fibre internet | €30–45/month |
| Groceries (couple) | €310–410/month |
| Eating out (couple, modest) | €240–340/month |
| Total couple budget | €1,750–2,600/month |
Healthcare
Centro de Salud Altea provides primary care and SIP registration. Hospital Marina Baixa in Villajoyosa (15 minutes) is the nearest public hospital. IMED Hospitales has a private outpatient clinic in nearby Benidorm. Pharmacies are on Calle San Miguel and near the market.
NIE, Residency & Banking
NIE through Alicante Policía Nacional. Padrón at Altea town hall. CaixaBank and BBVA have local branches. Altea is home to the Universidad Miguel Hernández Faculty of Fine Arts, which gives the town a more academic and culturally oriented character. Digital nomad visa holders are increasingly drawn here for the creative atmosphere.
Getting Around
The TRAM L1 line connects Altea to Benidorm (10 minutes) and Alicante (1 hour) — a major advantage. Local buses supplement the tram. The town centre is compact and walkable. A car is useful for surrounding areas but not essential for daily life. Alicante airport is about 50 minutes.
Social Life
Altea attracts a more culturally oriented expat community — artists, musicians and writers mix with retirees and young professionals. Art galleries, the cultural centre, and the atmospheric old town (casco antiguo) are social focal points. Fewer "expat circuit" clubs but richer cultural integration.
Insider Tip
Altea's old town is beautiful but steep — if mobility is a concern, the lower town (Altea la Vella or the coastal area) is more practical for daily life. The TRAM stop is in the lower town, which makes it the better base for car-free living.
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About Altea
Altea is the artistic gem of the Costa Blanca, a picturesque whitewashed hilltop town crowned by the iconic blue-domed church of Nuestra Señora del Consuelo. Often called the “cultural capital” of the Costa Blanca, Altea has long attracted artists, writers, musicians, and those seeking a more sophisticated, tranquil experience.
The old town — the Casco Antiguo — is entirely pedestrianised and wonderfully preserved. Unlike many coastal towns that have succumbed to mass tourism, Altea has strict building regulations that prevent high-rise construction, maintaining its traditional Mediterranean village character.
The town has a thriving cultural scene. Throughout the year, Altea hosts music festivals, open-air cinema nights, literary events, and traditional fiestas. The Palau Altea cultural centre brings international performances to the town.
The Basics
Things to Do
Property Types in Altea
Frequently Asked Questions
Co-Founder & Business Consultant · Based in Torrevieja since 2018
Maya founded OceanHome and oversees operations across 40+ properties on the Costa Blanca. Every tip in this guide comes from years of first-hand experience helping guests from all over the world.
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