Best Things to Do in Altea: A Day Trip from Benidorm

Altea is often described as the 'Santorini of Spain' due to its iconic blue-domed church and steep, white-washed labyrinthine streets. Located just 10 kilometres north of Benidorm, it offers a sophisticated, bohemian escape with stunning viewpoints, artisan boutiques, and a pebble-beach promenade.

For many UK travellers staying in the high-rise hub of Benidorm, Altea represents the 'real' Spain. However, navigating the narrow alleys of the Old Town and coordinating your return journey requires a reliable data connection. Since Brexit, most major UK networks like EE, Three, and Vodafone have reintroduced daily roaming charges that can quickly add up. Using a local eSIM ensures you can use Google Maps, check tram times, and upload photos of the Mediterranean without coming home to a shock bill.

Getting to Altea from Benidorm

Altea is incredibly accessible, making it one of the most popular day trips for those based in the Costa Blanca.

By TRAM Metropolitano

The most scenic and cost-effective way to travel is the L9 TRAM line. You can board at 'Benidorm' or 'Benidorm Intermodal' stations. The journey takes approximately 20 to 30 minutes, winding along the coast with beautiful sea views. You should get off at the 'Altea' stop for the town centre and beach, or 'Garganes' for a slightly different entry point.

By Bus

The Number 10 bus (LLorente Bus) runs frequently between Benidorm and Altea. It is convenient because it stops at several points along the main Avenida Mediterráneo in Benidorm, saving you a walk to the tram station.

By Car

If you prefer the flexibility of your own wheels, the drive takes about 15-20 minutes via the N-332. Parking in Altea can be tricky, especially near the Old Town. Look for the large free car park near the Palau Altea (the arts centre) or the train station. If you are flying into the region, you might consider the Best Value Car Hire in Alicante to give you freedom across the entire Marina Baixa region.

Exploring the Casco Antiguo (Old Town)

The heart of Altea is its Old Town, perched on a hill overlooking the sea. This is where you will find the most photogenic spots.

The Church of Nuestra Señora del Consuelo

This is the landmark of Altea. Its two domes, covered in blue and white glazed tiles, are visible from miles away. The square outside the church, Plaza de la Iglesia, is the social hub of the town. It is filled with street performers, artists, and families enjoying the atmosphere.

The Miradores (Viewpoints)

As you climb the steep streets, you will encounter several 'miradores'. The most famous is the Mirador Cronistas de España, located right next to the church square. From here, you can see all the way to the Peñón de Ifach in Calpe and the skyline of Benidorm.

Artisan Shopping

Unlike the souvenir shops of Benidorm, Altea is known for its art galleries and craft boutiques. You will find handmade jewellery, ceramics, and local textiles tucked away in the narrow 'calles'.

Connectivity: Staying Online in Altea

While you are wandering the cobbled streets, you will likely be using your phone constantly. Whether it is looking for a highly-rated tapas bar or checking the last tram back to Benidorm, data is essential.

The Roaming Reality for UK Residents

Since the UK left the EU, the 'Roam Like at Home' rules no longer apply to most British contracts. If you are with EE, O2, Vodafone, or Three, you might be charged £2 or more per day just to access your UK data allowance. For a family of four, this can easily cost £60 over a week-long holiday. Even some budget providers have changed their terms; you can read more about Lebara Roaming Charges in Europe to see how even 'friendly' networks are adapting.

By contrast, UKRoamFree provides a way to bypass these daily fees. You can see plans that offer generous data amounts for less than the price of a single pint of beer in a Benidorm pub.

Local Carrier Coverage

In Altea and the surrounding Costa Blanca, coverage is generally excellent. UKRoamFree plans connect to the Orange and Movistar 5G networks.

• Orange: Excellent 5G coverage in Altea’s Old Town and along the beachfront.
• Movistar: Very strong penetration in the mountainous areas behind Altea, such as Altea la Vella.

These are data-only plans, meaning they do not come with a local Spanish phone number. However, they work perfectly with WhatsApp, FaceTime, and Telegram for calling and messaging home.

Data Usage by Activity

When choosing an eSIM, it helps to know how much data you actually need for a day trip or a longer stay in Spain.

Activity	Data Usage (Approx)
Google Maps (1 hour navigation)	20MB - 50MB
Uploading 10 High-Res Photos to Instagram	40MB - 80MB
Streaming Music (1 hour)	100MB - 150MB
15-minute WhatsApp Video Call	75MB - 100MB
Checking Tram/Bus Schedules	1MB - 5MB

For a single day trip to Altea, a 1GB plan is more than enough. If you are staying in Spain for a week, 5GB to 10GB is usually the sweet spot for most travellers.

How to Install Your Spain eSIM

Setting up your connection is simple and can be done before you even leave the UK. First, check that your device is on our list of compatible phones. Most iPhones from the XR onwards and modern Android devices like the Samsung S20 or Google Pixel 3 are ready for eSIM technology.

iPhone Setup

1. Go to Settings > Mobile Data.
2. Tap Add eSIM.
3. Scan the QR code provided by UKRoamFree.
4. Label the new plan as 'Travel' or 'Spain'.
5. Set your UK line to 'Off' or 'Primary' and the new eSIM as the 'Mobile Data' source.

Android Setup

1. Go to Settings > Network & Internet.
2. Tap the + or SIMs button.
3. Select Download a SIM instead?.
4. Scan the QR code.
5. Ensure 'Mobile Data' is toggled to the new eSIM.

To avoid any accidental charges from your UK provider, you should learn how to turn off data roaming on your home SIM while keeping the eSIM active. You can follow the detailed setup guide for more specific instructions.

Dining and Relaxation in Altea

After exploring the hills, head down to the Paseo Marítimo (the promenade). Unlike Benidorm’s sandy Levante beach, Altea’s beaches are mostly pebbles, which keeps the water incredibly clear and perfect for snorkelling.

• Lunch with a view: The promenade is lined with restaurants. Look for 'Menu del Día' (Menu of the Day), which usually includes three courses and a drink for a fixed price.
• The Russian Orthodox Church: A short drive or taxi ride from the centre is the Temple of San Miguel Arcángel. It was the first Russian Orthodox church built in Spain using materials imported from the Ural Mountains. It is a stunning piece of architecture that feels completely out of place in the Mediterranean, in the best way possible.

Why UKRoamFree is Better for Budget Travellers

When you see plans for Spain, the value becomes clear. UK carriers often throttle speeds once you hit a certain limit or charge exorbitant 'out of bundle' fees. With a dedicated Spain eSIM, you have a fixed amount of data or a daily pass that you control. There are no contracts, no hidden fees, and you don't have to swap physical SIM cards at the airport, which risks losing your UK SIM.

If you are planning to travel further afield after Spain, perhaps to Turkey or the USA, you can manage all your regional plans through the same interface, ensuring you are never without a map or a way to call a taxi.

The bottom line

Altea is the perfect antidote to the high-energy atmosphere of Benidorm. By spending a day wandering its white-washed streets and dining by the crystal-clear water, you get a taste of authentic Valencian culture. To keep your trip stress-free and budget-friendly, skip the expensive UK roaming daily charges and switch to a UKRoamFree eSIM before you land at Alicante airport. It is the smartest way to stay connected while you explore the 'Santorini of Spain'.