What's on in Altea

Altea is the prettiest of the northern Costa Blanca towns, an old quarter of steep cobbled lanes climbing to a blue-domed church and a lookout over the bay. It draws painters and galleries, has a pebble seafront rather than big resort sands, and feels far more Spanish and arty than nearby Benidorm.

Its signature night is the Castell de l'Olla, a huge fireworks display fired out over the water in August. Around it sit a Moors and Christians festival, the Musica a Boqueta Nit open-air concerts, and a summer artisan night market. Here's what's on while you're here.