Torre de Bellaguarda

Torre de Bellaguarda is a stone watchtower standing at the highest point of Altea's old town, one of the most recognizable coastal towns on the Costa Blanca. It rises above the rooftops of the historic quarter and remains one of the spots worth a stop on any visit to the city — less for its size than for the view it offers.

What is this place?

The tower was built in the 16th century as a coastal lookout point, meant to warn residents of raids by Barbary pirates, who regularly attacked seaside settlements along this stretch of coast. It was raised over the ruins of an earlier defensive tower, on a site where a Christian settlement had existed since the 14th century and remained inhabited until the 16th century. According to local tradition, the name "Bellaguarda" comes from "bella guarda" — the "beautiful guard" — a nickname given by residents to the tower that watched over the safety of the surrounding houses.

Today the structure no longer serves a defensive purpose. The area around it has been turned into a viewpoint, offering a panorama over the Mediterranean and Altea's historic centre, with the distinctive blue dome of the Nuestra Señora del Consuelo church visible below.

How do you get there?

The tower stands inside Altea's old town, within walking distance of the main sights — the town hall square, the church, and the narrow streets of the historic quarter. The best way to reach it is on foot, climbing the steep, cobbled streets typical of this part of town, which is itself part of the experience. It's best to leave the car on the edge of the old town, since the interior is largely made up of narrow, pedestrian-friendly lanes.

What will you see there?

The tower itself is a simple stone structure — a remnant of an era when coastal settlements had to defend themselves against seaborne raiders. Its real appeal, however, lies in the view: from here you get a panorama of the bay, Altea's beaches, the rooftops of the old town, and the coastline stretching toward Calpe and the Toix headland. It's also a popular spot for sunset photos, when the light hitting the whitewashed façades and blue domes of the old town creates one of Altea's most recognizable images.

When should you visit?

The best time to visit is early evening, when temperatures drop and the light softens — this is also when the viewpoint around the tower fills up with people waiting for sunset. In summer, it's worth avoiding midday, since this part of the old town offers little shade and can get quite hot. Outside the high season, the spot is much quieter, allowing for an unhurried walk without crowds.

Frequently asked questions

Is there an entrance fee for the tower? No, access to the viewpoint around the tower is free and available year-round.

Can you climb the tower itself? The tower functions as a historic landmark and viewpoint — the area around it is freely accessible, but it isn't set up as a climbable lookout tower.

How much time should I set aside? The visit itself takes 15–30 minutes, but it's worth combining it with a walk through Altea's old town, which extends the outing to 1–2 hours.

Is it worth combining with a walk through Altea's old town? Yes, the tower sits right in the heart of the historic quarter, so it fits naturally into a route that also includes the Nuestra Señora del Consuelo church and the town hall square.