Altea Arts and Crafts

There's so much going on in the pretty old town of Altea that it's difficult to keep up with it all. The streets have been closed to traffic, there's a balcony art competition in full swing, and now the 23rd annual art and craft fair has just started.

Supported by the Councils of Culture and Commerce there will be 22 newly renovated stalls packed full of original items created by artisans from the area plus a full programme of music and entertainment. Here are some of the highlights we've picked out.

12/7 Flamenco with el Recortao

19/7 Kids stories with Colorín, Colorao

26/7 Poetry with los Amigos de la Poesía de Altea

02/8 African percussion workshop

09/8 Jazz with the Aguardiente Swing Quartet

16/8 Live craft workshop

23/8 Jazz with Default Group.

Altea is so easy to get to from Benidorm or Albir, so hop on a bus or let the train take the strain and spend an evening at the market an have a meal at one of the many restaurants which line the steep streets.

3 July 2006 Stephen White.