The new El Bol boulevard in Altea

Restoring the coastline of Altea

The renovation of El Bol boulevard is part of a much larger project that started back in the 1990s. This project is called “Regeneration of the Coastline of Altea” and aims to restore and protect the entire coastline of Altea. This is what has happened so far:

• In the 1990s: the project starts with the ambition to restore the coastline between the mouth of the river Algar and the port of Altea;

• 2016: the first phase of the project is completed with the construction of L’Espigó beach. This beach is constructed in a place that was previously a flooded area, popularly called “el charco” (the puddle);

• 2021 – 2022: the second phase (which began in May 2021) of the project will be carried out with the renovation of the promenade and the creation of El Bol beach. This included removing the old parking lot, creating a pedestrian area with lots of paving, greenery and creating a new beach;

• 2023: The final phase of construction at El Bol is completed with the dumping of 25,000 cubic meters of rock to strengthen the beach and protect it from storms.

Over the years, the sea has swallowed pieces of the coastline. With this project, Altea aims to restore the original coastline and preserve the natural beauty of the area.

4,700 square meters of boulevard

El Bol promenade is a 4,700-square-meter spacious “park” with a modern design. What stands out is the amount of white pavement, round shapes and multi-purpose concrete seating. The pre-existing tall palm trees create a photogenic ‘hedge’ that you can walk under.

Something for everyone

The promenade has several rest areas with benches and seating. For children there is a playground with slides and swings. Near Mirador Paseo Maritimo you will find an open space where events are regularly organized and where a small market is also often held.

Renovation of the beach

The renovation of the promenade was accompanied by the construction of a new beach. This 400-meter beach, located between L’Espigó and La Roda beaches, is an asset to Altea. This “new” beach has been “replenished” with 25,000 cubic meters (40,000 tons) of stones.

Car-free, space for pedestrians and cyclists

By removing the parking lot and making the boulevard car-free, more space was created for pedestrians and cyclists. The blue bike lane has also been removed. Cycling is now only allowed if you cycle under 10 km per hour.

The name of the boulevard

The name of the renovated boulevard in Altea, El Bol, was decided by a vote of regional residents. The City Council proposed two options: El Bol and El Sardinal:

• El Bol: This name has historical roots. As early as the 18th century, the term “El Bol” was used to refer to this coastal area. The name refers to the spot on the beach where fishermen spread their nets. This name also appears in other coastal towns with a fishing tradition;

• El Sardinal: this name refers to a traditional fishing method using special nets to catch sardines. This technique was used in Altea until the 1970s.

Altea residents could vote for their favorite name through the website alteaparticipa.es. Voting was possible during the period from November 21 to 24, 2022.  In the end, “El Bol” won with 1,304 votes, compared to 881 votes for “El Sardinal.”

The goal of this process was to reclaim traditional place names and involve citizens in municipal decisions.

What are the future plans?

The project is not yet complete. The intention is to restore the rest of Altea’s coastline up to the fishing port and marina. In 2024, the municipality will take action on the beach of Cap Negret.

Restaurants on El Bol boulevard

The pictures already show it; if you are in Altea or near Altea, it is definitely worth visiting the El Bol promenade. Here is a preliminary list of some good and fun, but especially varied, places to eat and drink:

• Zetto: a cocktail bar at the beginning of the promenade;
• Mood Altea: a relatively new gastrobar;
• Quinoa Brunch & Boutique: a delicious place for lunch (my favorite!);
• EL REY: a Mexican restaurant;
• JT Ryokucha: a Japanese Sushi Bar;
• Siam Beach: a Thai restaurant;
• Restaurante Juan Abril: a traditional seafood restaurant;
• LaCena by Nola: a restaurant run by a Dutch owner;
• Casa Felix: a Mediterranean restaurant run by a Frenchman (my favorite!);
• Restaurant La Casa: a tapas restaurant.

Tip: check out even more restaurants in Altea