Spanish fishing village 10 km from Benidorm which is ‘Santorini of Spain’ | Travel News | to travel

Along the coast of the Costa Blanca, a Spanish town is causing a stir among tourists looking for a picturesque seaside getaway.

Known as the ‘Santorini of Spain’, Altea is a lesser-known seaside town just 10km from Benidorm, a holiday favorite among thousands of British tourists each year.

The charming city of Alicante is influenced by both Greek and Roman architecture with winding cobblestone streets and sand-colored buildings topped with sky-blue domed roofs.

It is this landscape, combined with the stunning backdrop of the Mediterranean Sea, that has led travelers to compare Altea to the whitewashed volcanic island of Santorini.

Divided between the new and old sectors of the city, Altea is a stark contrast to the party center of Benidorm.

The old town is on top of a hill, although the steep climb is rewarded with spectacular panoramic views of the Spanish coast.

Plaça de l’Església is the heart of the community, surrounded on all sides by small bars, cozy cafes and luxury restaurants, the square offers a real taste of Spanish culture.

Bordering the Mediterranean, local cuisine focuses on seafood, with seafood paella and hot lobster rice popular with visitors.

In the new city, the promenade of palm trees leads to Espigó beach, 6 km from the coast and a stone’s throw from tapas bars and other restaurants.

With most tourists flocking to the neighboring towns, Altea’s beaches are much less crowded than other Spanish hotspots and offer a peaceful seaside escape.

The promenade has recently undergone a major €4m (£3.35m) refurbishment to create a modern seafront with family play areas, a cycle lane and space for retail stalls.

A tourist review posted on TripAdvisor said: “This beach is stunning, clean and the sea is a beautiful blue wonder.”

Another wrote: “Such a clean lovely walk. Peaceful, different character to Benidorm but so close. Wish we had known we would have traveled more often but only discovered it on the last day.”

Accommodation in Altea is reasonably priced, often below the cost of staying at other popular resorts on the Costa Blanca.

Flights from the UK vary in cost, often rising to around £130 for a return fare during the summer months, although when booked in advance on low-cost airlines, the price it can drop as low as £40 off-peak.