People are loving little-known Spanish town that's 'budget version of Santorini'
Santorini, renowned for its breathtaking natural beauty, is arguably the most frequented Greek island and a top global travel destination. However, its popularity can make it an expensive holiday spot, especially if you're dining and staying in high-end locations.
With this in mind, a travel enthusiast has shared a tip on how to enjoy a similar experience on a budget by visiting what they refer to as the 'Santorini of Spain'. The place they're referring to is Altea, a "small picturesque town in the Region of Valencia that's 15 minutes drive from Benidorm and 1h and a half drive from Valencia city."
Travel influencer Dorota, known as @wanderlust__ever on Instagram, showcased the 'hidden gem' of a town in a reel on the platform, which was also shared on the @discovervalencia Instagram page.
The video begins with Dorota strolling down one of Altea's cobbled streets, overlaid with the text, 'The Santorini of Spain that no one is talking about...'. She then introduces viewers to 'Altea on Costa Blanca', highlighting various sights including a pebbly beach with crystal clear water.
The caption provides further details about the town, stating: "A must visit get lost in the old town, gazing at the cobblestone streets and whitewashed buildings with hanging plants and bright bougainvillaea, flowers on every corner.
"Shop at the old town which is also home to lots of boutique shops, drink at nice cafes with outdoor seating mainly around the main square, relax at the a pretty beach close to the old town - La Roda Beach - where you can easily spend a day."
Other attractions and landmarks mentioned include the stunning San Miguel Arcangel Russian Orthodox Church and the views from Plaza de la Iglesia Viewing Point, which were described as "breathtaking".
The post was an instant hit, amassing more than 17,000 likes as travel enthusiasts gushed over the destination. One person said: "Ahhh I wish I had the chance to go here when I was in Spain recently. It looks beautiful."
Someone else exclaimed: "Saved for next time," while another enthused: "Sold! 100 times better restaurants than the actual Santorini if you ask me."
People who had visited before also loved the spot, with one saying: "Shhh Pls don't tell anyone else this place is magical. I've been every year for the past 20 years my favourite place on earth."
However, some questioned the comparison to Santorini, with person asking: "It looks nice, but why compare it to Santorini? " Another stated: "I have lived there for the last 10 years. Santorini? It's a bit of a stretch."
A swift search on Google reveals that a week-long stay in October, including flights and hotel, will only cost you between £250-£350 on the Love Holidays website. So, if you're after an affordable Autumn getaway, it may be time to start booking!