Dubbed the “Santorini of Spain”, this seaside city sits prettily atop a hill offering panoramic views of the expansive Mediterranean coast and has been found to be Spain’s best coastal spot. Think perfect weather as you breathe in the fresh coastal air with cobbled streets filled with whitewashed buildings and even a blue-domed church, and you’ll begin to understand the beauty that is Altea. So stunning, in fact, a survey conducted by Which? Travel even named it Spain’s best coastal destination, earning top praises for its friendliness, attractiveness and safety.

The praise for this seaside city didn’t stop there, with National Geographic also declaring Altea to be the true standout spot thanks to its rich artistic heritage, natural beauty, and overall authentic charm. Best of all, The Mirror recently reported that a flight to Spain’s number one holiday destination with flights starting at only £50.

Beaches in Altea are among some of the best around for when the sun hits with a stunning 3.7-mile coastline that features calm waters with pebbled shores and far fewer crowds compared to the city’s more popular neighbour, Costa Blanca.

“It’s the Costa Blanca that travel snobs who deride the region don’t know, the historic, villagey one where blue-tiled church domes glitter above a hill of sugar-cube houses,” added Which? Travel.

The site continued: “The one whose romantic setting – a wall of mountains on one side, the Mediterranean on the other – attracted artists, kickstarting tourism along this coast in the late 50s.”

Picturesque settings are plentiful here, but it’s not only about coastal views and perfect beaches in Altea, offering a diverse culinary scene, a long-standing connection to artists and musicians, all with a relaxed ambience felt throughout.

Altea has been called Spain’s hidden gem and is only nine miles away from Benidorm, yet with a completely different atmosphere.

Alta’s Old Town is one such example and is a treasure trove of art, history and architecture with some describing it as stepping into a living postcard.

Visitors are recommended to take a stroll through the old town’s narrow streets and visit the Church of Our Lady of Consolation or the lively Altea Market. 

Other must-see spots include Paseo Maritimo and Altea Harbour, Paseo Maritimo, with rounds of golf at the Club de Golf Don Cayo and the many other activities on offer all coming in strong.

The gastronomy found in Altea is another shining star in this seaside city with the most known dish being the Nougat of Altea with a host of eateries offering those much-needed sea views while you tuck into fresh seafood, paella, black rice, fideua (similar to paella).

One review on TripAdvisor wrote of the magic that is Altea and said: “A beautiful old town with wonderful pathways, shops, and lots of restaurants with an easy walk to the beach if you like. 

“More typical of the “white towns” that you see in and around Málaga,” with another describing it as “a  jewel of Costa Blanca”.

The Mirror reported that Altera in Alicante being the closest airport with flight prices in May starting at £50 from London, Birmingham, Bristol, Luton, Newquay, Exeter, Leeds, and Norwich which could be subject to change depending on the time of the season, purchase and demand.