Picturesque nature and houses with blue roofs: a city in Spain reminded tourists of Santorini

While the Greek authorities are trying to save the picturesque island of Santorini from the invasion of tourists, other regions and countries offer their own alternatives. A similar town was found on the Costa Blanca in Spain.

According to the Express, it is the town of Altea, which is called the "Spanish Santorini". It is located just 10 km from the popular resort of Benidorm and is not so crowded with visitors.

The hidden gem of the province of Alicante is built with a tangible influence of both Greek and Roman architecture. Altea is a labyrinth of winding cobblestone streets with sand-colored houses 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 the town to the white volcanic island of Santorini.

Divided into new and old parts of the city, Altea stands in stark contrast to the bustling resort of Benidorm. The old town is located on top of a hill. The steep climb up here is rewarded with breathtaking panoramic views of the Spanish coast.

Church Square is the heart of the city. It is surrounded on all sides by small bars, cozy cafes, and gourmet restaurants. Here you can feel the true taste of Spanish culture. And since the city is located on the very shore of the Mediterranean Sea, the local gastronomy is focused on seafood. Paella with clams and Arros Caldoso lobster are especially popular among tourists.

In the new city, the palm promenade turns into Espigo Beach. This is as much as 6 km of coastline, just a stone's throw from tapas bars and other eateries. Since most tourists flock to neighboring cities, Altea's beaches are much less crowded than other popular destinations in Spain and offer a relaxing seaside vacation.

Recently, the city's waterfront has undergone significant reconstruction. The local authorities invested 4 million euros in its improvement to create a modern space with family playgrounds, a bicycle path, and a place for trade tents. Tourists praise Altea for its stunning clean beach, beautiful blue sea water and quiet and peaceful promenade.

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