Experts Reveal The ‘Santorini Of Spain’ As The Next Big European Beach Escape

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Santorini is so gorgeous, but also far-flung, therefore we understand the hesitancy to venture off that far.

But the good news is our expert team here at Travel Off Path believes we’ve found the best alternative yet (with a little help from Airbnb), which just revealed the ‘Santorini of Spain’ as Europe’s next big beach escape.

You’ll find a gleaming whitewashed townscape, vivid blue shores, and phenomenal fresh seafood — all that’s missing is the symphony of meowing stray cats and ‘evil eye’ adorned doorframes, but there’s no denying this largely overlooked Spanish gem will leave you floored.

Spain’s Bright Spot For Tourism

If you listen to mainstream news, you might envision Spain as if there are people ready to tell you to go home on every corner, but that’s not the case.

Sure, locals have voiced their displeasure — and it worked. They made headlines in many of Spain’s most notable cities, including Barcelona.

That said, Spain is such a massive country. There are many pockets still embracing tourists and the ‘Santorini of Spain’ is certainly one of them.

We’re not saying any Spanish vacation spot is Karen-proof, but you’ll be hard-pressed to find any negativity for Altea, a whitewashed seaside paradise oozing the same vibes of a Greek island.

In fact, you’ll find more negativity about actual Santorini, since prices and crowds have sky-rocketed.

Here, though? Not so much.

Altea is one of those places you don’t need an Instagram filter even as this beach town swaps vibrant blue domes for terracotta rooftops, and you won’t break the bank either.

As costs have risen across the board in Spain’s most popular getaways (hence the outrage), Altea has many boutique hotels below $100 in spring and meals shouldn’t cost more than $15 per person, according to Expat Exchange — and that’s on the high-end for waterfront splurges.

Cobbled Dreamscape Meets Stunning Shores

When we dream of Europe, we typically imagine sprawling iconic cities or timeless towns that you just don’t find stateside very often.

While you can find paradisal beaches in the States, beyond a select few exceptions to the rule it’s hard to find a storybook Old Town and vibrant shores in walking distance.

Altea ticks off both boxes. Being a rather small town of less than 25,000 residents, it’s quite walkable to enjoy a few hours working on your tan and then off to a local wine bar to enjoy a round of tapas and cheap wine likely sourced from the nearby Jalon Valley.

You’ll definitely want to score a patio seat when possible because the views are absolutely breathtaking, whether you’re facing the Mediterranean Sea glistening turquoise waters or looking inland toward centuries-old cathedrals, such as, yes, the blue-domed Parish of Our Lady of Consolation.

Best Time To Visit & How To Get Here

While there’s nothing wrong with making Altea your next go-to beach getaway this spring, Airbnb claims that’s not the best time of year to visit.

They claim May and June are the perfect time to book your trip before those in the know invade mid-summer.

And they’re likely right. Altea is still sunny right now, but doesn’t begin to see steady 70-degree days until April, followed by 80-degree days from June – September for ideal beach temps to cool off in the bathwater-like conditions of the Med.

Being just 9 miles or so from more popular Benidorm, reaching Altea is more feasible than you might think.

There are ample bus connections and even more convenient train connections to zip across the coast in style — one you will definitely want to snag a window seat.

From Alicante–Elche Airport (ALC), it’s advised to hop aboard the TRAM Line L9 (Alicante–Denia coastal line).

Sam Sears

Sam, our Lead Writer & Journalist based in San Diego has visited 36 countries and written over 1000 articles with a focus on sharing his own travel experiences and shining a light on lesser-known gems.