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Date Published: 01/09/2026

This Alicante 'hidden gem' is just as idyllic as Mykonos, according to UK press

The Alicante beauty spot is just 15 minutes from Benidorm but offers tranquillity and a slower pace of life

Altea has been attracting attention in the British press as a beautiful alternative to the packed Greek islands, with its whitewashed buildings and winding old-town streets giving it a distinctly Mykonos-like feel.

When people picture a Mediterranean summer, Mykonos and Santorini are often among the first places that come to mind. The Greek islands have become hugely popular with holidaymakers from across Europe; however, their growing popularity also means that some of the most famous spots can become extremely busy during the warmer months.

For anyone who loves the look and atmosphere of the Greek islands but would rather avoid the crowds, one Alicante town could offer a very different kind of Mediterranean escape.

Altea, on the Costa Blanca, has been highlighted by the British press as a particularly appealing alternative. The town is only around 15 minutes from Benidorm, yet the atmosphere couldn’t be much more different.

While Benidorm is famous for its high-rise hotels, lively nightlife and busy beaches, Altea is better known for its historic old town, traditional architecture and relaxed Mediterranean character.

The Mirror has drawn attention to the contrast, describing Altea as a place where visitors can escape the hustle and bustle of some of the Costa Blanca’s busiest resorts. The publication encourages travellers to wander through the old town’s narrow cobbled streets, describing the experience as something of a journey back in time.

It’s easy to see why the comparison with Mykonos has been made. Altea’s old quarter is filled with whitewashed buildings, pretty alleyways and bright blue skies, creating the sort of postcard-perfect setting that has made the Greek island so famous.

There’s also plenty to discover. The streets around the old town are packed with restaurants where visitors can try local dishes and enjoy the relaxed pace of life, while the higher parts of Altea offer some spectacular views across the Mediterranean.

One of the town’s most recognisable landmarks is the Church of Our Lady of Consolation, with its distinctive blue and white tiled domes rising above the historic centre. Known locally as the Iglesia de Nuestra Señora del Consuelo, it has become one of the defining images of Altea.

The church sits at the highest point of the old town, making the surrounding area particularly popular with visitors looking for views across the rooftops and towards the sea.

Although Altea is hardly an undiscovered secret for people living in Spain, the town can still be overlooked by international visitors who head straight for better-known destinations like Benidorm and Alicante city.

That could be starting to change, particularly as British holidaymakers look for alternatives to some of Europe’s most overcrowded summer hotspots.

For those staying on the Costa Blanca, Altea also has the advantage of being easy to reach. Its location means it can be visited as a day trip from Benidorm or enjoyed as a destination in its own right, with beaches, restaurants and the atmospheric old town all within easy reach.

The result is a part of the Alicante coast that offers a very different experience from the big resort towns nearby. Rather than huge hotels and nightlife, Altea’s appeal lies in its traditional streets, Mediterranean architecture, sea views and slower pace.

It may not actually be Mykonos, but for anyone looking for a little Greek-island atmosphere without having to leave Spain, this picturesque corner of the Costa Blanca certainly makes a convincing alternative.

Image: Altea Turismo

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