It looks like Santorini, but it’s in Spain and is one of the most beautiful towns
Altea is one of those towns on the Costa Blanca that you discover almost by chance and that, somehow, stay with you. When you arrive, what stands out are its whitewashed houses clustered on the hillside, rooftops reflecting the light, and, right at the top, the blue dome of the Church of Our Lady of Consolation.
And yes, more than a few people compare it to the real Santorini—not as an exaggeration, but because it truly evokes those calm, white seaside places by the Mediterranean.
Strolling through Altea’s Old Town is discovering the Mediterranean
The first time you enter Altea’s old town, you might think it will be similar to other Mediterranean villages, but as soon as you start walking, you realize it has something different.
The streets are narrow, with unexpected curves, and the cobblestone ground naturally slows you down, inviting you to notice every detail. As you climb toward the church square, the atmosphere becomes increasingly peaceful. There are small terraces with views you can’t see from below, along with several artisan shops.
When you reach the top, the square opens up like a giant balcony over the Mediterranean, with viewpoints offering a truly breathtaking panorama. Mountains in the background, the Peñón de Ifach outlined in the distance, and a vast sea that changes color as the afternoon goes on.
Here, life flows naturally, and it’s easy to understand why so many painters, sculptors, and craftspeople choose it as a source of inspiration.
Coves and beaches straight out of a postcard
Altea’s coastline is diverse and tranquil, very different from the crowded, wide beaches we see in summer. Here, small coves, smooth stone beaches, and crystal-clear water abound—so transparent you can see the seabed several meters below the surface.
Beaches such as La Olla, Cap Negret, or Cala del Mascarat feel like a refuge for a relaxing swim, a kayak trip, or simply sitting and listening to the sea with nothing but the sound of the waves.
Just a few minutes’ drive away is Morro de Toix, offering a wilder landscape with tall cliffs and dark rocks.
Why does it remind people so much of Santorini?
Those who set foot in this town in Alicante for the first time often feel as if they’ve landed in a small piece of Greece without leaving Spain. The comparison is inevitable—not only among tourists—because its architecture, with whitewashed houses and the iconic blue dome, creates that unmistakable parallel.
In addition, the fact that the town sits on a hillside and cascades down toward the sea creates that “stepped village” feeling so typical of the Aegean. That’s why so many travelers, as they explore the town, feel as though they are in the “Spanish Santorini.”
Inspired by idealista @ Parece Santorini, pero está en España y es de los pueblos más bonitos
Comments