A short trip from Benidorm will take you to a picturesque Costa Blanca town that is often compared to the Greek island of Mykonos – and it’s a must-see hidden gem for anyone visiting the area
The Spanish town near Benidorm is often compared to Mykonos (stock image)(Image: MiniMoon Photo via Getty Images)
Benidorm, a firm favourite among British holidaymakers, is renowned for its sun-drenched beaches, budget-friendly breaks, and the vibrant Calle Gerona, lovingly known as ‘the strip’. However, beneath the surface of stag and hen parties, Benidorm conceals beautiful spots that countless visitors have yet to discover.
For those seeking an escape from the party scene, a brief trip unveils a peaceful town. Located just moments from Benidorm, it provides a calm alternative to the raucous nightlife, with comparisons drawn to the allure of Mykonos. A quick 18-minute drive or a short 12-minute bus journey from Benidorm Intermodal brings you to the picturesque Altea, Alicante.
Hailed as one of Spain’s “most iconic” towns, Altea whisks visitors back in time with its captivating old quarter, complete with winding cobbled streets and sparkling white houses. Wandering through Altea’s alleyways, the tempting aromas of freshly made coffee and mouth-watering food drift from intimate cafés and delightful restaurants.
The town’s jewel in the crown is the parish church, Nuestra Señora del Consuelo or Iglesia de Arriba, which mesmerises tourists with its splendour. From this elevated spot, the sweeping views stretch across the brilliant blue sea to the vast beach beneath.
Alice, an influencer who highlights Benidorm’s best features and reveals her favourite recommendations online, recently visited Altea and proclaimed it a must-see destination for any travel bucket list.
Boasting more than 37,000 TikTok followers, Alice gushed: “Hidden gem only 15 mins from Benidorm! Maybe Altea isn’t a hidden gem for those in the know, but the way you could lowkey be just 15 mins away from this gorgeous slice of history and culture while on your holibobs in Benidorm!”
She went on to say: “It’s an absolute MUST see if you’re looking to escape for an afternoon to see some of the best views on the entire Costa Blanca. It’s giving cheeky Altea day trip, don’t you think?”.
The response was overwhelmingly positive — the short clip has racked up more than 17,900 likes alongside a flood of glowing comments.
One visitor shared: “I went there in December. Very nice.”
Another remarked: “There are stunning restaurants and bars. It’s not Benidorm. They may be close but they are worlds apart. Altea is beautiful.”
A third chimed in: “It’s simply a stunning old and new town.”
One commenter went as far as calling it their “favourite place of all time”, while another declared it had firmly earned a spot on their bucket list, writing: “Definitely heading here.. never knew it was so close.”
Flights from the UK to Alicante can be snapped up from as little as £40.
From there, you can hop on a bus, grab a cab or take the tram to Benidorm, which should take roughly 40 minutes by road.