The 'best' seaside town in Spain is just 9 miles from Benidorm and popular with Germans

If you're yearning for a Spanish holiday but the thought of crowded is off-putting, consider a lesser-known gem on the . Recent visitors to Spain's popular coastal areas have advised Brits to avoid the overpopulated and bustling Benidorm. Those seeking a more serene experience might want to explore a quaint seaside town on the Costa Blanca that defies the coast's reputation.

Altea, a picturesque town where mountains meet the sea, offers an idyllic escape. In a recent survey of the best Spanish seaside destinations, over 1,000 respondents participated. While four out of the five least favoured were in the Costa Blanca or the Costa Del Sol, one of the top picks was just a short nine mile drive from Benidorm.

Altea, a tranquil town perfect for a city-break, is known for its enchanting town centre perched atop hills, pebbled beaches, and stunning architecture featuring iconic navy domes. With a population of just 15,000 people, it's ideal for a peaceful getaway filled with delicious food and scenic views, reports .

One of the most charming aspects of this former fishing village is how fiercely its residents have protected it, keen to preserve the authentic Valencian community feel. White-walled homes dot the hillside, adding to the town's charm.

Altea, a charming destination which is a hit with German tourists and appeals particularly to older travellers, boasts idyllic church domes reminiscent of a scene from a romance novel.

Which? celebrates Altea's picturesque qualities, noting: "The historic, villagey one where blue-tiled church domes glitter above a hill of sugar-cube houses. The one whose romantic setting a wall of mountains on one side, the Mediterranean on the other attracted artists, kickstarting tourism along this coast in the late 50s. They're still here, too. Ateliers and galleries are scattered throughout the old town, a cats-cradle of cobbled streets beneath the church, perfumed by bougainvillea, knotting into tiny squares. When daytrippers leave by late afternoon, a lucky few get to revel in a pipsqueak beach resort that scored joint-highest for tranquillity."

Celebrated as 'the artist's capital of the Costa Blanca,' Altea is bursting with galleries, street art, and cultural happenings all year round. It's a veritable inspiration for painters, sculptors, and musicians due to its blend of dramatic mountain scenery and charming coastal villas.

For art enthusiasts, Altea offers a myriad of exhibitions, concerts, and the prestigious International Contemporary Art Fair, serving up a visual banquet.

Known for its independent art scene, the city boasts charming cobbled streets and stunning churches adorned with bougainvillea - a delicate purple flower that locals fashion into squares.

In the northern part of the town lies the luxury development of Altea Hills. Nestled on the edge of the woods between the development and the N332, visitors can discover a striking Russian Orthodox wooden church.

Its golden domes and spires glisten in the sunlight, making it a sight to behold. This historic church was erected in 2007 by a Russian entrepreneur.

Altea has been rated four out of five for attractiveness, friendliness and safety. It is a melting pot of various cultural influences, including Iberian, Roman, Arab, Greek, Muslim and Christian.

With its rich history, excellent hiking trails and delectable fresh seafood, the town is not to be missed!