Egypt is a popular destination and typically attracts hordes of British holidaymakers each year. Many flock there for the Red Sea, stretches of sandy beaches, and an abundance of family-friendly resorts and attractions. However, understandably, some this year may be apprehensive about travelling to Egypt due to the ongoing conflict in the Middle East.
A dreamy destination in Spain could be a perfect alternative, and it is almost half the flight time from the UK. Search interest for the country has risen 28 per cent year-on-year, whereas searches for Egypt have fallen by 12 per cent. According to First Choice managing director Kevin Nelson, Costa Blanca provides the same 'extraordinary moments' as Egypt.
'Travellers still want those extraordinary moments. Unsuspectingly, Costa Blanca delivers that, with unique landscapes and natural highlights all within just a couple of hours from the UK,' he says. The breathtaking region takes around two hours and 40 minutes to reach from London when flying to the area's main airport, Alicante, offering holidaymakers a memorable break without a lengthy journey.
Spain's Costa Blanca is the perfect alternative if you are unsure about travelling to Egypt this year. Travellers can bag a flight for as little as £13 for a one-way ticket on May 9, according to Skyscanner. Costa Blanca is home to Laguna Salada de Torrevieja, also known as Laguna Salada, located near Torrevieja, near Alicante. It is one of Europe's only naturally pink lakes and gets its unusual colouring from halobacteria and Dunaliella salina, both of which are naturally pink and release the pigment into the water.
Flamingos often frequent the shallow waters, and it has drawn comparisons to the vivid salt lakes of Egypt's Siwa Oasis, known for their pink and turquoise hues. With a jaw-dropping pink lake, tropical wildlife, and Red Sea-style waters, Costa Blanca does not fail to impress. Alternatively, if you are looking to explore something more inland and away from the beach, Elche's UNESCO-listed palm grove has more than 200,000 trees. It has a distinctly North African feel and over 17,000 glowing reviews on Google, averaging an impressive 4.6 out of five.
The region also boasts a car-free island with its own marine reserve, Tabarca Island. Just one hour by boat from Alicante, it offers crystal-clear waters, calm coves, and thriving marine life, making snorkelling here feel remarkably like a dip in Egypt's beloved Red Sea. Costa Blanca's cuisine is not to be missed either, and the region's signature 'caldero', a rich fish stew cooked with fresh local catch and rice, is a must-try for visitors wanting to taste local food.
Eating out in the area is reasonable, with a three-course meal for two costing €50 (£43), according to Numbeo. Meanwhile, a pint of local beer costs €3 (£2.60). Hotels can be found for as little as £36 a night. At the moment, the UK Foreign Office advises against all travel to parts of Egypt, including near the Egypt-Libya border and the North Sinai Governorate. It also advises against all but essential travel to other areas.
For those wanting to swap their trip to Egypt for somewhere further away instead of a short-haul destination, Australia's shores might be a good alternative. The Coral Coast stretches across Western Australia and boasts white sand beaches and untouched reefs. Although Australia lacks pyramids, it does have vast stretches of desert to explore too. Qantas Airline offers direct flights from London to Perth that take 16 hours and 40 minutes. Travellers can then get a domestic flight to other locations in Australia if they wish. Prices correct as of April 24, 2026.
