For many, the Greek island of Mykonos is now far too busy, having been declared by Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis as the second-most vulnerable destination after Santorini.
As a result, tourists are seeking European alternatives, with this southern Spanish town arguably up there with the pick of the bunch.
Part of the Cabo de Gata Natural Park, La Isleta del Moro in Almeria, Andalucia, is home to whitewashed homes with blue-painted doors and windows and crystal blue seas.
It is so much like the Greek island that it has been nicknamed the “Little Mykonos” – but without any of the crowds of tourists.
La Isleta del Moro is believed to be an old pirate refuge, having been frequented by Arabs and Berbers in the past. It is said its name comes from a Moorish commander called Mohamad Arraez, meaning boat owner.
Straddling a narrow peninsula between two small hills, the hamlet is home to around 170 residents. Its remote location, about a 500-metre detour from the AL-4200 road from San Jose to Las Negras, helps maintain its traditional Spanish fishing village atmosphere. Just like in Greece, many coloured small boats line the shore.
Out of season, the village is very quiet. It is busiest in summer when people come to enjoy its beaches – Playa del Penon Blanco and Playa Isleta del Moro.
These numbers are nothing compared to the 1.12 million that descended on Mykonos in 2023, even if this was a decrease of just under six percent from the year before, according to the Airdata tracker data of the Institute of the Greek Tourism Confederation (INSETE).
Other nearby beaches include the fine gold sands of Playa Los Escullos, Playa del Embarcadero, which is a favourite for snorkelling, and the hidden Cala del Carnaje.
At La Isleta del Moro, one can partake in boat tours around the area, rent a kayak or dive, snorkel, or hike in the nearby mountains. In the evening, you can sit and watch the sunset and the fishermen at work from its waterfront cafe. There is also a small hostel, Pension la Isleta de Moro, and some apartments available for rent.
Costa de Almeria has a Mediterranean climate with hot dry summers and wild winters. For those seeking sunshine, the best time to visit is between June and September, with August temperatures at a daily maximum average of 32C and lows of 24C.
Those visitors who made the trip did not hold back in their compliments of the village on Tripadvisor, particularly focusing on its water which is more akin to the Aegean than the Atlantic. One said: “The setting is beautiful, with good views and the water seems crystal clear.”
Another said: “The transparency of its waters allows you to see all kinds of fish and aquatic creatures. A third commented: “Crystal clear waters, lots of fish, very calm. Great for snorkelling and diving. There are several restaurants nearby.”