A TOURIST site in Spain has been compared to one of the seven wonders of the world, for people not keen on travelling further afield.
The seven wonders are often near the top of tourists’ bucket lists, with people keen to see all the impressive monuments.
Getty Images – GettyPetra in Jordan is one of the seven wonders of the world[/caption]
Getty – ContributorSome people still live in caves throughout the complex at Petra[/caption]
GettyCenobio de Valerón has been put forward as an alternative destination to Petra[/caption]
AlamyThe cave complex in Gran Canaria is free to visit[/caption]
However, with some in far flung places like China, Peru and Mexico, it’s worth considering similar looking spots closer to home.
One place in Spain has been hailed as a great alternative to the ancient city of Petra, in Jordan.
The city was the centre of an Arab kingdom in Hellenistic and Roman times and can be found in a remote valley among sandstone mountains and cliffs.
It featured in the blockbuster Indiana Jones and The Last Crusade and brings in millions of visitors every year.
The sandstone structures are believed to have been built in the 3rd century BC by the Nabataeans and rediscovered again in 1912.
The most famous sight at Petra is its treasury – an ornate and elaborately decorated building carved into the rocks.
However, elsewhere in the complex are several other buildings carved into the rocks, including cave dwellings, with some people still living in them to this day.
However, Jordan isn’t the easiest place to get to, which is why some people head to Cenobio de Valerón in Gran Canaria, instead.
Travel experts at SkyParkSecure included the Spanish site on a list of alternative locations to the seven wonders of the world.
The site is an archaeological spot on the Spanish island that was built before Roman times and used by the island’s inhabitants until the end of the 15th century.
It’s a complex system of caves set out over eight different levels. Altogether there are 298 compartments.
SkyParkSecure described Cenobio de Valerón as “a great European alternative for Petra”.
They said: “The site is open for visitors all year round, it is free to visit but for safety reasons the caves themselves are closed off to the public.”
The Spanish caves weren’t the only European wonder of the world duplicates that were recommended in the list, with some even in the UK.
Everything you need to know about visiting Spain
Brits must have at least three months left on their passport from the day they plan to leave the country.
Tourists do not need a visa if visiting for up to 90 days in an 180-day period.
Make sure your passport is stamped on entry and exit.
Travellers may be asked to show hotel booking confirmations and that they have enough money for their stay at the border.
Spain is one hour ahead of the UK.
The country uses the euro with around €10 working out to £8.55.
Flights to Spain from the UK take between 2-4 hours depending on the destination.
For instance, an alternative to India’s Taj Mahal can be seen in Brighton, in the Royal Pavilion.
SkyParkSecure said: “The UK’s very own dupe for the Taj Mahal is Brighton’s Royal Pavilion, perfect for anyone looking to view beautiful architecture on a budget.
“The Grade One listed building in Brighton, England, was built in 1787 as a seaside resort for King George VI and later sold to the City of Brighton in 1850.”
Elsewhere, Europe’s answer to the Great Wall of China can be found in Northumberland, with Roman construction Hadrian’s Wall featuring on the list.
Hadrian’s Wall runs from Wallsend on the River Tyne in the east to Bowness-on-Solway in the west and is 73 miles long.
It is the largest Roman archaeological feature in Britain and was built to guard the wild north-west frontier of the Roman Empire.
SkyParkSecure added: “The UK’s alternative to the Great Wall of China is Hadrian’s Wall.
“Although it doesn’t come close to the length of the Great Wall of China, it is great for those who want a cheaper alternative without the expense of flights.
Meanwhile, this Unesco heritage site is sometimes referred to as the British Machu Picchu.
And this town in England has been likened to the Mediterranean.
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