Eyeing a holiday to Spain? Thanks to the gorgeous weather, beautiful coastline, tantalising cuisine, and great culture, it is a fantastic place for a summer holiday. However, many areas like Benidorm become overrun with Brits during the school holidays, which can take the allure away. Fortunately, there are plenty of hidden gems that will give you a much more authentic Spanish experience. Read on to find out more.
Frigiliana, Andalucía
Andalucía is a spectacular region on Spain’s sunny southern coast with beautiful mountains, rivers, beaches, and farmland, as well as charming towns and cities with impressive architecture. There are many great places to visit in Andalucía, but Frigiliana is perhaps the pick of the bunch with its strong cultural roots and quaint architecture allowing you to discover the traditional beauty of Spain. Frigiliana also makes it onto the ’10 Most Beautiful Villages in Spain” list, so you know it is a good choice!
Mijas, Andalucía
Another gem in Andalucía that will provide you with an authentic Spanish experience is Mijas. This charming mountain town with whitewashed buildings on every corner is a serene escape from the busier resorts in southern Spain and also boasts a shoreline stretching across 12km, so you can still enjoy being by the sea without the “Brits abroad” feel. There are also plenty of beautiful Spanish villas in the area, allowing you to enjoy some peace and quiet.
Portocolom, Mallorca
The Spanish island of Mallorca is a popular choice, but you can escape the crowds at places like Palma and Deià by visiting Portocolom. This is a traditional fishing village that retains all the charm of its cultural heritage while still providing the sun, sea, and sand that makes Mallorca such a popular choice. It is incredibly picturesque with the village nestling around one of the biggest and most sheltered bays on the island.
Cadaqués, Catalonia
Catalonia is a popular region in northeastern Spain with the lively beach resorts of Costa Brava and the bustling city of Barcelona, but Cadaqués is much quieter and somewhat of a hidden gem. Cadaqués is known for its rocky coast with picturesque beaches and secluded coves, giving the village a peaceful, sleepy feel. It is also somewhere that art lovers adore as the former home of iconic artist Salvador Dalí.
Cartagena, Murcia
Located on Murcia’s idyllic coast, Cartagena is a good choice for anyone with an interest in history as a key Roman hub due to its large port and strategic location. There are still remnants of the empire throughout, including a stunning walled Old Town, cobbled streets, and an impressive amphitheater.
If you are looking to avoid the hordes of tourists and enjoy an authentic Spanish experience this summer, the above are a few of the best hidden gems. These places will allow you to discover the real beauty of Spain while enjoying plenty of sun, sea, and sand.
