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Spain is one of Europe’s top holiday destinations, but with protests against overtourism making headlines in Malaga and Barcelona, where should you go if you want to escape the crowds (and the water guns)?
We asked travel experts for their recommendations on hidden gems, including places where Spaniards vacation.
From one of the best places to “taste fresh seafood” to the “Gibraltar of Valencia”: these are some of the most notable delicacies in Spain.
Scroll down to see nine places that incite wanderlust…
Ávila – Region of Castilla y León
Travel experts have recommended the best hidden gems in Spain. Ávila (above) is “surrounded by some of the best-preserved walls in Spain, dating back to the 11th century.”
Ávila, a city in central Spain, is a “must visit” for “history enthusiasts”, says the team of experts at HomeToGoa vacation home platform.
They say: ‘This medieval city is surrounded by some of the best preserved walls in Spain, dating back to the 11th century. Stroll through its cobbled streets to find impressive Romanesque churches and charming corners.
‘The local cuisine is a highlight – be sure to try the famous roasts and pies. Located at high altitude, Ávila also offers stunning panoramic views of the surrounding plains.’
Chiclana de la Frontera – Andalusia
Chiclana de la Frontera is “known for the serene beauty of the Barossa beach (pictured above) and its pristine white sands.”
Chiclana de la Frontera, a city in Andalusia, is “ideal” for those “looking for a more relaxed atmosphere,” says the HomeToGo team.
They say: ‘Known for the serene beauty of Barossa Beach and its pristine white sands, it is a paradise for sunbathers and water sports enthusiasts alike.
“The town itself is steeped in history, with a charming old town with picturesque squares and traditional bodegas (wine warehouses).”
A Coruña – Galicia
“The newest part” of A Coruña is known as the “City of Glass”, due to its glass balconies (pictured above)
A Coruña, a port destination in northern Spain, is “a city that perfectly fuses the old and the modern,” says the Spanish airline’s team Vueling.
They say: “Its old town is known for its medieval buildings and winding streets, while the newer part of the city is known as the “Crystal City”, where many buildings feature high glass balconies designed to protect against the wind of the sea.’
Huelva, Andalusia
Huelva (pictured above) is along the Atlantic coast and is “often overlooked on the typical tourist route.”
“Huelva is a fantastic choice” for a “calmer experience in Andalusia,” says HomeToGo.
And he adds: ‘Located next to beautiful nature reserves and the Atlantic coast, it often goes unnoticed on typical tourist routes.
‘Visit the impressive Cathedral of Mercy and stroll through the Mercado del Carmen, where you can experience local life and taste fresh seafood. Don’t miss the Muelle del Tinto: it is the perfect place to watch a sunset over the river.
Cullera, Valencia
Cullera is “well connected to Madrid and Barcelona” and “is a convenient and valuable addition” to a trip to Spain
HomeToGo says: ‘Cullera offers plenty to explore, from its picturesque old town and impressive 10th-century Cullera Castle to beaches such as San Antonio, known for excellent water quality and ideal for sunbathing, swimming and sports. aquatic.
“Well connected to Madrid and Barcelona, Cullera is a convenient and valuable addition to the itinerary of a stay in Spain.”
Matalascañas, Andalusia
Matalascañas is a “great option for travelers who enjoy bird watching and exploring unique landscapes.” Above is the complex’s iconic Fig Tree Tower (a ruined lighthouse tower)
The HomeToGo team says: ‘Matalascañas is perfect if you’re looking for a relaxed beach getaway with a touch of nature.
‘Located next to the Doñana National Park, it is an excellent option for travelers who enjoy bird watching and exploring unique landscapes.
“The city’s long golden beach, with the iconic Leaning Fig Tower (a ruined lighthouse tower), is a superlative setting for a lazy day sunbathing or a leisurely stroll along the coast.”
Peniscola, Valencia
Peñíscola’s “winding streets are lined with whitewashed buildings leading to attractive sandy beaches”
Peñíscola is “a gem on the Valencian coast, famous for its spectacular medieval castle perched above the sea,” says the HomeToGo team.
They continue: ‘Often known as the “Gibraltar of Valencia”, the city’s winding streets are lined with whitewashed buildings leading to attractive sandy beaches.
“It’s a fantastic destination for those looking to combine historical exploration with a charming seaside escape – the city’s unique blend of history and beauty makes it a standout choice for travelers.”
Combarro, Galicia
In Combarro, you can “get to know the real culture and make friends with locals in a way that is simply not possible in tourist areas.”
Wayne Kask, travel expert and founder of Always on the shorerecommends Combarro, a fishing town in Galicia.
He says: ‘I stayed with a local family who ran a small bed and breakfast there. It is famous for its hórreos: stone barns that stand on stilts. My hosts were very welcoming.
‘They took me on their fishing boat, showed me how to cook a local dish called pulpo a la gallega and told me stories about their family history. That’s the magic of finding these hidden places: you get to know the real culture and make friends with the locals in a way that just isn’t possible in the tourist areas.’
Albarracín, Aragon
In Albarracín, ‘the houses are painted a soft pink, which makes the whole town shine when the sun shines’
Wayne describes Albarracín, a small town in the Aragon region, as a “special” place to experience.
The travel expert says: ‘The houses are painted a soft pink, making the whole village glow when the sun shines. Walking through its narrow streets is like going back in time.
“I once got lost wandering around, and I’m usually pretty good with directions, but that was the fun part. I found a little restaurant where I had one of the best meals of my life: simple but tasty lamb cooked in a wood-fired oven with a glass of local wine.’