AFTER years of travelling to Spain almost monthly, I’ve learnt where to go if you want to dodge the crowds, eat well, and actually feel like you’re a local.
There are loads of places that Spaniards head to on holiday that most Brits don’t even know exist.
Sometimes steering away from the tourist hotspots in Spain can led you to a hidden gem[/caption]
Lee says Spain is still a great holiday destination if you want fewer crowds as long as you know where to go[/caption]
Great destinations to visit (l-r), El Palmar, Ronda, Toledo and Tossa[/caption]
These aren’t just quiet villages in the middle of nowhere; they’re lively, packed with culture, good food, and beautiful views.
So, if you’re up for something different, forget Benidorm and Barcelona.
Check out these places that are not only less touristy but cheaper and brimming with proper Spanish charm.
Inland Málaga: Ronda, Ardales and Antequera
Most people landing in Málaga do the same thing – head straight to the coast and barely leave the beach for a week. And I don’t blame them.
But if it’s a change of pace you’re after, drive just an hour inland and you’ll hit one of Spain’s most underrated regions.
This area around Ronda, Ardales, and Antequera is what I’d call proper Spain – it’s beautiful, full of history, and still mostly untouched by British tourists.
Start in Ronda, a stunning town split in two by a huge gorge, with a stone bridge linking both sides.
It’s dramatic and buzzing with local life. And while you’ll find some tourists here, they’re mostly Spanish, so it still feels super authentic.
There are endless tapas bars, cosy restaurants, and shady squares where people actually live.
Nearby Ardales is tiny but charming, and right next to the Caminito del Rey, a jaw-dropping walkway is pinned to the cliffs above a turquoise river.
It used to be known as the most dangerous hike in Spain, but now it’s safe, stunning, and one of the best things I’ve done in the country.
Finally, it’s worth checking out Antequera – a small city packed with churches, castles and even prehistoric tombs older than the pyramids.
This is the sort of place that doesn’t shout about itself, but everywhere you go, there’s something to see.
You can easily visit all three towns over a long weekend, and you’ll come home wondering why more people don’t.
The real Costa Brava: Tossa, Canyelles and Sant Feliu
Barcelona is my usual go-to for a Spanish city break. It’s got great food, culture and nightlife, but going in the summer months can be a bit chaotic.
After a couple of days, I like to bolt on a more chilled trip up the coast. A quick coach ride north gets you to the Costa Brava.
Most package holidays land in Lloret de Mar – but swerve this if you want to dodge the Brits abroad. Just beyond it are spots more locals go to, like Tossa de Mar.
Ardales is tiny but charming and right next to the Caminito del Rey, say travel writer Lee Bell[/caption]
While not undiscovered, Tossa has managed to hang on to its charm and still far more popular with Spanish families than Brits.
It’s got a proper Catalan feel, with a castle overlooking the beach, a cobbled old town and plenty of family-run restaurants serving authentic local food.
Tucked between Lloret and Tossa is Platja de Canyelles, a small cove that feels like a completely different world.
It’s mostly used by Spanish second-homers, so you’ll find plenty of peaceful spots and not one sign in English.
The beach is quiet, the water’s super clear, and there’s just enough going on to keep you fed, watered and content.
Sant Feliu de Guíxols is further up, and ideal if you want a bit more of a local town vibe.
It’s got a proper promenade, a big marina, and a town centre for a spot of local shopping – and not just souvenir shops.
Sant Feliu is great for shoppers wanting to explore a town[/caption]
Locals come here for weekend breaks, so the restaurants are authentic and the prices aren’t inflated. It’s also a great base for walking, relaxing, or activities like kayaking and snorkelling.
This part of the Costa Brava is a great choice for those who prefer to mix up their holiday itineraries from the usual sunbathing on the beach.
The Cádiz Coast: El Palmar, Zahara de los Atunes and Tarifa
When most people think of southern Spain, they picture the Costa del Sol – with packed beaches, bustling nightlife and loud resorts like those in Marbella, Benalmádena or Torremolinos.
But head west to the Cádiz coast and it’s a completely different story.
This stretch of coast is all about surf towns, local food and relaxed beach life without the crowds. It’s where Spaniards go to unwind – and the best bit? Most Brits don’t know about it.
El Palmar has to be my all-time favourite beach here. It might not be easy to get to (you’ll need to get a bus or hire a car to get to it) but it’s worth the effort.
It’s known for its wide open beach and Bohemian surfer vibe that’s almost impossible to find anywhere else in Spain. There’s a reason why they nicknamed it “Cadizfornia”.
There are no big hotels or chains here, either, just beach bars, surf schools and Spanish families enjoying the sun.
The Cadiz coast is a great alternative to the Costa del Sol[/caption]
While El Palmar can get a little windy, the sunsets are unreal, and the seafood is super fresh. It feels like a Spanish secret you never want to leave.
If you do leave, you can head down the coast to Zahara de los Atunes, a fishing village that turns into a lively summer spot.
It’s got some of the best beaches in the region with proper seafood restaurants, hitting that sweet spot of happening but not hectic. In the evenings, the beach bars light up and it feels like one big local party – without the cheesy tourist traps.
Top things off with a stop at Tarifa – Europe’s southernmost town, where the Atlantic crashes into the Med. Expect narrow streets, music-filled bars, and plenty of activities for adventure lovers, such as kite surfing.
Fancy a break from the beach? Head inland for a day in Jerez de la Frontera – where sherry comes from.
You can tour the old sherry bodegas with a tasting tour, catch a live flamenco show, or just sit outside a local bar with a cold fino and a plate of jamón. It’s cheap, full of character, and barely touched by foreigners.
Day trips from Madrid: Toledo, Cuenca and Segovia
If you’re planning a trip to Madrid for a city break, don’t just stick to the city. There are plenty of day trips you can do, which I love – and all less than an hour by train.
Packed with history, and strangely overlooked by Brits, the tiny cities of Toledo, Cuenca and Segovia each offer a proper taste of old Spain without the crowds.
As Spain’s former capital, Toledo is the better known of the three. Locals from Madrid head here for a weekend of food and wandering.
Toleda[/caption]
Perched on a hill and wrapped in a river, it’s full of quaint winding streets, ancient churches and views for days. You can spend hours getting lost in the old town, ducking into bars, or sitting in shady plazas with a glass of vino.
Cuenca is smaller and quieter, but it’s still got the wow factor.
Built on the edge of a deep gorge, with old houses called “Casas Colgadas”, which are literally hanging off the cliffs, it feels like something out of a fairytale.
You can walk across the (quite scary) San Pablo bridge for epic views, explore quirky galleries and museums, and stop for lunch in the sun with barely a tourist in sight. It’s peaceful, colourful and unique – the kind of place that feels untouched.
Finally, there’s Segovia, which has to be the most photogenic of the three thanks to its massive Roman aqueduct – one of the best preserved in the world – and a castle that supposedly inspired Disney’s sitting high on the edge of town.
Segovia also has a top-notch food scene, being famous for “cochinillo” – a must-try, melt-in-the-mouth roast suckling pig dish.
All three are easy to reach from the capital and feel a world away from the usual Brits abroad scene – with the bonus of being back in Madrid by bedtime.
