Home to trendy resort towns straddling an azure Mediterranean Sea, a castle-dotted hinterland, and vibrant city breaks that feature among Europe’s best, Spain is all the rage this year, like every other year that preceded it.
Tourists love it for the culture, the balmy temps, and the world-class beaches, but there’s a catch.
Spain’s popularity has been both a blessing and a curse: as much as the economy needs tourism, concerns have been raised about its negative impacts on livelihood and local prices.
Last year, a series of demonstrations shook several Spanish cities to their very core, with some Barcelona protesters going as far as chasing vacationers with water pistols, while Tenerife residents waved “Go Home” signs at them.
Across most of Spain’s summer hotspots, residents are fed up with tourists treading on their front yard, to the point they’re turning aggressive towards visitors.
Now, another summer of protests is expected, and it’s starting as early as April:
Spaniards Are Fed Up With Tourists Ruining Their Cities
On April 5, thousands of Spaniards took to the streets in over 40 cities to demand action against overtourism, and the rising living costs, and it looks like the resentment isn’t going away any time soon.
In this dire scenario, it’s easy to feel as if you’re not even welcome in Spain, and that’s true in a way, but that’s not to say “tourismphobia” is rampant everywhere in Spain.
These 5 lesser-known gems continue to welcome visitors, if not with open arms, then without hostility, with no large-scale protests having been staged there recently:
1. A Coruña
A lively port city in the Northwest of Spain, straddling the vast Atlantic, A Coruña is best known for its unique blend of ancient history, with well-preserved monuments dating back to medieval times, or Roman, even, and beautiful coastal scenery.
The main landmark in town is the Tower of Hercules, the best-preserved Roman lighthouse still standing, on a promontory jutting out into the ocean, though you shouldn't miss out on the Old Town, with its narrow cobbled streets and glazed waterfront buildings.
Once you're finished with your cultural expedition, there's a wide, golden-sand Riazor Beach in the vicinity, with smaller crowds than your typical Mediterranean spot—for delicious seafood and tinto de verano at affordable prices, you might want to swing by the nearby A Pulpeira do Rompeolas.
2. Estepona
A hidden gem of Spain's year-round busy Costa del Sol, Estepona is your typical whitewashed town by the seaside, with overflowing flower pots hanging from every balcony, and a dome view, or hidden plaza to be found at every turn.
As you stroll its quiet back streets, you'll notice this feels like a far cry from the bustling Malaga, and even if it's simply beach time you're craving, Playa de la Rada, the main beach, offers a calm environment without lacking the usual amenities.
Once the early-evening munchies hit, after a full day of exploring and sunbathing, we'd recommend you try El Cazador's signature gratinated mussels and swordfish—they're only a few steps away from the playa, and the servers will make sure you feel welcome.
3. Cartagena
You've probably heard of Colombia's Cartagena, but maybe you've never come across its Spanish counterpart: lining the Mediterranean coast, which in our opinion, rivals the Caribbean in beauty, it is lively port peppered with ancient sites and affordable eateries.
It has a 1st-century Roman Theater, overlooking the azure Med, a hilltop medieval castle boasting incredible views of the urban sprawl at its feet, and the sea beyond, and a modern waterfront filled with family-run marisquerías and paella spots.
Our favorite one has to be La Marina, for their fresh seafood, incredible service, and affordable prices: an all-you-can-eat buffet will only set you back by €20, or roughly $23, and their pulpo confitado is among the best we've tried in Spain.
4. Gijón
Up on the north coast, straddling the Atlantic, Gijón is a much-overlooked summer destination centered around a picture-perfect Old Town (Cimadevilla), primarily known for its fishermen's village vibe, and backed by golden-sand beaches.
It does not host nonstop flights from America, and on top of that, only a few select European hubs have flights to Gijón, or more specifically, Asturias Airport 24 miles away, making it a prime destination for escaping the summer chaos plaguing Southern Spain:
Take in the coastal views up Santa Catalina Hill, admire the ornate architecture of the Collegiate Church of San Juan Bautista, later converted into a concert hall, or relax on Playa de San Lorenzo, a sandy strip stretching for almost a mile.
5. Vigo
At one of Spain's northwesternmost points, Vigo is a resort city encroaching on a sandy bay along the coast of Galicia, facing the wild Atlantic and the New World, yet somehow, still firmly rooted in ancient tradition:
From the medieval Old Town, characterized by narrow lanes and arcaded plazas, to the impressive, neoclassical Church of Santa Maria, one of Spain's most beautiful, and even the openness of locals, it's the kind of place you don't get over that easily.
Needless to say, Vigo is a lot more offbeat than your usual Spanish resort town, and whether you're catching a tan in the prisitne Rodas Beach, or getting lost in its narrow streets, flanked by glassed-in balconies, rest assured angry locals and cruise crowds are rare sights.
Ready For Your Trip? Check The Latest Entry Requirements For Your Destination Here
↓ Elevate Your Travel↓
Sign Up Now For Travel Off Path Premium! No ads, VIP Content, Personal Travel Concierge, Huge Savings, Daily Deals, Members Forum & More!
✈️Join Our Travel Off Path Community Forum: Where travelers unite, ask questions, share experiences and even find like-minded travel buddies!
SUBSCRIBE TO OUR LATEST POSTS
Enter your email address to subscribe to Travel Off Path's latest breaking travel news, straight to your inbox.
This article originally appeared on TravelOffPath.com
Opinions expressed here are the author’s alone, not those of any bank, credit card issuer, hotel, airline, or other entity. This content has not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any of the entities included within the post.