If your thoughts turn to Benidorm, Torremolinos or Marbella when the idea of Spanish beach holidays is brought up, then it’s time to dive a little deeper and discover some of the relatively unknown but stunning coastline havens Spain has to offer.
Chiclana De La Frontera
Tucked away from the hustle and bustle of busy Spanish resort towns, Chiclana De La Frontera is a picture-perfect seaside town, complete with requisite gorgeous beaches, yet it is relatively unknown in comparison to the more tourist-focused regions. Instead of glitzy hotels and fancy clubs, you’ll find honest restaurants making the most of fresh catches, peaceful beaches and an indoor market that the locals love. If you like a tipple or two as well, there’s nothing nicer than sitting outside of a waterfront restaurant and letting the evening stretch out with a glass of locally produced sherry. Like the sound of that? Find out more about Chiclana de le Frontera – you’ll be even more excited to book a holiday there.
Aguadulce
Down in southern Spain lies this charming little holiday enclave that offers a retreat away from the mass tourism that the country has become synonymous with. It still has a beautiful beach that holidaymakers crave, but without all of the extra noise. In fact, the main attraction of holidays here is the ability to camp out on the beach, all day long, while enjoying more than your fair share of tranquillity, as so few people seem to know about this spot. The food options are largely dominated by traditional tapas bars that overlook or are on the beach, and other than sunbathing, all you’ll really want to do is paddle in the warm water, tuck into some tapas and drink local wine. Bliss.
Isla Canela
A quiet alternative to its noisier neighbours, Isla Canela used to be a bustling fishing town but is now a tranquil beach resort that benefits from modest tourist numbers and an idyllic setting. Pleasantly warm all year, the area is great for water sports and is a nature-lover’s paradise thanks to being framed by marshland. The fishing heritage comes in handy for producing the freshest seafood dishes possible and if your interests stretch to things of a relaxed yet sporty nature, you can take advantage of the full-sized golf course just outside the town. It’s bound to get increasingly popular here, so you might like to visit sooner rather than later.
Cambrils
What used to be an old-fashioned fishing village has become a chic holiday destination, but without falling prey to the normal pitfall of becoming oversubscribed. In fact, Cambrils has managed to retain every iota of the original charm that the village possessed, while also accepting a luxurious modern marina that has made it a real up-and-coming beach holiday destination. Seven kilometres of beach, all with Blue Flag accreditation, tells you everything you need to know about the quality of the sunbathing here and there is a decidedly family-friendly vibe, too. Although more people are starting to learn about the gorgeousness of Cambrils, it is still peaceful enough to be restful and unforgettable, for all the right reasons.
Mijas
Quiet, relaxing and a slice of authentic Spain, Mijas can be found on the Costa Del Sol, but has remained blissfully traditional. So much so in fact that you won’t find a huge number of hotel resorts, and are far more likely to stay in an apartment or self-catered villa during a visit. Pretty pebbled streets, mountain views and a charmingly laid-back atmosphere make Mijas a refreshing change of pace from the more well-known Costa Del Sol resorts. Most of the eateries focus on traditional Spanish fare, rather than catering to an international market and it goes to show that if you look closely enough, you can still find quiet little understated gems of beach towns, even in the loudest and busiest parts of Spain.
We will always love beach holidays, but they are not all created equal and for something a little quieter and more exclusive feeling, it’s worth finding those secret Spanish spots that can cater to tourists in a more authentic way.