The Spanish coastline is one of the most beautiful in the world and a holiday here is going to be fantastic at any time. But the high season is rammed and can be pricey. There is a simple solution for this problem, though: avoid peak time and head over on the shoulders of high season.
By avoiding July and August you bypass the crush of expats and visitors everywhere and the hiked-up hotel prices but there is an even better way to avoid the tourist traps and make your holiday simultaneously cheaper, relaxing and much more authentic.
Head along the coasts and stay in the gorgeous towns and villages scattered beside the sea. We asked our Spanish correspondent in Madrid to share with us her favourite pockets of paradise: Six Spanish coastal towns you may never have heard of let alone seen – even though they might be six of the most beautiful places in Spain.
The most beautiful coastal towns in Spain
An artist’s retreat in Cadaqués, Catalonia
In the north of the Costa Brava is the picturesque town of Cadaqués. Only reachable via a winding mountain road, the seclusion of Cadaqués has helped it retain its old-world charm to this day.
Walking through the narrow streets lined with the kind of whitewashed houses typical to this region, it is immediately apparent as to why the village’s beauty was such an attraction to some of the last centuries greatest artists – Pablo Picasso, Marcel Duchamp and Salvador Dalí were all repeat and regular visitors. One of Dalí’s houses in the neighbouring village of Portlligat is now a museum, which you should definitely make the time to see.
If you need a change of pace from relaxing on the stunning beaches in the bay of Cadaqués all day, bang on your hiking boots and take a trip through the wonderful Cap de Creus Natural Park – an unparalleled view of the coastline is guaranteed here. Want to be mobile for spontaneous excursions? Hire a car!
Bermeo: The Basque charm will enchant you
The Atlantic Ocean off of the Basque coast is a little cooler than the Mediterranean, but a beach-based holiday is always worthwhile here – especially for foodies.
In Bermeo, there is a fantastic range of incredible restaurants specialising in local dishes; two of the best of which are a delicious Txuletón beef steak or the classic Bacalao al Pil Pil (Cod in garlic sauce). The town of Bermeo will charm your eyes as much as your tastebuds but be sure to get out and see the surroundings to make the most of this little pocket of the world – hire car and take a small trip – for example to the lighthouse at Cape Matxitxaco, Mundaka Beach or the small rock island of Gaztelugatxe. Hire a car in Bilbao.
Tarifa, Andalusia: The answer is blowing in the wind
As long as you don’t mind being caressed by a fresh breeze, Tarifa will most likely turn into one of your favourite destinations in the world. Tarifa is famous for its year round wind, but it’s this exact reason that makes Tarifa an absolute hotspot for wind and kite surfers.
In high summer it’s the place to be and the crowds flock here in droves. With this in mind, if you travel here on either side of the prime season you can really enjoy the city. The old part of the town particularly is beautiful, the atmosphere relaxed with it’s primarily hip and surfer crowds and finding an exclusive spot on the incomparable Valdevaqueros Beach is easy as 1-2-3. Hire a car in Málaga.
With a bit of luck, you may even catch sight of whales playing in the Strait of Gibraltar.
It doesn’t have to be Mallorca: Ciutadella, Menorca
Of course, Mallorca is fantastic and everyone goes there for a reason but given half-a-chance you’re more likely to fall in love with the small neighbouring island of Menorca. Do you like secluded beaches, turquoise waters, archaeological sites and good food? Then Ciutadella, on the west coast of the island, is the right place for you.
Ciutadella is not a small coastal village like other destinations on this list, but the largest city in Menorca, a fact which doesn’t diminish its beauty in any way. Let yourself get lost strolling through the streets adorned with stately homes, browsing the artisanal shops and ending the day in a bar at the harbour.
My restaurant tip: For the best ‘Arroz Caldoso’ a rice broth with seafood you should head to Café Balear – simply delicious; cross my heart.
Picture perfect: Cudillero, Asturias
If you’re on the North Atlantic coast, Cudillero has to be on your list of places to see; and if not, you should probably plan a trip to the North Atlantic coast so you can visit anyway. The picturesque fishing village, believed by many to be Spain’s prettiest, is one of the most photographed locations in the region.
You can see why as you explore the village. Typical Asturian houses line the small alleyways and roads, which snake their way down towards the harbour. If you fancy a longer walk, take a small hike from the village centre to the lighthouse (the reward for your effort is a sensational view). After you return you’ll be perfectly justified in feeling that you’ve really earned a break with a glass of wine in one of the bars at the harbour. Hire a car in Bilbao.
Paella in Peñíscola, Valencia
There’s no harm in thinking about where you want to be next spring, or the one after, or the one after that. Spring is actually the ideal time to visit Peñíscola. The time when this magical coastal town between Barcelona and Valencia awakens from its winter sleep.
The restaurants come back to life and the weather turns wonderfully warm; there is almost nothing better than to on a terrace with sea view, waiting for a paella freshly cooked to a recipe passed down through the centuries. Afterwards, you can take a leisurely stroll through the historical old town up to the medieval fortress, Papa Luna.
Later, you can enjoy the Mediterranean at any one of the gorgeous beaches or you could go on a hike through the nearby ‘Sierra de Irta’ Natural Park. My restaurant tip: Casa Jaime, a nice, family run restaurant, where you can get super delicious fish dishes served as fresh as they come.
To be able to travel around the city and its surrounds, hire a car in Valencia.
Want to read more?
- Top 10 tips for travelling in Spain this summer
- Hidden gems in Spain
- Andalusia road trip – the ultimate Spanish tour
Originally published 05 2017, updated 04 2022.
