Spain has long been the destination of choice for British holidaymakers.
In fact, UK travellers are the largest group of tourists to the country: in 2024, over 18 million of us flocked to the Mediterranean hotspot to soak up the sun.
But, as Spain continues to grapple with overtourism, holidaymakers are veering off the beaten track in favour of lesser-known gems.
In Barcelona, tourist taxes are set to double, and could reach up to £12.40 per person per night. Currently, the maximum fee is £6.20 for guests in five-star hotels and £4.70 for guests in four-star hotels. Those staying in flats are charged £5.20.
Last year, thousands of locals took to the streets to protest the influx of foreign visitors, squirting diners with water pistols and chanting ‘go home’.
Meanwhile in the Spanish capital Madrid, demonstrations have swept the streets in recent days. Just before Easter weekend, over 150,000 residents congregated in the city centre to condemn hordes of tourists and their impact on the housing crisis.
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Madrid recently paused new licences for tourist accommodation, primarily in the historic centre. The city has also implemented stricter regulations on short-term rentals.
So, in the spirit of sustainable travel, we asked Metro readers to share their favourite ‘hidden gem’ Spanish cities that aren’t Barcelona or Madrid.
Metro readers have their say
Matty Townsend, who recently completed an in-depth campervan tour of Spain with his partner, Laura, fell in love with Elche, a city close to Alicante.
The Spanish province is another destination known to get incredibly busy during peak season, but Matty describes Elche as being ‘worlds away’ from the hustle and bustle.
He said: ‘There were palm trees everywhere – like a quarter of a million of them – it was tropical.’ Matty also noted the ‘cool vibe in the centre’, saying there were ‘loads of big gardens to walk around and explore.’
For Laura, Santiago de Compostela made the biggest impression.
‘It’s where the famous hike finishes,’ she shared. She is, of course, referring to the Camino de Santiago, a network of ancient, spiritual pilgrimage routes in Spain. Visually, she said the northwestern city reminded her of a ‘Spanish York.’
A tip from our travel editor
Metro‘s Alice Murphy is a huge fan of Ronda, a historic cliffside city near Malaga (another underrated spot, according to Alice).
Towering 1,063 metres above sea level, Ronda is a writers’ paradise: Ernest Hemingway spent many summers there, and it’s where the ashes of the great filmmaker Orson Welles were scattered.
Framed by mountains and cavernous gorges, this is no ‘fly and flop’ spot. There are no beaches, but what it lacks in coast it makes up for in architecture (a fascinating blend of Arabic and Moorish), culture and cuisine.
Jezebel Gaia Sioux Gnik is one of many readers who spotlighted Granada in Spain’s Andalusia region.
She said: ‘Granada in the South of Spain is so underrated, and one of the only places that still gives you a free tapas with a drink.’
She noted that the Alhambra, a palace and fortress complex, is ‘beautiful,’ and that the region is where Flamenco originated.
Metro‘s Sama Ansari Pour recently spent a week in the Andalusian city of Cadiz, and couldn’t believe how affordable it is: she spent less than £300.
Elsewhere, Helena McWilliams described Nerja on the Costa del Sol as being ‘clean, friendly,’ and home to ‘lovely people.’
Curt Howett declared A Coruña, a port city in northwest Spain, to be Europe’s hidden gem.’
Michael R. Brant said that he ‘fell in love’ with Seville and ‘would love to retire there one day,’ while Lisa Alean echoed: ‘I’ve always wanted to explore the historic Santa Cruz neighbourhood in Seville, the architecture looks stunning!’
A Spanish town overshadowed by its glamorous neighbours
Metro’s Sophie-May Williams fell for Estepona, a traditional Spanish town sandwiched between Marbella’s blinged-out boutiques and the millionaire’s playground of Sotogrande.
But rather than leaning into the elite urbanisation of its luxury neighbours, Estepona has preserved its identity as a traditional ‘Pueblos Blanco’ — one of the ‘White Towns of Andalusia’.
Spanning a 21-kilometre stretch of golden coastline, this humble town is steeped in history. What was once a site believed to have been occupied by the Romans is now a picturesque holiday spot, with a palm-lined promenade, Spanish tapas bars and a micro-climate that bathes the streets in 325 days of sunshine each year.
What to do in Seville
As Seville was mentioned dozens of times, it’s clear that it’s a city on many people’s bucket lists.
Located in Andalusia, Seville was a filming location for Game of Thrones. The Alcázar, a historic royal palace, was used to represent Dorne’s capital, Sunspear.
Hollywood aside, the UNESCO World Heritage Site is a stunning architectural landmark that dates back to the 10th century. General admission tickets cost €15.50 (£13.26).
Whilst in the city, explore the spectacular Plaza de España, amble through the charming Santa Cruz neighbourhood, enjoy a traditional Flamenco show, or visit Seville Cathedral, the world’s largest Gothic cathedral. Don’t forget to take a selfie against the iconic orange trees.
How to get to Seville
Budget airlines like Ryanair and easyJet fly to Seville from London Gatwick and Stansted.
One-way fares start from £36, and the journey takes around 2 hours and 50 minutes.
What to do in Valencia
Valencia and San Sebastián proved to be popular with Metro readers, too.
While Danielle Làm said the former was ‘very cool,’ Matty loved the latter for its ‘big beach right in the middle of town,’ plus the ‘small streets selling pintxos tapas in the Old Town.’
Valencia is the namesake capital of the province of Valencia. Perfectly situated on the Mediterranean coast, sun worshippers can while their days away on the beautiful La Malvarrosa and El Cabanyal beaches.
Historic and unique Basque city of Pamplona
Metro’s Steve Charnock recommends the Basque city of Pamplona, particularly its beautifully preserved medieval Old Town. Full of narrow, cobbled streets, ancient walls and historical landmarks, he says the stunning Gothic Cathedral and imposing citadel are standouts.
By day, Pamplona is a fairly quaint little enclave nestled within the more expansive modern urban area. A city within a city. But at night it comes alive, with countless independent bars and pintxos joints slinging out cañas of beer and txikito servings of Rioja. All soaked up with delicious mushroom croquettes, hunks of Txistorra chorizo and charred padron or sweet piquillo peppers. It’s an incredible way to bar hop and slowly fill up on morsels of delicious snacks.
The world knows the city for its raucous, culturally significant but ethically dubious nine-day San Fermín bull running festival. But Pamplona is there to be savoured on any and all of the other 356 days of the year.
For those after some culture, head to La Lonja de la Seda (Silk Exchange). The UNESCO World Heritage site showcases Valencia’s historical silk trade, and is a cheap day out, with entry fees typically costing €2 (£1.71).
The central Plaza de la Virgen is another go-to area, bursting with cafes, restaurants, and religious sites. For a charming historic neighbourhood with narrow streets and rustic bars, it’s the ancient district of Barrio del Carmen.
How to get to Valencia
Ryanair and easyJet also fly to Valencia from Stansted and Gatwick airports. One-way flights start at £34 with a journey time of 2 hours 30 minutes.
What to do in San Sebastián
A resort town in the famous Basque Country, San Sebastián is often said to be the culinary capital of Spain.
The city is definitely set up for it: in the Old Town’s main square, Plaza de la Constitución, you’re spoiled for choice with cafes and restaurants.
Pintxos – the Basque version of tapas – are famous here. Iconic dishes include the Gilda pintxo, a small skewer consisting of a guindilla pepper, a pickled anchovy, and a green olive, and Bacalao en Aceite, salted cod marinated in a garlic and chilli oil.
Once you’ve stuffed yourself with Basque favourites, stroll along the picturesque La Concha Beach. For the adrenaline junkies amongst us, climb Mount Urgull or Monte Igueldo for panoramic views of the town.
How to get to San Sebastián
San Sebastián is more expensive to reach from the UK. This is due to high demand and limited availability, especially during peak seasons.
A one-way flight from London City Airport with British Airways or Iberia starts from £227. The flight time is one hour, 55 minutes.
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