Spain’s battle against overtourism has been making headlines for years, with its popular cities and towns struggling to manage the influx of visitors overwhelming local communities.
Last year, Barcelona locals resorted to using water guns to deter rowdy tourists, while in Madrid locals protested over rising rent prices, which many attributed to overtourism.
Countless tourism rules have been introduced to reduce the strain on residents, including restrictions on public drinking, partying, and the use of rental services like Airbnb.
Most recently, Mallorca residents have written an open letter to tourists, urging them not to come to the island, as they ‘face the worst summer in the history of Mallorca’.
Despite pleas for a slowdown of tourism in hugely popular areas, there are some regions of Spain that remain relatively untouched.
If you want to avoid the crowds and glares from fed-up locals this summer, Metro has rounded up some lesser-known destinations to visit instead.
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Cadiz
Often overlooked in favour of nearby Seville, Cadiz is a 3,000-year-old coastal gem and one of the oldest cities in Western Europe.
Its quaint streets are steeped in history, lined with sun-drenched plazas, centuries-old churches and whitewashed buildings from its maritime past.
Beyond its history, Cadiz boasts golden beaches, a coastal promenade and some of Spain’s best seafood. Visitors can soak up the sun at La Caleta Beach, take in panoramic views from Tavira Tower, or explore the old town’s winding alleyways.
Despite everything it has to offer, it remains far less crowded than Spain’s more famous cities.
Metro’s Sama Ansari Pour, described Cadiz as ‘a walk through time’, with every corner offering a glimpse into its past.
‘If you’re not a fan of big crowds,’ she writes. This lesser-known gem could be perfect for you.’
Merida
Nestled in the charming region of Extremadura, Merida might not boast beaches or a coastline, but it more than makes up for it with its rich history.
Founded by the Romans in the 1st century BC, it’s one of Spain’s most important archaeological sites.
As the capital of Roman Spain, the city is home to some of the most impressive ruins in Europe, including the Roman Amphitheatre and the Temple of Diana.
Visitors can also discover the Roman Bridge, which is one of the longest bridges built by the Romans and stretches over the Guadiana River.
Located in one of the least visited and underpopulated regions of Spain, it’s perfect for those who want to escape the crowds. Plus, Extremadura offers up to £12.6k per year to digital nomads who want to make it their base.
Logrono
Located in the heart of Spain’s La Rioja region, Logrono is frequently hailed as one of Spain’s hidden gems. While it might not attract the same crowds as some more famous cities, it’s considered a must-visit for food and wine lovers.
Known for its tapas scene, visitors can hop from bar to bar sampling pintox and local delicacies. It’s also the gateway to Spain’s iconic wine region, La Rioja, where visitors can tour vineyards and taste world-class wines.
The city also boasts medieval streets and historic landmarks like the Co-Cathedral of Santa Maria de la Redonda, which features twin baroque towers and intricate interior artwork.
Cuenca
Located in central Spain, just two hours away from Madrid, Cuenca is known for its hanging houses which hang over a gorge.
The medieval town, a UNESCO World Heritage site, is often overshadowed by larger cities in the region, with most visitors being day-trippers from Madrid.
One of the town’s most iconic features, the hanging houses (Casas Colgadas), are built into the rockface and perch dramatically above the Huécar River gorge.
Dating back to the 15th century, some of these houses have since been converted into museums which visitors can explore. Travellers can admire the view of the houses and the unique architecture of the city from the San Pablo Bridge.
Beyond the houses, visitors can explore Cuneca’s winding medieval streets, walk the hiking trails along the gorge or visit the nearby Serrania de Cuenca Natural Park.
Estepona
This charming coastal town, tucked away on the edge of Costa del Sol remains a hidden gem despite its location in one of Spain’s most visited regions.
Metro’s Sophie-May Williams visited the ‘humble town’ last year. She noted that while 12 million international tourists flocked to the Andalusian region in 2023, only 253,376 (2%) stopped in Estepona.
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Visitors can wander through its picturesque streets, where whitewashed houses are adorned with colourful flowers, like the vibrant bougainvillaea that blankets the town.
The heart of Estepona is the Plaza de las Flores, a lively square surrounded by cafes where tourists flock for lunch. There are four main tapas bars in the square, and as Sophie says ‘it doesn’t matter which one you go to’.
For beach lovers, Estepona’s coastline offers miles of sandy shores, including the popular Playa de la Rada. Here, you can relax by the crystal clear waters or enjoy a drink at one of the many beach bars.
If you’re seeking something more adventurous, Estepona also has excellent hiking trails, including the scenic path to the nearby Sierra Bermeja mountains.
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