Around two-thirds of Spanish people opt to stay in their own country when deciding where to take their vacation. Given Spain's gorgeous coastline, majestic mountain ranges, and sun-soaked archipelagos in both the Mediterranean and the Atlantic, who can blame them? It's also no surprise that the locals tend to avoid the tourist traps that cater to millions of foreign travelers who visit the country every year. So, here's the low-down on where to go in Spain when you want to vacation like a real Spaniard.
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Balearic Islands
It may surprise many, but the Spanish account for close to 20 percent of the 12-plus million tourists who visit the Balearic Islands each year. Roughly half head to the largest of the islands — Majorca — though they tend to avoid the peak summer season, when most of the coastal resorts are dominated by British and German tourists. The most easterly of the four main islands, Minorca is becoming increasingly popular with Spanish travelers, largely thanks to its low-key development, unspoiled beaches, and general sense of peace lacking in many of Spain’s busier tourist destinations. Party island Ibiza and the laid-back Formentera also remain popular, though again, Spaniards favor the slightly cooler spring and autumn months and avoid the overcrowded high season.
Our Hotel Pick:
Basque Country
Almost three out of four of visitors to the Basque Country (or El País Vasco in Spanish) come from other parts of Spain. A big part of the attraction of this northern region is its summer climate — while much of Spain is sweltering, this largely coastal area enjoys far more comfortable (yet still very beach-friendly) temperatures over the summer months. Vacationers flock to San Sebastian and its stunning Playa de la Concha, a sandy stretch that extends over a mile in length and is considered one of the best beaches in Spain. The Basque Country’s Atlantic coast stretches over 150 miles, with numerous beaches, cliffs, islets, and numerous charming fishing villages to explore. Plus, the area is home to some of Spain’s lushest countryside. Culture vultures should head to the region’s largest city, Bilbao, where they can check out the iconic Guggenheim Museum Bilbao, while foodies shouldn’t miss Donostia-San Sebastian, which has one of the highest concentration of Michelin-starred restaurants in the world.
Our Hotel Pick:
Galicia
Head west along Spain’s Atlantic coast and you’ll arrive at another popular destination for the native population — Galicia. Much like the Basque Country, this corner of the Iberian Peninsula provides the perfect escape from the country’s often excessive summer heat. While it can and does fill up over the sunnier season, Galicia has some particularly lovely beaches, such as Playa de Montalvo, where visitors are almost exclusively locals. The area is known as one of the wettest in the country, making for some verdant and scenic landscapes. Plus, over 300 natural thermal springs scattered around the region makes the area even more appealing. The seafood, and especially the shellfish, is also particularly outstanding.
Our Hotel Pick:
Valencian Country
Throughout the month of August, it can feel like all of Madrid flees to various beaches along the Valencian coast. One spot particularly popular among the Madrileños is Gandia, featuring no less than four sandy beaches. The largest is the two-mile-long Playa Norte, which is busy without feeling crowded. It offers family-friendly swathes of golden sand dotted with chiringuitos (beach bars), plus plenty of water sports and parks for kids. To the east, you’ll find the more laid-back port city of Denia, which has lovely beaches and lots of rocky coves to explore. It’s also a great place for dolphin and whale spotting. Carry on too far along the Costa Blanca coast, however, and you’ll hit the tawdry, Brit-saturated city of Benidorm.
Our Hotel Pick:
Canary Islands
While travelers from the U.K., Germany, and Scandinavia still dominate tourism to the Canary Islands, Spaniards make up a fair chunk of its 14 million annual visitors. Attracting around half a million Spanish nationals, Gran Canaria is certainly among the more popular of the main islands among locals. After all, Puerto de Mogan, located on the southwest coast of Gran Canaria, practically guarantees sun over the winter months.
Located off the western coast of Africa, this Atlantic archipelago is under a three-hour flight from the mainland. Expect a dramatic mixture of volcanic beaches, lush rainforests, and mountainous landscapes. Travelers can also brave the ferry from southern Spain to Tenerife or Fuerteventura, though the crossing can take between 40 and 50 hours.
Our Hotel Pick:
You’ll Also Like:
- The Best Beaches in Spain
- Best Family-Friendly Resorts in Spain
- A Guide to the Balearic Islands: Which One Is Right for You?
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