Overtourism hotspots to sidestep in Spain and alternatives — idealista/news

Overtourism is biting in parts of Spain—crowded old towns, housing pressure, and cruise‑day crushes have stirred local pushback. The calmer route away from overtourism hotspots is smart place‑and‑timing. Consider secondary cities or inland villages 10–20 km inland, with bases a few streets back, licensed accommodation, and small courtesies that go a long way.

Smart swaps that keep the vibe without the crowds

The trick is to match the mood you’re after—architecture, food scene, sea swims, nightlife—then slide one notch sideways to places with a similar flavour but fewer tour groups. 

Central Barcelona → Maresme and El Garraf towns

Swap the Gòtic squeeze for seaside towns like Arenys de Mar and Sant Pol de Mar up the Maresme. Or, visit Vilanova i la Geltrú and Sitges’ backstreets down in El Garraf. You still get Modernisme details, great seafood and a swim, minus the tour-bus scrum. Stay a street or two back from the promenade and book lunch away from the main passeig.

If the main city still calls, check out non-touristy things to do in Barcelona and step into the city’s lesser-known neighbourhoods where local life still thrives.

San Antonio/Ibiza → inland Mallorca or Menorca’s north

For a calmer Balearic rhythm, base in Pollença, Sineu or Santanyí on Mallorca for unique things to do, such as a market trip and quiet nights with calas within easy reach. Another option is to pick Fornells or Es Mercadal on Menorca’s breezier north and find things to do on the island during rainy days during the off-season.

By visiting Spain’s lesser-known islands, you can expect small coves, like the secret Cala Fornells, coastal paths and seafood without the club spillover. Buses work, but parking at tiny beaches is limited, so go early and carry water. 

Benidorm strip → Marina Alta hinterland

Plant yourself in Dénia’s old quarter, Jesús Pobre or the Jalón/Xaló Valley for hiking in Montgó Natural Park, winery visits and hidden coves near Jávea. You still get tapas terraces and beach time, but with more elbow room. 

Use park-and-walk for popular coves, and time supermarket runs away from Saturday changeovers. Weekend farmers’ markets are the place for local olive oil and cheese.

Crowded Costa del Sol → Axarquía or Costa de la Luz

Base in Nerja or the Spanish whitewashed village of Frigiliana for sea-and-sierra days. Alternatively, head west along the Costa de la Luz for an alternative experience to the tourist resorts, and you’ll reach Conil and Zahara de los Atunes. Here, you’ll find broad Atlantic beaches and laid-back nights. 

The levante wind can whip up the Costa de la Luz, so pick sheltered stretches when it blows. A car helps for trailheads and quieter sands, but keep off dune systems and use marked paths.

Granada’s Alhambra crush → Úbeda, Baeza and Antequera

Trade Alhambra queues for Renaissance plazas in Úbeda and Baeza, one of Spain’s lesser-known UNESCO World Heritage Sites. 

The limestone drama of El Torcal near Antequera is a highlight, and you still get golden-hour photo moments and olive‑grove views without timed-entry stress.

Seville in spring → Cádiz or Jerez de la Frontera

When Semana Santa and Feria stretch Seville, drift to Cádiz for sea breezes, city beaches and taverns. Plan a trip to Jerez for tabancos, sherry bodegas, and flamenco peñas. 

Frequent Media Distancia trains link all three. Book tastings ahead in Jerez and aim for shade in the early afternoon.

San Sebastián in summer → Asturias or A Coruña

Keep the pintxos-and-surf energy with Gijón’s urban beaches and Oviedo’s sidrerías. Another idea is to pivot to A Coruña for seafood bars and long seaside promenades. 

It’s greener and a touch wetter, so pack a light layer. FEVE trains are scenic but slow, while ALSA buses are usually faster for hops along the coast.

Gaudí headline sites → Modernisme in Reus and Tarragona

Swap Sagrada Família queues for Reus’ Modernisme Route and the Gaudí Centre. Afterwards, mix in Tarragona’s lesser‑visited buildings and ancient walls. The architecture itch still gets scratched, and cafes are easier to nab.

Regional trains make both simple day trips; book museum slots mid‑morning to dodge school groups.

Behaviour that keeps you welcome

A few low‑key habits keep locals on side and your trip blissfully drama‑free.

• Keep it quiet at night, close balcony doors late, and avoid trundling suitcases down narrow streets at dawn.
• Bin and recycle properly: blue for paper/card, yellow for packaging, green “igloo” for glass, brown for organic, and grey for general.
• Respect resident‑only streets and blue/ORA paid zones, use P+R or public transport in low‑emission zones, and don’t block pavements with bikes or scooters.
• Pop into local cafés and markets away from the main drags, choose smaller locally run tours, pay in euros (avoid dynamic currency conversion), and tip modestly for great service.
• When exploring Spain’s natural areas, stay on marked trails, don’t take shells or sand, use reef‑safe sunscreen, and never feed wildlife.