Spain’s hidden gems: As bookings soar, the place to keep away from the crowds throughout May half-term

Britain’s love affair with Spain, which has wavered in recent years as far-flung destinations have become more affordable, looks set to reignite this summer. 

The Middle East conflict continues to heap uncertainty on the travel industry – around 13,000 flights are to be axed this month globally over soaring jet fuel prices, leaving holidaymakers looking for a short-haul safe bet as the May half-term approaches.

While staycations are set for their biggest year since the pandemic, families who want guaranteed sunshine are also likely to consider an old faithful, with Spain’s classic flop-and-drop destinations the obvious choice.

Visiting Brits currently account for around 20 per cent of its overseas tourism, but around 80 per cent of that figure is solely focused on just five regions: the Balearics, the Canaries, Andalusia, Catalonia and Valencia.  

According to figures released this week by Lastminute.com, bookings to Ibiza have doubled for May, with Tenerife up 48 per cent year-on-year, the Costa Blanca 36 per cent and Majorca 28 per cent. 

In a country where an impassioned battle against over-tourism is still playing out – last year saw locals in the popular Costas, islands and cities take to the streets to protest, seeking out Spain’s less travelled corners might make for a more enjoyable affair. 

Not only are tourists likely to get a warmer welcome in less popular destinations, they’ll find accommodation and food more competitively priced too.   

Manuel Butler, Director at The Spanish Tourist Office, told the Daily Mail: ‘Spain’s popular city and beach destinations, both on the mainland and within our islands, remain trusted favourites among British travellers. 

‘However, the growth to lesser-known areas, particularly in Northern Spain, shows a real appetite among Brits to explore the country outside of the classic tourism hotspots.

‘Spain’s greener northern regions are enjoying the largest spike in interest, including Galicia (+47.4%) and Asturias (+18.7%), as travellers seek authentic experiences in smaller towns and cities, as well as cooler, more temperate climates.’

If you’re in the market for a Spanish summer, these are the off-piste destinations that promise sunshine and sangria – minus the sunbed dash: 

CANTABRIA

Northern Spain is currently seeing huge investment in its tourism infrastructure. The region of Cantabria’s visitor numbers are lowly compared to Spain’s bigger hitting resorts but there’s much to delight on the ‘green’ coast, particularly if you prefer cooler temperatures. 

More specifically, the breathtaking region of Mariña Lucense is located in Galicia and is home to Spain’s least visited beaches. Just 1,800 tourists from Britain visited the destination in 2023, a tiny 0.01 per cent of overall tourism figures. 

One of the region’s most spectacular stretches of coast is As Catedrais, or ‘the cathedrals’. The 1.5km long beach earned its name from the Gothic-looking rock towers and arches on its sands. 

Beaches aside, what to see? Sleepy villages, old whaling ports and a landscape that quickly transcends from sandy beaches to green countryside as soon as you divert from the coast. 

EL HIERRO 

The Canaries without the crowds? Consider El Hierro, the westernmost – and quietest – island in the Spanish archipelago, which boasts beautiful beaches, spectacular volcanic scenery and historic towns.  

Ferries run regularly from Tenerife and Gran Canaria to the tiny isle that runs almost entirely on renewable energy.

El Hierro, including its surrounding waters, is a UNESCO Global Geopark because of how it was formed 1.2 million years ago and how its has since evolved. Don’t miss the bending trees of El Sabinar – juniper trees sculpted by constant trade winds.

LA RIOJA

According to Spain’s National Institute of Statistics (INE), La Rioja was the country’s least visited region in 2024, welcoming around 123,000 visitors.

Despite being one of Spain’s most famous wine producers, the region blends the Med scenery of the country’s south, with the greener appeal of the north. 

Explore towns that feel authentically Spanish with barely a tourist voice heard, pilgrim churches and plenty of vineyards, particularly around the town of Haro. 

THE ALPUJARRAS

A mountainous area southeast of Granada in Andalusia, the Alpujarras make for a peaceful outdoorsy Spanish holiday and is home to Spain’s highest peak, Mulhacén. 

Jet into Malaga, and then make the three-hour journey to this cool, tranquil portion of the country. Discover Moorish villages, a vision of white-washed homes, and the meandering River Trevélez – there’s hikes galore to enjoy if you’re a keen walker. 

CARTAGENA 

In southeastern Spain, this historic port city, founded by the Carthaginians around 220BC, gets a whopping average of 283 hours of sun every month.

Its average temperature year-round is a balmy 19.1 degrees – with the mercury rising to way in excess of 30 degrees at the height of summer.

And the destination is on the low-cost flight map, with a host of airlines, including Ryanair, easyJet and Jet2 flying into nearby airports, including Murcia International (RMU), around 25 minutes away.

MURCIA

City breakers might swap out Barcelona or Madrid for Murcia, with tourism officials pushing the south-eastern coastal city, the least visited of Spain’s top ten biggest urban destinations.

Alongside coastal activities, great tapas and plenty of shopping, this provincial capital has historical treasures to explore, including Roman and Moorish sites.

Enjoy authentic Spanish food and tick off the main sightseeing spots – Catedral de Murcia and the Plaza Cardenal Belluga – as well as beaches within a 40-minute drive on the Costa Cálida.