By Namratha Rose, Spain Tourism
Spain is a beautiful country with a multitude of options, especially in the summer. While most people think of only Barcelona and Madrid, there are so many other places to discover and explore in Spain.
The pandemic has changed or influenced travelers' perceptions and preferences to a large extent. Travelling has changed. We want to get right back to the heart of the matter - to contact with the natural world, sampling local cuisine, seeing cities in a different way. 2022 could be a great time to plan a getaway to Spain, with all the necessary safety measures in place. Because life is also to be enjoyed, we have some examples of destinations in Spain that are special for different reasons, and that will get you feeling excited about travelling again.
If you'd like to avoid enormous cities and instead enjoy some peace and quiet, comfort, and beautiful nature, these destinations will help you leave all of your stress and daily routine behind and take you away from the chaos of tourists .
10 places to enjoy a relaxing holiday in Spain
Costa Calma, Fuerteventura, the Canary Islands
Stroll along the shores to enjoy the shallow turquoise waters or go on a bike ride!It is outstanding for its magnificent white sand beaches and for the bright sun that shines all year round. It is an essential destination for windsurfing and scuba diving lovers. Here you will find unforgettable spots. There are more than 150 beaches in the north and south of the island, spread over 340 kilometres of coastline. Meanwhile, on the east coast you will find cliffs and small, hidden coves.
Es Pujols, Formentera, the Balearic Islands
Alongside the soft sandy beaches, you will find a beautiful and relaxing lagoon that opens into the sea.There are several small islands opposite this pretty beach, which make for lovely views. The beach has all kinds of services and facilities: there is a pedal boat hire, jet-skis, windsurfing, and even parasailing. Highly recommended for scuba-diving and fishing.
Altea, the Valencian Community
Travel back in time with the smell of the sea, ocean views, and beautiful little spots connected by cobbled streets. The town of Altea sits on top of a hill whose highest altitude is dominated by the bell tower of the parish church of the Virgin of Consuelo, and by both a wide dome covered with blue and white tiles, and a second one, crowned by a small cupola. From the square in front of the church we can see the whole region. From this point on, numerous steep, cobbled streets, many of which have steps or are lined with small miradors and bowers, begin their descent towards the sea. Typical whitewashed houses, which were formerly protected by a solid wall, mark the way. It is frequent to see artists' workshops and studios in this traditional urban space, as well as craft shops
Tossa de Mar, the Costa Brava, Catalunya
You can discover a lighthouse, ancient Roman walls that were rebuilt in AD 10, and restaurants where you can taste the area's delicious seafood. Cliffs, pinewoods, coves and beaches make up the coastal profile of the county of La Selva, the setting for Tossa de Mar.
The most southerly sector of the Costa Brava offers tourists an incredible range of history, art and leisure on the shores of the Mediterranean Sea. This town in the province of Girona makes available to travellers a wide and varied range of accommodation made to measure for all tastes. The cuisine, another of the cultural riches of this area, will convince the most refined palates.
The Cíes Islands, Pontevedra, Galicia
All of your stress will melt away as you explore the idyllic landscapes and beaches, some of the best in the world. The Cíes Islands have always dazzled, which is why the Romans named them “the islands of the Gods”. Living nature, stunning landscapes, unforgettable sunsets, beautiful beaches with fine white sand and much more. That is what these Galician islands are like.
Anaga, Tenerife, the Canary Islands
Take a stroll through a dense laurel forest that is home to giant lizards. You will find the most primitive nature hidden away in this northern part of the island. You’ll wander through the laurel forest of Anaga Rural Park, a Biosphere Reserve with lush flora and different wildlife to mainland Spain, home to a species of large lizard that are easy to spot when you’re out on your walks. To the southwest of the Anaga Mountains, in the island’s capital, you’ll find the beach of Santa Cruz de Tenerife, and you can also visit the famous unspoilt Benijo beach to the northeast with its exotic black volcanic sands.
Castropol, Asturias
Estuary and Nature Reserve, coast and mountains, oysters and sports, marina and boatyards
Enjoy some incredible sights on the right bank of the Eo Estuary, a town that was recognized with the Exemplary Town of Asturias award in 1997. Located on a hill on the banks of the River Eo Castropol is definitely a must visit for nature lovers and golfers alike.
Soria, Castile and Leon
Soak up the atmosphere of the medieval streets and its Romanesque architecture and listen to the famous song: Camino Soria, by the rock band Gabinete Caligari. This is one of the destinations which offers the greatest diversity of natural landscapes in Europe, as well as spectacular monuments, a varied and abundant gastronomy… all this guarantees that this region in the interior of Spain is bound to delight you.
It has a whole host of places which are well worth visiting, including towns like Avila, Salamanca and Segovia (all three World Heritage Cities) and unique attractions such as Burgos Cathedral and the Atapuerca archaeological site, which contains traces of the first settlers in Europe. The famous Way of Saint James also runs through the Castile-León region, and is one of the world's most important pilgrim routes.
Alcalá del Júcar, Castile-La Mancha
Marvel at this charming village located in a spectacular area with a Roman bridge and houses carved into the rocks. Alcalá del Júcar is located in an exceptional setting, on a hill below which we find the gorge formed by the Júcar river. Narrow, steep streets lined with well-preserved houses crawl up towards the castle, from which we can have splendid panoramic views of the gorge. The fortress is of Arab origin, rebuilt during Christian times.
Alcántara, Extremadura
Experience this real-life beautiful postcard town for yourself as you watch the flow under the Roman arched bridge, built between AD 103 and 104.In the last spurs of the Sierra de San Pedro, on the banks of the Tajo river, the historic quarter of Alcántara unfolds.
The city, located on the border that separates Spain from Portugal, informally called "Raya", has a valuable monumental patrimony. Some of the most important constructions include the Roman bridge and those built by the Order of Alcántara. Holm-oak and cork-oak forests are part of the gorgeous scenery that surrounds the Alcántara reservoir, an excellent place for water sports, hiking and horse riding. The bank of the Tajo river also provides many points where the travellers can go fishing.
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