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If you’re heading to Spain this summer, chances are Barcelona, Mallorca, and Malaga are at the top of your bucket list—and listen, we get it.
These are all great for an introductory visit to Spain, especially if you’re hoping to combine a cultural immersion with some beach time, but have you seen the news lately?
Between the surging crowds and full-fledged anti-tourist protests, you might want to give the BMM trio a miss this summer.
Well, unless you’re ok with not feeling particularly welcome when ordering tapas with your American accent, or getting chased down the streets by angry locals brandishing water pistols (yes, that actually happened in Barcelona).
Lucky for you, not all coastal spots in Spain have had it with foreign guests: in fact, 3 of them have smaller crowds, more chilled vibes, and most importantly, no hostile picket signs:
Santander
First on the list is Santander, the capital of Cantabria, one of Spain’s lesser-known regions, and an elegant city boasting a high concentration of Belle époque buildings (you know, the kind that you stare up at, gobsmacked, for a good 2 minutes).
Santander may not have a world-renowned landmark like La Sagrada Família, but it is home to the opulent Palacio de la Magdalena, an old royal summer residence set on a dramatic peninsula. Its Museum of Prehistory and Archaeology is one of Spain’s most impressive.
Let’s not forget Santander Cathedral, a soaring Gothic edifice dating back to the Middle Ages.
As a mid-size city with only around 174,000 residents, Santander feels more like a big town than Southern Spain’s sprawling metropolises. The atmosphere is comparatively more relaxed, with quieter public spaces and far fewer tourists.
The most popular beach in the vicinity is Playa del Sardinero, featuring soft sands and a long promenade lined with cafes, and by the way, if you ever crave a quick bite to eat (or how the Spanish call it, tapas), Casa Lita is the place to go for rabas (fried squid rings) and delicious cold beer.
Gijón
Next up is Gijón, a large coastal city in Asturias, Northern Spain, best known for its maritime heritage and scenic coastal views.
The main attraction is Cimavilla, Gijón’s oldest fishing quarter. This quarter proudly carries on centuries-old traditions, from the Artisan and Organic Market, which takes place on the second weekend of every month, to the plethora of family-owned eateries by the harbor.
For the best, freshest seafood in town, make sure you add El Centenario to your list of restaurants. Not to sound completely biased, but their hake in cider sauce is simply to die for.
The historic center is also largely crowd-free, and though you’ll get the odd, googly-eyed tourist, it’s not like Cimavilla has become one of those Disneyfied Old Towns full of tourist traps, overpriced tapas bars, and nondescript souvenir shops.
This is still a beach destination, of course, and as Gijón’s main beach, the wide, sandy Playa de San Lorenzo most certainly does not disappoint—just make sure you test the waters first before jumping straight in, as this is the Atlantic Ocean, after all.
In other words, warm as it may be in the sun, the water is usually not warmer than 66–68°F.
A Coruña
At one of mainland Spain’s westernmost points, A Coruña is a bustling port city with a long history dating back thousands of years (to be more precise, since Roman times).
Naturally, it is particularly famous for its Roman sights, most notably the Tower of Hercules, a lighthouse that has stood for nearly 2,000 years and is the best-preserved of its era. It offers breathtaking views of the Atlantic and the postcard-ready medieval center.
The Old Town is centered around Plaza de María Pita, an arcaded main square that acts as the starting point for several pedestrianized lanes flanked by colorful houses and the occasional wall-to-wall, glazed-windowed balcony.
Founded in the 12th century, Iglesia de Santiago is one of the oldest religious structures in town, and it’s a popular stop on the pilgrimage route to Santiago.
There are no Gaudí-designed public gardens here, but you do have a beautiful, elevated Jardín de San Carlos.
The gardens were landscaped in the 19th century and command a privileged panorama of the old port and all its yachts.
Playa de Riazor is A Coruña’s main swimming and sunbathing spot for a beach day, right next to the downtown zone.
If you’d prefer a more tranquil setting, to the northeast of the city, near the Tower of Hercules, you’ll find an unspoiled, uncrowded Playa de San Amaro.
Vinicius Costa
Vini, our senior lead writer at Travel Off Path, has over 60+ countries under his belt (and currently weaving tales from Paris!), and a knack for turning off-the-beaten-path experiences into informative stories that will have you packing your bags.
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