How to escape the crowds – and protests – in Spain: Travel experts reveal the country’s best-hidden holiday gems (including the places SPANISH people love to visit)

Spain is one of Europe’s top holiday destinations, but where to go if you want to escape the crowds (and water guns) as protests against overtourism make headlines in Malaga and Barcelona?

We asked the travel experts for their recommendations for hidden gems, including places where Spaniards go on holiday.

From one of the best places to ‘taste fresh seafood’ to the ‘Gibraltar of Valencia’ – these are some of Spain’s best under-the-radar delights.

Scroll down for nine travel destinations…

Avila – region of Castile and León

Travel experts have recommended Spain’s best hidden gems. Avila (above) is ‘surrounded by some of Spain’s best preserved city walls, dating back to the 11th century’

Avila, a city in central Spain, is a ‘must-see’ for ‘history buffs’, says the expert team of HomeToGoa holiday home platform.

They say: ‘This medieval town is surrounded by some of the best preserved city walls in Spain, dating back to the 11th century. Wander through the cobbled streets and discover impressive Romanesque churches and charming corners.

‘The local cuisine is a highlight – be sure to try the famous roasts and pastries. Located at a high altitude, Avila also offers beautiful panoramic views of the surrounding plains.’

Chiclana de la Frontera – Andalusia

Chiclana de la Frontera is ‘known for the serene beauty of La Barossa beach (pictured above) and its pristine white sand’

Chiclana de la Frontera, a town in Andalusia, is ‘ideal’ for those ‘looking for a more relaxed atmosphere’, says the HomeToGo team.

They say: ‘Famous for the serene beauty of La Barossa Beach and its pristine white sand beaches, it is a paradise for sun seekers and water sports enthusiasts alike.

‘The town itself is steeped in history, with a charming old town with picturesque squares and traditional bodegas (wine warehouses).’

A Coruna – Galicia

‘The newer part’ of A Coruna is called the ‘City of Glass’, because of the glass-enclosed balconies (photo above)

A Coruna, a port destination in northern Spain, is ‘a city that perfectly combines the ancient and the modern’, says the Spanish airline’s team Vueling.

They say: ‘The old town is known for its medieval buildings and winding streets, while the newer part of the town is known as the ‘city of glass’, where many buildings boast tall, glass-enclosed balconies designed to protect against the sea wind.’

Huelva, Andalusia

Huelva (pictured above) is next to the Atlantic coast and ‘often missed by the typical tourist route’

‘Huelva is a fantastic choice’ for a ‘quieter experience in Andalusia’, says HomeToGo.

It adds: ‘Located next to beautiful nature reserves and the Atlantic coast, it is often missed by the typical tourist trail.

‘Visit the striking Catedral de la Merced and stroll through Mercado del Carmen, where you can experience local life and taste fresh seafood. Don’t miss Muelle del Tinto: it’s the perfect place to admire a sunset over the river.’

Cullera, Valencia

Cullera has ‘good connections to Madrid and Barcelona’ and ‘is a useful and valuable addition’ to a trip to Spain

HomeToGo says: ‘Cullera offers much to discover, from the picturesque old town and impressive 10th century Cullera Castle to beaches such as San Antonio which are renowned for their excellent water quality and are ideal for sunbathing, swimming and water sports.

‘Cullera has good connections to Madrid and Barcelona and is a convenient and valuable addition to your itinerary for a stay in Spain.’

Matalascanas, Andalusia

Matalascanas is a ‘great choice for travelers who enjoy birdwatching and exploring unique landscapes’. Above you can see the resort’s iconic Torre de la Higuera [a ruined beacon tower]

The HomeToGo team say: ‘Matalascanas is perfect if you’re looking for a relaxing beach holiday with a touch of nature.

‘Located next to Donana National Park, it is a great choice for travelers who enjoy birdwatching and exploring unique landscapes.

‘The city’s vast golden beach, with the iconic leaning Torre de la Higuera [a ruined beacon tower]is a superlative for a relaxing day of sunbathing or a quiet walk along the coast.’

Peniscola, Valencia

The ‘winding streets of Peñiscola are lined with whitewashed buildings leading to inviting sandy beaches’

Peñiscola is ‘a gem on the Valencian coast, famous for its dramatic medieval castle high above the sea’, says the team at HomeToGo.

They continue: ‘Often called the ‘Gibraltar of Valencia’, the town’s winding streets are lined with whitewashed buildings leading to inviting sandy beaches.

‘It’s a fantastic destination for those looking to combine historical exploration with a charming coastal escape. The city’s unique blend of history and beauty makes it an excellent choice for travelers.’

Combarro, Galicia

In Combarro you can ‘get to know the real culture and make friends with the locals in a way that is simply not possible in tourist areas’

Wayne Kask, travel expert and founder of Always on the coastrecommends Combarro, a fishing village in Galicia.

He says: ‘I stayed with a local family who ran a small bed and breakfast there. It is known for its horreos: stone barns raised on stilts. My hosts were so hospitable.

“They took me out on their fishing boat, showed me how to prepare a local dish called pulpo a la gallega (octopus), and shared stories about their family’s history. That’s the magic of finding these hidden places: you get to experience the real culture and make friends with the locals in a way that is just not possible in tourist areas.’

Albarracin, Aragon

In Albarracín, ‘the houses are painted soft pink, making the entire village shine when the sun shines’

Wayne describes Albarracín, a small village in the Aragon region, as a ‘special’ place to experience.

The travel expert says: ‘The houses are painted soft pink, which makes the entire village shine when the sun shines. Walking through the narrow streets feels like going back in time.

‘One time I got lost wandering around – and I’m usually pretty good with directions – but that was the fun of it. I found a small restaurant where I had one of the best meals ever: simple but tasty lamb cooked in a wood oven with a glass of local wine.’