Summer in Spain: where to go to escape the crowds

Empordà, in the northeast of Catalonia, is one of the region’s best-kept secrets. Stretching from Girona to the French border, this peaceful area is reminiscent of Tuscany with its lush countryside, medieval villages, and vineyards

Worn, narrow roads meander through a green, abundant region, strewn with vines, olives, fields and trees. It's the perfect place for a leisurely drive, dotted with small and charming, medieval villages including. For those looking to get away from the crowds, Cabanes, Pals and Albons are excellent alternatives to the more well-known spots like Peratallada and La Pera.

If you're after an even quieter place to spot to base yourself for a few days, try Madremanya, a lovely village with distinctive stone buildings. If you want to dive deeper into the region’s art scene, check out Alzueta Gallery in Casavells.

If you like surrealism, be sure to visit the Dalí Theatre-Museum in Figueres, then venture further to Púbol, a hamlet where Dalí (a local) built a fairytale castle for his wife.

Food in Empordà is delicious with rich flavours that hint at their medieval roots. Roast goose with pears is a traditional favourite in the region and is well worth trying while you're there.

Stay at Mas Vila in your own country cottage with mountain views - perfect for families or groups.

If you want a beach holiday that will make you feel like a local, head to Rías Baixas, the five estuaries (rias) that cut into the Galician coastline. Galicia is a lot cooler than southern Spain, however the Rías Baixas are sheltered by a strip of islands – Cíes, Ons, Sálvora, Rúa. The Atlantic coast are surprisingly calm and rias have some of the best beaches in the country, although the water can be a bit colder than you first expect.

Be sure to stop at Sanxenxo, the tourist capital of the Rías Baixas. The port is touristy, however the outskirts of town and fisherman's village have a local flavour and the neighbouring town of Portonovo has a charming harbour. Both are popular with Galicians and can get busy, so for a quieter, more relaxed experience, consider visiting Arousa Island instead.

If you have the time, a day trip or overnight stay to one of the nearby islands will be the highlight of your stay. Visitor numbers on most are now regulated so apply for a permit in advance. Ferries usually leave from Vigo, Cangas or Baiona, and the Playa del Rodas on the Cies islands has been described as one of the most beautiful beaches in the world.

Stay at Hotel Portonovo near the water and the shops and take a day trip to the Cies Islands - or spend a night if you can.

For a true escape from the crowds, head inland to explore Archidona and Antequera—two quieter, lesser-known towns in Andalusia that offer an authentic Andalusian experience without the heavy summer tourist traffic.

Archidona, a charming and peaceful town located just an hour from Málaga, is known for its medieval streets, the Sierra de Gracia mountains, and tranquil atmosphere. It’s the perfect place for a quiet retreat, offering scenic views, historical sites, and a true taste of Andalusia away from the tourist bustle.

Otherwise, for a more outdoor experience, head to Antequera. Known for its Dolmens, ancient megalithic structures, and the stunning El Torcal Natural Park, Antequera offers incredible hiking opportunities and dramatic landscapes. The town remains relatively peaceful, even in summer, making it an ideal base for exploring the surrounding areas without the crowds.

Both towns emphasise sustainable tourism, with eco-friendly accommodation options that allow you to experience Andalusia’s natural beauty in a low-impact way. Assuming you arrive in Málaga, you'll probably want to hire a car which will also let you explore more of the wider region.

Stay at Hotel Apartamentos Antequerain town, with air conditioning or Parador de Antequera for a pool and fre parking.

Escape sweltering Seville and head to Jerez in summer for cool sea breezes and nearby beaches. Many people only visit Jerez for the day, but it's worth staying longer if you can.

The city is inland but still catches the breeze from the Atlantic Ocean, making it a cooler destination than Seville. The food is reason to visit in itself and make an effort to taste the local sherry while you're there - Jerez is the oldest wine-making region in Spain.

Visit the Gonzalez Byass, home to the famous Tio Pepe and an annual live music festival in August. While you're in Jerez, also take the opportunity to see Andalusian horses in action.

Jerez has its own flamenco tradition, a dancing and singing style known as bulería. During the summer, there are many opportunities to enjoy captivating flamenco performances alongside locals.

On Friday nights in July and August, you can watch a live show at the Moorish fortress, known as the Alcázar de Jerez. Jerez is also home to the International Bulería Music Festival, where singers, dancers and guitar players will all pay tribute to this special style of flamenco.

And, it's an easy base for exploring nearby beaches, with many easily accessible from the city. Take the train to Valdelagrana in El Puerto de Santa María or Cádiz city beaches. The journey takes under 30 minutes, so you can spend all day on the beach if you wish.

Or, if you'd prefer to get off the beaten path, consider heading to the sandy shores of Conil de la Frontera or Los Caños de Meca instead. For a bit of history to round off your day, visit the Roman Ruins at Baelo Claudia.

Stay at Casa Palacio María Luisa, an elegant hotel in the centre of town

Euskadi, most commonly known as the Basque Country, is a peaceful and beautiful region in Northern Spain to visit in the summer. The coastline is rugged, yet lovely, and there are 45 beaches tucked into the coastline, some little more than tiny coves.

San Sebastián (also called Donostia) is the most popular destination, filled with visitors throughout the summer. Along with excellent food and a charming city centre, the main beach, the Playa de la Concha on the Bay of La Concha has shallow, calm waters and is protected from the winds.

For something a bit more off the beaten track, explore some of the Basque countryside. Head to Zumaia, with its Blue-Flag Playa de Itzurun surrounded by the rugged cliffs and known for the distinctive ridges that emerge from the water. Just 20 minutes east of Itzurun lies the Playa de Zarautz, with a long stretch of sand, good surfing and a beachfront lined with restaurants and bars.

Stay at Hotel Talasoterapia Zelai in Zumai or splurge at the luxurious Hotel Maria Cristina in San Sebastian.

When you first arrive in Matarraña, you'd be forgiven for thinking you'd come across an untouched region, far away from the modern world. Olive groves line green valleys and pine trees stretch up the mountains, just in the shadows of the tallest peaks. Only three hours' drive from Barcelona, Matarraña is known for the Parrizal Gorge - hike through the gorge alongside all cliffs and aqua pools. Further down the river are also opportunities for kayaking and swimming.

This is a region which lends itself to leisurely drives through the countryside. For a memorable day out, follow the single-track road out of La Portellada towards the village of Ráfales. This part of the area is scarcely populated and spotting wildlife is surprisingly easy. See if you can spot the rare ibex goats and, if you have time, see wild, black vultures feeding at Mas de Bunyol, a local bird observatory.

Stay at Rusticae Consolación, a rustic yet comfortable boutique hotel with stunning views.