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Barcelona is the most popular tourist destination in Spain, with millions of tourists flocking to its sun-drenched coasts for a glimpse of the Sagrada Família and other Gaudí masterpieces, a casual visit to tapa bars and some relaxation, but there is also one big disadvantage:
They are no longer as welcome as they were four or five years ago.
What’s going on in Barcelona?
Overtourism in Barcelona is at boiling point and between having water sprayed on it and dining out to the tune of ‘Go home!’ chantsWe can’t blame tourists for thinking that Spanish hospitality no longer applies here.
Anti-tourism sentiment has grown in parts of Spain, but especially in Barcelona led the movementwith locals openly chasing away guests, and protest organizers calling on foreigners, including Americans, to cancel their travel plans.
In recent days there have been no less than 2,800 people gathered in the capital of Catalonia, carrying anti-tourist signs and demanding that local authorities adopt stricter regulations: in their words, the flow of visitors has driven up costs and negatively affected their livelihoods.
Thank goodness for those who Are going to Spain regardless for a much needed sunny holiday, this one 4 alternative destinations offer both beach and culture, like Barcelona, except there are no known cases of tourists being harassed just because they were there:
Tarragona
Not far from Barcelona, still in Catalonia and just a short 1h20 drive To the west along the Mediterranean coast lies Tarragona, a relaxing seaside resort best known for its Roman monuments and the honey-colored El Miracle beach, surrounded by deep azure waters:
With a history of over 2,000 years, it is one of Spain’s most prominent cultural centers, although it has yet to be discovered by the majority of the area’s visitors, who typically head east towards the Costa Brava and its busy resort zones .
Culture vultures leaving Barcelona for Tarragona will be pleased to find a perfectly preserved 2nd century bullring, or Amfiteatre Romà, in a scenic location overlooking the Mediterranean Seaa Roman necropolis and even a walled old town that rivals the Gothic Quarter of the Catalan capital in beauty.
Most importantly, tourists are not victims of abuse by locals, as the level of tourism has always been significantly lower than that of Barcelona, not to mention that it is cheaper to visit: rooms cost on average $88 to book according to Air DNA.
Pontevedra
Tucked away in the far west of Spain, in an autonomous region known as Galicia, Pontevedra emerged as one of the most searched for destinations in the country on Booking.com because of his idyllic characterhistoric city center full of sights and affordable food.
On the other hand, that has yet to translate into an unsustainable increase in bookings: strolling through the cobbled streets of Pontevedra, it is almost as if you have crossed a time portal dating back to the 15th century, with all the cobbled alleys, hidden patios and romantic stone bridges you can imagine.
For beach lovers, it is worth noting that Pontevedra itself is not on the coast, but is in close proximity to the ocean, a short drive from beautiful, unspoilt Atlantic beaches such as Playa de Aguete, Playa Figueiras and Playa de Cabeceira.
Away from the maddening Mediterranean heat and crowds, you can expect to spend $46 per day on meals in Pontevedra, while hotels average $132 per night, based on data from Budget your trip.
Gijón
This one is for those who would like to escape the scorching temperatures of southern Europe this summer: on the northern coast of Spain, where the climate is much more temperate and temperatures are rarely warmer than 27°C during the day. Gijón is the answer to your prayers.
It boasts a rich maritime history, thanks to its strategic location on the Atlantic Ocean and the key role it played at the height of transatlantic trade.
The picturesque Cimadevilla, which has remained virtually unchanged since the 18th century, is probably the most beautiful fishing district still in existence in Spain.
The seas in this part of Spain are colder at Gijón compared to the warm Mediterranean basin, and unless you are used to the mild temperatures of the Atlantic Ocean, it can feel unpleasant to swim in, but the beaches are beautiful nonetheless.
Playa de San Lorenzo is a local favorite, with miles of golden sandy beaches, lined with hotels overnight rates start from just $75and traditional restaurants where a paella dinner is accompanied tinto de verano costs less than $20.
Cartagena
Back to the south of the Mediterranean, our final choice is Cartagena – the original Cartagena, not the colonial jewel of Colombia – a lesser-known historic port city founded by the Carthaginians as early as 227 BC and subsequently ruled by Greeks, Romans, Arabs and, of course, Spaniards.
Cartagena’s cultural diversity and ancient heritage are unparalleled. The city walls are no less than 2,251 years old and a Roman theater overlooks a turquoise bay.
The city also has an extensive historic center with eclectic architecture: classical, Moorish, medieval, baroque, you name it.
If you’re craving beach time, resort strip La Mangahalf an hour’s drive from Cartagena, is probably at the top of your list: a Cancun-style peninsula jutting out into the Mediterranean Sea and lined with four-star hotels that as cheap as $118 books.
All in all, Cartagena is not an expensive destination at alltaking into account the privileged location by the sea and the tourist offer: on average, a tourist who travels comfortably spends $50 daily on meals, and $116 per night on accommodation.
Last but certainly not least, none of the outrageous rude behavior towards tourists.
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This article originally appeared on TravelOffPath.com
The opinions expressed here are solely those of the author, and not those of any bank, credit card issuer, hotel, airline or other entity. This content has not been reviewed, approved, or otherwise endorsed by any of the entities included in the post.
