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When it comes to Spain, you might be singing The Clash’s biggest hit to yourself: Should I stay or should I go?
On the one hand, many of Spain’s most popular destinations are asking tourists to stay home, while other publications are hyping up those places.
Fodor’s recently published their annual ‘No’ list of places to reconsider traveling to in 2025, and yes, Spain was heavily featured as overcrowded islands and Barcelona is experiencing ugly crowds and price spikes.
But Europe is its own country HELLO! Magazine disagrees and points out a loophole to enjoy island bliss and urban delights at the start of the calendar.
Festive streets and less crowds: it’s time to book your spring break
Since overtourism has become as big a travel trend as digital nomadism and solo travel, it is certainly a real concern across Spain.
From the perspective of locals, why would they want to pay higher rent and not be able to get a seat in their favorite cafe?
On the other hand, tourism does stimulate economic growth, so there must be a solution, right?
Summer tends to draw an endless sea of crowds in places like Spain’s numerous paradise islands and historic cities, but HELLO! believes there is no better time to visit Mallorca then spring.
‘Tis the season for welcoming locals, better hotel prices and spacious beaches and walkable streets.
Whether you explore the urban appeal of Palma, the island’s capital, or find your own blissful beach spot like Cala Sant Vicenç, there’s no better time to enjoy the delights of Mallorca before the summer crowds.
Not to mention, it’s a great time to hit festivals without fighting for more space to move around.
Check out Fira de La Creucelebrate the new harvest in the small town of Selva, or sip a world-famous Spanish wine Estellencs’ Wine and Cheese Fair.
Palma: Enjoy the urban delights of Spain’s most underrated city
Many of Spain’s major cities have seen an increase in the number of tourists. Barcelona and Madrid reached melting points; even Bilbao, in the Basque Country, is currently experiencing a 66% increase.
But one city that flies under the radar is Palma, a place I fell in love with during my visit a few years ago.
You often hear about Mallorca’s blissful beaches and party scene, but you could easily spend most of your time just as fascinated by this charming city.
Of course, this is anchored by the unmissable cathedral known as ‘La Seu’, the second largest cathedral in Spain. It is a must visit to say the least.
This towering Gothic basilica overlooks the sea and is a great starting point for a stroll through the cobbled streets and hidden alleys that remain etched in my memory.
Scattered throughout the city you will find wine and tapas bars, a vibrant nightlife and another must-see wonder: the Bellver Castleone of the few round castles in Europe.
Palma is also very navigableof easy bus connections and magnetizing streets to explore foot, especially in and around the old town.
Of course Palma also has beautiful beaches, but many tourists choose to leave the city for more privacy.
Even though my visit was out of season, I loved the peaceful coastline surrounding it El Arenal, full of cheap wine bars, an endless supply of tapas and boutique stays on the water.
Travel tip:
Mallorca’s new and improved opulent hotel scene
In addition to more pleasant experiences without hordes of crowds, HELLO! also mentioned another tempting reason to visit.
That would be Mallorca’s new and improved luxury hotel season. Between new openings and dated overhauls, there’s no better time to treat yourself in the Balearic Islands.
One of the most notable is Four Seasons Mallorcaa recent addition to Mallorca’s already luxurious range of accommodation.
Grand Hotel Son Net should also be top of your radar as this former palace has just undergone a massive makeover.
But those looking for something brand new will have to mark their calendars for the highly anticipated Aethos Palmira Hotelwhich will open inside March 2025yet another reason to make plans for a spring getaway.
For a complete list of new hotels, click here.
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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.
