This whitewashed seaside town is Spain’s best-kept secret for a winter holiday

Madrid this, and Barcelona that. Just throw Ibiza into the mix…

With the exaggerated coverage of iconic cities we already know and the overtourist protests making headlines, it seems travelers are being led in the wrong direction for an epic holiday in Spain.

Of course, there’s nothing wrong with visiting Spain’s world-famous cities, but there’s a lot more to discover than not-so-well-researched guides seemingly spinning a globe and seeing where their finger lands.

Anyway, that’s what we’re here for at Travel Off Path: to show you what’s out there Real rising as the next go-to spot.

Today, with a little help from local experts Idealistawho know the ins and outs of Spain, we jointly reveal where your next beach holiday should be.

Their insightful list of top 10 Spanish winter sun destinations didn’t include Barcelona or Madrid – just the hidden gems you’ll instantly fall in love with.

Nerja: Spain’s best kept coastal secret

Spain’s big names are a bit out of control at the moment. Of course, given the sheer size of the aforementioned cities, there are pockets you can blend in and not have to worry about being called out (right or wrong) for gentrifying someone’s beloved hometown while you’re just trying to enjoy what should have been a memorable vacation.

Even now that the summer crowds are long gone, travelers are sure to return for the winter sun, and rightly so.

But don’t feel obligated to follow the path laid out for you by copying routes that have been reused over and over again.

Why not take the road less traveled to a welcome picture-postcard town nestled by vibrant blue waters and golden sands?

Nerja is a secretive secret in Spain’s vast Andalusia region, with an inviting whitewashed townscape mixed with Santorini Blue facades (and yes, Crayola – I’m trademarking that).

For such a small town, this is one of those places where size doesn’t matter unless you’re on your honeymoon.

Then you’re on your own…

Discover relaxing beaches and amazing landscapes

If there’s one place to explore on day 1, it’s that Balcon de Europaa clifftop promenade that offers stunning views of the shimmering blue waters of the Mediterranean and the rolling mountain ranges that frame the coastline.

Home to less glitz than nearby Marbella, you’ll feel more like you’re at home away from home with a charming town within easy walking distance to an abundance of beaches to choose from.

Although the Sierra Almijara mountains are so beautiful, you can’t help but take a day to explore them with numerous hiking trails, but know that it’s best to layer up despite the Mediterranean climate.

But let’s be honest: Spain’s Costa del Sol is the real attraction for most tourists.

Idealista hypes Playa Borriana for a lazy beach day, travelers’ favorite spot for sun and sand TripAdvisor.

These are the top 5 beaches in Nerja:

1. Playa Borriana
2. Playa del Canuelo
3. Playa Calahonda
4. Playa Capistrano (not a real beach; best for elevated views)
5. Playa Torrecilla

Swap flashy resorts for cozy stays with local flair

Walking through the heart of Nerja is truly a pleasure, so why not start your day there?

Unless you come across a seaside beach bar, the best places to eat are usually where the ‘action’ is happening in this sleepy haven.

For the best view we recommend Hotel Balcon de Europa. As you probably guessed, it is a stone’s throw from Balcón de Europa.

But if you’re on a budget (and who isn’t these days?), we’d opt for HC Calahonda Beach Nerja.

With a near-perfect Google rating, largely due to its proximity to Playa Calahonda (mentioned above), there’s probably no better place to start and end your day.

How to get to Nerja

Unfortunately, travelers won’t be able to take advantage of Spain’s insanely low fares on trains this winter, as there is no stop in Nerja.

However, as Idealista notes, one of the best ways is to get here by bus from nearby Malaga.

And because Nerja is so wonderful to explore on foot, you don’t have to worry too much about taking a ride to get around.

Sam Sears

Sam, our lead writer and San Diego-based journalist, has visited 36 countries and written more than 1,000 articles with an emphasis on sharing his own travel experiences and highlighting lesser-known gems.