Flecha del Rompido: Huelva – Really getting away from it all.
Credit: Chloe Sasha – Shutterstock
During the freezing, snow-covered beginning of January, there’s one thing on many Brits’ minds at the moment, and that’s how long it is until the summer holidays. It’s easy to choose among the well-trodden trails of the typical resorts, but at some point, naturally, we all come to the end of our tether with the hiked prices, overcrowded beaches, and thought of spending our summer escape with the same people we live side-by-side with the other 51 weeks of the year.
Is it so much to ask for reasonable prices, clean, spacious beaches, and a little geographical beauty, rather than skyscrapers and bustle?
With direct flights from major UK airports like Manchester, Gatwick and Edinburgh still as affordable as ever – often under £100 return on budget carriers – Spain is still our go-to for a hassle-free holiday. But forget the packed promenades; if you’re after stunning beauty, wallet-friendly eats, an English-friendly feel and space to spread your towel without elbowing neighbours, Euro Weekly News has rounded up five under-the-radar beach holiday diamonds.
Based on the latest travel trends, these spots promise turquoise waters, golden sands and that elusive peace in peak season. We’ve factored in everything from locals who speak a certain level of our lingo to the cost of a paella and pint, all the while keeping crowds at bay. Here’s your insider guide to planning that perfect 2026 getaway.
1. Playa de Bolonia: Andalucia’s wild wonder near Tarifa
Tucked away on the Costa de la Luz, Playa de Bolonia is a four-kilometre ribbon of silky blond sand backed by towering dunes and fragrant pine forests, with tantalising glimpses of Morocco across the Strait of Gibraltar. It’s the kind of place that feels like a scene from a postcard – unspoiled, photogenic and utterly breathtaking, earning top marks for its natural beauty.
For us Brits, it’s a winner on the practical front too. Tarifa’s international kitesurfing crowd means English is spoken widely in shops and eateries, combining seamlessly with the local charm. Tuck into fresh seafood tapas for around €15 per person at a beachside chiringuito, with a cold beer setting you back just €2-3. Accommodation won’t break the bank either: find a comfy three- or four-star hotel or apartment in Tarifa for €80-120 a night, or opt for a week-long package deal from operators like Jet2 for £900-1,100 per person, including flights.
Best of all? Even in the height of summer, its remote location keeps the hordes away. There’s plenty of room for a leisurely stroll amid ancient Roman ruins. If you’re into wind sports or just fancy a bit of adventure, this is your destination. Closest international airports: Sevilla & Malaga.
Bolonia beach south-western Andalucia.
Credit: Anual – Wiki CC
2. Playa San Pedro: Almeria’s dramatic cove in Cabo de Gata-Níjar natural park
Venture into the rugged heart of Andalucia’s Cabo de Gata-Nijar Natural Park, and you’ll discover Playa San Pedro – a pristine cove of soft sands framed by volcanic rocks, cliffs and wild scrubland. The crystal-clear waters are a snorkeler’s paradise, with the dramatic landscape giving it an almost otherworldly beauty that’s hard to beat.
English isn’t everywhere here, but visitor centres and nearby towns like San José cater well to UK tourists, with menus and guides often in English. Food is a steal: grab a picnic or chiringuito lunch for €10-15 per head, drinks around €2-3. Stay in eco-lodges or apartments for €70-100 nightly, or bag a full package via easyJet Holidays for £850-1,000 per person – making Almeria one of Europe’s best-value regions.
The real attraction? Its protected status and limited access (think a short hike or boat ride from Las Negras) ensure it’s blissfully uncrowded, even in July and August. Perfect for those seeking solitude on Spain’s wilder side. Closest international airports: Almeria & Granada.
Playa San Pedro, Almeria
Credit: Heidi Socías – Google
3. Flecha del Rompido: Huelva’s endless sandbar on the Costa de la Luz
Imagine a 13-kilometre sandbar of golden dunes, backed by pine woods and serene lagoons. That’s Flecha del Rompido, a natural marvel near El Rompido in Huelva. It’s ideal for long, lazy walks, birdwatching or simply soaking up the Atlantic views in what feels like your own private paradise.
The area draws UK golfers and eco-enthusiasts, so English is fairly common around hotels and the ferry dock. Savour a seafood paella for between €12 and €18 per person, with a glass of wine at €2, in laid-back beach bars. Accommodation ranges from resorts to villas at €80-130 a night, with packages hovering around £900-1,100 per person for a week.
Ferry-only access keeps it blissfully quiet, no coach tours in sight, making it a top pick for families or couples craving tranquillity. Closest international airport: Sevilla.
Flecha del Rompido: Huelva – Really getting away from it all.
Credit: Chloe Sasha – Shutterstock
4. Playa de la Granadella: Costa Blanca’s pebble paradise in Javea
On the Valencia region’s Costa Blanca, Playa de la Granadella is a charming pebble-and-sand cove encircled by pine-clad cliffs, with waters so turquoise they rival the Caribbean. Frequently celebrated as one of Spain’s finest, its postcard-perfect setting is pure escapism.
Thanks to a sizeable British expat community in nearby Javea and Denia, English is spoken everywhere from bars to boutiques. Meals are budget-friendly at €10-15 per person, and beers are €2-3. Apartments go for €70-110 nightly, with packages dipping as low as £864 per person for a week.
A short hike to reach it deters the masses, keeping crowds moderate even in summer. Snorkel, swim or just chill – it’s a slice of Mediterranean magic. Closest international airports: Valencia & Alicante.
Cala Macarella, Javea
Credit: Diego Delso Wiki CC
5. Cala Macarella: Menorca’s tropical hideaway in the Balearics
Over on the laid-back island of Menorca, Cala Macarella boasts a half-moon of powdery white sand plunging into azure shallows, flanked by lush pine cliffs. It’s the Balearics at their most idyllic, with a tropical feel that’s family-friendly and serene. If Menorca were any more laid back, it would fall over!
Menorca’s popularity with UK holidaymakers means English is everywhere in resorts and tours. Island fare like fresh meals costs €12-18 per person, and drinks cost €3-4. Hotels run €100-150 a night, with packages at £1,000-1,200 per person weekly – comparable to the Canaries but with fewer crowds than Mallorca.
Arrive early or hike from the car park for the quietest corners; it’s busier midday but still far from chaotic. Great for parents or romantics. Closest international airport: Menorca.
Cala Macarella: Menorca’s Tropical Hideaway.
Credit: Alejandro Muñoz Cabrisas – Wiki CC
Quick comparison: At a glance
For those who love a handy overview, here’s how our top picks stack up:
With Spain’s tourism bouncing back stronger in 2026, book now through trusted UK firms like TUI or Jet2 to grab those deals – and consider June or September for slightly milder weather and even emptier shores. Whether you’re after adventure or pure relaxation, these beaches deliver the ultimate Spanish holiday without the usual beach scrum. Relax, unwind, and get a real holiday this time.