![\"Aerial](\"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/GettyImages-2040791714.jpg\")
\n\t\tIf you\u2019re not a fan of crowds, Cadiz is \u2018perfect\u2019 (Picture: Getty Images)<\/p>\n
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\n\t\tIf you\u2019re not a fan of crowds, Cadiz is \u2018perfect\u2019 (Picture: Getty Images)<\/p>\n
Spain\u2019<\/a>s battle against overtourism<\/a> has been making headlines for years, with its popular cities and towns struggling to manage the influx of visitors overwhelming local communities<\/a>.<\/p>\n Last year, Barcelona<\/a> locals resorted to using water guns<\/a> to deter rowdy tourists, while in Madrid<\/a> locals protested over rising rent prices, which many attributed to overtourism.\u00a0<\/p>\n Serious\u2019 tourism rules<\/a> have been introduced to reduce the strain on residents, including restrictions on public drinking, partying, and the use of short-term rental services like Airbnb.\u00a0<\/p>\n Most recently, Mallorca residents have written an open letter to tourists, urging them not to come to the island, as they \u2018face the worst summer in the history of Mallorca\u2019.<\/p>\n But despite the deluge of visitors in popular areas, some regions of Spain remain relatively untouched<\/a>.\u00a0<\/p>\n If you want to avoid the crowds and glares from locals this summer, Metro <\/strong>has rounded up some lesser-known destinations to visit instead.<\/p>\n \t\t\t\tSign up to The Getaway newsletter\t\t\t<\/p>\n Fuel your wanderlust with our curated newsletter of travel deals, guides and inspiration.\u00a0Sign up here<\/a>.<\/p>\n Cadiz<\/p>\n Often overlooked in favour of Seville, Cadiz<\/a> is a 3,000-year-old coastal gem and one of the oldest cities in Western Europe.\u00a0<\/p>\n \t\t Its quaint streets are steeped in history, lined with sun-drenched plazas, centuries-old churches and whitewashed buildings from its maritime past.\u00a0<\/p>\n Beyond its history, Cadiz boasts golden beaches, a coastal promenade and some of Spain\u2019s best seafood. Visitors can soak up the sun at La Caleta Beach, take in panoramic views from Tavira Tower, or explore the old town\u2019s winding alleyways.\u00a0<\/p>\n Despite everything it has to offer, it remains far less crowded than Spain\u2019s more famous cities.\u00a0<\/p>\n Metro\u2019s <\/strong>Sama Ansari Pour visited last year and described Cadiz as \u2018a walk through time<\/a>\u2019, with every corner offering a glimpse into its past.<\/p>\n \u2018If you\u2019re not a fan of big crowds, this lesser-known gem could be perfect for you,\u2019 she writes.<\/p>\n Cadiz makes for a tempting twin-city break with nearby Jerez de la Frontera, in the heart of Andalusia. <\/p>\n Often described as Malaga with fewer crowds, Jerez is the epicentre of flamenco<\/a> and the birthplace of sherry, the \u2018remarkable\u2019 sweet Spanish wine that\u2019s suddenly back in fashion.<\/p>\n Jet2<\/a> has just launched new flight routes to Jerez from major UK airports including London Stansted<\/a>, Manchester<\/a>, Leeds<\/a> and Birmingham<\/a>.<\/p>\n Merida<\/p>\n Nestled in the charming region of Extremadura, Merida might not boast beaches or a coastline, but it more than makes up for it with its rich history. <\/p>\n Founded by the Romans in the 1st century BC, it\u2019s one of Spain\u2019s most important archaeological sites.<\/p>\n \t\t As the capital of Roman Spain, the city is home to some of the most impressive ruins in Europe, including the Roman Amphitheatre and the Temple of Diana.<\/p>\n Visitors can also discover the Roman Bridge, which is one of the longest bridges built by the Romans and stretches over the Guadiana River.<\/p>\n Located in one of the least visited and underpopulated regions of Spain, it\u2019s perfect for those who want to escape the crowds. Plus, Extremadura offers up to \u00a312.6k per year to digital nomads who want to make it their base.<\/p>\n Logrono\u00a0<\/p>\n Located in the heart of Spain\u2019s La Rioja region, Logrono is frequently hailed as one of Spain\u2019s hidden gems. <\/p>\n While it might not attract the same crowds as some more famous cities, it\u2019s considered a must-visit for food and wine lovers.\u00a0<\/p>\n \t\t Known for its tapas scene, visitors can hop from bar to bar sampling pintox and local delicacies. It\u2019s also the gateway to Spain\u2019s iconic wine region, La Rioja, where visitors can tour vineyards and taste world-class wines.<\/p>\n The city also boasts medieval streets and historic landmarks like the Co-Cathedral of Santa Maria de la Redonda, which features twin baroque towers and intricate interior artwork.<\/p>\n Cuenca<\/p>\n Located in central Spain, just two hours away from Madrid, Cuenca is known for its hanging houses that hang over a gorge.<\/p>\n The medieval town, a UNESCO World Heritage site, is often overshadowed by larger cities in the region, with most visitors being day-trippers from Madrid.\u00a0<\/p>\n \t\t One of the town\u2019s most iconic features, the hanging houses (Casas Colgadas), are built into the rockface and perch dramatically above the Hu\u00e9car River gorge. <\/p>\n Dating back to the 15th century, some of these houses have since been converted into museums that visitors can explore. Travellers can admire the view of the houses and the unique architecture from the San Pablo Bridge.<\/p>\n Beyond the houses, visitors can explore Cuenca\u2019s winding medieval streets, walk the hiking trails along the gorge, or visit the nearby Serrania de Cuenca Natural Park.<\/p>\n Estepona\u00a0<\/p>\n This charming coastal town, tucked away on the edge of Costa del Sol remains a hidden gem despite its location in one of Spain\u2019s most visited regions.<\/p>\n \t\t Metro\u2019s Sophie-May Williams visited the \u2018humble town\u2019 last year<\/a><\/strong>. She noted that while 12 million international tourists flocked to the Andalusian region in 2023, only 253,376 (2%) stopped in Estepona.\u00a0<\/p>\n Visitors can wander through its picturesque streets, where whitewashed houses are adorned with colourful flowers, like the vibrant bougainvillea that blankets the town.<\/p>\n The heart of Estepona is the Plaza de las Flores, a lively square surrounded by cafes where tourists flock for lunch. There are four main tapas bars in the square, and as Sophie says \u2018it doesn\u2019t matter which one you go to\u2019.<\/p>\n For beach lovers, Estepona\u2019s coastline offers miles of sandy shores, including the popular Playa de la Rada. Here, you can relax by the crystal clear waters or enjoy a drink at one of the many beach bars.<\/p>\n If you\u2019re seeking something more adventurous, Estepona also has excellent hiking trails, including the scenic path to the nearby Sierra Bermeja mountains.<\/p>\n \t\t\t\tA tip from our travel editor\t\t\t<\/p>\n Metro<\/strong>\u2018s Alice Murphy<\/a> is a big fan of Ronda, a historic cliffside city<\/a> near Malaga<\/a> (another underrated spot, according to Alice).<\/p>\n Towering 1,063 metres above sea level, Ronda is a writers\u2019 paradise: Ernest Hemingway spent many summers there, and it\u2019s where the ashes of the great filmmaker Orson Welles were scattered.<\/p>\n Framed by mountains and cavernous gorges, this is no \u2018fly and flop\u2019 spot. There are no beaches, but what it lacks in coast it makes up for in architecture (a fascinating blend of Arabic and Moorish), culture and cuisine.<\/p>\n While it\u2019s getting busier, you still have time to see it at its best if you time your trip carefully. <\/p>\n This article was originally published on 21 March 2025 and has been updated.<\/p>\n Do you have a story to share?<\/strong><\/p>\n Get in touch by emailing MetroLifestyleTeam@Metro.co.uk<\/a>.<\/strong><\/p>\n \t\t\tComments Arrow![\"A](\"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/GettyImages-2148942583.jpg\")
\n\t\tSpain\u2019s popular towns and cities have been battling overtourism (Picture: Getty Images)<\/p>\n![\"The](\"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/GettyImages-563391195.jpg\")
\n\t\tMerida remains relatively off-the-radar despite its rich history (Picture: Getty Images)<\/p>\n![\"Landscape](\"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/GettyImages-1181092188.jpg\")
\n\t\tIt\u2019s a must for wine and food lovers (Picture: Getty Images)<\/p>\n![\"A](\"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/GettyImages-200448252-001.jpg\")
\n\t\tThe town is known for its iconic \u2018hanging houses\u2019 (Picture: Getty Images)<\/p>\n![\"Beach](\"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/GettyImages-521672766.jpg\")
\n\t\tIt\u2019s one of Costa del Sol\u2019s uncovered areas (Credits: Getty Images)<\/p>\n
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