Spain’s Top 10 Lesser-Known Resorts to Escape the 'Brits Abroad' Scene
Spain’s Top 10 Lesser-Known Resorts to Escape the ‘Brits Abroad’ Scene 🇪🇸🏝️
Spain is a dream holiday destination, but let’s be honest—there are certain resorts that have been completely taken over by the ‘Brits Abroad’ scene. If you’re looking to escape the full English breakfasts, sports bars, and neon-lit karaoke nights, you’re in luck.
We’ve rounded up Spain’s 10 best lesser-known resorts where you can soak up local culture, enjoy authentic food, and relax on stunning beaches—without hearing ‘Wonderwall’ at 2 AM.
10. Hondarribia, Basque Country 🇪🇸
🌊 Why Go?
- Charming fishing town with a rich Basque heritage.
- Incredible pintxos bars (small tapas-style dishes) and Michelin-starred restaurants.
- A picturesque medieval old town with cobbled streets and colourful houses.
🚫 Why It’s Not Full of Brits:
- The Basque Country isn’t as heavily marketed to British tourists.
- More of a gourmet and cultural destination than a party hotspot.
9. Los Caños de Meca, Costa de la Luz 🇪🇸
🌊 Why Go?
- A hippy-chic beach town with wild golden sand dunes and Atlantic waves.
- Perfect for surfing, yoga retreats, and nature lovers.
- Stunning sunsets with laid-back beach bars—think Ibiza vibes, but chilled.
🚫 Why It’s Not Full of Brits:
- No all-inclusive resorts, just boutique stays and eco-lodges.
- More popular with Spanish city dwellers escaping for the weekend.
8. Llafranc, Costa Brava 🇪🇸
🌊 Why Go?
- A postcard-perfect bay with crystal-clear water and a scenic promenade.
- High-end, authentic Spanish and Catalan restaurants.
- A favourite for Spanish and French tourists, rather than Brits.
🚫 Why It’s Not Full of Brits:
- Lacks the package holiday infrastructure of bigger Costa Brava resorts.
- Attracts a more upmarket, low-key crowd.
7. Comillas, Cantabria 🇪🇸
🌊 Why Go?
- One of the prettiest small towns in northern Spain.
- Home to El Capricho, an architectural gem by Antoni Gaudí.
- Untouched beaches surrounded by green rolling hills.
🚫 Why It’s Not Full of Brits:
- Northern Spain is still underrated for international tourism.
- More of a historical and nature-focused destination.
6. Playa de las Catedrales, Galicia 🇪🇸
🌊 Why Go?
- Awe-inspiring rock formations that create natural cathedral-like arches.
- Unspoiled Atlantic beaches, perfect for long walks and photography.
- Incredible fresh seafood and Albariño wine.
🚫 Why It’s Not Full of Brits:
- No big resorts, just small guesthouses and local stays.
- Mainly visited by Spanish and Portuguese tourists.
5. Agua Amarga, Almería 🇪🇸
🌊 Why Go?
- A tiny, peaceful whitewashed village on the stunning Cabo de Gata coast.
- No high-rise hotels—just boutique accommodations.
- A paradise for hikers, kayakers, and quiet beach lovers.
🚫 Why It’s Not Full of Brits:
- Limited nightlife or entertainment—this is pure relaxation.
- Too small for mass tourism.
4. Zahara de los Atunes, Costa de la Luz 🇪🇸
🌊 Why Go?
- Famous for wild, untouched beaches and incredible tuna dishes.
- A laid-back, bohemian feel with cosy beach bars.
- No all-inclusive hotels or loud clubs—just peace and quiet.
🚫 Why It’s Not Full of Brits:
- The lack of direct flights means Brits stick to easier options.
- More of a hidden gem for Spanish food lovers.
3. Formentera, Balearic Islands 🇪🇸
🌊 Why Go?
- Crystal-clear waters that rival the Maldives.
- A chilled, bohemian vibe with luxury boutique hotels.
- A-lister-approved—Leo DiCaprio and Naomi Campbell holiday here.
🚫 Why It’s Not Full of Brits:
- No airport—you have to take a boat from Ibiza.
- Expensive—attracts a more exclusive, refined crowd.
2. Ribadesella, Asturias 🇪🇸
🌊 Why Go?
- Gorgeous coastline meets dramatic mountains.
- One of Spain’s best surfing spots with uncrowded waves.
- Famous for its cider culture and local seafood.
🚫 Why It’s Not Full of Brits:
- The Asturias region remains a secret compared to the Costas.
- More of a nature-focused, local escape than a party town.
1. Menorca (Not Magaluf!), Balearic Islands 🇪🇸 🏆
🌊 Why It’s #1:
- The quietest and most unspoiled of the Balearic Islands.
- Dozens of secret coves, turquoise water, and peaceful whitewashed villages.
- Perfect for hiking, sailing, and getting away from mass tourism.
🚫 Why It’s Not Full of Brits:
- Less nightlife—most clubs are in Ibiza or Mallorca.
- More expensive than mainland Spain, keeping it exclusive.
🌅 Ready to Escape the Crowds?
If you’re tired of the “Brits Abroad” scene and want an authentic, tranquil Spanish getaway, these hidden gems are perfect for your next trip.
🌍 Which of these lesser-known Spanish resorts would you visit first? Let us know in the comments! 🇪🇸✨🏝️
