PROPERTY SEARCH
Three of Spain's best value summer destinations that won't break the bank
From the green coast of Galicia to the white villages of Granada and the turquoise waters of Castellón, these spots offer spectacular holidays at very reasonable prices
Summer is here, and if you are still trying to work out where to go, you are not alone. Prices at Spain's most popular resorts have shot up in recent years, and for many families, even a week away within Spain has become a serious chunk of the annual budget.But honestly? Some of the most beautiful corners of this country are still wonderfully affordable. You just have to be willing to look a little beyond the obvious.
We have picked three destinations that will surprise you, delight you and, crucially, leave your wallet considerably less battered than a week in Marbella or Mallorca.
Peñíscola, Castellón
Imagine a medieval castle perched on a rocky outcrop, jutting out into a sparkling turquoise sea. That is Peñíscola, and it is every bit as dramatic as it sounds.This gorgeous coastal town in Castellón has history in spades. The castle-fortress that dominates the skyline dates back to the 14th century and was once home to Pope Benedict XIII, sitting 64 metres above the Mediterranean. Below it, a long sweep of fine sandy beach curves away into the distance, while quieter, cliff-backed coves wait to the south for those who prefer a little more peace and privacy.
It gets busy in summer, it is true, but accommodation here remains genuinely affordable for a coastal destination of this quality. For families especially, it represents outstanding value.
The Alpujarras, Granada
Not a beach person? Then the Alpujarras might just be your perfect summer escape.These beautiful villages on the southern slopes of the Sierra Nevada are unlike anywhere else in Spain. Pampaneira, Trevélez, Bubión: white-washed, unhurried and utterly charming, each one shaped by centuries of Arab influence that you can still see everywhere, in the terraced hillsides, the ancient irrigation channels, the local crafts and the food.
Speaking of which, the gastronomy here is wonderful, hearty mountain cooking with real depth and flavour, and prices in the villages are remarkably low compared to other Spanish mountain destinations like the Pyrenees.
It is also brilliant walking country. The routes through the Sierra Nevada and surrounding landscape are some of the best in Andalucía, and the festivals and celebrations that take place throughout the summer give you a genuine feel for a culture that has been here for a very long time.
The Rías Baixas, Galicia
And then there is Galicia, which is a world unto itself.The Rías Baixas stretch along the Atlantic coast between Baiona and Fisterra, four broad estuaries lined with wide sandy beaches, rugged cliffs and fishing villages that feel magnificently far removed from the package-holiday Spain most people know. The water is cooler than the Mediterranean, yes, but the scenery is lush, green and spectacular, and the pace of life is just beautifully slow.
The food and wine here are something special. The Rías Baixas are one of Spain's great gastronomic regions, celebrated for their extraordinary fish and shellfish, and for the Albariño wine that comes from vineyards wrapped around almost every village. A long, unhurried lunch with a cold glass of Albariño and a plate of fresh seafood is, genuinely, one of life's great pleasures.
There is culture to discover too. Ancient hill forts, Romanesque churches, superb museums in Pontevedra and Vigo, and summer festivals and pilgrimages that let you experience real Galician tradition up close.
And the best part? Accommodation here is significantly cheaper than almost anywhere else on the Spanish coast, making it one of the most rewarding and affordable summer destinations in the whole country.
Sometimes the trips you almost did not take turn out to be the ones you never forget.
You might also be interested in: Why Tenerife keeps British holidaymakers coming back year after year
Images: EnriqueCharlie Jordan and Javier Balseiro /Pexels
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