Holidaymakers are urged to ditch Ibiza and Marbella for Spain’s ‘real paradise’ – a stunning Mediterranean beach escape with crystal clear water, hidden coves and charming medieval villages
The area boasts gorgeous beaches comparable to that of the Caribbean (stock image)(Image: Getty Images)
With summer now officially upon us, many people will be looking to escape the UK and soak up some sun abroad, even as temperatures across the country are forecast to reach as high as 30C over the coming weeks. Yet it appears that British holiday habits are shifting.
Research suggests that many Brits are turning their backs on Southern Europe, with popular hotspots in Spain, Turkey and Greece attracting fewer UK visitors than before. And while plenty of travellers may have concerns about overcrowding at well-trodden holiday destinations, there are a number of hidden gems just waiting to be uncovered.
One TikTok account has been singing the praises of what they’ve dubbed ‘Spain’s real paradise‘, urging holidaymakers to swap the likes of Ibiza and Marbella for this lesser-known treasure instead.
“Forget Ibiza. This is Spain’s real paradise,” read the on-screen text in the video, which offered a tantalising glimpse of a stunning coastal town with a beach as its backdrop.
The clip went on to showcase a breathtaking sandy beach with crystal-clear waters that ‘looks straight out of the Caribbean’, along with secluded water coves just waiting to be explored.
For those fancying a break from the beach, there are also Medieval towns and castles to discover, as well as coastal walking trails that offer truly spectacular scenery.
They wrote in the caption: “Costa Brava is one of the most beautiful destinations in Spain, with crystal-clear waters, hidden beaches, charming medieval villages, scenic coastal walks, and stunning Mediterranean views.”
The Costa Brava, which translates as “Wild Coast,” is a rugged, striking stretch of shoreline in Catalonia, north-eastern Spain. Running from Blanes all the way to the French border, it’s celebrated for its dramatic cliffs, secluded coves, medieval villages, and its connection to surrealist artist Salvador Dalí.
“If you’re planning a Spain vacation, add Costa Brava to your travel bucket list,” the caption continued.
Given its size, you’ve got plenty of choice when it comes to picking a base that suits your holiday plans. If you fancy a quaint village with rocky coves and pristine waters, then Calella de Palafrugell might be just the ticket.
Celebrated for its beauty, Tossa de Mar features a remarkably preserved medieval walled old town perched above a golden beach. Meanwhile, Cadaqués offers a more bohemian vibe, having once been a retreat for artist Salvador Dalí. For those after a livelier break, Lloret de Mar serves as a buzzing hotspot for nightlife, water parks, and package getaways.
If Costa Brava is on the cards for your next escape, the shoulder months of May, June, and September are generally regarded as the ideal time to go. You’ll benefit from warm, swimmable conditions, pleasant sea temperatures, and fewer crowds, according to EasyJet.
The summer months of July and August represent the busiest period, drawing enormous crowds and heavy traffic, whereas the winter season from November through to March brings cold weather and sees many coastal eateries and hotels shut their doors until spring.