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A ‘mercifully untouristy’ seaside town in Spain is filled with stunning beaches, secluded coves, and an 11th-century castle – and feels worlds away from the overcrowded streets of Barcelona

Avoid the over-crowded, bustling hotspots this summer by visiting this underrated seaside village renowned for its beautiful beaches.

Despite soaring anti-tourist sentiment, it appears nothing will prise Brits away from their beloved holidays in Spain. Amid national protests, brutal clampdowns on holiday rentals, and threats to unleash misery on tourists this summer – the country is still slated to hit record-breaking numbers of visitors this year.

In fact, in the first quarter of 2025, it is believed a staggering 17.1 million international tourists flocked to the country – lured in by its pristine coast, party-mad resorts, and balmy temperatures. This marks a 5.7 per cent increase compared to the same period last year, in what could easily be described as a huge blow for fed-up locals.

If you’re determined to get your sangria and paella fix in this summer, but don’t fancy being sardined next to strangers on the beach, you have to check out Begur. The medieval town, which remains ‘mercifully untouristy’, was described by the Telegraph as one of the prettiest in the Costa Brava region back in 2024.

“Although the town isn’t in front of the sea, it sits close to it, around 2km from the coastline,” hails travel experts over at Unexpected Catalonia. “On the emerald coves, you can spend the day exploring the seabed, sunbathing, hiking the coastal paths in the area, or kayaking to hidden caves. Back on dry land, you’ll find exquisite food and lovely boutiques.”

The village, which is noted to get busier in summer, doesn’t really compare with other Costa Brava resorts in terms of tourist overcrowding. According to TripAdvisor, Begur can start to quieten down in August, which is still deemed a part of the peak summer season for many other larger destinations.

It’s claimed the nearest beach, Sa Riera, never really suffers from wall-to-wall tourists even during its more bustling periods.

Even still, the village offers a lot to tourists with different interests. History buffs will have to visit Begur Castle, which is built on a hill that ‘strategically dominates’ the entire municipality and offers breathtaking views of the coast. It’s a steep trek up to the ruins, which are believed to date back to the 11th century, but it’s well worth the effort.

Begur is also a convenient base to explore nearby neighbourhoods in Costa Brava and is only 80 miles from the insatiably popular city of Barcelona. However, if you want true peace and quiet, head over to Platja de l’Illa Roja – a secluded beach set amongst lush pine trees and rugged cliffs.

You can fly to Girona- Costa Brava Airport from most major UK airports, including Manchester, Bristol, Belfast, and London Stansted. From here, you’ll need to take a 47-minute taxi ride over to Begur. If you’re flexible with dates, you can grab return flights for as little as £34 in July.

Accommodation in Begur is limited due to its small size, meaning you may have to stay just outside of the town to drive down the price. For example, a week’s stay (Monday, July 21-28) in a no-thrills apartment will set you back £1,124. This is based on two adults sharing a Deluxe Triple Room with Sea View.

However, a one-bedroom apartment located in Pals, some 2.7 miles from Begur, costs £880 on the exact same dates. If you’re happy to rent a car or venture onto public transport – this can be a great option to keep the holiday on budget.

*Prices based on Skyscanner and Booking.com listings at the time of writing.

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I lived in this beautiful Spanish town, likened to Venice, for seven year – and Brits are missing out on this hidden gem in the Costa Brava

My best teenage years were spent in a beautiful town called Empuriabrava in southern Spain. Although I haven’t lived there as long as I’ve been in London, I still remember it with a lot of love – and if you ever have the chance, you should visit it. It’ll make the perfect holiday, and I’m here to tell you why.

Two hours away from Barcelona, a destination I also called my home for a while, lies Empuriabrava. It’s a little town with 8,000 residents but a lot to offer. Some call it the “Venice of Spain”, but it has a completely different vibe.

It can be found in the Costa Brava, and although there’s a lot of tranquillity during the colder months, the summer welcomes thousands of visitors from all over the peninsula and neighbouring countries. Shockingly, despite its small population, Empuriabrava welcomes an estimated 80,000 people during the peak season.

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Empuriabrava is a unique coastal town in Catalonia, known for its large residential marina system in Europe and the world with more than 25 miles of canals. Sailing around the town is the most popular activity, seeing the different houses. Plus, it’s a fun method of transport to get around.

Besides the waters surrounding the area with stunning homes, it’s also a popular destination for those seeking to take part in water sports and outdoor adventures. People can also relax by the beach, with bars and restaurants being easily accessible.

Empuriabrava also offers the chance to make your dreams come true by skydiving over the most beautiful views. Jumping on a plane at 4,000 metres above sea level, it’s the best way to see the town’s unique shape. There’s also a friendly indoor skydiving tunnel offering the same adrenaline.

Besides the fact that it’s one of the most attractive tourist destinations in Costa Brava – at least for me – it’s also one of the few towns where you can peacefully walk without big crowds. Yes, the perfect summer retreat for those seeking relaxation while enjoying the many amenities offered for locals and tourists alike.

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Due to Empuriabrava’s tiny size, visitors can practically see and do everything in one day. However, the Costa Brava is dotted with other hidden corners and towns that are worth visiting whilst there, including Castelló d’Empúries, Figueres, Roses, and Cadaqués. Each place offers a unique experience that you shouldn’t miss out on.

There are various ways to get to Empuriabrava, but the most convenient is taking the train. The nearest station (RENFE) is in Figueres, which is nine miles away from the town. From there, some buses will take you straight to Empuriabrava – and during the summer, they are more frequent.

The town is surrounded with a lot of history and a lot of my best memories. Despite living in London for more than a decade, there’s no other place I would recommend visiting if you’re seeking a different experience rather than the typical overcrowded city environment.

Three Cliffs Bay in Gower, South Wales is a tranquil haven with limestone cliffs, golden beaches and rich greenery. It is just one of the beautiful beaches around the bargain seaside settlement

The cheapest seaside town for a day out is also home to a beautiful hidden beach.

In an era of penny punching and inflation, knowing where to go for a classic British day out at the seaside that isn’t going to leave you needing to remortgage the house is key.

The UK Seaside Index 2025 looked at the cost of four different seaside staples – all-day parking, ice cream, fish and chips and all-day deckchair rental – to find out which coastal resort offers the most bang for your buck.

At the top of the list is Wales’ second city Swansea, where parking can be bagged for £3, an ice cream £1.65, fish and chips £7.06, deckchair rental £5, bringing the cost of a day out to £16.71. In sharp contrast, at the other end of the beach bargain scale is Brighton, where the same goods will cost you £38.20.

Swansea is not just good for a bargain. It is also homes to beautiful bits of landscape such as Pwll Du Bay. Tucked away at the bottom of a valley, this beach is one of the least accessible in the city, with only three footpaths leading to it.

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Those who have been there will tell you that the experience is second to none. The beach features a unique bank of thousands of pebbles, encircled by limestone cliffs, all set within a secluded and scenic location. The pebbles are piled up in waves, resembling ripples from the beach and sea, and are deep, forming dunes.

Another coastal classic is Three Cliffs Bay, a short drive out of the city. Nestled on the Gower Peninsula, it is a serene bay that delivers a slice of paradise with its dramatic limestone cliffs, shimmering golden sands and lush greenery. It’s a bit of a trek to reach this secluded beach, but that only adds to its charm.

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Just a stone’s throw from the village of Parkmill, about 15 miles west of Swansea, ramblers can follow the scenic path leading to the bay. Boasting an idyllic shoreline, dunes, salt marshes, rock pools and rugged cliffs, it’s the perfect spot for some peace and tranquillity.

Visit Wales hails Three Cliffs Bay as one of Gower’s most snapped locations, and it’s easy to see why with the Pennard Pill stream meandering through the sand and sweeping views atop the cliffs – the journey there is absolutely rewarding. But heed the advice from the official website: “Stay safe, this is one of our most beautiful beaches, but nature can be wild too – watch out for strong tides and currents at all times.”

The bay has become quite the draw for visitors, earning a stellar five-star rating on Tripadvisor. A satisfied visitor shared their experience: “We parked in the Gower Heritage Centre which had a lovely woodland walk down to the beach. It’s impressive, one minute you’re walking through magical-looking woodland with weaving streams, and the next you’re on an open expansive beach. There’s a pretty walk up to the castle which has amazing views over the beach too.”

Which? Travel asked more than 9,000 people to rate their favourite inland towns and villages’ food and drink offering. Ludlow, a historic market town in Shropshire, came out on top

The quaint market town is one of the UK’s top foodie destinations, according to a survey by Which? Travel. After polling over 9,000 people in 2024, Ludlow in Shropshire emerged as the nation’s best-rated inland town for its culinary delights, boasting an impressive five-star rating for its food and drink offerings.

This picturesque town, with its 500-plus listed buildings, has long been admired for its charm, with poet John Betjeman once describing it as “the loveliest town in England”. Ludlow’s recipe for success lies in its emphasis on fresh, locally sourced ingredients, which are showcased in its numerous pubs, cafes and restaurants.

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A spokesperson for Which? said: “Instead of a handful of high-end eateries, there’s a culture of local produce as well as numerous pubs and cafes, served by people who care about the food.”

Some of Ludlow’s top-rated eateries include The Old Downton Lodge, Vaughan’s Sandwich Bar, The Boyne Arms gastropub, and CSONS, a riverside cafe.

Visitors can sample the best of the region’s produce at the Ludlow Local Produce market, held on the second and fourth Thursdays of the month.

The market features food and drink produced within a 30-mile radius of the town, promoting sustainable and locally sourced fare.

Wells, the UK’s second-smallest city, took second place in the survey as the best inland destination for foodies. Top UK Towns and Villages for Foodies.

This southern Italian village was completely abandoned after landslides and earthquakes forced residents to leave, but the crumbling town is increasingly intriguing to travellers

As ghost towns go, this one leans more stunning than spooky. Its dramatic setting on a hill in southern Italy gives this abandoned medieval town a distinct appeal for travellers, though it became too dangerous for former residents to remain.

Craco is surely one of the most picturesque ghost towns in Europe, if not in the world. It sits on a clifftop between the valleys of the Agri and Salandrella-Cavone rivers. Before its ruin, the village had a prosperous past supposedly linked to the Templars. Craco was abandoned somewhat recently after an unfortunate series of natural disasters forced residents to pick up and move on.

Almost all of the town’s less than 2,000 inhabitants were moved to a settlement in a nearby valley after a landslide in 1963 – the last in a series of landslides that began at the end of the 19th century. Some contend that the landslides leading up to the 1963 disaster were caused by faulty pipework and excavations in the decades prior.

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Even the few inhabitants who chose to remain after the landslides were forced to leave when the village was devastated in 1972 by a flood. And when earthquakes hit the town in 1980, the remaining stragglers moved on, leaving it totally abandoned.

Since then, Craco has remained relatively untouched and fuelled many mysterious legends. The town’s fame became international when it was used as a location for the 2008 James Bond film James Bond, Quantum of Solace, and it continues to attract curious travellers.

Craco has served as a filming location for many notable works, in fact. It was also chosen as the location for Mel Gibson’s “The Passion of the Christ” and Francesco Rosi’s “Cristo si è fermato a Eboli”.

Today, Craco is a collection of ruins though they highlight the rich ancient history of the area. Travellers will come upon ancient churches, such as the Mother Church of San Nicola and the Madonna della Stella church, and noble palaces, from palazzo Carbone to palazzo Grossi.

The village has increasingly grown into disrepair as weekends sprout within the churches and balconies and weather-damaged properties continue to rust and disintegrate. That said, Craco has been included on a list of sites that are priorities of the World Monuments Fund.

The town can only now be visited as part of guided tours, due to the instability of the buildings. Visitors are required to wear hard hats for their safety.

Italy is home to quite a few abandoned towns, though Craco is arguably the most beautiful. Fossa is another Italian village that was left abandoned after natural disasters cause significant damage.

When Matt Nadin travelled to Italy to explore the village of Fossa in the L’Aquila region of the country, he found many items had been left behind by families, including a mummified cat. Fossa had been inhabited for around 900 years until an earthquake struck in 2009.

The quake caused severe damage to the village’s buildings and left 308 people dead. Today the empty streets and abandoned buildings give the village the feeling of a ghost town.

Another abandoned town that is gaining attention for the morbidly curious is Varosha. The once-thriving resort town was left abandoned after the Turkish army invaded the northern region of Cyprus on July 20, 1974.

While the town remained closed to visitors for many years, in October 2020, a decision was made by Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan and the then prime minister of Northern Cyprus, Ersin Tatar, to reopen the area to tourists. More than 1.8 million tourists have visited the ghost town in the last four years – according to statistics released in 2024.

Center Parcs has released the first glimpse of what its latest UK resort – predicted to cost at least £350 million – will look like, after submitting a formal planning application

Brits have been given the first-ever glimpse of what could soon become the UK’s newest Center Parcs. The holiday brand, which came to Britain back in 1987, submitted a formal planning application to open a huge resort near the tiny rural town of Hawick, Scotland.

Center Parcs has its heart set on building around 700 lodges and tourist facilities – such as its iconic Subtropical Swimming Paradise, and Aqua Sana Spa – conveniently located just off the A7. This area, which is south of Selkirk, boasts diverse wildlife including ospreys, golden eagles, red squirrels, and deer – and is near a slew of historic houses, castles, and abbeys.

The mega project, predicted to cost between £350 million and £400 million, will create around 1,200 jobs and become the seventh UK Center Parcs location. This week, the travel giant held a two-day community consultation (from May 20-21) in Hawick to discuss details with locals.

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According to the BBC, concern has been raised over the loss of usable farmland. Some residents are also worried tourists will visit the Center Parcs complex and then leave the area – which won’t support local businesses.

However, the company, which is accepting comments on the proposed site until Friday, June 6, says most of its guests who stay for the weekend end up ‘exploring’ the local area too. It also released a fly-through video and 3D model to show locals exactly what the holiday village would look like.

The computer-generated images reveal the epic site will feature the classic Center Parcs central hub which homes its Subtropical Swimming Paradise, a huge lake where guests can hire boats, as well as restaurants and a spa – all set amongst lush woodlands. “The flythrough video and 3D model really help bring the plans to life and add to the real sense of anticipation that has been evident at recent consultation events,” the company’s chief executive, Colin McKinlay, said.

The Center Parcs boss added that the company is working hard to ensure its proposals reflect feedback it has received from the community. “It’s one thing to describe what we’re hoping to build, but seeing it laid out visually captures the ambition of what we’re planning,” he explained.

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Scotland’s first-ever Center Parcs aims to open its doors by 2029. In the meantime, Brits can holiday in any of the six sites currently operating in the UK. These are Sherwood Forest, Nottinghamshire; Woburn Forest, Bedfordshire; Elveden Forest, Suffolk; Whinfell Forest, Cumbria, or Longleat Forest, Wiltshire.

Guests can choose to stay for three, four, or seven nights – with all breaks starting on either a Friday or Monday. Prices will vary depending on what type of accommodation you choose, as well as if you’re visiting during peak breaks. Half-term visits start from £749*.

*Prices based on Center Parcs’ website at the time of writing.

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The spot is everything you’d want from a fishing village – tiny, charming, and always serving up the catch of the day

Nestled in a picturesque crevice of Wales’ rugged coastline, Little Haven doesn’t strive to impress, but that’s precisely why it does. This quaint fishing village in Pembrokeshire exudes a certain charm with its delightful pubs, authentic seafood sandwiches, and a charming cove that ebbs and flows with the tide.

During the warmer months, locals and tourists alike flock to the slipway with ice creams and pints, creating a relaxed atmosphere. But there’s more to Little Haven than seafood sandwiches and seaside pints. The village has a deep-rooted lifeboat heritage.

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In 1882, the RNLI established a base beneath Goldtrop Head, launching lifeboats directly from the water.

This changed in 1903 when proper facilities were finally constructed. The station shut down in the ’20s, but by 1967, lifeboats returned, this time darting out from the newly christened Little and Broad Haven Lifeboat Station, reports Wales Online.

In addition to its maritime history, Little Haven is situated along Pembrokeshire’s enchanting coastline and serves as an idyllic location for a refreshing swim or coastal walk.

Little Haven’s beach may be small, but it boasts layers of rock pools, soft sand and a changing shoreline that unveils routes to adjacent coves at low tide. It forms part of a stretch of coastline designated as a Site of Special Scientific Interest due to its intriguing geology and marine life.

The surrounding cliffs and rock formations enhance the picturesque beauty, offering ideal spots for picnics, sunbathing, and coastal strolls. The beach also provides excellent conditions for water sports, including kayaking, paddle boarding, and surfing.

It’s also increasingly become a favourite spot for wild swimming, though you should always be careful and follow Adventure Smart guidance when taking a dip.

For walkers, the Pembrokeshire Coast Path cuts straight through the heart of Little Haven, so if you’ve packed your boots and your waterproofs, you’re in the right place.

Jump on the trail and stride in either direction to enjoy secluded coves, sandy bays and you might even spot a seal if you’re lucky. Head north for a hike to Broad Haven or Nolton Haven, or swing south past The Swan Inn to reach The Point, a cracking clifftop lookout.

Little Haven has also emerged as a small foodie hotspot, thanks to a popular seafood deli and a seaside pub serving home-cooked food.

Seafood in Little Haven and the wider Pembrokeshire area is a culinary highlight, with its coastal offerings reflecting the village’s rich maritime heritage. Pembrokeshire has a growing reputation for fresh produce and coastal cuisine supplied by an emerging wave of independent producers and dining establishments.

Lobster and MôR have become a popular feature in Little Haven, attracting people from miles around to enjoy a fresh roll smothered with Welsh seaweed butter and filled with succulent crab meat or lobster meat. Freshly caught, whole lobster can also be bought alongside Caws Cenarth cheese, ice cream and their locally distilled Tir and Môr gin.

A trip to this deli is a must when visiting Little Haven. Here, local produce merges effortlessly with nautical gifts, picnic essentials and delicious deli items.

If you’re not in the mood for a lobster roll, other sandwich options like smoked salmon and cream cheese are also on offer and go perfectly with their takeaway coffee or, if you’re feeling indulgent, a bottle of their seaweed and spice gin.

For those looking for a pint with a view, there are several pubs in and around Little Haven that serve a range of home-cooked dishes and seafood specials.

The Swan Inn, a 200-year-old pub with a waterside location, focuses on local diver-caught scallops and St Brides Bay crab.

St Brides is another popular pub in the centre of the village, serving Welsh and local Pembrokeshire ales.

This family-run establishment is full of charm and even has a unique secret – behind a door in the bar is one of Little Haven’s original freshwater wells. Opposite the pub, there’s a sun-soaked beer garden perfect for lazy lunches and relaxed weekend sessions.

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This Somerset village offers a wealth of green spaces, woodlands and hamlets to explore – reachable by foot or bike. It is also a designated part of the Cotswolds Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.

If you’re in need of some staycation inspiration, then this Somerset destination should definitely be on your radar. Close enough to Bath that you can enjoy the comforts of the city while remaining distinctly on the outskirts, visitors can enjoy the best of both worlds.

Freshford is just five miles from Bath, but its location at the junction of the River Frome and Avon makes it feel like a world away. The village’s landscape of stone buildings, fields and woodlands create a distinct serenity to the area that has been unmarred by tourists – mostly because it is relatively under the radar.

The civil parish of Freshford dates back to Saxon times and was once home to a mill from 1086 – the remains of which still stand in the village to this day. The mill is a notable site of interest, home to 17th-century buildings made predominantly from natural stone, clay tile, and slate. One of the unique features of Freshford houses is its lack of house numbers, which are replaced instead with names.

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Freshford is also home to many sites of historical interest, one of which is the Freshford Manor which dates back to the 18th-century. There are also some religious buildings you can visit, including the 15th-century St Peter’s Church which has been designated by English Heritage as a Grade II* listed building.

Dating back to the early to mid 16th century, the Freshford Bridge stretches directly over the River Frome and is a truly picture-perfect spot. From Freshford, travellers will be able to see across the Avon valley to the Kennet and Avon Canal. But keep in mind, the nearest crossings are a bit further off at Avoncliff and Limpley Stoke.

Surrounded by hills and valleys, the village has plenty for nature-lovers to explore without needing to venture too far. Freshford is known for its rich diversity of flora and fauna and is even part of the Cotswolds Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB) within the green belt.

The village centre is also a conservation area, created during 1975 and extended in 2007. You would also be remiss not to stop by at the nearby hamlets of Friary, Sharpstone, Park Corner, Woodside and Staples Hill.

Freshford’s jurisdiction includes these hamlets, though they are all separated from the centre of the village by lush open fields. That said, visitors can make a day of exploring the many low-intensity paths to the surrounding hamlets.

Popular walks in and around Freshford

• The Ilford Loop : 2 hours and 4.5 miles long: beginning from the Freshford Galleries, you can head directly to the hamlet of Friary
• Circular Hike to Dundas Wharf : 2 hours and 5 miles long: This is an intermediate hike with one or two busy roads to cross. It leads from the Freshford Galleries down to Limpley Stoke.
• Farleigh Hungerford Loop : 2.5 hours and 5 miles long: A great country walk across open fields to the English Heritage site at Farleigh Hungerford Castle.
• Hike to Avoncliff Aqueduct : 1.15 hours and 2.85 miles long: This is a low-intensity walk from Freshford to Avoncliff along the River Frome and then the River Avon.

This seaside town in Suffolk has one of the UK’s most impressive beaches, dotted with traditional fishing huts selling freshly-caught seafood and iconic art installations

For all the galleries, parks and restaurants London has to offer, there is one thing locals still yearn for: the sea. While the UK has no shortage of charming seaside villages and coastal towns, only one has earned the moniker “London-on-Sea”.

Aldeburgh in Suffolk has claimed the impressive title. The picturesque seaside town has everything you could want from a classic UK staycation, including a sandy beach and some of the best fish and chips this side of Britain.

Less than a two-hour train ride from London Liverpool Street, it’s no surprise it has become a frequent favourite for Londoners. As reported by MyLondon, Aldeburgh’s title of ‘London-on-Sea’ isn’t just a colloquial nickname, the village was featured in a guidebook with that exact title.

Situated between the River Alde and a stretch of English coastline overlooking the North Sea, this Suffolk town offers a distinct vantage point. The main attraction for travellers will certainly be the pebble beach, home to colourful 19th-century holiday villas and a historic watchtower.

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Aldeburgh Beach is a shingle and sand beach and consistently ranks among the top spots in Suffolk and East Anglia. It has been recognised as one of the top five shingle beaches in the country, winning several national awards including a prestigious Blue Flag.

In addition to the fine shore and surf, Aldeburgh Beach is home to many historic and artistic treasures. One such feature is the Quatrefoil Martello Tower, a relic from the Napoleonic Wars era. There’s also a Norman church and a converted windmill known as Green Fort nearby.

But the most well-known fixture of the beach is the Aldeburgh Scallop. This four-meter high steel shell sculpture was installed on the beach to honour Benjamin Britten, the esteemed 20th-century composer who enjoyed regular walks between Aldeburgh and Thorpeness.

There are no kiosks on the beach, but there are traditional fisherman’s huts dotted across the sand where visitors can buy some freshly-caught seafood directly from the locals. Barring that, visitors can head into town for some battered fish.

The Aldeburgh Fish and Chip Shop has previously been honoured with the title of Britain’s best fish and chip spot, and Tripadvisor reviews attest to its quality. One visitor commented: “I love fish and chips, and this was the best I’ve ever had from a takeaway. The fish had beautiful light batter, and was translucent, flaky and delicious. Great chips too. Excellent.”

From grand hotels to cosy rental properties, Aldeburgh offers plenty of accommodation options for travellers. The Wentworth Hotel is one of the most luxurious in the seaside town – just 20 yards from the beach and home to an award-winning restaurant.

Those looking for a more laid-back option can stay at The Cross Keys. This beachfront inn exudes old-world charm and the rooms and in-house restaurant have modern, clean furnishings.

Again, the train from London to Aldeburgh is quick and frequent, but you can also get there easily by car. The drive from the capital to Aldeburgh via the A12 takes less than three hours.