These are Spain’s summer 2023 hotspots loved by the locals

by Lorraine Williamson
Nerja top choice for summer 2023

If you’re overwhelmed with the plethora of options for a Spanish vacation this summer, here are the 50 top holiday destinations in Spain for 2023, as chosen by the Spanish themselves.  

It’s no surprise beach destinations are a hit among every traveller to Spain, even the locals. The majority of the most popular destinations are coastal towns and resorts. Most of these are located in Andalusia and the Valencian Community. These regions stand out thanks to their stunning and safe beaches, perfect for swimming and water sports.

Nerja dominates as the summer favourite 

Nerja, renowned for its pristine beaches, emerged as the top summer destination this year. This charismatic beach town is a favourite among tourists. However, it also remains a local’s top choice, ensuring its authentic Spanish essence is intact. Close contenders are other Costa del Sol gems, Benalmadena and Marbella. Malaga’s cultural depth secures its fourth spot, while the renowned Blue-Flag beaches of Benidorm and Fuengirola are not far behind. 

Beachfront wonders in Andalucia and the Valencian Community 

Both locals and tourists are consistently drawn to the picturesque beachfront of Spain. With the majority of top destinations being coastal towns, it’s evident that Andalucia and the Valencian Community are top choices. These offer safe and stunning beaches. For those leaning towards Costa Blanca’s pristine sands, destinations like Benidorm, Moraira, Calpe, and Denia are top-notch. 

But Spain’s allure doesn’t stop at the Costa del Sol and Costa Blanca. Salou, Barcelona, and Sitges in Catalonia; island beauties like Alcudia and Port d’Antdrax in Majorca; and Puerto del Carmen and Costa Adeje in Tenerife are also on the locals’ radar.  

Cogesa Expats

For a cooler summer filled with sports and activities, Northern Spain, particularly the Basque Country and Galicia, is the place to be. Cities such as San Sebastian, Bilbao, and La Coruña not only offer a rich cultural heritage but also provide thrilling hiking and surfing experiences. 

Budgeting your Spanish holiday 

Barcelona tops the charts as the most expensive city with an average accommodation price of €271 per person per night in high season. The top 5 include Palma de Mallorca, San Sebastian, Moraira (Alicante) and Alcudia (Mallorca). However, budget travellers need not despair. Affordable stays in destinations like Torrevieja, Reus, Guardamar del Segura, Roses, Santa Pola, and Torre del Mar mean you can enjoy Spain without emptying your pockets. Here, a comfortable stay will cost less than €117 per person per night. 

Tailoring your trip: Family, friends, or romance 

Spain offers something for every kind of traveller. The search data indicates that cities such as Malaga, Salou, and Alicante are favourites among families, averaging groups of four. For those planning a trip with friends, cities like Sitges, Denia, and Reus provide a perfect backdrop with accommodation options suited for six or more. In contrast, romantic getaways shine brightest in Puerto del Carmen, Torre del Mar, and Port d’Antdrax. 

The 50 best holiday destinations for Spain this summer according to the Spanish themselves are brought to you by Spain-Holiday, holiday rental experts for Spain in collaboration with holiday rental portal Holidu. Find here all sources and the complete top 50 ranking, including the average price and the average number of travellers per destination. 

(PARTNER CONTENT)

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