Spain is renowned for its tourist hotspots but there’s one lesser-known gem that’s home to quieter beaches, gorgeous mountains and one must-visit city
Spain holidays are a firm favourite with Brits; after all, the country offers breathtaking beaches, bustling resorts, and some glorious hot and sunny weather.
However, a tourist hotspot can often mean lots of crowds – but there’s one gorgeous region where you can enjoy all of the fun, without the masses. Costa de la Luz isn’t necessarily a hidden gem – it’s home to hotspots like Cadiz – but the region boasts over 200km of golden sandy shores, so there’s ample opportunity to enjoy a holiday without the crowds.
We asked the experts at On the Beach to uncover some of the best destinations for June if you want hot and sunny weather, but without too much hustle and bustle, and the Spanish region was one of their top 10 choices. “Spain’s ‘Coast of Light’ is still Spain’s best-kept secret in early summer, expect glowing sunsets and empty golden sands, just you and the Atlantic breeze,” they explained. “It’s where Spaniards holiday but way quieter than the tourist-heavy Costa del Sol.”
There’s so much to see and do across Costa de la Luz, so plan ahead depending on the type of holiday you’re after. For those who love city breaks, Cadiz needs to firmly be on your radar. Boasting the likes of 300 days of sunshine and one of the world’s best beaches, it offers an ideal mix of city and beach.
Cadiz is one of Europe’s oldest cities, so intrepid explorers will be treated to plenty of impressive fortresses and beautiful cathedrals, while the Mercado Central is definitely one for the itinerary with its awe-inspiring architecture. The city also offers a brilliant nightlife, and countless restaurants for some classic tapas and wine.
As for that beautiful beach? It’s called Punta Paloma, and it never fails to impress. In fact, visitors on Tripadvisor have described it as a “hidden gem [which] was a total mind-blowing place” with “extremely clean water”, not to mention the beach is surrounded by beautiful sandy dunes and postcard-worthy vistas. Other golden shores where you can escape the crowds also include the likes of Bolonia and Valdevaqueros.
Jerez is another city that you’ll want to check out; the home of sherry and flamenco is an easy train ride away from Seville, but it doesn’t have the same hordes of tourists, meaning you can feel like you’re really enjoying a holiday like a local. (Not to mention the food and drink there is incredible, so leave time one afternoon to just bask in the sunshine while tucking into that mouthwatering Spanish fare).
Meanwhile over in Huelva, in June you can witness the annual festival and pilgrimage of El Rocío which attracts millions of tourists (in 2025 it takes place June 6-9 so avoid these dates if you don’t want to be in the crowds), but if you’re after those empty beaches then the shores of Matalascañas and Mazagón are worth having on your radar.
Oh, and make sure to leave time to go exploring the breathtaking marshes and wetlands in Doñana National Park – and keep an eye out for its famous flamingoes.
The good news is that you don’t need to break the bank if you want to visit. For example, On the Beach offers Costa de la Luz holidays from £372pp, with the cheaper rates falling outside of the peak school holiday dates.