Spain’s Balearics and the Canaries remain some of the most popular holiday destinations for Brits. But holidaymakers have been warned to avoid the islands and instead visit a ‘quieter’ spot
UK holidaymakers in the Balearic Islands and Canaries have been encouraged to swap their usual tourist traps for a lesser-known Spanish town.
As Spain grapples with local protests and discontent over overtourism, popular destinations like Tenerife, Lanzarote, Menorca and Majorca are becoming increasingly fraught. However, there’s good news for Brits sticking within the European Union, as reports from the continent suggest a Spanish town is “quietly attracting expats” with its nine months of “pure sunshine per year” and “high quality of life”.
Estepona, an Andalusian gem, has been praised for its fantastic food scene and top-notch healthcare. According to seasoned travellers Dianne and Guillermo, the coastal town of Estepona is slowly but surely becoming a hotspot for expatriates. Foreigners now makeup 25% of the town’s population.
“Estepona has a micro-climate, with 325 days of sunshine per year,” revealed Dianne. “That’s nearly nine months of pure sunshine.” Estepona boasts numerous monuments and museums that allow visitors to delve into the town’s history in just a few hours, reports Birmingham Live.
Key attractions include the 18th-century church of the Virgen de los Remedios, which was part of a convent until 1835; the perfectly preserved 15th-century Clock Tower; and the remains of the Castle of San Luis, built in the 16th century by order of the Catholic Monarchs.
“The old town, with its flower-filled streets and charming plaza is perfect for relaxing stroll,” Guillermo shared. “Estepona stands out for its affordability compared to its glitzier neighbour Marbella. You get to enjoy a high quality of life without spending a fortune,” Dianne said.
Guillermo added: “There is a strong sense of local pride in Estepona, and the expats we heard from talked about how welcome they felt. It’s not just a tourist town, it’s a place where people put down roots. It quietly has been attracting expats for a while. It has a thriving international community that makes settling in a breeze.”
