The Hidden Spain Tourists Miss: My 7-Day Escape from the Crowds
Girona · Photo by Hotellook The Hidden Spain Tourists Miss: My 7-Day Escape from the Crowds Two years ago, I got hopelessly lost wandering Girona’s medieval streets during peak season. Tourists choked every alley, and I nearly gave up on Spain. Then I found my secret: the Costa Brava’s untouched coastal villages. Forget Barcelona’s chaos. This is Spain as locals live it—where fishermen’s nets dry in the sun, and a glass of local wine costs less than a coffee in the city. I’ve returned three times, and each time I book the same hidden gems. Here’s where I stay, why it’s magic, and how to avoid tourist traps. The Coastal Villages That Feel Like a Dream Forget the crowded beaches of Costa del Sol. The real magic lies in the Costa Brava’s lesser-known coves —places like Sant Feliu de Guíxols and Lloret de Mar’s hidden backwaters. You’ll find turquoise waters, stone-paved streets, and menus featuring fresh catch of the day , not touristy "Spanish" tapas. My r...