Summer accommodation in Spain has become much pricier in recent years, particularly in the country’s busiest tourist hotspots. For foreigners looking to keep a Spanish break manageable, 20minutos has highlighted three areas where a summer escape can still be less costly than in many better-known coastal and mountain destinations.
Rías Baixas, Galicia
The Rías Baixas in Galicia are a strong choice for a beach break without the high-season feel and pricing often associated with Spain’s larger Mediterranean resorts. The area has sandy beaches, fishing towns and rural villages, with the Atlantic bringing cooler water than many holidaymakers may expect.
Accommodation in this part of Galicia is more affordable than in other parts of the Iberian Peninsula. For people based in Spain, it can work well for a shorter coastal trip, particularly outside the busiest August dates.
Food is another useful part of the equation. The Rías Baixas is an important area for local produce, and towns and villages across Pontevedra province offer access to seafood and Galician cooking without relying entirely on tourist-centre restaurants.
Cheap and free things to do in the Rías Baixas
- Wander Combarro’s old waterfront, where stone hórreos — raised traditional granaries — stand beside the estuary.
- Build a beach day around the Rías Baixas’ Atlantic coves and pack a picnic with local bread, cheese and fruit
- Spend an evening in one of the smaller fishing villages, sampling local produce at a simple bar or restaurant away from the largest resort areas.
La Alpujarra Granadina, Andalusia
La Alpujarra Granadina is a lower-cost summer option for people who would rather swap the beach for mountain scenery. The comarca sits on the southern slopes of Sierra Nevada, south of Granada, and includes villages such as Pampaneira and Trevélez.
Staying in these villages can be very affordable compared with other Spanish mountain areas, including the Pyrenees. It is especially relevant during the height of summer, when higher-altitude settings can offer a different pace from the crowded coast.
The region is also particularly suited to walkers. Its natural landscapes contain hiking routes, making it possible to build a holiday around time outdoors rather than paid attractions.
Cheap and free things to do in La Alpujarra Granadina
- Follow village paths around Pampaneira, with its whitewashed houses, steep lanes and views across the southern slopes of Sierra Nevada.
- Walk one of the local hiking routes in the natural surroundings, avoiding the cost of organised excursions.
- Stop in Trevélez for its mountain setting and village atmosphere, then explore nearby streets and viewpoints on foot.
Peñíscola, Castellón
Peñíscola is the most established summer resort of the three, on the Costa del Azahar in Castellón province. It combines a beach holiday with historic sights, centred on the castle that overlooks the town.
Peñíscola can become crowded during the summer weeks. Even so, it is one of the more affordable choices for a family summer holiday, with reasonably priced accommodation compared with more expensive tourist destinations.
It makes sense for visitors who want the familiar ingredients of a Spanish coastal break: a long sandy beach, sea views and a compact old town, without necessarily heading to the country’s larger and often costlier resort areas.
Cheap and free things to do in Peñíscola
- Walk up through the old town towards Peñíscola Castle, taking in the views over the beach and Costa del Azahar on the way.
- Go to the beach later in the day, when the heat eases, and the promenade becomes a good spot for an evening stroll.
- Take a self-guided walk around the historic centre, combining the castle exterior, narrow streets and sea-facing viewpoints without booking a tour.
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