Spain holiday spots that locals want to keep a secret…

Spain holiday spots that locals want to keep a secret from Irish tourists

If you were to ask Irish holidaymakers their favourite spots in Spain, the Costa Del Sol and Alicante probably comes to mind, along with the major cities such as Barcelona, Madrid and Malaga.

But local's aren't likely to be holidaying in these spots. So where do the Spanish go for their summer holiday?

Writing for The Times, Monique Rivalland recommends following the example of Spanish domestic tourists and heading off the beaten track this summer. Places like Deià on Majorca or Begur on the Costa Brava might offer you a more authentic experience.

Costa Brava

Large hotels and apartment blocks line the huge sandy beaches of Lloret de Mar or Tossa de Mar, which are popular among Irish and British tourists. Spanish holidaymakers, meanwhile, tend to avoid these crowded locations and instead visit towns like Begur or Palamós instead.

The coastal town of Beguris is noted for the medieval castle that lies at its heart. Cobbled streets and whitewashed houses set the scene for a peaceful break. The nearby cove of Sa Tuna is a must-go if you are in the area.

A short drive southwards will take you to Palamós . It is one of the best-preserved traditional Catalan fishing villages on the Costa Brava. Rivalland says the village is known as a "culinary destination", with top restaurants including La Taverna de L'iberic and Entre Dos Mons.

Majorca

The small coastal village of Deià can be found north of Palma. Hailed as one of Majorca's most picturesque spots, its authentic Spanish charm and stunning views of the Mediterranean have provided inspiration for a number of famous writers and artists over the years, including Robert Graves. It is also home to Ca's Patro March, a rustic restaurant that you might recognise if you have watched The Night Manager.

Rivalland says the beach at Es Trenc is another go-to destination for those in the know. The two-kilometre stretch of bright white sand is located on the south of the island and its blue waters are said to resemble those of the Caribbean.

Puerto Pollensa , also known as Port de Pollensa, is another top spot for Spanish holidaymakers. Over the years it has evolved from a small fishing port into a family-friendly resort. Agatha Christie was inspired by the destination to write her short story, Problems at Pollensa Bay.

Formentera

Ibiza's quieter neighbour, Formentera, could be the ideal place for a peaceful break. Es Calo de Sant Agusti is a particular favourite of those seeking a traditional fishing village. Its wooden boathouses were declared a site of cultural interest in the early 2000s.

Five kilometres of paradisiacal beaches can be found at Migjorn. The south coast stretch includes the popular Ca Marí, Es Arenals and Es Copinar, offering sandy beaches perfect for bathing.

It is worth baring in mind that these lesser-known locations can be remote and therefore public transport may not be as good as the big resorts. You might need to hire a car or stay in a coastal town where you can walk to beaches and restaurants.