For a perfect coastal escape this year, look to one of Spain’s lesser-known coastal gems that’s been ranked the best holiday destination in Europe – with 3,000 hours of annual sunshine and return flights under £100.
In a new study, experts analysed over 90 coastal hotspots to discover Europe’s best and most underrated holiday destinations.
Each destination was scored across five key factors: affordability, beach quality, summer weather reliability, crowd levels, and local population and visitor numbers.
According to the results, Almería, Spain, and Calabria, Italy, are the joint-best destinations, achieving top marks across all categories and the highest score of 24.
Both regions are shown to offer reliable summer sunshine, affordable travel costs and lower crowd levels compared to neighbouring hotspots.
In third place is Dalyan, Turkey, with a score of 23, followed by Ohrid, North Macedonia (23) and Gozo, Malta (23).
Despite Calabria and Almería sharing the top ranking, the study found the Spanish hotspot offers a convenient travel advantage.
Flights from the UK are typically under three hours, and one-way journeys with Ryanair cost as little as £30 in late April, as shown on Skyscanner.
Almería, located in southeastern Spain, has emerged as the best holiday destination in Europe, boasting year-round sunshine, £100 hotel stays and £30 flights from the UK
In a study conducted by Solmar Villas, Almería was found to boast reliable summer sunshine, affordable travel costs and lower crowd levels compared to neighbouring destinations
The region is widely recognised as Europe’s only true desert thanks to its proximity to the Tabernas Desert (pictured)
Tucked away on Spain’s Mediterranean coast, Almería, also known as the ‘Desert Coast,’ basks in year-round, near-summer sunshine, seeing just 26 days of rainfall each year.
The region is recognised as the continent’s only true desert thanks to its proximity to the Tabernas Desert and its geographical placement in the rain shadow of the Sierra Nevada mountain range.
Beyond its balmy weather, the area boasts breathtaking natural landmarks, unique landscapes, and a coastline that is largely free of high-rise hotel blocks.
It is home to an impressive fortress, Alcazaba de Almería, the 16th-century Catedral de la Encarnación, and a multitude of museums and galleries, including the Museum of Almeria and Museo de la Guitarra, home to a range of vintage guitars.
Stroll amid palm trees and pools in the Nicolas Salmeron Park, then along the Paseo de Maritimo to the San Miguel and Zapillo beaches.
For a wilder wander, the volcanic coastline of the protected Cabo de Gata Natural Park is famed for its dramatic cliffs, hidden coves and some of Spain’s most photogenic beaches.
Away from the shore, traveller can head into the desert landscapes of Tabernas, where sweeping vantage points sit a short drive away from the whitewashed hilltop village of Mojácar.
The scenic town has served as a prominent backdrop in major Hollywood productions, including Indiana Jones and Game of Thrones.
Travellers can even step into a Wild West-esque world by visiting a preserved film set at MiniHollywood Oasys, which often puts on shows and attractions.
In the historic centre, a statue of John Lennon marks his stay in 1966, when he filmed satirical comedy How I Won The War.
Pictured: panorama view of Almeria City, Andalusia, at night
Pictured: Alcazaba de Almería, an impressive fortress that first underwent construction in 955 AD
Nicolas Salmeron Park, above, is a great place to head to for a stroll
For patatas bravas (above, stock image) – fried potato in spicy tomato sauce – try Bar Bonillo
Aire Hotel and Ancient Baths has 22 stylish rooms with wooden floors, crisp, white bedding and black and white prints
The food and drink scene in Almería is largely made up of rich, authentic Andalusian cuisine, with fresh seafood at its core, with specialties such as fresh anchovies, almond soup and stuffed mussels (tigres).
However, the area is famed for its tapas culture, most notably for offering generous portions of free tapas with every alcoholic drink.
Among traditional options are patatas bravas (fried potatoes), Boquerones en Vinagre (marinated anchovies), lomo a la orza (pork with garlic and herbs) and bacon, date and cheese pie.
At Jovellanos 16 – a favourite among tourists and locals – a portion of ribs in barbecue sauce or cod in tomato and pepper sauce costs just £3.65 with a glass of white wine.
As for accommodation, there are plenty of chic B&Bs and hotels that can be snapped up for less than £100 per night, including the 19th-century restored Aire Hotel and Ancient Baths, offering £83 rooms, a roof terrace, pool and ancient baths.
Hotel Catedral, which stands next to the historic cathedral, is a boutique hotel in a former gothic mansion that retains some original features and offers 20 spacious rooms from just £84 a night.
Hotel Nuevo Torreluz, located in pretty Plaza Flores, offers great value, with B&B doubles going for as little as £60 a night.
The 98-room hotel has spacious rooms with wooden floors and neutral furnishings, as well as a bar with traditional Spanish tiles.
For an adults-only option, the Murallas de Jayran Boutique Hotel is set in an old townhouse, which has six rooms with king-size beds – each with its own style, from Arabic to industrial.
The accommodation, which boasts a shabby-chic lounge and a rooftop plunge pool, offers double rooms from £67, plus breakfast.
Sharon Bradbury, travel expert at Solmar Villas, which conducted the study, said: ‘It’s no surprise to me that Almería performed so well in this ranking.
‘It’s known for its dramatic desert landscape, and is the only desert in mainland Europe.
‘In the same instance, it’s coastal, has beautiful protected natural parks, and over 300 days of sunshine per year, making it one of the sunniest places in Europe.’
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