Three ways to escape the crowds in Spain this summer

Make Spain your personal, peaceful playground this summer.

Spain is no longer gearing up for busy summer – it is now in the midst of a busy summer, and as the mercury rises even higher, so do the crowds.

But even though millions more holidaymakers are expected to descend on Spain this year – with many scared away from the beaches of Turkey, Egypt and Tunisia in the face of very real terrorist threats – smart sun-worshippers can still find a few quiet spots for themselves… provided they know where to look…

1. Head south… and keep going

The Costa del Sol is home to a brilliant selection of beaches. Whether it’s the curved shores that edge Puerto Banús, the thin stretch that runs along the Golden Mile, or the wider slice of sand that rims the front of Torremolinos, there are ample opportunities to plonk down a towel and spend the day shuffling in and out of the sea.

The beaches on the edge of Puerto Banús can get busy as summer arrives.

But at the very height of summer, those aforementioned beaches get very busy. Sure, you will always be able to find a free patch of sand at any time of the day, but if your idea of a day at the beach is one of peace, relaxation and near-solitude, then you have to head further south. Past Estepona, past Manilva… keep going. Past, even, Tarifa – which has some of Europe’s finest beaches – and on to Zahara de los Atunes. This is where you can find true solitude, crisp white sand, stunning views and crystal clear seas.

Sure, it’s a bit of a drive, but if you head out early enough then you will not regret it…

2. Head for the hills

The roads that head inland from most of the resorts along the coast each wind their way through rising mountains and dense scrubland, eventually coming upon various little towns and pueblos. Some, such as the road that leads to Ronda, take you through tourist hotspots that are likely to be just as busy as the beaches you have just left.

It’s not the Costa del Sol, but it’s certainly spectacular.

But others promise – and deliver – a hidden world of traditional Spain; of tumble-down, whitewashed pueblos clinging to the side of hills, nestled in deep valleys and ringed by olive and citrus groves. The crowds and the noise melts away, and what’s left is an intoxicating taste of true Spain – cheaper, friendly, stunning, and existing at a pace of life that you may have thought impossible.

Three villages to definitely check out this summer Yunquera, Alozaina and Casarabonela. Located close to one another and just a short drive from the fancy restaurants of Marbella, these pueblos really do feel a world away from the hustle of the Costa del Sol.

3. Head out early

This is more common sense than any sort of insider tip. But think about it. The Costa del Sol is dotted with party towns. The bulk of those with whom you would normally be fighting for space won’t rise from their drink-induced slumber until at least 11am. So if you can get up and out at, say, 8am, then the beaches, the roads, the cafés, the parks, the pools… they’re all yours.

Want Marbella all to yourself? Rise early!

And the glorious thing about summer in the Costa del Sol is that, as soon as the sun rises, the warmth begins. You can swim in the sea at dawn, dry off under a 9am sun, and stroll about in shorts without sweating. Mornings in summer are absolutely spectacular, meaning you can explore, expend your energy and enjoy the landscape before the majority rises.

And when they do, that’s your cue to take a well-earned siesta during the hottest hours of the day.