8 sunny Spanish escapes to visit this summer
The news we've all been waiting for is here: On Saturday, the Spanish embassy in the U.S. confirmed via Twitter that “entry is authorized” for people traveling from the U.S. to Spain who are fully vaccinated with a vaccine approved by the EU Medicines Agency or the World Health Organization.
There are so many beautiful beach destinations in Spain to visit, including those with striking architecture, history and culture in addition to gorgeous coastline.
So, if you've done Madrid or Barcelona, why not try something a bit different this summer? Some of these destinations you may recognize, while others are more off-the-beaten-path, but here are eight alternatives for a sunny Spanish vacation this summer.
1. Cádiz
Thought to be one of the oldest cities in Europe, Cádiz has a clutch of impressive historical sites such as the cathedral and the Torre Tavira. It's not all history though -- not with the miles of sandy shoreline along the Costa de Luz. Once a port used to connect Spain with the Americas, today, Cadiz is all about hearty Andalusian cuisine and relaxing at the beach. Playa de la Barrosa is one of the best in Europe thanks to its wild dunes, and Bolonia is a windswept, sandy paradise. Stay at the distinctly baroque and neoclassical Hotel La Catedral, which boasts a rooftop pool when you need a beach break.
Getting There: The southern Spanish town is just a 30-minute drive from Jerez de la Frontera, where you can fly into Jerezy Airport (XRY).
2. Murcia
Those looking to avoid other tourists for a full immersion into Spanish culture should head to the beaches of Murcia. Las Mulas is ideal for divers or snorkelers, and Playa Calblanque is backed by towering mountains. Inland, you'll find wine tasting in the Bullas area, while theologians can make a pilgrimage to one of Spain's holiest cities, Caravaca de la Cruz. It's not as well known as Santiago de Compostela in the north, but the famous Chapel of La Vera Cruz is known for its impressive facade. You can use Marriott Bonvoy points to stay at a variety of AC hotels along the many beaches in the region, and Hotel Cetina, located in Murcia's city center, offers amenities from brands like Tous and L'Occitane.
Getting There: Since the closure of Murcia's San Javier airport in early 2019, flights have now been leaving and departing from the Corvera Airport (RMU).
3. Menorca
The perfect alternative island to busier islands like neighboring Mallorca, Menorca is a great option for travelers seeking a serene escape. Tranquil coves like Turqueta have that picture-perfect white sand and sparkling azure waters, whereas Cala de Pilar's reddish hills and pinkish-gold sand is more typical of beaches in the north of the island. The place to be for foodies and design lovers, Mahón is bubbling over with chic new restaurants and boutique hotels. Book a room at either the minimalist Casa Alberti or the boho Casa Telmo, both of which are perfect for a traveler in need of a relaxing stay.
Getting There: While you can often score cheap fares flying from London (LGW), you can also use your Avios to fly nonstop on British Airways for 6,500 (off-peak) or 7,500 (peak) in Euro Traveller or 12,750 (off-peak) or 15,000 (peak) in Club Europe to Menorca (MAH).
4. Asturias
Although the region's larger cities such as Oviedo and Gijon are lively and authentic, consider the quieter villages in Asturias instead. Rent a car and drive to small towns like Llanes and Cudillero for a serious dose of Spanish beauty. Don't be fooled by the name of one of the area's best beaches, Playa del Poo, which is a short ride away from Llanes. It's stunning, as is the Playa del Silencio, flanked by cliffs and woods. Nature enthusiasts should visit the two lakes located in the Picos de Europa mountain range, Enol and Ercina. For luxury lodgings, rest your head at the Relais & Châteaux property Palacio de Luces, located in a 16th-century palace.
5. Tarragona
Tarragona is famous for its second-century Roman ruins, including a crumbling amphitheater overlooking the Mediterranean. The city also features a stunning cathedral as well as a Roman circus and other ruins. But it certainly doesn't lack in the beach department, either. Besides a bustling Miracle city beach conveniently located just below the amphitheater, the nearby sandy strips of Arrabassada and Savinosa are just a short drive away. Although it's not on the beach, hotel La Boella is the perfect fit for travelers looking to taste regional wines or olive oils -- the property is located on a 110-acre estate with flowering gardens, vineyards and olive trees. And while nearby resort town Sitges is for everyone, LGBTQ travelers may feel especially comfortable visiting the area, which is just a 45-minute drive from Tarragona.
Getting There: Options for flying to Barcelona are ample, and Tarragona is just over an hour from Barcelona by train or car.
6. Galicia
For travelers searching for beachy fun without the soaring temperatures, scorching sun and massive summer crowds of the Mediterranean, Galicia's northwestern Atlantic beaches boast a far cooler vibe. Breezy and expansive, Carnota beach stretches on for miles, so it's easy to find a little spot tucked away from the masses. The As Catedrais beach is simply spectacular, earning its name due to the large, rocky formations that resemble stone cathedrals. Isla de Cies has some of the most pristine beaches in the entire country and is accessible by boat from Vigo. The Hotel Mar de Plata is a stylish boutique property a stone's throw away from the Praia de Riazor, the city's largest beach.
7. Nerja
While Malaga and Marbella seem to get all the fame, Nerja is the perfect alternative. It's definitely not a secret -- perhaps you heard of its sandy coves and rocky cliffs. Nature buffs will find a lot to do in the region, too. It's possible to tour the Nerja caves, as well as bike, hike and dip into the river at the Sierras de Tejeda, Almijara and Alhama Natural Park. For incredible sea views, visit the nearby Cliffs of Maro-Cerro Gordo. The Parador de Nerja is a peaceful hotel overlooking the ocean with a serene pool, just a short walk to the beach.
Getting There: The airport is about an hour's drive from Nerja.
8. San Sebastián
Foodies will feel right at home in San Sebastián, a city with the most Michelin stars per capita in the world (16, to be exact). If you aren't in the market for high-brow dining, there are plenty of pintxos (that's what tapas are called up north) to choose from. The city beach is one of the most famous in Europe -- Playa de la Concha, named for its shell-like shape. (And it scored the No. 1 spot on the TPG Best Beaches in Europe 2018 list.) The Basque city looks fantastic from up above, too, so hike up to the overlook on Urgull hill for sweeping views of the bay. Use your Marriott Bonvoy points (60,000 per night) at the fancy Hotel Maria Cristina, a Luxury Collection Hotel that dates back to 1912.
Featured photo of Tarragona by LARISA SHPINEVA / Getty Images.
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| 4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year. |
| 4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year. |
| 3X | Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com. |
| 2X | Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com. |
| 1X | Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases. |
Intro offer
Annual Fee
Recommended Credit
Why We Chose It
There’s a lot to love about the Amex Gold. It’s a fan favorite thanks to its fantastic bonus-earning rates at restaurants worldwide and at U.S. supermarkets. If you’re hitting the skies soon, you’ll also earn bonus Membership Rewards points on travel. Paired with up to $120 in Uber Cash annually (for U.S. Uber rides or Uber Eats orders, card must be added to Uber app and you can redeem with any Amex card), up to $120 in annual dining statement credits to be used with eligible partners, an up to $84 Dunkin’ credit each year at U.S. Dunkin Donuts and an up to $100 Resy credit annually, there’s no reason that foodies shouldn’t add the Amex Gold to their wallet. These benefits alone are worth more than $400, which offsets the $325 annual fee on the Amex Gold card. Enrollment is required for select benefits. (Partner offer)Pros
- 4 points per dollar spent on dining at restaurants worldwide and U.S. supermarkets (on the first $50,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter and $25,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter, respectively)
- 3 points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with the airline or with amextravel.com
- Packed with credits foodies will enjoy
- Solid welcome bonus
Cons
- Not as useful for those living outside the U.S.
- Some may have trouble using Uber and other dining credits
- You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you spend $6,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer. Apply to know if you’re approved and find out your exact welcome offer amount – all with no credit score impact. If you’re approved and choose to accept the Card, your score may be impacted.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases.
- $120 Uber Cash on Gold: Add your Gold Card to your Uber account and get $10 in Uber Cash each month to use on orders and rides in the U.S. when you select an American Express Card for your transaction. That’s up to $120 Uber Cash annually. Plus, after using your Uber Cash, use your Card to earn 4X Membership Rewards® points for Uber Eats purchases made with restaurants or U.S. supermarkets. Point caps and terms apply.
- $84 Dunkin' Credit: With the $84 Dunkin' Credit, you can earn up to $7 in monthly statement credits after you enroll and pay with the American Express® Gold Card at U.S. Dunkin' locations. Enrollment is required to receive this benefit.
- $100 Resy Credit: Get up to $100 in statement credits each calendar year after you pay with the American Express® Gold Card to dine at U.S. Resy restaurants or make other eligible Resy purchases. That's up to $50 in statement credits semi-annually. Enrollment required.
- $120 Dining Credit: Satisfy your cravings, sweet or savory, with the $120 Dining Credit. Earn up to $10 in statement credits monthly when you pay with the American Express® Gold Card at Grubhub, The Cheesecake Factory, Goldbelly, Wine.com, and Five Guys. Enrollment required.
- Explore over 1,000 upscale hotels worldwide with The Hotel Collection and receive a $100 credit towards eligible charges* with every booking of two nights or more through AmexTravel.com. *Eligible charges vary by property.
- No Foreign Transaction Fees.
- Annual Fee is $325.
- Terms Apply.
Rewards Rate
| 4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year. |
| 4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year. |
| 3X | Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com. |
| 2X | Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com. |
| 1X | Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases. |
Intro Offer
You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after spending $6,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer.As High As 100,000 points. Find Out Your Offer.Annual Fee
$325Recommended Credit
Credit ranges are a variation of FICO® Score 8, one of many types of credit scores lenders may use when considering your credit card application.Excellent to Good
Why We Chose It
There’s a lot to love about the Amex Gold. It’s a fan favorite thanks to its fantastic bonus-earning rates at restaurants worldwide and at U.S. supermarkets. If you’re hitting the skies soon, you’ll also earn bonus Membership Rewards points on travel. Paired with up to $120 in Uber Cash annually (for U.S. Uber rides or Uber Eats orders, card must be added to Uber app and you can redeem with any Amex card), up to $120 in annual dining statement credits to be used with eligible partners, an up to $84 Dunkin’ credit each year at U.S. Dunkin Donuts and an up to $100 Resy credit annually, there’s no reason that foodies shouldn’t add the Amex Gold to their wallet. These benefits alone are worth more than $400, which offsets the $325 annual fee on the Amex Gold card. Enrollment is required for select benefits. (Partner offer)Pros
- 4 points per dollar spent on dining at restaurants worldwide and U.S. supermarkets (on the first $50,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter and $25,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter, respectively)
- 3 points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with the airline or with amextravel.com
- Packed with credits foodies will enjoy
- Solid welcome bonus
Cons
- Not as useful for those living outside the U.S.
- Some may have trouble using Uber and other dining credits
- You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you spend $6,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer. Apply to know if you’re approved and find out your exact welcome offer amount – all with no credit score impact. If you’re approved and choose to accept the Card, your score may be impacted.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases.
- $120 Uber Cash on Gold: Add your Gold Card to your Uber account and get $10 in Uber Cash each month to use on orders and rides in the U.S. when you select an American Express Card for your transaction. That’s up to $120 Uber Cash annually. Plus, after using your Uber Cash, use your Card to earn 4X Membership Rewards® points for Uber Eats purchases made with restaurants or U.S. supermarkets. Point caps and terms apply.
- $84 Dunkin' Credit: With the $84 Dunkin' Credit, you can earn up to $7 in monthly statement credits after you enroll and pay with the American Express® Gold Card at U.S. Dunkin' locations. Enrollment is required to receive this benefit.
- $100 Resy Credit: Get up to $100 in statement credits each calendar year after you pay with the American Express® Gold Card to dine at U.S. Resy restaurants or make other eligible Resy purchases. That's up to $50 in statement credits semi-annually. Enrollment required.
- $120 Dining Credit: Satisfy your cravings, sweet or savory, with the $120 Dining Credit. Earn up to $10 in statement credits monthly when you pay with the American Express® Gold Card at Grubhub, The Cheesecake Factory, Goldbelly, Wine.com, and Five Guys. Enrollment required.
- Explore over 1,000 upscale hotels worldwide with The Hotel Collection and receive a $100 credit towards eligible charges* with every booking of two nights or more through AmexTravel.com. *Eligible charges vary by property.
- No Foreign Transaction Fees.
- Annual Fee is $325.
- Terms Apply.