Where can I get away from all the tourists this summer?

[Jane C]

Last year I went to Granada in July and totally loved it except for all the tourists...

What I want to know is where the best place in Andalusia to get away from all the tourists if I end up going again this summer? I tried to listen to your last notes in spanish podcast about this but my Spanish isn't quite there yet!

[Marina]

In case you want to go to the coast I would avoid the Mediterranean sea and head straight to the Atlantic part of Costa de la Luz and Huelva. The best bits are the towns between Tarifa and Cadiz, like Caños de Meca or Bolonia. Inland you can try Carmona in Sevilla, Jaen province which is full of olive trees fields and has nice little towns, and Sierra de Aracena in Huelva.

Take into account that the coast gets very crowded from between 15th July till the 31st of August, if possible avoid that period.

[Jane C]

Thanks Marina, that was quick! Do you know any towns or resorts in particular in Huelva?

[Marina]

Inland I know "Almonaster la Real" its a tiny lovely village with a nice simple hostel. This area would be ideal if you want to do some walking, the nature surronding it is incredible.

In the coast I've heard of "Punta Umbria", "Isla Cristina" and "Matalascañas" but I've never been there, so I can not really say what are they like. I was once briefly in "Mazagón", but it was winter and I didn't have the chance to enjoy the beach, but instead I ate the most delicious fish and seafood ever. Praws from Huelva are famous all around Spain and in Huelva they also serve varieties of fish, like Urta and other names that I can't remember, that are available only in this area of Spain, its general name is Pescado de Rocalla and its color is similar to the one of the rocks, I love it!!!

[antonluque]

If you're interested in going to Huelva I'd tell you not to go to "Matalascañas", it's always crowded, I'd rather go to "Punta Umbria" and "Isla Cristina" as Marina said, and I'd also suggest going to "Isla Antilla".

In Cadiz I'd recommend going to "Caños de Meca" and "Conil", and if you want to go back to the Mediterranean Coast, you could also go to Almería, to places like "Cabo de Gata" and "Mojacar".

[Richardw]

We visited the Costa de la Luz at the end of September last year and stayed in ElColrado just north of Conil.

The whole coastline there seems to have few overseas tourists at that time of the year and everywher we went we had to get by in Spanish, which was great.

The beaches are fantastic and only a shortish walk would take you to secluded beaches. I had just broken my ankle the day before leaving the UK, but still enjoyed the beaches.

Richard