Spain is the most popular destination among British holidaymakers and it’s easy to see why.
Solos, couples and families flock to the beautiful European country year after year for sun, sea and sand. It’s not too far away and a holiday in Spain can also be done on a budget.
But while Spain is exceptionally popular, there are so many parts of it that remain undiscovered by Britons abroad. Barcelona, Madrid, Majorca, Seville, Benidorm and Gran Canaria are some of the go-to spots, but what about other destinations off the beaten track?
Alastair Johnson, an expat in Spain, previously spoke about his decision to relocate to the European hotspot with his wife and son. He admitted that the relaxed attitude to the time “bugged him” at first, but now he knows the Spanish have “really got it right”.
Barcelona is a beautiful holiday destination
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The expat has been speaking to GB News about his favourite destinations in Spain for those who are willing to venture to less well-known areas.
He recently named the “picturesque town with delightful locals”. He also shared the “stunning” must-visit destination that promises “adventure”.
However, there’s also nothing wrong with visiting a tried and tested holiday destination. Barcelona is home to wonderful attractions including La Sagrada Familia, Las Ramblas, Park Güell and Casa Batlló, all of which boast extraordinary beauty.
These are must-sees if you’re in Barcelona, but what else does Spain’s second city have to offer? Alastair told GB News how to enjoy its less well-known side.
Barcelona
Alastair said: “One of the good tricks is to find out what the locals do in Barcelona.”
Of course, holidaymakers should do the “big-ticket” attractions such as La Sagrada Familia and the Gothic Quarter (Barri Gòtic).
But there’s also a lot to be said for having a snoop and seeing what residents get up to in the buzzing, bustling city.
Alastair continued: “If you’re there on a Sunday, the locals will all go to Barceloneta Beach after church. Now, fewer people go to church, but they still do this on a Sunday.”
There’s also a great emphasis on getting together to eat and drink outside in communities.
“Everybody will meet in one of the squares and have vermouth and some olives in the morning or mid-morning before a big family lunch,” the expat shared.
Another way to enjoy Barcelona – and perhaps a niche aspect of it – is by joining a tour.
Alastair, for example, booked himself on to a vermouth tour for “something a little different”. Vermouth is considered one of Barcelona’s favourite drinks.
He said: “We went to traditional vermouth bars that make their own, and it really gave us a chance to chat with people, get some insights and find out what they’re doing.”
Essentially, to enjoy Barcelona – or any foreign city – you’ve got to get out into it and delve a little deeper than visiting the major tick-box attractions.
He advised: “Stay out of the car, walk around the city, hire bikes, really try and get that feel of it.”
Alastair asked holidaymakers to ask themselves, “how do the locals live?”.
“And I think that that’s always how I enjoy a city,” he said. “Walk around it, get a feel for it, stop in a café, that’s the real Spanish lifestyle. Stop, have a coffee, have a chat, hang out, enjoy the squares, enjoy the cities they built to be really lived in and walked around in.”
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According to Alastair, the best way to explore a city is to ‘stay out of the car’
Alastair Johnson
What to do in Barcelona
- Visit the major attractions, of course. La Sagrada Familia, Park Güell, Santa Maria del Mar, Camp Nou Stadium of FC Barcelona and Casa Batlló are all must-visits
- Take a seat in a Barcelona bar and sip on some tasty vermouth – Morro Fi, Senyor Vermut, Bar Electricitat and Quimet & Quimetare some stand-out venues but there will be excellent choices all over the city
- Receive an education at a number of museums exceptional, including Museu Nacional d’Art de Catalunya, Museu Picasso and MACBA Museu d’Art Contemporani
- Book yourself on a guided tour to learn about something specific that fascinates you
- Get out of your car and explore the city on foot or by bike
- Stop in a café and have a chat with the locals
- Check out La Boqueria, Barcelona’s oldest market
Alastair and his wife Alison set up Moving to Spain to help people looking to relocate. It offers expert advice, resources, insider knowledge and a handpicked network of service providers.
