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Daily Mirror
2 days ago
- Daily Mirror
Underrated Spanish island where British tourists never go with pristine beaches
As the insatiably popular Canary Islands continues to grapple with over-tourism and insufferable crowding, but one tiny hidden gem remains completely unspoilt A tiny Canary Island surrounded by crystal-clear water and sugar-like beaches is bizarrely missing just one thing: tourists. Covering just 5.4 square kilometres, and located just two kilometres from the overcrowded hotspot of Fuerteventura, lies the often over-looked Los Lobobs (Islote de Lobos). The picture postcard island boasts long stretches of almost-deserted sands, unique flora, rich marine life - and a whopping 3,000 hours of sunshine every year. In many ways, Los Lobobs is a reminder of what the Canary Islands once were - before the likes of Tenerife and Gran Canaria became infiltrated by sun-worshipping tourists. Here, you'll not find soaring skyscraper hotels, greasy cafes serving up English breakfasts, or banner-waving locals demanding tourists 'go home' as the entire island is uninhabited. "The result of a volcanic eruption, like the rest of the Canaries, Lobos takes its name from the fact that it used to be home to sea lions, known in Spanish as 'lobos marinos'," explains Spain's official tourist board. "Although they no longer inhabit the island, it remains a natural haven for anyone who wishes to enjoy an almost-untouched paradise, with 3,000 hours of sunshine each year." The island has become popular with surfers and divers alike, but at night Los Lobos returns to complete tranquillity. While you cannot stay on the island overnight, there are multiple ferry crossings from Fuerteventura that take tourists over to the hidden gem. This 15-minute journey costs around £30.86 for a return ticket. "To top off your Canary Island visit, why not visit the island's only restaurant: El Farero in Chiringuito de Antoñito," Visit Spain added. "Situated in El Puertito, close to the wharf, you can sample its fried fish and rice dishes. What a way to round off such a unique experience in one of Spain's most enchanting islands." You can fly directly to Fuerteventura from a slew of UK airports, including Bristol, Manchester, Newcastle, Leeds, Gatwick, and London Stansted. If you're flexible with dates, you can grab return fares for as little as £67 in July. Accommodation in Fuerteventura is equally affordable, with a range of hostels and no-thrills apartments perfect for those on a budget. For example, a week's stay (Monday, July 7-14) at Casa Natura Ainhoa will only set you back £223. This is based on two adults sharing a double room with a terrace. However, if you're after something a little more luxurious - you have to check out the Royal Palm Resort & Spa. This adults-only hotel boasts two outdoor swimming pools, a buffet breakfast, sauna, and stunning sea views. A double or twin room will set you back £813 on the exact same dates. *Prices based on Skyscanner and listings at the time of writing.
Daily Mirror
23-04-2025
- Daily Mirror
Underrated European town filled with white-washed buildings and staggering history
Cast into the shadow thanks to a nearby party-mad hotspot, this beautiful EU town with golden beaches, crystal-clear waters and a 6,000-year history has managed to avoid the tourist spotlight This Mediterranean 'jewel' perched atop a cliff is the perfect blend of golden sand and rich history - and yet you've probably never heard of it. Last year, a record-breaking 94 million international visitors flocked to Spain - lured by the country's balmy temperatures, pristine beaches, and cheap pints. But hotspots like the Brit-favourite Malaga have started to turn their back on holidaymakers. It follows a string of anti-tourist protests that erupted across the nation in 2024, with banner-carrying locals taking to the streets to demand holidaymakers 'go home'. Fed-up residents argue the unsustainable influx of holidaymakers and consequential spike in short-term holiday lets have priced them out of the property market, amid Spain's escalating housing crisis. The furore has already resulted in a huge tourist clampdown, with fresh rules brutally dictating locals wanting to turn their home into an Airbnb. However, just 50 miles (a one-hour drive) from the overcrowded region of Malaga, lies a beautiful whitewashed town named Salobreña. Built on the summit of a rocky crag, and offering stellar views of the Mediterranean Sea, this idyllic destination has managed to escape the tourist spotlight. It boasts a slew of soft-sand beaches, has a renowned seafood scene, and is just a stone's throw away from the peaks of the Sierra Nevada and its stunning National Park. However, it's the town's 6,000-year history that really sets it apart from the rest. "Salobreña traces its origins back to Phoenician times," explains the country's official tourist board, Visit Spain. "Founded as a trading colony, it was also populated by Romans and Arabs until it was reconquered by the Catholic Monarchs. "Pirate attacks forced the city to wall itself, and its inhabitants chose safer locations in the mountains. Today, its excellent tropical climate, with temperatures between 15 and 32 degrees, attracts visitors year-round." The upper part of the town centre is dominated by a Roman-built castle, which looks down on quaint cobbled streets lined with white cottages. "Another interesting structure is the parish church of Nuestra Señora del Rosario, built on the site of an old mosque in the 16th century," Visit Spain added. Want the latest travel news and cheapest holiday deal sent straight to your inbox? Sign up to our Travel Newsletter The nearest airport to Salobreña is Granada-Jaén, but there are no direct flights to the hub from the UK. However, Brits can catch a quick flight over to Malaga, which takes just under three hours. You can fly directly to the hotspot from a slew of major UK airports, including Birmingham, Nottingham, Newcastle, Bristol, and London Gatwick. If you're flexible with dates, you can grab return fares for as little as £28 in June and July. You'll then need to take a one-hour and 10-minute taxi drive over to Salobreña. There is a range of accommodation types in the town, meaning you'll find the perfect pad no matter what your budget. For example, a week's stay (Monday, June 2-9) in a three-bed duplex just 50 yards from the beach will set you back £684, based on two adults sharing. However, a smaller one-bedroom apartment with a terrace costs just £54 3 for the exact same dates.
