EU seaside town dubbed 'little Monaco' with posh harbour 3 hours from UK

Trade the tourist-riddled resorts and rowdy Stag Dos for a week of true rest and relaxation at this fancy European seaside town.

A testament to its unwavering popularity, Spain witnessed a record-breaking 96 million international tourists last year - marking a 10 per cent spike compared to 2023. The sheer influx resulted in anti-tourist sentiment spreading like wildfire across the nation, paving the way for a number of protests and brutal clampdowns.

Thousands of fed-up locals stormed the streets, blaming Brits for the country's worsening housing crisis. However, these demonstrations seem to be contained to over-crowded hotspots such as Barcelona and Palma.

Over in the idyllic coastal town of Almerimar - things look a little different. Here, you won't find banner-waving residents demanding tourists 'go home'. Instead, you'll be able to soak up the rays and enjoy a more authentic side of Spain.

"The epicentre of life in Almerimar is its large marina with 1,100 berths, making it one of the largest in Andalucía," hails Sur, a local news site. "It can accommodate boats and yachts of up to 60 metres in length and offers all the services necessary for sailing and recreational boating. Beyond nautical activities, the port also serves as the social and commercial heart of the town."

Of course, even if you're not into sailing, there's something unbeatable about watching the sunset blend amongst the boats' masts while embracing the sea breeze. It's why the town is often referred to as little Monaco' and is great for those wanting a more luxurious holiday.

Almerimar is also home to five stunning beaches, some of which have managed to escape the tourist limelight despite boasting soft golden sand and crystal-clear waters. Head over to Guardias Viejas if you're into windsurfing - or check out Playa de Levante for a more family-friendly atmosphere.

Getting to Almerimar is pretty simple, and extremely affordable - even in the peak summer months. First, you'll have to fly to Almeria Airport - which is directly served by a bunch of major UK airports including Manchester, Bristol, Birmingham, and London Gatwick.

Flights take, on average, two hours and 50 minutes - and if you're flexible with dates, you can grab return fares for as little as £50 in July. After touching down in Spain, you'll need to get a 38-minute taxi ride straight to Almerimar. Alternatively, you can catch a bus over to El Ejido and then another ride over to Almerimar - which altogether takes around two hours.

Staying in the town doesn't have to break the bank either, as Almerimar offers a range of accommodation types at various price points. For example, a week's stay (Friday, July 21-28) at Moon Dreams will set you back just £654. This is based on two adults sharing a two-bedroom apartment, with an entire kitchen and private bathroom.

However, if you're looking for something a little more fancy - check out Hotel AR Golf Almerimar. This luxurious resort boasts its own 27-hole golf course, two outdoor swimming pools and a wellness centre. Staying here on the exact same nights will cost a much pricier £1,254.

*Prices based on Skyscanner and Booking.com listings at the time of writing.

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