A Seaside Town In Spain With Secret Coves And Affordable Beachfront Dining

Spain is hotter than ever, and we're not just talking about the summer weather. In 2024, the country welcomed a record-breaking number of visitors and was ranked among the world's most popular holiday destinations. And why not? Spain has everything: a wonderful climate, a perfect blend of beaches, history, and culture, outstanding cuisine, and vibrant nightlife. The only snag is that it can get a bit intense at the most popular resorts, especially when the 'sunbed wars' break out each year. Thankfully, there are still plenty of wonderful seaside towns that are more low-key and feel authentically Spanish, like Almuñécar with its secret coves and bargain dining.

Almuñécar is situated on the coast of Andalusia around a three-hour drive from the region's capital, the affordable winter destination of Seville. It is also easy to reach for flyers with two international airports less than 50 miles away in Malaga and Granada. Everyone, from the Roman Empire to Moorish occupiers, has left their mark here since the city was founded over 3,000 years ago by the Phoenicians. These influences can be felt as you wander around the historic Old Town. Nowadays, this small city has a relaxed vibe, offering visitors interesting sights, good shopping, and wallet-friendly gastronomy. Accommodation is affordable with a hotel room costing on average $75 a night, and you can eat and drink well on a modest budget. A three-course meal will set you about $33 for two people, while local beer costs as little as $2.

Almuñécar is dotted with fascinating landmarks that serve as reminders of its long history. Take a trip all the way back to the town's Phoenician roots by visiting the fish salting factory in El Majuelo Botanical Park. With accounts of the factory reaching as far back as the fourth century B.C., the site was used to prepare an old local delicacy called garum, a paste made from fish fermented in seawater. Nearby is Castillo de San Miguel, a fine 13th-century fortress that commands terrific views over the town and coastline. Elsewhere in Almuñécar, the Roman Aqueduct is a wonderful feat of engineering dating back more than 2,000 years.

Once you've checked off some sightseeing, experience Almuñécar's Old Town charms with its steep narrow streets, lovely white houses, and quaint shops. You can take time out from exploring to find a table at one of the many cute cafés that line the district's beautiful piazzas. For a spot of sunbathing or swimming, head to Playa San Cristobal, the town's main beach. It is rather pebbly, but the good news is that it isn't anywhere near as crowded as more popular sandy beaches at some Spanish resorts. You can find sand nearby at Calabajio and Playa de Cabria, both a short ride from the town center. If you want to explore further along the coast by sea and maybe spot a few dolphins, Sailnplay offers chartered trips starting at around $83 per person.

The relative lack of foreign holidaymakers in Almuñécar means that it is easier to immerse yourself in Spanish culture and traditional Andalusian cuisine — think delectable tapas, high-quality local produce, and plenty of fresh seafood. Book in advance to secure a table at Los Geraneos, a popular Old Town spot serving terrific Spanish dishes either in a cozy indoor space or al fresco on the square outside. For great seafood, check out Restaurante Tito Yayo, serving delights such as fish, shrimp, and octopus grilled over charcoal, plus paella, shellfish, and a range of turf options. For a bit more of a splurge and a change of cuisines, El Chaleco is a stylish modern French restaurant that has received the Michelin Guide's Bib Gourmand award for great food at a reasonable price. Indeed, roughly $50 for a five-course tasting menu is certainly a price point worth considering for a memorable evening.

Nightlife in Almuñécar is lively but far more laid-back than the madness that unfolds after dark in Ibiza, one of the world's best cities to visit for a party. The promenade is one of the town's main focal points, a great place for strolling, people-watching, and warming up for the evening with a few beers or cocktails. The atmosphere gets more vibrant as midnight approaches, and there are plenty of bars and clubs that will keep you dancing until the small hours.