While Majorca, Spain is an incredibly popular holiday destination for Britons looking for a sunny European break, anti-tourist protests have recently deterred some holidaymakers.
Indeed, some Britons fume as Spain ramps up anti-tourism protests, threatening to “go elsewhere”.
According to travel experts, six “must-visit Majorca ‘destination dupes’ to avoid the crowds this summer are Mdina (Malta), La Gomera (Spain), Llafranc (Spain), Carvoerio (Portugal), Lassithi, Crete and Salina (Sicily) are all recommended options.
Disgruntled locals in Palma de Majorca recently gathered in the streets, with 20,000 people taking part in a protest against over-tourism.
Consequently, the travel experts at eurochange have compiled a list of alternative destinations for Britons who want to “avoid the disruption” and combat “the over-tourism crisis”.
Carvoerio is located in the sunny Algarve
GETTY IMAGES
One of the best Majorca alternatives for summer 2024 may be Carvoerio in the Algarve, Portugal. Fly direct to Faro from several UK airports, then snap up a beer for roughly €2.00 (£1.69).
According to the experts, the average meal will set holidaymakers back €12.00 (£10.12). As for accommodation, Airbnb’s are available from £39 per night.
The experts said: “A lesser known spot in Portugal’s popular Algarve region, Carvoerio is another stunning, relaxed coastal town, suitable for families, couples or solo travellers.
“If you’re up for a little exploring when you’re there, it’s definitely worth visiting the Algar Seco, a unique rock formation in the sea which you can swim up to, or you can even take a kayak or boat trip at dawn or sunset for some truly incredible views.”
One visitor to the Algar Seco said on Tripadvisor: “Do not miss this special place! For those visiting the Algarve, this is a must-see! This is a beautiful walk with much of the path on a boardwalk. However, venture off the boardwalk to explore the caves and cliffs for a truly amazing adventure.”
Six must-visit Majorca ‘destination dupes’ to avoid the crowds this summer
- Mdina (Malta)
- La Gomera (Spain)
- Llafranc (Spain)
- Carvoerio (Portugal)
- Lassithi, Crete
- Salina (Sicily)
Another “couldn’t imagine more beautiful scenery”. A third “went three times to experience this marvellous coastline”.
Visitors to Carvoeiro can also spend a day on Carvalho Beach, which one holidaymaker described as a “secret haven”. They said: “Had to walk through a small tunnel in the cliff to get there but what a beautiful paradise once you do! High yellow cliffs with the deep blue sky and being on a relatively empty beach felt like a tropical oasis.”
LATEST DEVELOPMENTS
The Algarve is a popular holiday hotspot among Britons
GETTY IMAGES
Two Spain destinations also made the “Majorca dupe” list. For a less crowded Spain holiday, the experts recommended heading to La Gomera or Llafranc.
A visitor to La Gomera’s Playa de Santiago said it allowed for “perfect relaxation”. A visitor to Far de Sant Sebastià, a lighthouse in Llafranc said it provided “the most beautiful view”.
Thinking of venturing out of Spain? Mdina in Malta, Lassithi in Crete, Greece, and Salina, Sicily, a region of Italy, are all excellent options.
Head of digital and engagement at eurochange Laura Evans-Fisk said: “Majorca is understandably one of the most popular tourist destinations in Europe. However, it may not be the safest time to visit this summer, so, to avoid fuelling the over-tourism problem over there, we wanted to share some similar holiday spots that are equally as beautiful and offer just as much historic charm.
“Destinations like Lafranc, on the Costa Brava and La Gomera, the second smallest of Spain’s Canary Islands, have very similar climates and offer the perfect balance of relaxed beaches and incredible mountain ranges, just like Majorca, but without the crowds.”
