Holiday destination options for British tourists seem to be dwindling this summer with protests against overtourism rife across Europe. From the overcrowded streets in Venice to the soaring house prices in Lisbon, the negative consequences of high visitor numbers on various sun-soaked cities have become apparent.
Spain is arguably the locale most affected by the uproar with regular protests in Barcelona. Things reached a crescendo last July with a number of public demonstrations, the appearance of ‘go home’ graffiti, and locals spraying tourists with water guns. As a result, some Spanish regions – including Alicante, Madrid and yes, Barcelona – have announced bans on short-term lets in the hope to alleviate pressure on the country’s strained housing market. A new rule introduced is the nationwide registration for tourists when checking into accomodation, while some areas have also raised tourist taxes.
Catalonia, for example, has doubled its tourist taxes with visitors having to pay up to €7 on top of the regional capital’s surcharge of €4 per night.
So anyone hoping to visit Barcelona should perhaps visit another “friendly” and “good value” Spanish alternative instead: Valencia.
Valencia is one of Spain’s oldest cities and according to Which? beat Barclona and other Mediterranean seaside and beach towns in the consumer champion’s rankings. Visitors awarded five stars to its attractiveness, tourist attractions, friendliness and value for money, while it was considered ‘safer’ than its anti-tourism alternative.
The city has so much to offer, including the staggering Mercado Central, the gothic quarter for Valencia’s own gothic Cathedral. While for the beachgoers, you’ll be ecstatic to learn Valencia is home to a “full marks” golden coastline.
The region is the Spanish autonomous community with the most blue-flag beaches. This international award rewards high environmental quality in beaches, good services found in the area and the safety of bathers; here are just some examples of the most popular beaches in Valencia.
- Norte de Peñíscola beach
- Racó de Mar beach in Canet de Berenguer
- Ahuir beach in Gandía
- Terranova beach in Oliva
When it comes to booking flights, a number of airlines offer direct flights to Manises Airport in Valencia; including American Airlines, British Airways, easyJet and Ryanair.
Plus there’ll definitely be an airport near you that offers direct flights to the city, including London Gatwick, London Stansted, Manchester, Bristol, Birmingham and East Midlands Airport.
According to Skyscanner, the cheapest return flight will only set you back from £28 per person in May with Ryanair offering the best deals. Other good value months to travel is June (from £30 per person) and July (from £32 per person).