ONE of the most popular holiday destinations for Brits is Spain – and here’s the “local secret” to bagging a spot at the beach this summer.
As a popular holiday destination, finding a Spanish beach without the crowds can be a little tricky.
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London-born travel writer, Leon Beckenham recently revealed the “local secret” to avoiding crowds at the beach this summer.
After living in Spain for 10 years, Leon has learnt a thing or two about avoiding crowds in Spain.
In an article the i newspaper, Leon wrote: “I’ve learnt to follow the example many locals employ: head to the beach in the late afternoon when most tourists are leaving, the fierce summer heat is abating, and you still have a few hours before sundown.”
While it may seem more instinctive to go to the beach early in the morning, Leon recommends heading their in the late afternoon.
Not only will it be a little bit cooler at the beach, but tourist crowds should’ve slimmed somewhat, with holidaymakers heading back to their hotels.
Leon also added: “Hidden spots are now far more jealously guarded among residents, even among friends.
“Genuinely secret spots are too precious to share, even by word of mouth.”
While this may be the case, heading to the beach in the morning may be a way of finding a quieter beach.
Meanwhile, holidaymakers travelling to Spain have been warned of two common restaurant mistakes that cost them more money.
Some Spanish people have revealed the two common things that visitors do, which brands them as foreigners in the locals’ eyes.
In Spain, restaurants don’t serve lunch at noon – and if they do, it’s better to avoid them at all costs.
The reason behind that is because Spaniards don’t eat their second meal until 2.30pm to 4pm.
If an establishment is open earlier than that, it is probably a tourist trap that will overcharge you.
Instead, it is recommended to look out for places that have locals eating there.
Tourists have also been told to stay away from any restaurants that serve paella for dinner as it is a dish normally served only at lunch.
Another sign of a tourist trap is photos of the food out front – walk away from any restaurant that displays their menu like that if you don’t want to overpay.
It’s not rare for some establishments to take advantage of foreigners’ ignorance as one woman was left horrified after she had been charged extra for “tables in the sun”.
Another holidaymaker had been told she “couldn’t sit alone” and was turned away from a restaurant because she wasn’t in a group.
A number of restaurants in Majorca are also cracking down on badly dressed tourists – denying entry for anyone wearing a football shirt.
The tourist mistakes that are costing you money
TRAVEL writer Lee Bell recently revealed how holidaymakers heading to Barcelona can make their trip a whole lot cheaper from transport tips to dinners out.
First off, Lee recommended swapping the airport taxi for a local bus, which will save solo travellers around €20.
He added: “Dodge the pricey cocktails before a night out and instead head down to Can Paixano – or what the locals call “La Xampanyeria” (champagne bar) where you’ll find a “copa de cava” for just €1 a pop.
“Ask for a ‘clara’ – essentially a Spanish shandy made with Fanta Limón – at practically any bar. It’s not only cheaper but it’s a tasty, more refreshing option for when the temperatures soar.”
Read more of Lee’s money-saving tips, here.
Meanwhile another British expat who lives Cadiz in Andalusia has revealed the three big mistakes tourists make while they’re on holiday.
This includes eating at restaurants with laminated menus containing pictures and being too reliant on taxis and private transfers.
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