When choosing a holiday destination many of us will opt for a well-known location, such as cities or popular beach resorts. While they will be favoured for a reason, sometimes it can be more exciting to venture to a lesser-known spot.
This might not only lead to a more authentic experience but a quieter holiday, away from the crowds.
Throughout Europe there are plenty of beautiful spots that match this description.
However, one that comes highly recommended is a “charming” Spanish beach town that sits close to the French border.
Just 50 minutes from France, L’Escala, in Catalonia, has everything you would need for an inspiring yet relaxing getaway.
Starting life as a fishing port, the town is famous for its anchovies. And it still has a working fleet today.
In modern times, though, visitors come for its beautiful beaches and stunning turquoise waters.
Travel blog iEscape called it a “fashionable seaside retreat” and named it as one of Europe’s best beach towns.
It says: “Recent years have seen the town develop into a fashionable seaside retreat, a result of its pretty beaches and pristine turquoise water.
“The old town has cute cafes, boutique patisseries and trendy restaurants spilling onto the streets.
“The main beach is Riells, offering safe swimming. Or a quieter option is Empúries, which fronts an ancient Greco-Roman archaeological site – the oldest of its kind in Spain.
“Diving is popular here, with some good dive sites and wrecks just off the coast. Or explore the water by jet-ski or glass-bottom boat, heading out to find hidden coves.”
According to Spain-holiday.com, the town is one that locals “would like to keep a secret”.
But, “independent holidaymakers are too starting to discover its charm,” it explains.
The site says: “L’Escala is a truly wonderful place to stay, steeped in history, on the doorstep of some of the Costa Brava’s most beautiful family friendly, sandy beaches.
“To the north of the town is a continuous sandy beach stretching for about 20 kilometres to the south with beautiful coves and bays to explore and snorkel.”
L’Escala is just under two hours away from Barcelona, and just 45 minutes from the city of Girona, both of which have international airports.