Spain is no stranger to tourism, and few cities attract the crowds quite like Barcelona. With its world-famous architecture, beaches, and cultural landmarks, it drew a staggering 7.3 million overnight visitors in 2023, according to the city’s hotel occupancy survey.

But just 40 minutes away by train, there’s another Catalan gem waiting to be explored, Girona, a historic and vibrant city that welcomed just 342,600 overnight visitors in 2023. That’s over 7 million fewer tourists, making Girona the perfect getaway for travellers craving authenticity, beauty, and breathing room.

Girona might not boast the global fame of its bigger neighbour, but it has a quiet magic that’s all its own. Tucked between the Pyrenees and the Mediterranean, the city is known for its incredibly preserved medieval architecture, cobbled alleyways, and the iconic pastel-colored houses that line the Onyar River.

Wander through the Barri Vell (Old Town), and you’ll find yourself stepping into a storybook. The labyrinthine Jewish Quarter, or El Call, is one of the best-preserved in Europe, offering a haunting glimpse into the city’s medieval past.

You can climb the old city walls for panoramic views, stroll along the ancient Roman Via Augusta, or visit the Girona Cathedral, whose wide stone staircase has become a favourite Instagram backdrop (and a Game of Thrones filming location, for fans of the show).

Despite its modest size and laid-back vibe, Girona punches well above its weight when it comes to food.

The city is a pilgrimage site for foodies, thanks in part to El Celler de Can Roca, once ranked the best restaurant in the world.

But you don’t need a reservation at a Michelin-starred spot to enjoy Girona’s culinary scene. From local bakeries serving fresh xuixos (a sugar-dusted, custard-filled pastry) to family-run restaurants dishing up botifarra and suquet de peix, Girona is a place where flavours are both rooted in tradition and fearlessly creative.

Girona’s charm is amplified by how easy it is to reach. A high-speed AVE train from Barcelona takes just 38 minutes, and there’s even an airport nearby that connects to other European cities. Once you’re there, everything is walkable, picturesque, and welcoming.

Whether you’re looking to spend a quiet weekend among medieval streets or base yourself somewhere peaceful while exploring Catalonia, Girona offers a little bit of everything, with none of the stress.

A stunning beach known for its sparkling turquoise waters and golden sands has been named the “best” in Europe. Nissi Beach is a popular holiday destination in the resort of Ayia Napa, Cyprus. 

The beach stretches for 500 metres, and the water is clean enough for it to be awarded the Blue Flag designation. Travel insurance experts at Quotezone.co.uk have created the European Beach Index to help travellers find their ideal beach holiday destination. The experts have named Nissi the best among all. 

The index ranks 10 popular European beaches based on factors such as the sea and air temperature, 5-star reviews, average daily costs and the height of the waves.

According to the travel experts, the gorgeous beach destination offers a budget-friendly daily cost of 103€ (£88), which includes all you’d need for a day trip such as meals, transport, and even overnight accommodation.

One of the users on the TripAdvisor forum who visited Nissi wrote: “Lovely beach. Shallow waters, great bars. Watersports are good. Nice relaxing place to sunbathe this time of year. Never disappointed.”

Nissi enjoys an average of 25C in May and is a perfect place for the beach lovers. 

CEO and travel insurance expert at Quotezone, Greg Wilson said: “Travellers seeking the perfect summer getaway will be searching for destinations where they can soak up the sun and relax on the beach without worrying about big waves and cold temperatures.

“Our team looked at 10 popular summer holiday destinations across Europe, ranking them on factors such as water and air temperatures, waves and 5-star reviews.

“Another factor we took into consideration was the average daily costs in each destination, including meals, transport and hotels, as many families are looking for budget-friendly holidays that don’t break the bank.

“Our European Beach Index revealed that Nissi Beach in Ayia Napa, Cyprus, is the number one beach destination with excellent scores in every category.

“Nissi Beach has been ranked above some of the other famously popular European holiday hotspots due to its warm sea and air temperatures, as well as being one of the most affordable in terms of daily expenses.

“Plage de Palombaggia is an incredible looking beach in Corsica, France, however it came in last place largely due to the expensive prices in the area.”

“We encourage those who are still planning their summer holidays to consider the hidden gems of Europe, including our top three beach destinations Cyprus, Malta, and Slovenia.”

Plenty of  African destinations are seeing a rise in tourism. However, there are three countries located north of the huge continent that are really making a mark. While hotspots such as Egypt and Morocco remain some of the most popular destinations for travellers across the globe, countries such as  Algeria, Libya, and Mauritania are also making waves in the travel and tourism world.

Adventure travel company, Untamed Borders has revealed that all three countries have introduced e-visa systems in order to welcome tourists more easily. Algeria has already seen progress with the new system, as the country’s number of visitors saw a 10% increase of around 3.5 million tourists compared to 2023. It’s likely that Mauritania and Libya will experience a similar boost as a result of the system. However, as of right now, there are several travel warnings in place for the three countries.

The Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO), which provides travel advice for Brits, currently advises against all travel to parts of Algeria, against all travel to parts of Libya, as well as against all but essential to other areas within the country, and also against all travel to parts of Mauritania. It means that while UK holidaymakers are able to visit certain regions in the three countries, it is absolutely cruical that you check GOV.UK and read all the travel information provided beforehand.

However, it seems that the three African countries are set on welcoming travellers and providing special experiences. The founder of Untamed Borders, James Willcox, said: “The people and places that sit in the great sand sea of the Sahara are as timeless as the dunes themselves – shaped by wind, trading history, and endurance.

“North Africa contains many rarely visited landscapes and communities, who have fascinating stories and histories, with their lives tracing ancient trade routes, mountain paths, and desert horizons.”

Algeria is home to a number of historical sites including the Ancient Roman Ruins of Djemila, Timgad, and Tipaza. Basilica Notre Dame d’Afrique is also well worth visiting with TripAdvisor marking it as the number 1 thing to do in the country.

Over in Libya, the country boasts also boasts a variety of historical attractions, as well as cultural ones. The Leptis Magna, a UNSECO World Heritage Site and one of the best preserved Roman cities is a must-visit, or why not take a trip through the Sahara Desert, with a local guide.

For nature lovers, Mauritania’s Banc D’Arguin National Park, also a World Heritage Site, is noted as “one of the most important zones in the world for nesting birds”. The site which has an abudance of diverse species of wildlife is the perfect destination to embrace Africa’s biodiversity. 

With the surge in tourists being drawn to North Africa as a whole, the chance to experience a “truly unique ” holiday away from the large crowds is becoming more challenging.

Plenty of North African countries in the region have received a record number of visitors over the past year, which has indeed opened doors to “harder-to-reach nations” for travellers.

Yet, the three countries are just a few examples of places in Africa waiting to be explored. While they boast many things in common that make them incredible holiday options, one thing that is extremely important to note is that they all offer the chance for holidaymakers to “truly enjoy authentic Saharan experiences, without a large number of other people.”