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Iconic Spanish hotspot named best tourist destination in Europe – not Canary Islands | Europe | Travel

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Given the immense popularity of the Balearic and Canary Islands, one might be surprised to learn that a more traditional, mainland region has officially claimed the crown as Europe’s premier vacation hub. While the islands often dominate the travel headlines, new data reveals that Andalucia has outperformed every other region in the European Union to become the number one choice for short-term stays.

According to the latest figures from Eurostat, the sun-drenched, dry southern region of Spain saw an unprecedented surge in popularity during the second quarter of 2025. Between April and June, travellers spent a remarkable 13.3 million nights in Andalucian accommodations booked via online platforms like Airbnb, Booking.com, and Expedia.

The scale of Andalucia’s success is most striking when compared to Europe’s traditional heavyweights. Its closest competitor, the Jadranska Hrvatska coastal region of Croatia, lagged behind significantly with 9.6 million nights. And perhaps even more shockingly, the home of the Eiffel Tower couldn’t keep pace. According to the data reported by The Olive Press, France’s Ile de France region, which includes Paris, took third place with 9.0 million nights.

Famous for its rich Moorish heritage and year-round sunshine, Andalucia offers a blend of cultural history and modern leisure that few regions can match. It is home to several UNESCO World Heritage sites, including the Alhambra in Granada, the Cathedral of Seville and the Almeria desert – the only true desert in Europe. The region is also a global leader in gastronomy and olive oil production, which can significantly improve even the simplest meals.

But there’s much more than that. As one Reddit user wrote: “The first thing to keep in mind is that Andalusia isn’t a theme park. It’s vast, beautiful, hot, diverse, and with a brutal history. Yes, there’s flamenco. Yes, people take siestas. But we’re not just about that. And of course, we don’t just have four towns.”

Away from the main cities, gems like Setenil de las Bodegas – where homes are carved directly into rock cliffs – and the wild, volcanic coves of Cabo de Gata offer a rugged beauty untouched by mass tourism. From the prehistoric limestone spires of El Torcal to the lush, rain-drenched forests of Grazalema, the region’s landscape offers a diverse mosaic. It is this variety full of beautiful nature and history that keeps travellers returning over and over again.

The report points to a broader trend of Spanish dominance across Europe. Out of the top 20 most-visited regions in the EU, six were located in Spain. Alongside Andalucia’s top performance, the list featured familiar favourites like the Canary Islands, Catalunya, and the Valencian Community, proving that the Spanish “sun and beach” formula remains an unbeatable draw for international visitors.

At first glance, the record-breaking numbers provide a massive boost to the local economy. But, as headlines from anti-tourism protests in recent years have shown, they also started a fierce debate over the sustainability of such high-volume tourism. Now that Andalucia is the confirmed epicentre of Europe’s short-term rental market, local officials are under increasing pressure to protect the social fabric of the region. In simple terms, this means ensuring that the holiday boom doesn’t come at the expense of affordable housing for the people who live there year-round.



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I visited 1 of the UK’s best cities but I wouldn’t return | UK | Travel

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5 hours ago

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February 16, 2026

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Aerial drone photograph of St Albans Cathedral.

I visited one of the UK’s best cities with a 1000-year-old market – I wouldn’t return (Image: Getty)

I love visiting new areas in England, so when I saw a city popping up on my social media feed, I decided I needed to visit. St Albans is a historic cathedral city in Hertfordshire, England, located about 20 miles north of London. 

Today, it is known as an attractive and affluent commuter city, but its history stretches back nearly 2,000 years. Blending Roman ruins and medieval streets with modern shops, St Albans has developed into one of the most historically rich cities in southeast England. The origins of St Albans lie in the Roman city of Verulamium, founded in the 1st century AD and becoming one of the largest towns in Roman Britain.

READ MORE: I’ve been to 12 countries this year – 1 island didn’t impress me much

READ MORE: Gorgeous city just 3 hours from UK named ‘world’s most welcoming’

The city was an important centre for trade and government, complete with temples, baths and a theatre. Parts of the Roman walls and mosaics can still be seen today, particularly in and around Verulamium Park. The remains of this Roman settlement form a major part of the city’s identity and attract many visitors each year.

St Albans is named after St Alban, traditionally believed to be Britain’s first Christian martyr, who was executed for protecting a Christian priest. A shrine built in his honour later became St Albans Cathedral, which remains the city’s most famous landmark. 

Today, it is a popular and prosperous city known for its history, green spaces and strong transport links to London. 

I visited St Albans at the weekend and came away slightly underwhelmed. I had expected something a little more polished, given its reputation, but parts of the centre felt a bit tired.

St Albans city centre

The city has many shops (Image: Getty)

Some of the streets looked worn, and the uneven pavements made it less pleasant to wander around than I’d hoped.

It was also incredibly busy, which added to the sense of chaos rather than charm, and finding parking proved more difficult than anticipated. This may have been because it was market day.

I started my day off at The Ivy for breakfast, a real treat and a restaurant which I used to love. But it wasn’t anything special, with slow service and below-average food.

That said, other food options were a real highlight. I ate at Japes and had some genuinely delicious pizza, as well as stopping by Knoops for an indulgent hot chocolate.

When it comes to places to eat, drink and shop, the town certainly delivers, as does it on the history front.

It’s also hard to completely dismiss a town that has shops like Anthropologie, Oliver Bonas and Space NK, with that combination alone usually signalling a decent shopping destination. But, despite that, I’m not sure I’d rush back anytime soon.



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Abandoned village in Spain with incredible sea views on sale for £174k | Travel News | Travel

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12 hours ago

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February 16, 2026

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An empty village is on sale in Spain for a bargain price. The property was first listed at €200,000 (around £173,860) in 2021 but according to Idealista.com, the price has now been reduced to €150,000 (around £130,395).

The village, Candelago, is perched on the Costa da Morte and it’s home to stunning sea views. The price drop has sparked new interest from buyers. It’s not a surprise to see so many people interested in the village which comes with wild landscapes and beautiful walking routes.

Candelago is home to around ten traditional stone houses, hórreos (Galician granaries used to store and preserve food), and overgrown paths. The village has faced years of abandonment after it experienced a population decline since the 1970s.

The village is not in the middle of nowhere – just a few miles away is the village of Corme, a fishing hub that is home to the historic Rocundo Lighthouse and the Museum of Contemporary Art Costa da Morte.

Today, it has big potential for a buyer. The village is located in a prime location for enjoying its natural surroundings and it’s also close to the seaside.

For buyers, it’s an ideal place to renovate and redesign into a private retreat or tourist venture.

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But it’s not the only Spanish village that’s been in this position in recent years.

Across Spain, there have been multiple small areas which offer buyers a unique opportunity to invest in a whole village for redevelopment.

Often, these villages gain the attention of international buyers who are keen to get their hands on the historic land.

The villages have appealed to young people and to investors seeking sustainable, experiential tourism opportunities.



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The ‘Ryanair’ of trains offers incredible trips through Europe for £10 | Europe | Travel

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18 hours ago

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February 16, 2026

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If central European gems like Prague, Vienna, and Budapest are on your bucket list, this underrated travel option will help you interrail between legendary capitals without breaking the bank. 

This Czech travel company offers prime deals on bus and train journeys that cover everywhere from mountain escapes, capital cities, and lesser-known towns.

Ideal for urban city breaks or summer mountain getaways, RegioJet offers affordable fares to explore myriad locations in central Europe. Cheap train and bus fares cover top cities like Prague, Vienna, Bratislava, Warsaw, Gdansk, Munich, Berlin, and Budapest.

Prague is the main city from where most RegioJet trains operate. Brits flock to the Czech capital for its cheap pints of Pilsner, Baroque architecture, medieval castles, and lively night life. 

Vienna is another popular RegioJet destination, where you can visit elegant palaces, the famous St Stephen’s cathedral, and immerse yourself in the city’s classical music scene – the former home of Mozart and Beethoven.

A direct train journey from Prague to Vienna can cost you as little as €12 (£10.45), and a direct bus journey from Brno to Bratislava costs as little as €7 (£6). And for those wanting to enjoy mountain scenery, direct trains between Innsbruck and Zurich cost as little as €6 (£5.23). 

Located in the Moravian region Southeast of Prague, Brno is the lesser-known Czech city famous for its cathedral and medieval cobbled streets. Bratislava is the capital of Slovakia, famous for its historic old town, breathtaking castle with views of the Danube, and a rich bakery scene. 

Recommended provincial routes on RegioJet cover lesser-known gems such as the Beskids mountain range in Poland and the Tatra mountain, the highest range in the Carpathian mountains on the border between Slovakia and Poland. The Beskid mountains are excellent skiing hotspots in the winter. Summer highlights include treetop trails, paragliding, and visiting historic wooden churches. 

A TripAdvisor user wrote “I travelled first class from Prague to Kosice, a wonderfully scenic daytime rail journey. Comfortable seats and quiet on the usual well maintained European tracks. Refreshments were available from train staff at extremely reasonable prices”.

RegioJet trains feature four classes: low cost, standard, relax, and business. You can change or cancel an online ticket up to 15 minutes before departure and easily reserve a seat online with no extra fees. Train carriages are air conditioned with free wifi, and offer a food and drink service.



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