For those don’t want to share the beach with excitable children or fight for space by the pool, a bit of forward planning can mean that instead of heading to a tourist hotspot you can relax in a secluded haven. It is becoming increasingly popular for holidaymakers to head to a busy tourist resort, hire a car and head into off in the opposite direction to find their own summer holiday haven. Some of the best unspoilt destinations are just a stone’s throw away from the larger, commercial resorts and are just waiting to be discovered.

Cabo de Gata is located between the hugely popular Costa Blanca and the Costa del Sol. Visitors may be surprised to find scenery that wouldn’t look out of place in a Western film instead of a Mediterranean paradise. Instead of towering apartment blocks, there shore is lined with the rusty cones of ancient volcanoes. The usual amusement parks are replaced with old pirate watch towers and there isn’t a banana boat in sight! Cabo de Gata has been saved from tourist invasions by the spectacular bird life; including migrating flamingo’s who arrive in spring. Due to the natural park status the town has escaped commercial development, making it a fantastic place to enjoy a summer holiday.

Another fantastic hidden gem is Costa Vicentina in Portugal. The headland is watched over by a lighthouse and visitors can spend their days relaxing on one of the dozen secluded beaches. For an even more isolated experience head along the Atlantic shore and experience the stunning scenery and solitude of the Amado and Borderira beaches. The beaches are linked to civilisation with hidden back roads lined with eucalyptus trees and the odd ‘off the beaten track’ cafe.

Heading to one of the less commercial areas of a destination is a fantastic way to get a deeper understanding of the culture and traditions of the country. Instead of booking a holiday to a tourist paradise, why not explore the less well-known destinations and uncover a truly unique summer holiday.