When it comes to sunshine, Barcelona is one of the most overcrowded destinations there is - but luckily, there's another Spanish city with just as much beauty and far fewer people. eSIM provider Nomad has predicted the most overcrowded family getaways for Easter and found ‘dupe destinations’ that offer similar scenery and experiences for those seeking relaxation.
According to Nomad’s research, Barcelona is ranked as the most overcrowded destination with a whopping 201,722 tourists per sq km. This comes as no surprise as Barcelona is bursting with unique architecture, beautiful beaches, rich history, vibrant food scene, world-famous football culture, lively nightlife, and excellent shopping.
However, it is also famous for its anti-tourist ethos. Stickers and graffiti with ‘tourists go home’ on them are common sights throughout the city, and protests attended by thousands in summer of last year made the opinion of the locals clear.
If you want a Spanish holiday without the hordes of crowds and a more welcoming experience, then Tarragona is a great choice.
This beautiful seaside city is famous for its Roman history, being home to an amphitheatre, as well as the UNESCO World Heritage Site - the Archaeological Complex of Tárraco.
Its quieter beaches, charming old town, and rich Catalan culture make it perfect for those seeking history, scenic coastal views, and fewer crowds while still enjoying great food and a vibrant atmosphere.
It’s also home to some of the most beautiful beaches in all of Spain due to its location on ‘the golden coast’. These include Platja Savinosa, Playa Gorda and Playa del Miracle. Del Miracale was a favourite spot of the famous architect Antoni Gaudí - of whose main work was the Sagrada Família in Barcelona.
Another benefit of Tarragona is that it is generally cheaper than Barcelona. Hotels offer rooms for around £100 a night, compared with ones costing upwards of £150 even outside the main city centre in Barcelona.
If you want to experience both cities, that’s easily done too - the city is just an hour’s drive from Barcelona Airport.
