When it comes to Spain, you might be singing The Clash’s biggest hit to yourself: Should I Stay or Should I Go?
On one hand, many of Spain’s most popular destinations are asking tourists to stay home, while other publications are hyping up those very places.
Fodor’s recently published their annual ‘No’ list of places to reconsider traveling to in 2025, and yes, Spain was heavily featured as jam-packed islands and Barcelona deal with unsightly crowds and price spikes.
But Europe’s very own HELLO! Magazine disagrees, pointing out a loophole to enjoy island bliss and urban delights at the turn of the calendar.
Festive Streets & Less Crowds: It’s Time To Book Your Spring Getaway
As overtourism has become just as much of a travel trend as digital nomadism and solo trips, it’s certainly a real concern across Spain.
From the locals’ perspective, why would they want to pay higher rents and not be able to grab a seat at their favorite cafe?
On the flip side, tourism does fuel economic growth, so there has to be a solution, right?
Summer tends to draw an endless sea of crowds in such places as Spain’s numerous paradisal islands and historic cities, but HELLO! believes there’s no better time to visit Mallorca than spring.
‘Tis the season for welcoming locals, better hotel rates, and spacious beaches and walkable streets.
Whether exploring the urban appeal of Palma, the island’s capital or finding your own blissful beach hideaway like Cala Sant Vicenç, there’s no better time to enjoy Mallorca’s delights before the summer rush.
Not to mention, it’s a great time to visit festivals without fighting for more elbow room.
Check out Fira de La Creu, celebrating the new harvest in the small town of Selva, or sip world-renowned Spanish wine at Estellencs’ Wine & Cheese fair.
Palma: Enjoy Urban Delights Of Spain’s Most Underrated City
Many of Spain’s major cities have seen an uptick in tourists. Barcelona and Madrid reached melting points; even Bilbao, in Basque country, is seeing a 66% surge right now.
But one city that flies under the radar is Palma, a place I fell in love with on my visit a few years ago.
You often hear of Mallorca’s blissful beaches and party scene, but you could easily spend the majority of your time just as fascinated by this charming city.
Of course, it’s anchored by the unmissable cathedral known as “La Seu,” Spain’s second-largest cathedral. It’s a must-visit, to say the least.
This towering Gothic basilica overlooks the sea and is a great starting point for wandering the cobbled streets and hidden alleyways that are etched in my memories.
Speckled across the city are wine and tapas bars, buzzing nightlife, and another must-see marvel, the Bellver Castle, one of the few rounded castles in Europe.
Palma is also very navigable, with easy bus connections and magnetizing streets to explore on foot, especially in and around Old Town.
Of course, Palma also beholds beautiful beaches, but many tourists opt to go outside the city for more privacy.
While my visit was in the off-season, I loved the peaceful coast around El Arenal, lined with cheap wine bars, a never-ending supply of tapas, and waterfront boutique stays.
Travel tip:
Mallorca’s New And Improved Lavish Hotel Scene
Besides more pleasant experiences without hordes of crowds, HELLO! also mentioned another enticing reason to visit.
That would be Mallorca’s new and improved lavish hotel season. Between new openings and dated overhauls, there’s no better time to treat yourself in the Balearics.
Among the most notable is Four Seasons Mallorca, a recent addition to Mallorca’s already plush array of accommodations.
Grand Hotel Son Net should also sit atop your radar, as this former palace just underwent a massive makeover.
But those looking for something brand new will have to circle their calendars for the highly anticipated Aethos Palmira Hotel, which will open in March 2025, another reason to make plans for a springtime escape.
For a complete list of new hotels, click here.
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