Brits are seemingly turning their backs on some of Spain’s once popular hotspots this summer and instead opting to hidden gems without the crowds of holidaymakers. Last year, overtourism protests erupted across the Balearic Islands with campaigners chanting and graffiti reading, ‘tourist go home’.
It seems that protestors may have got what they wished for with Majorca recording its worst summer since before the pandemic. And now RTVE, a Spanish television and radio broadcaster, has revealed the tiniest villages in Spain that are bizarrely seeing an influx of tourists – one doesn’t even have a pub or a beach. Pubs are deeply ingrained in UK culture, so much so that Brits will often seek out an English or Irish bar to get that home-away-from-home feeling.
However, the absence of any pubs doesn’t appear to be putting Brits off visiting the beautiful rural village of Lubrin in Almeria. Brits make up for a whopping 64.6% of the holidaymakers flocking to this area which offers a dose of the authentic Andalusia.
Offering a peaceful retreat, Lubrin recorded 1,667 tourists last year, 1,077 of whom were Brits. This means that more tourists visited the village than there are locals with Lubin’s population being only 1,453.
The town’s narrow Andalusian streets have a couple of authentic Spanish restaurants where you will not see an English menu in sight.
Lubrin is the village of light during the month of August. During the Festival of Lights, the entire village is illuminated by candlelight, creating a magical atmosphere as music fills the air.
During the celebration, the village’s street lights are switched off and thousands of candles, lanterns, and torches line the streets illuminating the town’s architecture.
Despite being a small village, Lubrin also hosts The Fiesta del Pan (Bread Festival) on January 20 in honour of San Sebastián.
During this event, a traditional procession with the image of Saint Sebastian takes place. People then throw bread from their balconies, representing generosity, the act of sharing and the union with the rest of the community.
The nearest beach to this charming village is Mojácar beach, located around 45 minutes away. This 10.5 mile stretch of coastline forms part the popular coastal town of Mojácar and has a range of facilities.
