Let’s face it — there’s a wave of travelers hesitant to visit Spain.
Over the past few years, Spanish locals have voiced their opinions loudly and proudly about rampant overtourism throughout their homeland.
Some travelers say “message received”, while others still believe Spain to be too stunning to pass up.
That said, we at Travel Off Path found the perfect middle ground — an authentic coastal hideaway with a virtually unknown island with zero concern for tourist overload.
National Geographic unveiled 7 lesser-known Spanish towns that actually want you to visit, and we believe this idyllic seaside village is the best option for your next trip abroad as its authentic, affordable, crowd-free, and rid of protestors urging you to go back home.
Combarro: Spain’s Most Welcoming Paradise
We’re not saying Combarra has Spain’s most vibrant beaches, but we are saying it’s high on the list for best vibes.
Lining the calm waterfront are stone hórreos purposed for food storage in its early days, but now serve as a prime spot to take in the views of traditional Galician architecture and blissful Ría de Pontevedra.
Making matters more enjoyable is that locals are stoked to see you checking out their small village without the soundtrack of picketing chants or eyesores of anti-tourism graffiti.
If your idea of a Spanish getaway entails anything related to how Ibiza is represented — Combarra is not for you.
Locals live at a slower pace here and invite you to do the same. There’s no beachfront DJ booths or fist-pumping late nights (talking to you, Aussies!).
In fact, Combarra lies within the state of Galicia, who promotes a Slow Tourism campaign naming spring and fall as the best times of year to visit.
Though, this peaceful inlet does get packed come summer with locals in the know as their weekend getaway.
Why Off-Path Spain Is Worth The Adventure
Let’s be honest — Combarro likely didn’t ring a bell, did it?
That’s because it’s not in close proximity to any noteworthy destination, such as Madrid or Barcelona.
But there’s great news for Americans who want to check out this blissful oasis.
The closest major city just so happens to be one of Spain’s fastest growing, despite being a mouthful to say.
Santiago de Compostela — I need to pause and brag I typed that right on my first try — is one of Europe’s most underrated getaways, but one that’s been slowly making a name for itself as overtourism plagued Spain’s household names.
This city is brimming with culture and epic eats and makes for a perfect springboard into Combarro since Americans can fly nonstop here via United beginning May 2026.
It’s true, you don’t have to fly to the opposite side of Spain only to circle back, so really it’s not as off-path as it seems.
According to popular rail operator Renfe, train tickets are only $9 from Santiago de Compostela to neighboring Pontevedra, another under-hyped gem worth checking out that’s known for its vibrant, car-free city center.
Tambo: Combarro’s Secret Island
Remember earlier when I said Combarro doesn’t have Spain’s most vibrant beaches?
Well, let’s just say that was a bit of a play on words…
One of Spain’s best-kept secrets lies about 3 miles offshore from Combarro. There’s an easy-to-book ferry with round-trip fares under $20.
Dates are very limited for spring, but summer is when this island almost loses its ‘secret’ status with an influx of locals flocking to Adreira Beach.
This island was blurred on Google Maps. It was kept hush-hush as under military jurisdiction, but it’s now open to the public for the ultimate escape from what you might think is Spain’s unavoidable beach crowds.
While Tambo’s 2 worthwhile beaches here are quaint, the atmosphere tis nothing to the level of Barcelona and Spain’s world-renowned islands, such as Mallorca.
The island is no one-trick pony either as a get-in, get-out day trip after working on your tan.
History runs deep here. From its army stronghold, former days as a monk sanctuary and pirate attack hotspot, this is why we at Travel Off Path claim Combarro and Tambo are the most dynamic duo in Spain few seem to know about.
