Residence » TOURISM NEWS » Rome Faces Overtourism Disaster Whereas Spain’s Hidden Gem Priego de Córdoba Provides a Tranquil Baroque Escape With out the Crowds
Monday, Might 26, 2025
As Rome grapples with overwhelming vacationer crowds and the chaos of mass tourism at landmarks just like the Trevi Fountain, savvy vacationers are looking for serene options that supply equal splendor with out the stress. Enter Priego de Córdoba, a panoramic Baroque city in southern Spain that delivers architectural grandeur, cultural richness, and peaceable appeal—proving you don’t must battle crowds to expertise magnificence.
Italy’s capital has lengthy dazzled vacationers with its timeworn ruins, Renaissance structure, and irresistible street-side pizza slices. But, for a lot of fashionable vacationers, Rome has turn out to be a paradox—an historical wonderland buried beneath the stress of lengthy queues, bustling crowds, and the incessant click on of selfie sticks. With over twenty-two million guests in 2023 alone, Rome’s magnetic appeal is now clouded by overcrowding, and few sights spotlight this higher than the long-lasting Trevi Fountain.
Attracting an astonishing ten to 12 thousand guests every day, the Trevi Fountain stands as a logo of overwhelming vacationer attraction. Set in opposition to the backdrop of the majestic Poli Palace, this Baroque masterpiece was dropped at life within the 1700s underneath the imaginative and prescient of Italian architect Nicola Salvi. The fountain’s central determine, Oceanus, the god of all water, is flanked by statues symbolizing abundance and well being, alongside legendary sea creatures. Although breathtaking in design, the fountain has turn out to be a sufferer of its personal fame. Guests now jostle for area simply to toss a coin—a practice mentioned to ensure a return to the Everlasting Metropolis.
The state of affairs turned so untenable that the Mayor of Rome, Roberto Gualtieri, instituted a proper queuing system to rein within the overwhelming footfall. Final 12 months, a three-month restoration solely heightened the frenzy, as anticipation constructed amongst keen sightseers longing to glimpse the pristine landmark.
However what when you may expertise one thing equally awe-inspiring—minus the chaos?
Spain’s Serene Reply to Trevi FountainTravel just below two hours south of Madrid by air and floor transport, and also you’ll discover Priego de Córdoba, a picturesque city tucked within the Andalusia area of southern Spain. Tucked away on this peaceable Spanish city is the Fuente del Rey, or King’s Fountain—a serene Baroque gem that captures the grandeur of Rome’s famed fountain with out the overwhelming crowds or vacationer frenzy.
Relationship again to the sixteenth century and later expanded within the nineteenth, Fuente del Rey options over 100 thirty spouts, gracefully organized throughout three tiers of cascading water. Within the middle, a statue of King Neptune, related in spirit to Oceanus, watches over the flowing waters, surrounded by sculptures of lions, dragons, and allegorical figures. The fountain is ready in a peaceable plaza surrounded by manicured gardens and charming whitewashed properties—removed from the camera-toting crowds of Rome.
Right here, you may sit beside the fountain with out feeling rushed, take your time photographing each intricate element, and even hear the soothing circulation of water—one thing practically unimaginable to do at Trevi as of late.
Getting There: Less complicated Than You Would possibly ExpectWhile Priego de Córdoba doesn’t have a significant airport of its personal, entry is surprisingly simple. The closest worldwide hub is Malaga Airport, providing direct flights from quite a few UK cities together with London Luton, Birmingham, Newcastle, Leeds, and Cardiff. Flight instances common two hours and forty minutes, making it a handy possibility for a Mediterranean getaway.
When you land in Malaga, a scenic ninety-minute drive by olive groves and rolling hills will take you to the guts of Priego. Alternatively, you may fly into Granada, which is barely nearer, although it provides fewer direct flight choices from the UK.
Reasonably priced Consolation in a Tranquil SettingAnother interesting function of this Spanish sanctuary is its affordability. The place Rome’s central inns typically cost a premium—particularly throughout peak journey season—Priego de Córdoba provides charming lodging at a fraction of the worth.
For instance, a seven-night keep from July 7 to 14 on the pleasant Balcón de la Villa will price round £421 for 2 adults in a superior deluxe room. Vacationers searching for a extra non-public and opulent escape can go for a spacious countryside condo at Cortijo La Presa, out there throughout the identical dates for £893. Set amid olive groves and scenic trails, this retreat provides peace, consolation, and an genuine style of Andalusian rural life.
Extra Than Only a FountainPriego de Córdoba is excess of a “dupe” vacation spot. The city itself is a hidden jewel with cobblestone streets, ornate church buildings, and panoramic vistas over the Subbética Pure Park. Guests can discover Moorish fortresses, pattern native olive oil in boutique mills, and bask in conventional tapas in quiet city squares the place locals nonetheless collect for night strolls.
Rome could dazzle with grandeur, however Priego de Córdoba provides the identical Baroque magnificence in a peaceable, crowd-free setting—good for vacationers craving magnificence and calm.
A Calmer Strategy to TravelThough Rome’s appeal stays everlasting, fashionable vacationers are actually gravitating towards locations that supply a mix of visible splendor and room to breathe. In case your concept of an ideal vacation contains absorbing historical past, admiring architectural magnificence, and really having fun with your environment with out elbowing your option to the entrance—Priego de Córdoba’s Fuente del Rey deserves a spot in your summer season itinerary.