A travel expert has named the one area of Spain that doesn't get as crowded as hotspots like Malaga and Mallorca. However, it is just as nice with stunning beaches, great resorts and stand-out places to eat. Spain remains the most popular summer holiday destination for Brits, much in thanks to its warm weather, its cheap resorts and affordable flights provided by budget airlines such as Ryanair and easyJet.

However, that sometimes comes at a cost for both local residents and tourists. Protests have taken place in areas like Barcelona and Tenerife, due to the high volume of visitors that arrive during peak tourist season. Locals have complained about crowds, traffic and property prices as a result of high levels of tourism, while some visitors (including those from the UK) are looking for more relaxed destinations without the crowds, so they can have more of a laid-back holiday. While many turn to countries like Albania and Croatia for this, there are still some areas of Spain without the huge crowds.

According to Bella Khan from METT Marbella, Estepona is the place to go if you want to escape the crowds. "Malaga is one of Spain's most popular tourist destinations, and whilst its well-known hotspots can feel increasingly busy with tourists, Estepona offers a much more relaxed approach to the Costa Del Sol with its flower-lined old town, laid back beaches and unhurried Andalusian pace," she said.

Indeed, Estapona has plenty to offer Brits looking for a sun-drenched and laid-back holiday. Located just 27 minutes away from popular Marbella, Estepona offers lovely beaches.

Plus, there is the charming old town, which is lined with delightful little businesses and cafes, as well as bursts of colour thanks to all the flowers. This is why it is often referred to as the "Garden of the Costa del Sol".

A staggering 21km of coastline allows tourists to walk along the shore and enjoy a dip in the sea, followed by some relaxing sunbathing. The vibe here is a far cry from that of more hectic locations such as Benidorm and Mallorca.

Estepona has made an impression on many tourists, from families to older couples to groups of friends. The old town, in particular, is lovely.

Reviews of the area on TripAdvisor have praised the town, and people especially like the authentic vibe they experience there. One tourist said: "The old town with all the restaurants, flower arrangements and narrow streets and alleys is wonderful. Likewise, the harbour and beaches."

Another shared: "The old town is gorgeous and perfect for wandering around at leisure, with cobbled streets and small hidden squares. The floral displays are very impressive! The promenade is a pleasant place for an evening stroll. There is a wide range of places to eat, to suit all budgets."

A third wrote: "There are lots of pretty places on the Costa Del Sol, but the old historic part of the town of Estapona has got to be in the top 5 or 10. Not a huge area, but a lovely place to stroll around in the daytime and evening. Please, please find Bar General - 6 tapas (1 euro each!), 2 coffees and 2 Cokes for 15 euros. The barmen seem quite dour, but when I tried a bit of Spanish, through Google Translate, their demeanour completely changed."

To get to Estepona, the best airport to fly into is Malaga. It is then a 51-minute drive to Estepona, but there are buses available to book from the airport.

Estepona has a slew of lovely hotels to suit a range of budgets. Some of the top-rated ones include METT Marbella, H10 Estepona Palace, Elba Estepona and the Hacienda del Mar.