A Spanishtown that’s off the beaten path has been named the best holiday destination in Europefor a boat trip.

According to research that analyses factors from wind speed to sunshine hours, water temperature, plus the availability of boat trips, one destination has beaten holiday hotspots from Biarritz to Cornwall. And the good news is that it’s a lesser-visited tourist destination, so you won’t be fighting the summer crowds.

Águilas in southeastern Spain was crowned the top European destination for a boat trip thanks to its thriving seaport and easy access to the sparkling waters of the Mediterranean. Seven Spanish destinations made the top 20, yet Águilas clinched the title thanks to the sheer amount of stunning coastline there is to explore.

The town is part of Costa Cálida, one of the lesser-visited Costas that lie on the southeastern coast of Spain. Found in the province of Murcia, Águilas is close to dozens of beautiful beaches,a short sailing distance or drive away, from long stretches of sand to tiny coves.

The nearby town of Mazarrón also made the list, coming in at number four, showing just how much coastal beauty can be found in this area of the country. Mazarrón is a must for seafood lovers, as the port has its own fish market and it's full of amazing restaurantsserving fresh ingredients.

Águilas is a port city, so it's easy to book a boat trip or hire your own vessel for the day to take to the waters. Some trips you can book include simple glass-bottomed boat tours where you can see the Med's abundant marine life, scuba diving trips, and cave tours where your captain will find you safe spots to explore and swim.

Close to town, you'll find Playa de Poniente "la Colonia", a wide sandy beach where locals and tourists bask in the sunshine. The cove shape of the beach, and the large rocks on either side that break the waves, make the waters calm and clear for swimming. There's also the vast Playa de las Delicias on the other side of town next to Aguilica's peak, a rugged clifftop with a path that gives you views across the water.

On dry land, you can walk along Águilas' long promenade or explore the harbour area, both of which have lots of bars and restaurants that open until late. The town itself is a mixture of modern and traditional, with a large variety of shops to be found in the centre.

Visitors can explore the Castillo San Juan de las Aguilas, a historic castle that once guarded the town and has incredible views across the sea, or the relaxed Plaza de España, a large tree-lined town square with classic Mediterranean vibes.

The data analysis, carried out by CV Villas, also highlighted lesser-known Spanish destinations such as Bermeo in the north of the country, a small town with a fascinating history linked to the whaling industry, and Cadaqués on the popular Costa Brava, which is surrounded by greenery and hills.

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