News
August 30, 2025
I left the UK for Spain – but spend summers in Britain to escape the tourists
Steven Langford loves his life on the Costa Del Sol - but the heat and crowds in the peak holiday season can be too much to bear
**Brit Expat Swaps Spanish Sunshine for British Summers, Citing Tourist Overload**
Steven Langford, a British expat living the dream on Spain's Costa Del Sol, has revealed a surprising summer routine: he returns to the UK during peak tourist season to escape the very crowds he sought to avoid by moving abroad. While many flock to Spain for sun-drenched holidays, Langford finds the influx of tourists during July and August overwhelming, prompting him to seek refuge in the comparatively quieter British summer.
Langford, who relocated to the Costa Del Sol several years ago, initially relished the laid-back lifestyle and warm weather. He enjoyed the vibrant culture, delicious food, and the slower pace of life that Spain offered. However, the allure of the Spanish coast transforms dramatically during the summer months. The region becomes a magnet for holidaymakers, leading to packed beaches, overflowing restaurants, and a general sense of congestion that Langford finds difficult to tolerate.
“It’s ironic, I know,” Langford admits. “I moved to Spain for a more relaxed life, but the summer months become anything but. The sheer volume of tourists changes the whole atmosphere. It gets too hot, too crowded, and frankly, a bit stressful.”
Instead of battling the heat and hordes, Langford now spends his summers back in the UK, enjoying the milder weather and exploring different parts of the country. He appreciates the opportunity to reconnect with friends and family, attend local events, and rediscover the charms of his homeland.
“British summers might not always be predictable, but they offer a welcome respite from the intensity of the Spanish tourist season,” Langford explains. “I can enjoy the countryside, visit historical sites, and generally relax without feeling like I’m fighting for space on the beach.”
Langford’s unusual strategy highlights a growing trend among expats who, while loving their adopted countries, sometimes find the peak tourist seasons challenging. His story serves as a reminder that even paradise can have its drawbacks, and that sometimes, the best escape is back to the familiar comforts of home. It also offers a unique perspective on the impact of tourism on local communities and the lengths some individuals will go to in search of a more tranquil existence.
Steven Langford, a British expat living the dream on Spain's Costa Del Sol, has revealed a surprising summer routine: he returns to the UK during peak tourist season to escape the very crowds he sought to avoid by moving abroad. While many flock to Spain for sun-drenched holidays, Langford finds the influx of tourists during July and August overwhelming, prompting him to seek refuge in the comparatively quieter British summer.
Langford, who relocated to the Costa Del Sol several years ago, initially relished the laid-back lifestyle and warm weather. He enjoyed the vibrant culture, delicious food, and the slower pace of life that Spain offered. However, the allure of the Spanish coast transforms dramatically during the summer months. The region becomes a magnet for holidaymakers, leading to packed beaches, overflowing restaurants, and a general sense of congestion that Langford finds difficult to tolerate.
“It’s ironic, I know,” Langford admits. “I moved to Spain for a more relaxed life, but the summer months become anything but. The sheer volume of tourists changes the whole atmosphere. It gets too hot, too crowded, and frankly, a bit stressful.”
Instead of battling the heat and hordes, Langford now spends his summers back in the UK, enjoying the milder weather and exploring different parts of the country. He appreciates the opportunity to reconnect with friends and family, attend local events, and rediscover the charms of his homeland.
“British summers might not always be predictable, but they offer a welcome respite from the intensity of the Spanish tourist season,” Langford explains. “I can enjoy the countryside, visit historical sites, and generally relax without feeling like I’m fighting for space on the beach.”
Langford’s unusual strategy highlights a growing trend among expats who, while loving their adopted countries, sometimes find the peak tourist seasons challenging. His story serves as a reminder that even paradise can have its drawbacks, and that sometimes, the best escape is back to the familiar comforts of home. It also offers a unique perspective on the impact of tourism on local communities and the lengths some individuals will go to in search of a more tranquil existence.
Category:
World