Destinations In Spain

KEY TAKEAWAYS

• Spain offers over 4,000 miles of stunning coastline with diverse regions from Costa del Sol to the Canary Islands, perfect for beach holidays year round
• Best value months are April-June and September-October with temperatures around 22-26°C, fewer crowds, and lower accommodation prices
• Flight times from UK range 2-4 hours to mainland Spain and Balearics, making it one of Europe’s most accessible holiday destinations

WHY CHOOSE SPAIN FOR YOUR NEXT HOLIDAY

Spain’s appeal extends far beyond its reputation for beautiful beaches and reliable sunshine. With an average of 300+ days of sunshine annually, the country offers a diverse landscape that spans from the Mediterranean’s pristine sands to the Canary Islands’ volcanic wonders.

The country’s cultural richness sets it apart from other beach destinations. From the stunning moorish castles of Andalusia to the modernist masterpieces of Barcelona, Spain discover opportunities around every corner. The UNESCO World Heritage Sites scattered across the country tell stories of civilizations spanning millennia, while vibrant culture thrives in everything from flamenco performances to contemporary art galleries like the Guggenheim Bilbao.

Spain offers excellent value for money, making it an attractive choice for British holidaymakers. Average meal costs range from €15-25, while accommodation options span from budget hostels at €20 per night to luxury resorts. Many destinations offer significant savings during shoulder seasons, with hotels reducing rates by up to 40% outside peak summer months.

Accessibility is another major advantage for UK travelers. Spain features 47 international airports with frequent direct flights from major UK cities. Flight times range from just 2 hours to Barcelona and the Balearic Islands to 4 hours for the Canary Islands, making even short city breaks entirely feasible.

BEST TIME TO VISIT SPAIN

Peak season spans July through August, when temperatures soar to 28-35°C across most regions. Beach resorts reach maximum capacity during this period, with bustling cities like Barcelona and Madrid experiencing their highest tourist volumes. While you’ll enjoy maximum sunshine hours and the liveliest atmosphere, expect higher accommodation prices and crowded tourist hotspots.

The shoulder seasons of April-June and September-October offer ideal conditions for most travelers. Temperatures hover around a comfortable 20-26°C, perfect for both beach activities and cultural sightseeing.

For those seeking winter sun, the Canary Islands maintain pleasant temperatures of 18-22°C throughout November-March. The Costa del Sol offers milder conditions of 15-20°C, perfect for golf courses and outdoor dining.

Spain’s festival calendar adds another dimension to timing your visit. La Tomatina transforms the small town of Buñol into the world’s biggest food fight on the last Wednesday of August. Semana Santa (Holy Week) in March or April brings spectacular processions throughout Andalusia, particularly in Seville. The Running of Bulls occurs July 6-14 in Pamplona, while Barcelona’s La Mercè festival lights up the city each September.

TOP SPANISH HOLIDAY DESTINATIONS

Spain’s remarkable diversity means every traveler can find their perfect escape, whether you prefer the glamorous beach resorts of the Mediterranean coast, the rugged beauty of Atlantic shores, or the unique character of island getaways. Each region offers distinct advantages and experiences that cater to different holiday styles and budgets.

Mainland Spain coastal regions

The Costa del Sol stretches along Andalusia’s Mediterranean shore, offering a sophisticated blend of traditional Spanish culture and international resort amenities. Marbella epitomizes glamour with its exclusive Puerto Banús marina, luxury boutiques, and world-class golf courses. Torremolinos caters to families with its wide sandy beaches, water parks, and abundance of reasonably priced hotels. The region’s 320+ annual sunshine days make it virtually guaranteed good weather territory.

Costa Blanca holidays center around the vibrant resort of Benidorm, famous for its towering hotels, lively nightlife, and excellent value entertainment. The city’s two main beaches, Levante and Poniente, offer contrasting atmospheres – Levante buzzes with activity while Poniente provides a more relaxed family environment. Historic Alicante, with its hilltop castle and charming old quarter, offers cultural depth beyond the beach scene. The region’s pristine blue flag beaches and reliable climate make it one of Spain’s most popular destinations.

The Costa Brava extends north from Barcelona to the French border, combining dramatic rocky coves with bustling resort towns. Lloret de mar pulses with energy, attracting young travelers with its famous club scene and boat parties. Hidden gems like Tossa de Mar preserve medieval charm with ancient walls tumbling down to crystal-clear waters. The region’s pine forests provide natural shade and scenic hiking opportunities.

Costa Dorada, centered around Salou, specializes in family entertainment with PortAventura World’s thrilling roller coasters and Aquopolis water park. The region’s golden sandy beaches extend for miles, while nearby Tarragona offers Roman ruins and historic significance. This coast particularly excels for family holidays with its abundance of theme parks and child-friendly resorts.

Balearic Islands

Mallorca, the largest Balearic island, offers remarkable diversity within its compact borders. Palma’s stunning cathedral and historic center provide cultural sophistication, while Alcudia’s expansive beach suits families perfectly. The Serra de Tramuntana mountains offer hiking trails and traditional villages, while the eastern coast features hidden coves accessible only by foot or boat.

Ibiza transcends its party reputation to offer surprising variety. San Antonio provides the classic sunset experience with its famous café del mar, while Ibiza Town’s UNESCO World Heritage fortifications house boutique hotels and gourmet restaurants. The island’s northern coast reveals secluded beaches and authentic fishing villages far removed from the club scene.

Menorca maintains a more peaceful character with 185km of unspoiled coastline. Cala Turqueta’s turquoise waters consistently rank among the world’s most beautiful, while Mahón harbor reflects British colonial history in its Georgian architecture. The island’s commitment to environmental protection has preserved traditional landscapes and authentic Spanish culture.

Formentera, accessible only by ferry from Ibiza, feels like a Mediterranean paradise frozen in time. Playa de Ses Illetes consistently ranks among Europe’s best beaches for its powdery white sands and crystal-clear waters. The car-free environment and laid-back atmosphere make it perfect for digital detox holidays.

Canary Islands

Tenerife combines dramatic volcanic landscapes with sophisticated beach resorts. Mount Teide National Park offers hiking trails and cable car rides to Spain’s highest peak, while Costa Adeje’s luxury resorts provide world-class amenities. Siam Park consistently ranks as Europe’s best water park, featuring thrilling slides and a massive artificial beach.

Gran Canaria showcases remarkable diversity despite its compact size. Las Palmas combines city sophistication with excellent beaches, while Playa del Inglés offers non-stop nightlife. The Maspalomas sand dunes create an otherworldly desert landscape, while mountain villages like Teror preserve traditional canary islands culture.

Lanzarote’s volcanic landscape, shaped by 18th-century eruptions, creates a unique moonscape environment. Timanfaya National Park offers guided tours through areas still too hot to walk on, while local artist César Manrique’s architectural vision integrated development harmoniously with the natural environment. The island’s wine region, La Geria, produces distinctive volcanic wines.

Fuerteventura attracts beach lovers and water sports enthusiasts with its endless sandy beaches and consistent trade winds. Corralejo’s massive sand dunes stretch for miles, while the island’s clear waters provide world-class conditions for windsurfing and kitesurfing. Historic Betancuria, the former capital, offers insight into the islands’ conquest and colonization.

SPANISH CITIES WORTH EXPLORING

Barcelona seamlessly blends architectural masterpieces with Mediterranean lifestyle. Gaudí’s Sagrada Familia continues its ongoing construction toward a planned 2026 completion, while Park Güell’s colorful mosaics offer panoramic city views. The Gothic Quarter’s medieval streets hide tapas bars and boutique shops, while La Rambla provides endless people-watching opportunities.

Madrid, Spain’s cultural heart, houses world-renowned art collections and royal heritage. The Prado Museum showcases Velázquez’s masterpieces and Goya’s dark paintings, while the Royal Palace’s 3,418 rooms demonstrate imperial grandeur. Retiro Park’s Crystal Palace hosts contemporary art installations, while the Malasaña district pulses with innovative cocktail bars and live music venues.

Seville embodies southern spain’s romantic soul through its blend of moorish and Christian architecture. The Alcázar’s intricate Mudéjar decoration rivals the Alhambra, while the cathedral’s Gothic magnificence houses Columbus’s tomb. Triana district preserves authentic flamenco culture in intimate tablaos, while the April Fair transforms the city into a week-long celebration of andalusian traditions.

Valencia showcases Spain’s innovative spirit through the futuristic City of Arts and Sciences complex designed by Santiago Calatrava. As paella’s birthplace, the city maintains strict culinary traditions while embracing modern gastronomy. The Las Fallas festival each March fills the city with enormous artistic sculptures destined for ceremonial burning, creating one of Europe’s most spectacular celebrations.

ACTIVITIES FOR EVERY TYPE OF TRAVELER

Family-friendly adventures

Spanish theme parks deliver world-class thrills and entertainment value. PortAventura World’s Dragon Khan roller coaster and Shambhala hypercoaster consistently rank among Europe’s best, while the attached Costa Caribe Water Park provides aquatic relief during hot summer days. Siam Park in Tenerife features the Tower of Power slide through a shark-filled aquarium, while Terra Mítica near Benidorm bases its attractions on ancient mythology.

Spain’s beaches excel for family fun with their gradual slopes and calm waters. Playa de Levante in Benidorm offers lifeguard services and nearby amenities, while Playa de Muro in Mallorca provides shallow, crystal-clear water perfect for young children. Many Spanish beaches hold blue flag status, guaranteeing high environmental and safety standards.

Educational opportunities abound throughout Spain’s historic cities. The Guggenheim Bilbao’s titanium architecture houses contemporary masterpieces, while Córdoba’s Mezquita demonstrates the intersection of Islamic and Christian cultures. Toledo, known as the “City of Three Cultures,” preserves Jewish, Muslim, and Christian heritage within its medieval walls.

Wildlife encounters add excitement to Spanish holidays. Gibraltar’s Barbary macaques represent Europe’s only wild monkey population, while Valencia’s L’Oceanogràfic features Europe’s largest shark tunnel. Loro Parque in Tenerife houses orcas, dolphins, and exotic birds in naturalistic environments.

Romantic getaways for couples

Spain offers countless romantic settings for couples seeking intimate escapes.

Cabo de Gata’s lighthouse provides spectacular sunset views over Andalusia’s most unspoiled coastline, while Ronda’s dramatic gorge creates an unforgettable backdrop for romantic dinners. Santillana del Mar’s perfectly preserved medieval streets transport couples back in time.

Wine experiences throughout Spain cater to romantic inclinations. Rioja’s century-old bodegas offer intimate tastings in historic cellars, while Penedès produces world-renowned cava in underground caves. The sherry triangle around Jerez provides unique fortified wine experiences in traditional bodegas.

Historic romantic settings abound throughout the country. The Alhambra’s Generalife gardens offer intimate courtyards and flowing water features, while Segovia’s fairy-tale Alcázar inspired Disney’s castle designs. Cuenca’s hanging houses perch dramatically over river gorges, creating unforgettable dining environments.

Luxury experiences elevate romantic Spanish holidays. Marbella’s Puerto Banús provides yacht watching and designer shopping, while San Sebastián’s Michelin-starred restaurants deliver world-class cuisine. Mountain retreats in Mallorca’s Deià offer intimate hotels with stunning sea views and artistic heritage.

SPANISH CUISINE AND CULINARY EXPERIENCES

Spanish cuisine varies dramatically between regions, reflecting diverse cultural influences and local ingredients.

Valencian paella, prepared with bomba rice and traditional saffron, represents one of the world’s most recognized dishes. Authentic paella comes in three traditional varieties: seafood, chicken and rabbit, or vegetarian with green beans and lima beans.

Basque pintxos culture transforms eating into a social adventure. Small sands and elaborate toppings balance on bread slices, while locals hop between bars sampling different specialties. San Sebastián boasts more Michelin stars per capita than Paris, making it a pilgrimage destination for serious food lovers.

Andalusian gazpacho provides perfect refreshment during hot summers, while the region’s olive oil production supplies much of the world’s finest extra virgin varieties. Jamón ibérico from Extremadura’s acorn-fed pigs ranks among the world’s finest cured meats, often compared to fine wine for its complexity and regional variations.

Spanish dining culture differs significantly from northern European customs. Restaurants typically open for dinner at 9 PM, with locals often eating as late as 11 PM. The traditional siesta results in afternoon shop closures from 2-5 PM, though tourist areas often maintain continuous service.

Food markets provide authentic local experiences and excellent value. Barcelona’s La Boquería market offers everything from fresh seafood to exotic fruits, while Madrid’s Mercado San Miguel focuses on gourmet tastings and wine pairings. Seville’s Mercado de Triana specializes in fresh seafood and traditional tapas ingredients.

Spain’s wine regions produce distinctive varieties suited to the country’s diverse climates. Ribera del Duero creates bold red wines from Tempranillo grapes, while Rías Baixas produces crisp Albariño whites perfect for seafood. La Rioja remains Spain’s most prestigious wine region, with some bodegas aging wines for decades in underground cellars.

Local cuisine varies significantly between coastal and inland regions. Mediterranean areas emphasize fresh seafood, rice dishes, and light salads, while mountain regions feature hearty stews, roasted meats, and aged cheeses. The Canary Islands offer unique specialties like wrinkled potatoes with mojo sauce and fresh fish prepared in traditional salt crusts.

BEST SPANISH BEACHES

Spain’s stunning beaches rank among the world’s finest, offering everything from pristine sands to dramatic rocky coves. The Mediterranean coast provides consistently calm, warm waters ideal for swimming and water sports, while the Atlantic offers more dramatic surf conditions and wild natural beauty.

Mediterranean gems include Cala Macarelleta in Menorca, renowned for its crystal-clear turquoise waters and fine white sand framed by pine forests. Platja d’Aro on the Costa Brava combines excellent facilities with beautiful golden sands, while Cabo de Palos offers exceptional diving opportunities in its protected marine reserve.

The Atlantic coastline showcases Spain’s wilder coastal beauty. Playa de la Concha in San Sebastián curves in a perfect shell shape, consistently ranking among Europe’s most beautiful urban beaches. Playa de Bolonia near Tarifa features dramatic Roman ruins as a backdrop, while Costa da Morte in Galicia offers rugged beauty and powerful surf.

Island paradises provide some of Spain’s most spectacular beach experiences. Es Vedra’s mystical rock formation creates an otherworldly backdrop for Ibiza’s hidden coves, while Cofete beach stretches endlessly along Fuerteventura’s western shore. La Gomera offers black volcanic sand beaches with dramatic cliff backdrops and excellent hiking access.

Hidden gems reward adventurous beach seekers. Cala Pregonda in Menorca features distinctive reddish sand created by iron deposits, while Cala des Morts requires a challenging hike but rewards visitors with perfect isolation. Playa de Gulpiyuri in Asturias creates an incredible Inland beach phenomenon, formed by underground river systems.

TRANSPORTATION AND GETTING AROUND

Spain’s high-speed rail network transforms intercity travel into a comfortable, efficient experience. Advanced booking can provide discounts up to 70%, making rail travel competitive with budget airlines for many routes.

Regional transport systems integrate multiple modes seamlessly. Cercanías suburban trains connect city centers with airports and surrounding areas, while the extensive ALSA bus network reaches smaller towns and villages throughout the country. Major cities feature comprehensive metro systems.

Car rental provides maximum flexibility for exploring Spain’s diverse landscapes.

Island hopping adds another dimension to Spanish holidays. Baleària ferry services connect the Balearic Islands with frequent departures during peak season. Inter-island flights provide quick connections, while day trip combinations allow visitors to experience multiple islands during a single vacation.

City transport systems offer excellent value and coverage. Barcelona’s integrated T-10 tickets provide ten journeys across metro, bus, and tram networks at significant savings compared to individual tickets. Madrid’s metro system operates until 1:30 AM on weekdays and continuously on weekends, while Seville’s bike-sharing program provides an eco-friendly way to explore the historic center.

Domestic flights connect distant regions efficiently. Madrid serves as the main hub for connections to the Canary Islands, while Barcelona provides direct access to the Balearic Islands. Budget carriers like Vueling and Ryanair offer competitive prices for inter-regional travel, though advance booking is essential for the best deals.

ACCOMMODATION OPTIONS

All-inclusive resorts dominate Spain’s family holiday market, providing exceptional value and convenience. Boutique hotels showcase Spain’s design heritage and local character.

Budget accommodation spans from modern hostels to traditional family-run establishments. Hostel networks in major cities provide clean, safe accommodation starting from €20 per night, while pension guesthouses offer authentic local experiences with personal service. Coastal camping sites combine affordability with direct beach access and natural settings.

Unique stays create memorable holiday experiences beyond standard hotels. You can live in historic buildings including converted monasteries, castles, and palaces, offering luxury accommodations with cultural significance. Rural casas rurales provide authentic countryside experiences, while beachfront apartments offer independence with spectacular sea views.

CULTURAL EXPERIENCES AND FESTIVALS

Flamenco represents Spain’s most passionate cultural expression, originating in Andalusia’s Gitano communities. Jerez’s annual flamenco festival in February and March attracts performers and enthusiasts from around the world.

Picasso’s Barcelona period influenced his blue and rose phases, with the city’s Picasso Museum housing the world’s largest collection from these periods. The Dali Theatre Museum in Figueres provides a surreal journey through the artist’s creative mind, while Barcelona’s Miró Foundation celebrates the colorful abstract works of this Catalonian master.

Siesta culture reflects Spain’s adaptation to hot climates and emphasis on work-life balance. Traditional afternoon shop closures from 2-5 PM allow for family lunches and rest during the hottest part of the day. Evening paseo traditions see entire families strolling through town centers, creating vibrant street life and social interaction.