Spain Holidays

Big-name city breaks

Spain can do a good old fly-and-flop, family beach resorts and winter sun, but its city destinations are never off the radar. You’ve got absolute classics, like Barcelona and Madrid, but also trending, up-and-coming spots, such as San Sebastian and Santiago de Compostela. The architecture is amazing, showcasing Gothic, Moorish, Renaissance and Modernist styles, depending on where you go. Seville’s got some of the best variety, with its Gothic cathedral, Moorish Palace of Alcázar and tiled, old district of Triana. Valencia brings the Medieval vibes, lush Turia Gardens and possibly the country’s best paella… Then, Barcelona’s your best bet for iconic sites, courtesy of Antoni Gaudí – La Sagrada Família and Park Güell are must-sees.

Costa del beachy

Spain’s holiday rep is built on beaches. Pick from the Costa Brava, Costa Dorada, Costa Blanca, Costa Cálida and the Costa del Sol – all of Spain’s coastal regions make up around 8,000 kilometres of pure Mediterranean bliss. Families will love the bigger stretches with more facilities – think Salou, La Misericordia and Patacona. And, you can get the best of both worlds with loads of city beaches, too. Picks like Barceloneta Beach, La Concha and Playa de las Arenas mean you can top up that tan on the sand and get your fix of local sites at the same time. The LGBTQ+ community love Sitges and anyone who’s anyone knows which DJs are playing Ibiza’s beach clubs in summer.

Canaries vs Balearics

Spain’s islands are a sure thing for hot trips, with a decent mix of party and peace. The Canary Islands are so far south, they’re practically in Africa – hello winter sun escapes. Tenerife, Fuerteventura and Gran Canaria are the big ones and they’ve got all the bars and beach set-ups you need, with a few smaller towns for something chill, too. It’s a similar vibe on Lanzarote, then La Gomera’s much smaller and a gem for valley hikes and spotting whales and dolphins. La Palma’s the tiny island and a bit underrated tbh – the whole place is a UNESCO biosphere reserve. And, together, they’re known for their desert-like landscapes, huge beaches and solid surf, sitting in the Atlantic. Then, you’ve got the Balearics – AKA Majorca, Ibiza, Menorca and Formentera – which are in the Med and so have clearer waters and more lush greenery. Majorca’s capital, Palma, is a top city break destination for its Gothic cathedral. But the whole island has loads of pretty beaches to visit at the same time. You already know Ibiza’s the party one, but you probably didn’t realise that’s just one side to the island… the sunsets here are seriously gorg.