Spain Holidays

Best time to go to Spain: Maximising your holiday experience

The best time to visit Spain depends on your preferences and the activities you want to enjoy. Spain’s weather is generally mild year-round, but the south tends to be warmer and sunnier, while the north experiences more cold and rain.

For a beach holiday, the summer months (June to September) are ideal, but they can be busy and expensive. To avoid the crowds, visit during the shoulder seasons, from April to June or September to November, when the weather is still pleasant, but prices are lower. For skiing or hiking, winter (November to March) offers cooler temperatures and fewer tourists.

What to know for your holidays in Spain's top destinations

Spain offers a wide variety of destinations, each with its own unique appeal. Here are some of the top places to consider:

• Tenerife: Perfect for nature lovers with diverse landscapes, including Spain’s highest peak and stunning beaches.

• Ibiza: Known for its lively nightlife, but also offers serene villages and coves for a peaceful escape.

• Benidorm: Famous for its beaches, entertainment, and a wide range of dining options.

• Barcelona: A cultural hub with iconic architecture, historic markets, and a buzzing food scene.

• Majorca: Offers a mix of serene mountains, secret beaches, and historical charm in Palma.

• Lanzarote: Known for its volcanic landscapes, unique art, and beautiful beaches.

• Gran Canaria: Features diverse terrain, from desert dunes to lush valleys, with vibrant resorts.

• Seville: Immerse yourself in Andalusian culture with flamenco, historical sites, and colourful festivals.

• Fuerteventura: A hotspot for water sports, with excellent windsurfing and kiteboarding spots.

• Menorca: Ideal for a tranquil getaway with secluded beaches and a laid-back atmosphere.

• Costa del Sol: Famous for its sunny beaches, golf courses, and cultural sites.

• Costa Blanca: Known for its beaches, scenic towns, and palm groves in Elche.

All-Inclusive Holidays to Spain

Enjoy the ultimate relaxation with an all-inclusive holiday to Spain, where everything is taken care of, from meals and drinks to entertainment. Whether you choose the beaches of Majorca, the volcanic landscapes of Lanzarote, or the nightlife of Ibiza, Spain’s all-inclusive resorts offer a stress-free getaway for families, couples, and groups.

How to get to Spain: Ease of travel

Travelling to Spain from Ireland is simple, with direct flights to destinations like Malaga, Valencia, Barcelona, and Alicante. For the islands, flights to Tenerife, Gran Canaria, Ibiza, and Majorca are readily available. These destinations are popular for their combination of beautiful beaches, vibrant nightlife, and rich culture.

Getting around Spain: Exploring with ease

Spain is easy to navigate, whether you’re travelling between cities or exploring the countryside.

Train Travel and Other Options

Trains are a convenient option for travel between major cities, though long-distance routes can be pricey. For budget-friendly travel, consider cross-country coaches like FlixBus. In regional areas, trains and buses are your best bet. If you’re venturing into rural areas like Asturias or Basque Country, hiring a car offers flexibility.

Whether you’re exploring cultural hotspots or relaxing on a beach, Spain promises a diverse holiday experience full of scenic beauty and unforgettable adventures.

Discover Spain's Diverse Attractions

Spain, a vibrant and diverse country, offers a multitude of activities for every type of traveller. Renowned for its stunning beaches, Spain is the perfect destination for those seeking a relaxing 'fly and flop' holiday. Whether you're longing for a peaceful swim or a sunbath on some of Europe's finest beaches, Spain has it all.

For the adventurous, the nation's coasts offer exhilarating watersports, including paddle-boarding in tranquil waters, as well as surfing and windsurfing along the more dramatic coastlines.

Outdoor Adventures

Beyond the beaches, Spain's landscape is ideal for hiking and cycling enthusiasts. Alternatively, immerse yourself in the local culture with a vineyard tour.

Urban Exploration

Spain's cities brim with engaging activities: explore world-class galleries, museums, cathedrals, and mosques. Here's a snapshot of popular Spanish attractions:

• Seville Cathedral and the Royal Alcázar.

• The Mosque-Cathedral of Cordoba.

• The Nasrid Palaces and the Alhambra in Granada.

• Balcony of Europe in Nerja.

• Tabernas Desert near Almeria.

• Royal Palace of Madrid

• The Guggenheim Museum in Bilbao

• Ciudad de las Artes y las Ciencias in Valencia.

• Gaudí's masterpieces, including La Sagrada Familia in Barcelona.

Spain for Young Adults: Unforgettable Experiences

Spain is a treasure trove of experiences for young adults. Vibrant nightlife, music festivals, and lively beach parties epitomise Spain's youthful spirit.

Adventure and Nightlife

Cities like Barcelona, Madrid, and Ibiza are famous for their bustling club scenes and DJ sets. Adventure seekers can indulge in water sports, mountain biking, or even join the famed Camino de Santiago trek.

Culinary Adventures

For a unique experience, explore Spain's rich culinary scene through tapas tours or cooking classes.

Romantic Escapades in Spain for Couples

Spain, with its romantic landscapes and charming cities, is a haven for couples. Enjoy intimate moments in the quaint streets of Seville or the idyllic beaches of Costa Brava.

Romantic Activities

Couples can revel in sunset cruises, wine tasting in the Rioja region, or a hot air balloon ride over the picturesque countryside. Unwind with a couples' spa day, influenced by Spain's Moorish heritage, or enjoy a candlelit dinner in a historic castle.

Enjoy Spain Without Spending a Fortune

Spain's wealth of free activities makes it a budget-friendly destination. The country's beaches, open to the public, offer a cost-effective way to relax and enjoy nature.

Budget-friendly Exploration

Hiking trails, available at no cost, provide an opportunity to explore Spain's stunning landscapes. City exploration, from architectural marvels to atmospheric streets, is a delightful, cost-free experience. Many cities offer free walking tours, giving insights into local life.

Cultural Freebies

Check city schedules for free entry days to museums and galleries, a common practice in Europe. In places like Seville, you might even stumble upon a spontaneous flamenco performance in the plazas, a captivating experience at no cost.

Unveil the allure of Spain's stunning beaches

Embark on a journey to Spain, a country renowned for its breathtaking landscapes and rich cultural tapestry, home to some of the most idyllic beaches on the globe. Whether your preference lies with the sun-drenched mainland coasts or the tranquil beauty of its islands, Spain offers a beach paradise for every traveller. Discover the myriad of beach destinations Spain has to offer, from the energetic shores of Ibiza to the historic charm of Valencia, ensuring your holiday is nothing short of memorable.

Southern coast treasures

The Costa del Sol, a perennial favourite among British holiday-goers, is celebrated for its broad, sandy beaches that stretch from Málaga to Marbella and extend to the vibrant city of Valencia. These locations are renowned for their inviting sea temperatures and diverse coastal offerings, from bustling beachfronts to serene, hidden coves. Holidays to Valencia, in particular, merge historical allure with beachside leisure, offering a unique blend of experiences for the discerning traveller.

Secluded beauties of Costa Brava

Just north of Barcelona, the Costa Brava is a treasure trove of sandy beaches and secluded calas (coves), enveloped by lush greenery and bathed in crystal-clear, warm waters. This region's rugged beauty and tranquil spots make it an ideal escape for those seeking peace amidst nature's embrace.

Cádiz's expansive shorelines

The shores around Cádiz, with sprawling sandy expanses like Playa de Valdegrana and Playa de La Cortadura, offer a haven of tranquillity and wide-open spaces, perfect for a serene retreat from the hustle and bustle of daily life.

Galicia's untouched coast

Galicia's rugged Atlantic coastline is a surfer's dream and a nature enthusiast's paradise, known for its cooler waters, vibrant surf, and pristine beaches that boast unspoiled, azure vistas.

Northern Spain: a blend of adventure and beauty

The northern coast of Spain, akin to the scenic landscapes of Cornwall or Devon, is a magnet for outdoor enthusiasts. Regions like Asturias and the Basque Country are celebrated for their sandy coves, dramatic cliffs, and verdant settings, offering a unique combination of adventure sports and scenic walks.

Diverse beaches of the Balearic Islands

Exploring the Balearic Islands – Ibiza, Menorca, Majorca, and Formentera – reveals a paradise of white sands and turquoise waters, each offering unique and stunning beaches.

Here’s a guide to some of the best beaches and the towns they’re near, perfect for your next sun-soaked getaway:

• Cala Comte, Ibiza: Near the town of Sant Antoni de Portmany, Cala Comte is celebrated for its dramatic rock formations and shallow turquoise waters, ideal for watching incredible sunsets.

• Cala Macarelleta, Menorca: Close to Ciutadella, the twin bays of Macarella and Macarelleta are Menorca's jewels, known for their beautiful electric blue waters and bone-pale sands.

• Playa de Formentor, Mallorca: Located near Port de Pollença, Formentor beach offers scenic views and shallow waters, nestled in one of Mallorca’s most breathtaking landscapes.

• Las Salinas, Ibiza: Close to Ibiza Town, Las Salinas is an iconic beach within a nature reserve known for its lively beach bars and serene spots for relaxation.

• Cala Gat, Mallorca: A short walk from the resort of Cala Ratjada, Cala Gat offers intense turquoise seas and a lovely, picturesque setting.

• Cala Mitjana, Menorca: Accessible from Cala Galdana, Cala Mitjana is famed for its stunning turquoise waters and serene atmosphere, surrounded by typical Balearic nature.

• Es Trenc beach, Mallorca: Situated near Colonia de Sant Jordi, Es Trenc is a protected area known for its long stretch of white sand and crystal-clear waters, offering a natural and serene beach experience. It’s probably the most popular beach in Majorca, so expect it to be crowded.

• Cala Varques beach, eastern Mallorca: Located near Porto Cristo, Cala Varques is celebrated for its clear waters and is a less frequented beach, ideal for those looking for tranquillity and excellent snorkelling opportunities.

• Calo des Mort, Formentera: Near Migjorn, Calo des Mort is a calm and secluded cove, perfect for relaxing in Formentera’s crystal-clear, calm waters.

Each of these destinations offers a unique beach experience, from secluded coves to family-friendly shores, embodying the diverse beauty of the Balearic Islands. Whether you’re after relaxation, adventure, or simply stunning scenery, these islands have a beach that will meet your desires.

Exotic beaches of the Canary Islands

Exploring the Canary Islands, each with its unique landscapes and experiences, offers stunning beaches across Tenerife, Fuerteventura, Gran Canaria, Lanzarote, and their nearby towns or resorts, ideal for your next beach holiday.

• Papagayo, Lanzarote: This exquisite white sand beach near Playa Blanca is a haven for beach lovers and is known for its clear, calm waters, making it perfect for swimming and snorkelling.

• El Cotillo, Fuerteventura: The beaches south of El Cotillo are a paradise for surfers and windsurfers, offering big waves and an adventurous atmosphere, though they can be dangerous for swimmers when conditions are rough.

• Sotavento, Fuerteventura: Located on the Jandia Peninsula, Sotavento is celebrated for its white sands and is a popular spot for water sports, providing a picturesque beach experience.

• Maspalomas, Gran Canaria: Famous for its vast dunes and long stretch of beach, Maspalomas near Playa del Inglés offers iconic views and private spots, popular among nudists for its secluded nature.

• El Bollullo, Tenerife: Near Puerto de la Cruz, El Bollullo’s black sand and volcanic rocks create a striking contrast, offering spectacular scenery and a unique beach experience.

• Famara, Lanzarote: For those seeking solitude, Famara provides a peaceful escape with its long bay against the backdrop of cliffs, making it a favourite for surfers and filmmakers alike.

• Corralejo, Fuerteventura: The expansive beach at Corralejo is known for its golden sands and desert-like dunes, offering a serene beach experience with views of Los Lobos island and Lanzarote.

• Janubio beach, Lanzarote: Near Playa Blanca, Janubio Beach features a large natural lagoon and is next to Salinas de Janubio, Lanzarote’s historic salt flats, offering a quiet and unique landscape.

• Playa de Mogan, Gran Canaria: This enchanting beach next to Playa de Mogan is known for its crescent shape, clear waters, and proximity to whale-watching and other marine activities.

• Playa Bollullo, Tenerife: Near Puerto de la Cruz, this beach offers an idyllic setting with black sand and is a great spot for those looking to enjoy the novelty of Tenerife’s volcanic landscape.

Each beach across the Canary Islands offers a distinct charm, whether you’re after tranquil waters, adventurous water sports, or unique natural settings.

What to Eat in Spain

Spain's cuisine, as diverse as the country itself, offers a variety of specialities in each region and town. Here's a guide to some must-try foods that capture the essence of Spanish gastronomy.

Seafood Delights

Seafood is a staple in coastal areas, from Costa Brava to Galicia. Each region boasts its own local specialities, offering a fresh and authentic taste of the sea.

Paella: Spain's Signature Dish

Paella, often considered the national dish of Spain, is a culinary experience not to be missed. Traditionally made with seafood and chicken, this shared dish also comes in excellent vegetarian versions.

Tapas: A Taste of Spain

Tapas, especially popular in southern Spain, are small sharing plates perfect for sampling a variety of flavours. They are typically enjoyed with wine or beer, making them an integral part of the Spanish dining experience.

Pinxos/Pinchos: Bite-Sized Delights

Pinchos, similar to tapas but often served on a cocktail stick, are a culinary highlight in the Basque country and Asturias. These bite-sized snacks are an excellent way to taste a bit of everything.

Jamon and Chorizo: The Pride of Spain

Jamon (ham) and chorizo (sausage) are celebrated across Spain. Jamon Iberico, served in thin slices, is a delicacy, while chorizo makes for a fantastic tapas dish.

Padron Peppers: A Must-Try

Padron peppers, small and sweet, are a popular tapas choice throughout Spain. They are typically grilled or fried, offering a simple yet irresistible flavour.