Spain Holidays

Historical sites

• The Sagrada Família, Barcelona – This is Gaudí’s masterpiece and one of Spain’s most famous landmarks. The basilica blends Gothic and Modernist designs and is famously unfinished.

• The Alhambra, Granada – Wander through this Moorish palace and fortress to see the intricate Nasrid Palaces, the serene Generalife Gardens and the impressive Alcazaba fortress. Nearby, Charles V’s Renaissance Palace is also open to visitors and offers wide views across the Sierra Nevada.

• Seville Cathedral, Seville – Make a visit to the largest Gothic cathedral in the world – it’s where you can find Christopher Columbus’ tomb. Then, climb La Giralda for panoramic city views and enjoy the peaceful Patio de los Naranjos.

• The Alcázar, Seville – This is the city’s old royal palace and a great example of Mudéjar architecture. You get access to the ornate Patio de las Doncellas, the gilded Hall of Ambassadors and the underground Baths of Doña María de Padilla. And don’t miss the gardens – they featured in Game of Thrones.

• The Royal Palace, Madrid – Explore the grandest royal palace in Europe, featuring opulent rooms, the breathtaking Throne Room and the impressive Royal Armoury. You can stroll through the Sabatini Gardens and catch the changing of the guard ceremony. And, while you’re in the city, go see Puerta del Sol, the city’s bustling central square, and Plaza Mayor, a buzzing historic hub.

• The Guggenheim Museum, Bilbao – Where avant-garde architecture and world-class exhibits come together. Bilbao is one of Spain’s most underrated cities to explore – head to the Ría de Bilbao, where riverside promenades and scenic bridges make for a beautiful walk.

Island life 

Spain’s got two archipelagos to choose from – the Balearic Islands and the Canary Islands.

• Majorca – Majorca offers much more than just beach days. Move away from the busiest resorts and you’ll find quieter, more rural spots. The Tramuntana Mountains are popular for walking, while the coastline works for sea‑cave kayaking and kitesurfing when the wind picks up. For a change of pace, Palma offers Medieval architecture, narrow streets and a lively evening scene.

• Ibiza – Ibiza is for travellers who like variety. The island is known for its clubs and beach bars, but there is also a calmer side that’s made up of small villages and secluded coves. Days can be spent kayaking along the shoreline or seeking out quieter beaches, leaving nights open for either clubbing or relaxed cocktails on the beach.

• Tenerife – Tenerife has two sides to it. The south is livelier, with golden beaches, nightlife and busy promenades, while the north feels greener and slower, with black volcanic sand, forested areas and traditional towns. Mount Teide – Spain’s tallest mountain and a dormant volcano – is one of the island’s main attractions and is popular for both hiking and stargazing.

• Lanzarote – Lanzarote’s volcanic landscape gives the island a distinctive look, shaped by lava fields and dark rock formations. Timanfaya National Park is the centrepiece for walking and sightseeing, while the beaches offer space to relax. It’s also got art and architecture to admire – largely influenced by César Manrique, whose work is woven into many parts of the island.

• Fuerteventura – This island has loads of natural scenery, like volcanic terrain, quiet beaches and natural pools. It's particularly popular for watersports such as windsurfing and snorkelling, though the long sandy beaches also suit slower days for swimming and sunbathing.

Outdoor adventures

The Spanish mainland has its share of mountain ranges, but the highest peak is found on the Canary Islands.

• The Picos de Europa, Cantabria – These are the ‘Peaks of Europe’, spread across Asturias, Cantabria, Castile and Léon and form part of the Cantabrian Mountains in the north of Spain. The national park features rugged peaks, green valleys and charming villages, plus trails like the Ruta del Cares are ideal for both experienced and casual hikers.

• Mount Teide, Tenerife – Spain’s highest peak is in Teide National Park, and you can reach the top by hiking or via a cable car. It's a great spot for stargazing, so it’s worth booking a sunset tour.

• Timanfaya National Park, Lanzarote – Explore the lunar-like landscape of Lanzarote’s volcanic park, with a guided walk or camel ride to see its dramatic craters and lava fields.

• The Tabernas Desert, Almería – This is Europe’s only desert and the backdrop for many classic films, like Cleopatra and Lawrence of Arabia.

Shopping

Even if you don’t think you’re after anything, the markets in Spain are part of the local culture.

• Madrid – Head to the Golden Mile – Milla de Oro – in the Salamanca district for a big shopping spree. This area’s home to high-end designer shops like Chanel, Louis Vuitton and Spanish fashion house, Loewe. If you prefer something a bit more independent, Malasaña and Chueca are good places to explore with vintage shops and small, locally-run boutiques.

• Barcelona – Stroll down Passeig de Gràcia, where luxury shops meet iconic Catalan architecture. Then, head to the El Born district for artisan products and handmade jewellery. For a local experience, visit the Encants Market, which is one of Europe’s oldest flea markets.

• Valencia – Central Market’s lively stalls offer fresh produce, gourmet food and authentic souvenirs. For fashion and crafts, the Colón Market is full of upscale shops and cafés.

• Granada – Explore the Alcaicería, Granada’s historic Moorish bazaar, filled with stalls selling ceramics, textiles and jewellery. This market is the perfect place to find unique souvenirs inspired by Andalusian culture. Nearby, local boutiques also sell artisanal leather goods and traditional flamenco dresses.

• Bilbao – Walk through Gran Vía – it’s filled with flagship stores and luxury brands – then head to the Casco Viejo, or Bilbao Old Town, for independent boutiques and traditional Basque goods, including handcrafted leather bags and traditional espadrilles.

Nightlife

The Canary and Balearic Islands have loads of clubs to choose from, but many of Spain’s top cities also have a good bar scene, too.

• Ibiza – Start with sunset drinks at Café del Mar or Mambo on San Antonio’s strip, then head out to the big clubs like Pacha, Amnesia, or Ushuaïa, where international DJs attract large crowds throughout the season.

• Madrid – Malasaña is Madrid’s buzzy nightlife district, with indie music venues and cosy cocktail bars. The La Latina district is known for its lively tapas bars and end the night in a traditional flamenco bar.

• Seville – Seville’s Triana district is full of intimate flamenco performances. But for a more modern experience, head to Alameda de Hércules, a square lined with bars, outdoor terraces and cocktail spots.

• Barcelona – The Gothic Quarter is where you’ll find a lot of bars and smaller clubs, but Plaza Real has the most famous venues. To end your evening by the beach, Port Olympic has beach clubs like Opium and Shôko.

• San Sebastian – Start your evening at pintxos bars in the Parte Vieja – the Old Town – and later, explore the bars along La Concha Bay for drinks along the coast. For the best sunset, take a hike or ride on the funicular up Monte Igueldo – the panoramic views from here capture the sea and city.

Festivals 

Spain’s full of festivals, so time your trip with one of these events.

• Primavera Sound Barcelona, June – This annual music festival features a line‑up of international and Spanish artists. It’s hosted in Parc del Fòrum, which is right in Barcelona, so it works well alongside a city break. And, with every ticket, you get 25% off a Hola Barcelona Travel Card for unlimited travel around the city.

• Festival Internacional de Benicàssim, July – Every July, this festival plays pop, rock and electronic music in the town of Benicàssim in the Valencian Community. It’s seen the likes of Bastille, Franz Ferdinand and the Black Eyed Peas headline.

• La Tomatina, August – For something more local, join one of the world’s most famous food fights in Buñol, where thousands get together to hurl overripe tomatoes at each other. Old clothes and goggles are recommended.

• Carnival, February/March – Spain’s Carnival celebrations are often compared with Rio’s, largely thanks to events in Tenerife and Cádiz. You can expect colourful costumes, large parades and busy street celebrations. Tenerife’s events also include the unusual Burial of the Sardine.

• Christmas markets – Spain might not be your first thought for a Christmas market break, but cities like Barcelona and Madrid put on festive stalls just like the colder parts of Europe. Wander through the Fira de Santa Llúcia in Barcelona or Plaza Mayor in Madrid – they’re known for selling roasted chestnuts and a festive turrón-flavoured drink.

Mainland beaches

flight away.

• Costa del Sol – Set within Andalusia, you've got Marbella’s glamorous beach clubs like Nikki Beach, while Nerja has a more laidback feel with its famous Burriana Beach and cliffs. With the whole region boasting over 325 sunny days a year, it’s a go-to for beachgoers.

• Costa Brava – Part of Catalonia, Tossa de Mar combines a Medieval old town with gorgeous beaches, like Platja Gran. Hidden gems such as Cala Pola are perfect for travellers that enjoy a secluded spot, and even though a lot of this area is surrounded with natural beauty, they’re still accessible.

• Costa Blanca – Stretching for 200 kilometres down from Valencia, along the Mediterranean, Costa Blanca is known for its lively resorts like Benidorm. Levante is one of the most popular beaches here and is packed with watersports. Or, for a quieter escape, Playa de San Juan, near Alicante, has a family-friendly feel.

City beaches

Mix your city breaks with the beach for the ultimate escape.

• Barceloneta Beach, Barcelona – Walkable from the heart of Barcelona, Barceloneta Beach is a big stretch of sand with an urban feel. Sunbathe, swim or enjoy beachside food and drinks at one of the many beach bars.

• La Concha, San Sebastian – Often listed as one of Europe’s most beautiful city beaches, La Concha is a crescent-shaped bay with calm, shallow waters. It’s just steps from San Sebastian’s Old Town, so perfect for combining beach time with pintxos bars. You’ll also find paddle-boarding and kayaking are popular here, thanks to the protected waters.

• Malagueta Beach, Málaga – Just a short walk from Málaga’s historic centre, Malagueta Beach is ideal for a quick dip. Its golden sands are lined with beach bars serving espetos – skewered sardines grilled over open flames – and it’s close to cultural hotspots, like the Picasso Museum.

Island beaches

Book a Spanish Island holiday and you get a 360‑degree coastline to enjoy.

• Ibiza – Ibiza’s beaches range from lively party hubs to relaxed hideaways. Playa d’en Bossa is perfect for those who love music, cocktails and watersports, while Cala Saladeta is a quieter retreat with clear waters and cliffs.

• Majorca – Majorca’s home to many of Spain’s best beaches. Playa de Muro is a family-friendly gem with shallow, turquoise waters and soft sands. For something more secluded, hike to Cala Agulla, a hidden beach surrounded by pine forests.

• Tenerife – Tenerife’s beaches range from black volcanic sands to golden stretches. Playa Jardín was designed by artist César Manrique and features leafy gardens and a dramatic volcanic backdrop. Then, Playa de las Teresitas, near Santa Cruz, is a sandy spot, perfect for swimming watersports.

Family-friendly beaches

Spanish holidays are a popular choice for families, mainly because of its range of beaches.

• Playa de Palma, Majorca – With shallow waters, kids can safely play in the gentle waves, and beach activities like paddleboats add extra fun.

• La Barrosa, Andalusia – La Barrosa is a wide, sandy beach with calm waters and family-friendly facilities. There are playgrounds, beachside restaurants and loads of parking, so you can bring the beach games with you.

• Playa de Las Canteras, Gran Canaria – Known for its natural reef protecting the shoreline, Playa de Las Canteras has excellent snorkelling for all ages. The long promenade is perfect for family walks, with ice-cream parlours and spots to stop for lunch or a snack.

Best beaches for watersports

Beaches aren’t just for sunbathing on holidays to Spain – these places that are known for watersports.

• Tarifa, Andalusia – Tarifa is Europe’s windsurfing and kitesurfing capital, thanks to its strong, consistent winds. Beginners and professionals will love beaches like Playa de Los Lances, where surf schools and equipment rentals are easy to find.

• Fuerteventura, Canary Islands – Fuerteventura is popular with watersports fans, with over 150 beaches and ideal conditions. Sotavento Beach hosts international windsurfing championships, while spots like Corralejo offer top surfing and snorkelling scenes. The clear waters and diverse marine life also make it a popular choice for scuba diving.

• Lanzarote, Canary Islands – With its volcanic underwater landscapes, Lanzarote is great for divers and snorkellers. Playa Chica in Puerto del Carmen is a hotspot for exploring lava reefs and spotting marine creatures like angel sharks. Surfers can also head to Famara Beach, which is known for its consistent waves.

Classic dishes

Spain has been serving small plates for generations, which makes it a good fit if you like variety or struggle to choose just one dish.

• Paella – It’s a large, shallow dish of saffron-flavoured rice, cooked with ingredients like seafood, chicken or rabbit. Vegetarian versions are also available with seasonal vegetables.

• Tortilla Española – A simple Spanish omelette made with eggs, potatoes and onions, and served as a tapas dish or even for breakfast.

• Jamón Ibérico – Cured Iberian ham – it’s a local delicacy and best enjoyed thinly sliced with bread or paired with wine.

• Gazpacho and salmorejo – Refreshing cold soups made with tomatoes, olive oil and garlic. Salmorejo is a thicker version and often garnished with hard-boiled egg and some jamón.

Street food and markets

Eat on the go with these street food treats, and we’ve recommended some of the best markets to find them at, too.

• Bocadillos – A sandwich filled with jamón, chorizo or even tortilla Española. They’re ideal for a quick, affordable meal.

• Empanadas – Pastry pockets filled with meat, fish or vegetables, popular in northern Spain and Galicia.

• La Boqueria Market, Barcelona – A food lover’s paradise, offering everything from fresh seafood to cured meats and local cheeses.

• Mercado de San Miguel, Madrid – A gourmet market where you can sample Spanish wines, oysters and a variety of tapas.

• Turrón stalls – Especially popular during the holidays, they sell almond-based nougats in different flavours.

Something to drink

Spanish locals enjoy a glass of wine or a small cerveza with lunch – here are some of the best drinks to try.

• Spanish wines – Rioja is a full-bodied red wine, with notes of dark fruits, spices and oak. For white wine, go for an Albariño wine – it’s a crisp one from Galicia, pairing well with seafood, while Cava is the sparkling option, like Champagne.

• Sherry – Made in Jerez, sherry ranges from dry – Fino and Manzanilla – to sweet – Pedro Ximénez.

• Sidra – This Spanish cider is a tart, lightly sparkling drink from Asturias, and is traditionally poured from a height to aerate it.

• Sangria – A refreshing mix of red wine, fruit and brandy. The local alternative is also Tinto de Verano, which is just red wine with lemon soda.

• Horchata – A sweet, milky drink made from tiger nuts, popular in Valencia and a great summer cooler.

Food hotspots

If it’s the Spanish food you’re after, these are the places you should choose for your next Spanish holiday.

• San Sebastian – For the Michelin-starred restaurants and thriving pintxo bars.

• Seville – Tapas heaven, where you can enjoy a casual bar crawl sampling small plates and local wines.

• Granada – One of the few cities where tapas are still free with drinks.

• Valencia – The best place to try authentic paella, cooked in large pans over an open flame.