Spain Holidays

Why visit Spain with Original Travel

Want to experience Spain like a local? We can help you get under the country’s skin, from Green Spain’s mountains to the Balearic Islands’ sun-soaked coasts. Fear not about missing out on the country’s popular spots, as we can help source tickets to sites like the Alhambra (even when it’s sold out) and advise on the best times to avoid the crowds. Our in-country Concierges can provide tried and tested tips, from secret eateries in Seville to pointing you towards Catalonia’s oldest lighthouse. When it’s time to hit the hay, we’re constantly on the lookout for properties with the best locations, restaurants and ways to relax.

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Travel to Spain by Region

Andalucia

Andalucia holidays take you to the beating heart of Spain; a cultural and spiritual beacon, where flamenco dancing and bullfighting originated and where the image of quintessential Spain was born. Situated at the southernmost tip of the country - stretching from the Portuguese border in the west to the Mediterranean Sea in the east - Andalucia is a diverse, evocative region that boasts sun-bleached hilltop pueblos blancos (white villages), miles of windswept beaches, beautiful Moorish architecture, vast mountain ranges and a sun that won’t quit. Over seven centuries of Islamic rule have left a rich and varied legacy of influence on the region and Andalucia holidays are a fascinating dive into a melting pot of culture. Here, ornate architecture, spice-filled cuisine and grand mosques all jostle for your attention. Made up of eight distinct provinces, Seville, Cordoba and Granada are all key stepping stones on a tour of Andalucia and the finest example of life in action here. Another, Malaga, was the birthplace of Picasso and offers a unique glimpse into another more creative side to Spain, one which produced Mudejar Art - a blending of Moorish and European styles that’s unique to Spain and a shining example of a hybrid art movement. Many of the buildings constructed in its style are now UNESCO World Heritage Sites and a wonderful example of the region’s distinct history. With beaches and bars to play in, cities to explore and a cultural history like no other, Andalucia has all the ingredients for a holiday you can really sink your teeth into.

Balearic Islands

If you’re after the three S’s (sun, sand, sea), plus a side order of stunning mountain ranges, cool coastal towns and a surprisingly rich and diverse history, the Balearic Islands won't disappoint. Located off the coast of eastern Spain, this idyllic archipelago is home to four main islands, plus a scattering of 151 smaller uninhabited isles. There’s cosmopolitan Mallorca, home to the honey-hued historic city of Palma; glamorous, party-centric Ibiza which offers up trendy yoga retreats by day and ubercool nightclubs come sundown; low-key Minorca, known for its endless beaches and pine tree-fringed coast; and the hippy haven of Formentera, where snorkelling and sailing are the main orders of the day. Balearic Islands holidays are all about relaxing on the coast, indulging in tasty local produce, and enjoying outdoorsy adventures (and/or partying) aplenty... what’s not to like?

Barcelona & Catalonia

Sandwiched between the snow-dusted peaks of the Pyrenees and the sparkling blue Mediterranean Sea sits Catalonia, a proud and distinct region packed with personality and blessed with gorgeous beaches, a rugged coastline and stunning mountains. With its own language, parliament and customs, Catalonia is a part of Spain, but is very much in a world of its own. The seaside city of Barcelona, Catalonia’s capital, is Spain’s most buzzy destination (which is saying something), welcoming countless crowds to its shores every year. A vibrant, friendly, endlessly fascinating city, it’s easy to fall in love with the easy charm that envelopes you the moment you arrive. The sights to behold here are endless and the La Sagrada Familia - an extraordinary historic church - is the most legendary. Despite the tourists that arrive hourly on masse, this emblematic monument of the Catalan capital is the city’s most prized possession and no amount of people can dampen its majesty – prepare for the neck strain as you gaze at Gaudí’s unfinished masterpiece towering above you. And the culture doesn’t end there. Barcelona’s winding maze of streets offer surprises at every turn, from the shadowy twists and turns and Roman relics of the Gothic Quarter to the crazy concoction of colours in the UNESCO-listed Parc Guell, Gaudí’s whimsical surrealist park. Make your way to the city’s most famous street, Las Ramblas, and get set for a wild ride that shows off the best and worst sides of the city - artists peddling fantastical wares, human statues, dance troupes, giant floating street performers and pick-pockets line the streets to create a hive of activity that enthrals all who enter. Barcelona and Catalonia holidays are a hot-ticket to one of the most exciting trips around.

Canary Islands

The Canary Islands are catering to a new audience, so cast aside those preconceptions and enjoy lovely beaches, activities aplenty and some startlingly beautiful scenery on one of our Canary Islands holidays. Located 700 miles south of Spain in the Atlantic Ocean, the Canaries archipelago consists of seven islands (Gran Canaria, La Palma, Tenerife, Lanzarote, Fuerteventura, La Gomera and El Hierro) and enjoys a spring-like climate throughout the year. The long golden beaches, the subtropical hinterlands dotted with forests and volcanoes, the many sports activities (cycling, hiking, surfing and more), the quality of the accommodation and the ease of access are all reasons to opt for a stay in the Canaries. Finally, the islands’ cultural composite of Europe, Africa and America is another intriguing reason to enjoy a Canary Islands holiday.

The Basque Country & Northern Spain

Thanks to its lush landscapes, the region of Spain bordering the Bay of Biscay is known as ‘Green Spain’ and incorporates – from east to west – the Basque Country, Cantabria, Asturias and Galicia. Hemmed in between the sea and mountains, these autonomous regions’ fascinating traditions and cultures have flourished, and while they might not fit the sun-bleached Iberian archetype, but they are every bit as special as Spain’s south and islands. San Sebastian and Bilbao are the two main cities of Euskadi (as the region is known in the Basque language) and essential destinations on your Basque Country and Northern Spain holidays. Bilbao, the urban heart of Basque Country, is a cosmopolitan centre of art, dining and architecture, and home to the shimmering Guggenheim Museum – a mecca for modern art lovers – while the alluring San Sebastian is the culinary capital of Spain, a seaside city with an overflowing cultural calendar. We'd also recommend exploring the Basque hinterland, and as with any good food/wine pairing, visiting the Rioja winemaking region, home to Spain's finest wines. Heading west on your Basque Country and Northern Spain holidays, Cantabria is home to remarkable prehistoric cave art and the civilised city of Santander; Asturias hosts the majority of the mighty Picos de Europa mountain range and beaches galore, and Galicia is arguably the jewel in the crown of Green Spain. Here you’ll find a stunning coastline dotted with fjords, outstanding seafood and the glorious pilgrim city of Santiago de Compostela, the culmination of the famous Camino walking route.

Valencia and Eastern Spain

Over the last couple of decades, Valencia has undergone a complete regeneration that has put this vibrant Mediterranean city well and truly on the map as a city break destination. Sometimes known as 'The Big Orange' due to the huge citrus groves that surround it, Valencia is a city with a big personality, yet relatively compact and manageable to explore on a city break. The maze-like Carmen district is the oldest part of town - a beautifully restored neighbourhood of baroque façades, charming squares and narrow alleys packed with innumerable cafes, bars and restaurants that host the city's famous nightlife. Valencia is revered as a party town by the rest of Spain, which is saying something, and on the subject of partying Valencia is perhaps most famous for Las Fallas, Europe's wildest street party, where giant papier-mâché effigies of politicians and celebrities are paraded through the streets before being consumed by flames and fireworks - think British bonfire night multiplied by 100. La Tomatina, the annual tomato-throwing festival, is also held in the nearby town of Buñol, and both festivals draw visitors from around the world. On top of all this, Valencia holidays are about basking in the wonderful climate (think mild winters and over 300 days of sunshine a year); lounging on beaches right on the city's doorstep, and enjoying delicious local cuisine such as paella, invented and perfected in Valencia. All in all, Valencia is the complete city break destinations, but away from the city, Aragon and Catalunya are ripe for exploration, and we particularly recommend a stay in the wild and wooly Matarranya region.

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Whether you're after the Basque County’s food and wine, the countryside of Andalucia or the beaches of the Balearics, leave holiday planning in our clued-up travel consultant’s hands. They’ve travelled the length and breadth of Spain gaining intel along the way. Help doesn’t end there – while in the country, our Concierges can help you live like a local by recommending secret Seville eateries and sourcing sold-out tickets for popular sites (all just a WhatsApp away). For an extra splash of Spanish insight, we can arrange expert guides to share nuggets of knowledge, such as translating the Alhambra’s Kufic inscriptions for you.

Who are Spain holidays best for?

Culture runs deep in Spain with endless World Heritage cities offering art, music and architecture galore. Valencia showcases some of the best avant-garde architecture; The Guggenheim Museum in Bilbao is considered one of the best art galleries in the world; Barcelona is alive and kicking with its thriving night life; and the sophisticated capital of Madrid invites nights at dreamy design hotels. Even outside of the cities, the villages and towns offer bustling streets alive with the al-fresco inspired life while further out, in the Andalusian countryside, farm stays are full of charm and swimming pools entice big ones and little ones alike to jump right in. The beaches of the Costa del Sol are another firm family favourite and the hotels and resorts scattered across the Balearic Islands and the likes of Tenerife and Gran Canaria are ideal for lazy seaside escapes.

What can you find in Spain that you can’t find elsewhere?

Moorish influence can be found throughout Andalucia, home to the magnificent Mosque of Cordoba and incredible Alhambra in Granada. Celebrating traditional Spanish culture with a modern twist, here you'll experience flamenco that has been lovingly revived by young, modern artists. While you're here, make sure to feast on plenty of sensational Spanish cuisine - famed around the world for its tasty tapas, paella and fresh seafood available at beautiful bistros and cute cafes. When it comes to bedtime in Spain, it's inevitably late, and there are some truly special places to rest your head. From convents and castles to magnificent monasteries, there are endless opportunities for original stays.

What are the best ways of discovering Spain?

Weekend escapes are ideal for exploring Spain's sensational cities from Bilbao and Barcelona in the north and Madrid and Valencia in the centre, to orange-scented Seville and gorgeous Granada in the south. For those who have a week or more on their Spanish holidays, renting a car and heading out to Castile makes for an incredible road trip. And for those lucky enough with ten days or more to play with, Andalucia should be high on your exploration list, ideally combined with a short and sunny seaside break.

Unique experiences in Spain

- Those seeking a spiritual slant to their Spanish escape can pack a pair of hiking boots and walk the popular Camino de Santiago route. The Pilgrims Trail takes you across the wild countryside and into the holy city of Santiago de Compostela, the capital of Spain's Galicia region and the supposed burial site of the Biblical apostle St. James.

- Design lovers will adore exploring Gaudi’s gorgeous creations in the colourful city of Barcelona.

FAQs

Culture

What is Spain known for?

- Culture. Spaniards are typically proud of their culture and heritage, which is celebrated through important events and festivals across the year. These include Semana Santa, a holy festival which takes place in the build-up to Easter, and San Fermín, another religious event which is best known for the running of the bulls.

There are also notable sites and buildings across the country that celebrate its history, and only four countries in the world are home to more UNESCO-listed sites than Spain.

- Food and drink. Food and drink are an important part of the culture – locals see dining as an opportunity not only to enjoy some delicious local cuisine but also as a social event and a chance to connect with loved ones. No dining experience epitomises this attitude better than tapas, where small dishes are shared around the table. Traditional tapas dishes include Padrón peppers, patatas bravas, croquetas and gambas al ajillo.

When it comes to drinks, sangria is always a popular choice among locals and tourists alike. Cava – Spain’s answer to champagne – is a versatile Catalonian sparkling wine that complements a wide array of dishes.

- Art. Spain is also known for its pioneering artists like Gaudí, Picasso and Dalí, who have produced some of the most famous pieces of artwork throughout history. There are lots of museums and galleries in Spain that no doubt feature on the bucket list of any travelling aesthete. Perhaps the most famous of all is the Guggenheim Museum in Bilbao. The building’s eye-catching exterior shrouds some of the most significant pieces of contemporary art in the world, crafted by the likes of Anish Kapoor and Jeff Koons.

What is the drinking age in Spain?

The legal age for consumption and purchase of alcohol in Spain is 18. When it comes to alcohol, the country is particularly well-known for its wines. In fact, it’s the third-largest wine-producing country in the world – Rioja and cava are two of the most popular varieties.

Planning your trip

What is the weather like in Spain?

Spain experiences different climates across the country. In the Mediterranean portion (the south and east coasts), there is less variation throughout the year than in other parts. Milder winters appeal to tourists seeking some Christmas sun, while the warm and dry summers are only made more pleasant by the sea breezes often felt at this time of year.

Central Spain, which comprises the capital city of Madrid and medieval cities such as Toledo and Salamanca, is generally the warmest part of the country during the summer months and also often has the coldest winters. Expect conditions to exceed 30ºC throughout July and August before plummeting to freezing temperatures throughout the winter.

Spain’s northern region – or España Verde (Green Spain) – is generally wetter and cooler than the rest of the country. Summers are still warm, with temperatures in Bilbao averaging around the mid-20s, but expect plenty of cloud cover and more rainy days throughout the year.

When is the best time to go to Spain?

The best time to go to Spain is either late spring or early autumn. While there are plenty of good reasons to visit Spain at any time of the year, travelling during these months ensures you can still make the most of the pleasant weather while avoiding the worst of the mid-summer tourist rush.

What are the main tourist islands in Spain?

The Balearic and Canary Islands are popular holiday destinations, owing to their pleasant climate and the array of tourist activities on offer. Majorca and Ibiza account for the majority of tourism in the Balearics and are particularly popular among British travellers.

Surrounded by the Atlantic Ocean, large parts of the Canary Islands are characterised by volcanic landscapes and stunning wild beaches. The archipelago is far closer to the northwest coast of Africa than it is to the Spanish mainland, meaning the islands enjoy a subtropical climate. Tenerife is the largest and most popular tourist island in the Canaries, with Gran Canaria and Lanzarote not too far behind in visitor numbers.

Local information

What is the capital of Spain?

Madrid is both the capital and largest city in Spain. Situated in the heart of the country, it remains one of Spain’s most popular tourist destinations and is renowned for its culture and vibrant atmosphere.

What language do they speak in Spain?

Spanish is the country’s official language and is the most widely spoken dialect. However, different autonomous regions have their own languages with official status, such as Catalan in Catalonia and the Balearic Islands.

Travel information

What currency does Spain use?

Spain uses the Euro (€). Credit cards are accepted almost everywhere although it’s always good to have cash to hand to pay for things like taxis. ATMs are widely present, even in small towns.

What countries border Spain?

Spain is bordered by Portugal to the west and France and Andorra to the north. It also shares a land and maritime border with Morocco, while the British Overseas Territory of Gibraltar sits on the southern tip of the mainland.

How big is Spain?

Covering nearly 200,000 square miles, Spain is the biggest country in Southern Europe. Thankfully, it’s very well connected by public transport and benefits from a modern road network, which makes it relatively easy to explore different parts of the country on the same trip.

How long does it take to fly to Spain from the UK?

Flight times from London to some of the most popular destinations are:

- Tenerife – 4 hours 30 minutes
- Madrid – 2 hours 25 minutes
- Ibiza – 2 hours 20 minutes
- Barcelona – 2 hours 10 minutes
- Bilbao – 2 hours

Spain holiday ideas

Why visit Spain with Original Travel

A few of the benefits of travelling with us to Spain