Spain needs no introduction. It's the country of the green North and the sunny costas, the flamenco and tapas, the solemn church processions and the joyous fiestas, the bucket-and-spade holiday and the cultural city break, the siesta and late-night partying.
Britain's love affair with the country is going strong; almost every week an airline introduces more cheap flights to Spain and its holiday islands (Canary Islands – Gran Canaria, Tenerife, La Palma, Lanzarote and Fuerteventura – and Balearic Islands – Majorca, Menorca and Ibiza).
The Costa del Sol is the family-holiday favourite taking in the resort towns of Torremolinos, Fuengirola, Mijas and Marbella. The Costa Brava in northeastern Spain is fantastic for family hols too while the big, sandy beaches of the Costa de la Luz, running from the Straits of Gibraltar to Portugal, are becoming more popular.
Madrid is the capital, an elegant city with three world-class treasure-packed galleries within a few minutes' walk of each other. Barcelona is cool with wonderfully preserved medieval streets and those world-famous Gaudi buildings.
Malaga is the gateway to the Costa del Sol, and Seville, further west, is a vibrant city that comes to life in springtime with the Semana Santa and Feria de Abril.
Search and compare: cheap flights to Spain
Back to top
Spain is extremely hot during mid-summer, in July and August. The rest of the year the climate is generally temperate in the north, but warm in the south. The best time to visit is during spring or autumn, except for the Atlantic coast, which has heavy rains in October and November. August is the busiest month, while May and October are the best times for both ideal weather and fewer crowds. Madrid and the high central area can get very cold during winter.
Back to top
May, June and September are the best months to visit Spain although the country is blessed with sunny weather almost all year round.
In the south, add April and October to the list. At these times you can expect sunshine, but not overbearing heat. An added bonus is that, by avoiding July and August, you will miss the hordes of tourists.
Peak Season:
July and August are the height of the tourist season and Spain flights and holidays can be expensive. Early summer and into autumn are also popular. Spain is very popular with families so prices will be higher during school holidays and half-term breaks.
Off Season:
There really isn't a bad time to visit Spain, but the winter months (November to February) can be cold and rainy and the country gets its share of snow too.
Search and compare: cheap flights to Spain
Back to top
The official Spain tourist site calls bus travel "comfortable and efficient", and has a handy list of related bus company websites.
The national rail network is called RENFE. There are high-speed and long-distance services. The AVE, for example, runs on the Madrid-Cordoba-Seville route. Madrid to Seville takes two-and-a-half hours.
Flying around Spain is a good option too, and the tourist website states that Air Europa, Iberia and Spanair offer air passes or coupon programmes for some travellers.
Other Spanish airlines include:
AeBal (Aerolineas De Baleares)
Air Nostrum
Air Plus Comet
Binter Canarias
Futura International Airways
Iberworld Airlines
and Vueling, a cheery low-cost with regular promotions.
Renting a car gives you the freedom to see as much of Spain as you like. All the major car rental companies have desks at the major airports. Check your airline website to see if it offers preferential rental rates. Booking in advance can offer great savings.
Back to top
- On the Costa Blanca, stop at Torrevieja. The town, popular with ex-pat Europeans, is about 30 kilometres south of Alicante. Torrevieja takes its name from the Old Tower and is famous for the area's salt lakes. The town has a salt museum, lively fish market and working harbour.
- Barcelona - in late winter and early spring the Catalans enjoy calcotades - a different kind of BBQ. Calcots are a kind of spring onion that ripens at this time of year. After grilling, peel off the burnt skin, dip in romesco sauce and eat. Rumour has it that part of the fun is rubbing the black ash into your neighbor's face.
- Fuerteventura – for a day away from the beach chair, the Islote de Lobos Nature Reserve offers the chance to see birds and plants not found anywhere else in the world. The reserve is a short boat trip from Corralejo.
- Majorca – Palma. The Coves del Drac (the Dragon Caves) on the edge of Porto Cristo is one of Majorca’s largest tourist attractions. The caves were discovered in 1896 and have bizarre stalactite formations. After the tour, visitors can return by boat across the lake to the exit.
- A 1950s art colony and 1960s hippie haven, Ibiza is known for its hedonistic resorts, fine beaches, and electric nightlife. The crowd is cosmopolitan — chic, gay, and middle class visitors, mostly from Europe, the US, and Australia. The town and inner island are interesting and have some quiet corners, but most visitors are here for the anything-goes nightlife.
- Valencia may appear modern and industrial, but look again. The heart of the city has renowned museums, art collections, and beaches. Valencia is where paella was created, El Cid fought the Moors, and the wild spring festival Las Fallas is held. The nightlife in summer is a beach party at open-air discos and in winter bar crawling in the historic district.
- Trivago is a useful website for user recommendations of accommodation in Spain. The site includes information on all the main cities and resorts, including hotels in Barcelona, the Costa Blanca and Palma de Majorca.
Thinking of buying a holiday home in Spain? Read our Buying Homes Abroad guide before making your big decision.
Back to top
The borderless region known as the Schengen area includes the following countries: Austria, Belgium, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Iceland, Italy, Luxembourg, The Netherlands, Norway, Portugal, Spain and Sweden. All these countries issue a standard Schengen visa that allows the holder, in principal, to travel freely within the borders of all. Non-EU nationals must hold a return or onward ticket. All visitors may be asked for proof of financial means for their stay in Spain.
Back to top
British citizens must hold a passport (can be expired for up to one year), but no visa is required for a maximum stay of three months for those holding a passport endorsed British Citizen, British National (Overseas), British Overseas Territories Citizen or British Subject. Other UK passport holders require a visa and a passport valid at least three months beyond visa expiry date.
Back to top
