Spain Holidays

Holidays in Spain are rocking it with over 3,000 beaches (steady on!), plus a hefty dose of history, scenery and mouthwatering grub. Every day's a fiesta.

Highlights

Beaches, beaches and more beaches (we can get used to that)
Tapas and paella on tap - 'nough said
Nightlife that'll have you dancing 'til dawn (with the excruciating vids to prove it)
A holiday all-rounder with something for everyone

What are the top hotels in Spain?

In Spain, the hotels are almost as sunny as the beaches. Whether you're chilling in Costa Brava or soaking up the sun on the Costa del Sol, there's a perfect pillow waiting for you. Check out these stunners:

Evenia Olympic Resort - a Costa Brava beauty with pools, clubs, and a mini club for the kiddos.
Sol Principe - beachfront bliss with a splashtastic kids' club in Torremolinos. That's us sold (and the kids).
Sol Pelicanos Ocas - the star of the 'Benidorm' show (no, not that one), with triple the pool fun and a top-tier location.
BCL Levante Club & Spa Hotel - step into adults-only peace and quiet with a spa and a vibe that screams 'relaxation'. Or should we say, whispers 'relaxation'.
Magic Aqua Rock Gardens - a beachside beaut with slides and safari fun. And yes, Dads - you can slide too!
Blue Sea Montevista Hawai - a family favourite in Lloret De Mar with FREE Wi-Fi, pools, and yummy food.
Holiday World Polynesia - free entry to 'The Beach Club' in Benalmadena? Sign us the flip-flop up. This place is all waterpark fun and activities galore.

Can't decide where to stay? Well, there's plenty of hotels in Spain where that came from, and we've got a bunch of cheeky all-inclusive Spain holidays if you're the kind of person who likes to go big rather than go home. We feel you.

What are the best beaches in Spain?

Ready for some beach-hopping fun on your holiday to Spain? No matter how last-minute you're looking to get away, these sandy superstars are always game for some beach-bum action:

Playa de Levante - perfect for any holiday squad hitting up Beni – families, friends, lovebirds, two strangers who met at the airport and decided to take a chance on love. Hey, we're not here to judge
La Manga del Mar Menor - a proper local beach in Costa Calida (so prepare to put your Spanish to good use), with those classic white-sand, sea-breeze vibes, ideal for a bit of family fun
Playa de la Fontanilla - a true gem of a beach in Marbella, with a blustery breeze to keep you cool and bags of sand to sprawl out on - perfect for a bit of peace and quiet
Playa de Monsul - a rustic beach with eroded caves and volcanic rocks. You can use this place as your claim to fame, because some scenes from Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade were filmed here!
Playa de Bolonia - an absolute BEAUT of a beach, with mega sand dunes and pine trees on one side, and views of the Atlantic stretching out in front. "One of the most special beaches I have seen!" says Elena on TripAdvisor. So if you don't take our word for it, take Elena's.
Playa de Muro - long, sandy and family-friendly (hello, triple threat alert), this place has the sands for castle-building, the shallow waters for paddling in, and the open skies for star-gazing at night. If you're into that.
Playa Cala Sa Boadella - it'll take a steep walk to get there, but it's worth it for the gorg views and soft sands once you get there. Not to mention all the marine life darting about beneath the water's surface. We've got three words for you: bring a snorkel!

Spain holidays 2024 travel guide

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Things to do in Spain for families

Off to Spain with the fam? You're in for a right treat. Whether there's an all-inclusive trip to Andalucia on the cards or just a classic beach jolly at one of the Costas, we've got you covered like chips in ketchup. From the wet 'n' wild rides at PortAventura (that's in Salou, btw) to all the splashtastic fun you could be having at Siam Park in Costa Adeje, boredom is officially banned 'round these parts. And if the idea of getting soaked and listening to screaming kids is your idea of hell, you can always go the educational route with a trip to Timanfaya National Park in Lanzarote. It's like stepping onto another planet, Doctor Who style (literally, it was an actual filming location for one of the alien worlds)!

❤️ Things to do in Spain for couples

Spain's practically oozing romance from every last coastal corner. You and bae could be clinking glasses at sunset, striking those Insta-perfect poses on the balcony (just one more with flash on this time), or - let's be honest - racing each other to the pool to see who can dive in first. Whatever your idea of 'couple goals' is, this holiday classic is the perfect place to set the scene for some major heart eyes. From upbeat Majorca holidays where you can dance 'til dawn (and stumble home together at the end of it) to last-minute Barcelona escapes with tapas bars on every corner - it doesn't get sweeter than that. Date night? Completed it, mate.

🥳 Things to do in Ibiza for groups

If you're whisking the whole squad away for the party of a lifetime (or at least the party of the year), then first of all - congrats on making it past the group chat stage, but secondly - you're gonna want to hit up places like Benidorm and San Antonio for all your sangria-slurping, late-night-raving needs. We've got something for everyone though, whether you prefer a chilled night in a karaoke bar where it's all free-flowing pints and My Heart Will Go On renditions, or something more educational - like a sight-seeing tour. Why not hit up Barcelona's Camp Nou? Even if you're not a footie fan, it's one to tick off. Charlotte from our Content team can't STAND football (her eyes actually glaze over whenever it comes up in conversation in the office), but she still paid this place a visit on her holibobs to Spain, and snapped a cheeky pic there for good measure. History and all that.

🍽️ Things to do in Spain for foodies

Foodies, you're in for an absolute treat in Spain. It's all mouthwatering tapas, tomatoey paellas and tasty bites at beachside chiringuitos (that's a small beach bar, to me and you). Local small plates in Barcelona, fresh-as-it-comes seafood in Costa Brava, piping-hot churros for when you're strolling along the promenade - the list goes on. And we're officially drooling. Whether you're hitting up the local restaurants or just stocking up at your hotel's buffet - there's always something delish on the menu here, so dive in like there's no mañana. Oh, and if you want to make it a history lesson, try hitting up El Sobrino de Botín in Madrid. It's the oldest restaurant in the world, and their roast chicken and potatoes is absolutely *chef's kiss*.

Fancy living a bit of the Spanish island life? Well, we've also got deals on holidays to Tenerife as well as Lanzarote holidays. The Canaries are calling...

Popular Spain hotels

Stunning Spain resorts

Popular Costa Blanca destinations

La Manga Del Mar Menor

Valencia City

Weather in Spain

JAN

13^°C

FEB

15^°C

MAR

16^°C

APR

18^°C

MAY

21^°C

JUN

24^°C

JUL

27^°C

AUG

27^°C

SEP

25^°C

OCT

20^°C

NOV

16^°C

DEC

13^°C

Ah, Spain's weather – it's like the cool kid on the block, always showing off its sunny personality. In summer, it turns into a beach-lover's paradise (that's us) - hot enough to make you want to live in the sea (or the nearest ice-cream shop).

Come autumn, Spain's like that friend who can't let go of summer, giving you warm, golden days perfect for strolling through historic streets, minus the sweat. And winter? It's more like a light chill – especially in the Canaries, where it's basically an endless beach party (we love to see it). And then there's spring, strutting in like a breath of fresh air - all blooming flowers and perfect patio weather.

Spain's weather is basically like that fun friend who's always up for a good time, no matter the month.

FAQs

It takes about two hours to fly to Spain from the UK/Ireland, which is the ideal length for a cheeky nap and then - boom - you're there!

Spain is one hour ahead of the UK/Ireland, so unless you're a total drama queen, you shouldn't experience any jet lag.

The official currency of Spain is the Euro.

The official language spoken in Spain is Spanish, which you might've guessed.

Depending on where you visit, the average price of a pint of domestic beer is around £2.15. That's about half of the cost in the UK, meaning you can slurp some Spanish lager on your holiday for an absolute bargain. And everyone knows it tastes better when you didn't have to fork out a fortune for it. Bottoms up!

Spain is home to LOADS of great places for a holiday. Whether you're going to the mainland, exploring one of the beaut Costas - such as Costa del Sol or Costa Brava, or heading further out to the likes of Tenerife and Gran Canaria - a holiday to Spain always cuts the mustard. With cracking deals and hotel options to boot, we can get you fixed up on holiday and whipping out your Spanish Phrase Book at the dinner table in no time. Adiós!

Find out more about:

A Guide to Spanish Tapas

Spain Hotels

All Inclusive holidays in Spain

Hop on the AVE high-speed train

Zooming around Spain in style? Hop on the AVE, Spain’s answer to the bullet train. Not only will you get from Barcelona to Madrid quicker than you can say “¡Olé!”, but you'll also get some scenic views along the way. Plus, it's a great excuse to practice your best gazing-out-the-window-in-a-rom-com look.

Get your flamenco on

For a true taste of the local culture, you've got to stop by a Flamenco show. The passion, the drama, the costumes - we guarantee it'll have your feet tapping. It's the perfect mix of culture and fun - and who knows? Maybe 'sign up for Flamenco lessons' will be next on your to-do list...

Take a hike up Caminito del Rey

Pack your walking boots and set your alarm - the views from Caminito del Rey wait for no one. Forget your boring hike through the mountains where it's all dirt tracks and trees and rocky steps. This place has unique narrow bridges built especially for wandering, so you don't have to worry about taking a wrong turn and it makes soaking up the views even easier. That river gorge isn't gonna snap photos of itself.

Fight it out (with food)

If you grew up in a household where spills were scowled at and mess was forbidden, you're gonna want to check out the annual food fight in Bruñol, Valencia. La Tomatina is the world's biggest food fight (if there was ever such a thing), and it essentially consists of gathering along the coast to throw tomatoes at a bunch of strangers for an hour. Sounds fun, right? It looks like one big, tomatoey blood bath by the end of it, so make sure you wear clothes that you don't mind throwing away. Unless you like the red-stained, tomato-scented vibe.

Dive into The Museo Atlántico

This place is the only underwater museum in Europe, and it takes history to a whole new level. If you find regular museums a bore, then this might just be the spot for you. Grab your goggles and your wetsuit, and get ready for a scuba dive that'll take you to over 300 different underwater sculptures. You might even spot some of the Finding Nemo crew while you're down there!

Have a ball at the original Cinderella castle

OK, so you won't find Cinderella swishing about in glass slippers with a prince on her arm, but rumour has it that The Alcazar de Segovia was the inspiration behind the Cinderella castle in Disney, and after checking the pics, we can totally see why! It's like a real-life fairytale, with pink-tinted bricks and pretty blue turrets. If you've got kids who hate history but love Disney - this might just be your compromise. You're welcome.

What events can I go to in Spain?
The party don't start 'til Spain walks in. Here's a guide to the annual fiestas you won't want to miss during your stay:
- Carnaval de Cádiz (February/March) - one of the most well-known carnivals in Spain, with flamboyant costumes, catchy tunes and top-tier banter, because this celebration is all about humour and mockery
- Las Fallas (March) - Valencia cranks up the heat with this loud, smoky, lively event where carpenter's burn their leftover materials and fireworks light up the sky to celebrate the day of St. Joseph
- Feria de Abril (April) - the ultimate fiesta in Seville, with flamenco dancing, horse shows and enough Spanish beats to keep you dancing 'til dawn. It's a week-long celebration, so bring your dancing shoes and prepare to party!
- Primavera Sound (June) – an epic music festival right in the middle of Barcelona, with top-notch acts and all the sunny vibes. Grab your tickets for a weekend you won't forget.
- Mad Cool Festival (July) – Madrid brings the party with a musical lineup that's...well, mad cool. Expect a full weekend of pop, rock and indie music from some of the big names.
- Malaga Fair (August) – the August Fair in Malaga brings peak summer vibes, with music, dancing, drinking and cute little markets.
- La Tomatina (August) - ever fancied pelting a bunch of strangers with tomatoes? Well, this is your chance. Head to Buñol for this annual food fight - it's messy, chaotic and completely bonkers.
- La Mercè (September) - Barcelona pays homage to its patron saint with vibrant street parades, performances and firework shows - you won't want to miss it!
- Festival de Cine de Sitges (October) - fantasy and horror fans flock to this wicked film festival to catch screenings of the latest and greatest from the worlds of magic and spook. Bring your popcorn!
Where’s the best nightlife in Spain?
Spain's nightlife is that perfect mix of traditional and trendy, so whether you're into cosy tavernas or neon dancefloors, there's always something to keep you entertained after sundown. Give these a try:
- Tibu Rooftop - a rooftop bar and nightclub in Benalmadena, known for its signature cocktails and panoramic views of the coast.
- Opium Barcelona - think neon-purple lights, smoke machines and feathers falling from the ceiling. This beachfront hotspot brings electrifying music to get you grooving by the sea.
- Pacha Ibiza - an absolute clubbing legend, with world-class DJs and a classic part atmosphere.
- Café del Mar - if you prefer your nightlife to be lowkey, hit up this chillout spot for panoramic views, delish cocktails and a soundtrack that'll have you throwing some serious shapes.
- Kapital Madrid - decked out with a whopping seven floors, this maze-like club is a playground for hip-hop and house music-lovers.
- Pacha Barcelona - another member of the Pacha family, this place delivers the same high-energy atmosphere with world-class entertainment and bangin' tunes
- Joy Eslava - you'll feel like you've stepped back in time at this theatre-turned-nightclub, oozing world charm and an eclectic mix of music that goes down a treat with both locals and tourists
- Pangea - a neon nightclub terrace with views of the sea and the city. Hit up the lounge bar for delish cocktails and DJ sets - always a winning combo.
- Kiss - a legendary LGBT-friendly nightclub in Torremolinos, with themed parties, drag shows and boomin' DJ sets
What's the food like in Spain?
We've got two words for you: flavour fiesta. From coastal bites to wholesome classics, we've got the lowdown on exactly what you should be munching on in the land of sunshine and sangria...
- Paella – duh. It's Spain's signature dish, so of course it had to get a mention. Saffron-infused rice packed with either seafood, chicken or veggies (and sometimes all three!). Tuck in,
- Jamón Ibérico – this melt-in-your-mouth ham is considered the king of Spanish cured meats, best served with a glass of local rioja
- Gazpacho – "cold soup" had us turning our noses up too, but this chilled tomato soup is the perfect refreshing mix of garlic, peppers and tomato to keep you refreshed in the Spanish heat. We might be sold.
- Churros with chocolate – need we say more, really? Give your sweet tooth what it wants with these crispy, fried dough sticks dunked in sugar and rich chocolate sauce.
- Patatas Bravas – think crispy potatoes smothered in spicy tomato sauce and creamy aioli - an absolute staple on any tapas menu
- Pulpo a la Gallega – tender octopus cooked to perfection and served with potatoes, paprika and olive oil.
- Tortilla Española – did you even go to Spain if you didn't have a Spanish tortilla? Think of it as Spain's answer to the omelette, but with potatoes and onions thrown in for good measure. Hearty but humble.

Places to visit

Seville Cathedral
When it comes to Seville Cathedral, size really does matter. This colossal beauty isn't just big; it's the largest Gothic cathedral in the world! Think epic Instagram shots with jaw-dropping architecture. Inside, it's like a treasure hunt with royal tombs, a massive organ, and art that'll make your eyes pop. And here's the real kicker: Christopher Columbus supposedly rests here (although it's a bit of a mystery). So slap on your explorer's hat and dive into a history lesson that's anything but boring. And hey, if you climb the Giralda tower, you'll get a workout with a view – who needs a gym when you've got ancient bell towers?!
Gibraltar Old Town
If you're popping over to Gibraltar, missing out on the Old Town is like skipping the chips with your fish – unthinkable! Gibraltar's Old Town is like stepping into a quirky little slice of Britain, but with way better weather. Wander the narrow, winding streets and you'll stumble on colourful buildings that look like they've jumped straight out of a postcard. It's a history buff's playground and an Instagrammer's dream. Plus, the locals are as friendly as they come, always up for a chinwag. And let's talk about the pubs and cafes – they're the perfect spots to grab a bite, people-watch, and maybe eavesdrop on some local goss. Oh, and don’t forget to check out the cute shops; - they're crammed with unique finds, from handmade crafts to the obligatory fridge magnet. Gibraltar's Old Town is a little British, a tad Spanish, and totally worth your time.
Rio Tinto
Oh, Rio Tinto in Spain isn't your average river stroll – it’s like Mars, but with tapas nearby! This place is out-of-this-world (literally, NASA studies it for Mars research). The river's got this funky red colour, thanks to years of mining, making it look like you've just landed on a Martian landscape. Bring your camera, because your Instagram won’t know what hit it with those rusty-red waters and gorg scenery. And the best part? You can hop on a vintage train that chugs alongside the river, giving you those ‘Indiana Jones’ explorer vibes without any rolling boulders to dodge. It's a history lesson, a sci-fi movie set, and a nature walk all rolled into one. But just remember, it's not a spa – so the water’s not for dipping!

Please check with your healthcare provider for all up to date vaccination advice before booking your holiday.

That depends on where abouts in Spain you're heading. You'll need to pay a tourist tax if you're staying in the Balearics or the Catalonia region of Spain.

You don't need to fill in a Passenger Locator Form to travel to Spain, but please remember your passport!

As of 2024, you might also be asked to show a couple of documents when you land in Spain - including a valid return ticket, and proof of your accommodation (such as a booking receipt).

Spain Holidays

Highlights

What are the top hotels in Spain?

What are the best beaches in Spain?

Spain holidays 2024 travel guide

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Things to do in Spain for families

❤️ Things to do in Spain for couples

🥳 Things to do in Ibiza for groups

🍽️ Things to do in Spain for foodies

Popular Spain hotels

Stunning Spain resorts

Popular Costa Blanca destinations

Weather in Spain

JAN

FEB

MAR

APR

MAY

JUN

JUL

AUG

SEP

OCT

NOV

DEC

View destination on a map

FAQs

How long does it take to fly to Spain?

What’s the time difference between the UK/Ireland and Spain?

What currency do they use in Spain?

What language do they speak in Spain?

What is the average price of beer in Spain?

What is the best part of Spain for a holiday?

Find out more about:

Hop on the AVE high-speed train

Get your flamenco on

Take a hike up Caminito del Rey

Fight it out (with food)

Dive into The Museo Atlántico

Have a ball at the original Cinderella castle

What events can I go to in Spain?

Where’s the best nightlife in Spain?

What's the food like in Spain?

Places to visit

Seville Cathedral

Gibraltar Old Town

Rio Tinto

Key facts about Spain

Flight Time

2 hrs

Time difference

+1 hr

Currency

Euro

Language

Spanish

Do I need any vaccinations to visit Spain?

Do I need to pay tax on my holiday to Spain?

Do I need any additional documentation to travel to Spain?