close up of the mosaics at guell park

Spain Holidays

Hotels

Sunshine and adventure in Spain

Golden beaches, fast-moving cities and charming fishing villages – holidays in Spain serve up so many incredible experiences.

This sparkling gem on Europe’s Iberian Peninsula is one of the world’s favourite destinations thanks to its eclectic culture, fantastic cuisine and wonderful climate.

The vibrant cities of Madrid and Barcelona buzz with excitement – here you'll find stunning architecture, amazing culture and a thriving dining scene.

The picture-perfect views of Mallorca and the Costa Brava make for the ideal beach break, while the northern charms of the Basque country can be unlocked in the treasure-laden waterfront city of Bilbao.

Whatever type of experience you're looking for, your Spain holiday will leave you with lifelong memories you'll be sure to cherish.

ocean views from costa brava hillside

Things to do in Spain

Spain’s diversity means you can do everything from exploring its cosmopolitan cities to lounging on sun-kissed beaches – with plenty of culture and history to discover along the way.

deep blue sea palma mallorca

Explore Spain’s gorgeous beaches

Sand, sea and sunshine help make Spain a fantastic place for a beach holiday, with its main resorts attracting visitors year in, year out.

There’s a huge variety of seaside locations to take your pick from, ranging from the bustling resorts of Malaga and Alicante to quieter coves further along the coast. 

Head to Palma in Mallorca and you’ll be surrounded on all sides by inviting waters and world-class beaches that are perfect for family holidays.

Enjoy the wide sands of La Malagueta beach in Malaga, or experience the stylish delights of the Valencian coast. Wherever you choose for your beach getaway, you’ll find memories to last a lifetime.

Where to stay in Spain

Discover the marvels of Madrid

The Gran Vía is the main avenue that runs through the heart of Madrid and makes a great base to soak up the city's colourful, energetic atmosphere.

Stay here and you're around a 10-minute walk from popular districts such as Chueca and Santa Ana Plaza.

Madrid has a wide range of five-star hotels, including the Westin Palace, close to the Museo del Prado and perfect for a Spain city break.

This luxurious hotel was built in 1912 and features three restaurants, a 24-hour fitness studio and a rooftop terrace. 

madrid fountains
sunset over park guell

Beauty in Barcelona

Barcelona boasts a huge variety of places to stay, from luxury hotels with scintillating views of the waterfront, to boutique stays in the heart of the Barri Gotic.

The city’s top-end accommodation includes the Grand Central Hotel, a five-star option in the centre of Barcelona.

It's not far from Barceloneta beach, but you can also cool off after a day's exploring with a dip in the rooftop pool that comes complete with stunning city views.  

Book in for the beach

There’s a fantastic choice of beach resorts in Spain, ranging from quiet coves to thriving, lively resorts. They all have three things in common – soft sand, sea and sunshine.

If you’re looking to make your beach holiday in Spain extra special, then check out Malaga’s high-quality options.

These include the Barceló Málaga Hotel, which offers rooftop pool views and a gastrobar serving tapas inspired by cuisine from around the world. 

golden sands on malaga beach
spanish taxi queue

All you need to know about Spain

Tipping

Tips of up to five per cent are seen as generous in restaurants, while taxi fares are often rounded up to the nearest euro.

Languages spoken

Spanish is the country's official language. Other regional languages spoken include Catalan in Catalonia and Valencian in the Valencia region.

Local currency

The currency used in Spain is the euro. Most restaurants, shops and attractions will accept major credit cards.

Plugs

Spain's electricity supply is 220V, with plugs having two round pins and an additional ground pin. You might need a standard travel adaptor plug.

More about Spain

Regional cuisine

Food is one of Spain’s primary passions and a visit offers the ideal opportunity to share in its love affair with the very best flavours and ingredients.

The country’s gastronomic specialities include churro pastries and, of course, paella – the rice-based Valencian dish that often provides a tasty showcase for locally caught seafood.

You can find many of these dishes in the country’s vast collection of high-end restaurants, tapas bars, rustic eateries and cafes – each with their own regional take on Spanish cuisine.

Spain is also famous for its enviable range of cheeses, including Manchego, Cabrales and Burgos.

muscles on spanish paella
spanish fiesta decorations

Proud traditions 

Spain is a land of fiestas. The country holds festivals that celebrate traditions dating back hundreds of years, and they continue to play an important role today.

The kaleidoscope of colour that comes with Barcelona’s Festa Major de Gràcia each August is a sight to behold. Streets compete with each other for the title of the best decorated in the city. 

Puerto del Sol – Madrid’s version of Times Square in New York – is the place to party if you’re lucky enough to be in the Spanish capital on New Year’s Eve.

Regional celebrations held in other months include Valencia’s Fallas springtime bonfire festival and Seville’s April Fair.

History and culture

Spain is justly proud of its national story, with its location at the crossroads of Europe and Africa making it a melting pot of different cultures and outlooks.

Roman, Islamic and Germanic influences can all be seen in this country’s communities. You’ll also find reminders of the huge overseas empire Spain controlled until the 19th century. 

Today, Spain is estimated to have more than 20,000 monuments and a great many UNESCO World Heritage Sites. These include Catalonia's Poblet Monastery and the remarkable 19th-century Vizcaya Bridge in Bilbao.

spanish monastry
gaudis sagra familia by day

Why we love Spain

“Spain feels like several countries rolled into one. There are sunny resorts, culturally rich cities, authentic and unspoiled villages and lots of regional variations. No wonder it’s always so popular.”

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