Spain

Spain is one of Europe's most popular holiday destinations for a reason: flight networks from the UK and across Europe are dense, the resorts are built for international visitors, and there is a genuine choice between a beach week, a city break and winter sun. The mistake is treating it as one place. The costas, the islands and the cities are three different holidays.

Why go

Short flights from the UK and much of Europe, a long season on the mainland coast and an all-year one in the Canaries, and everything from a full-board family resort to a boutique hotel in a hilltop town. The food is strong across the country and eating out is still good value away from the most touristed streets.

Where to go

Costa del Sol — Málaga's coast: Torremolinos, Benalmádena and Fuengirola for classic resorts, Marbella for the smarter end. Málaga itself has become a serious city break with museums and a revived old town.

Costa Blanca — Alicante's coast. Benidorm is the big resort with a huge hotel choice; smaller towns along the coast are quieter.

Andalusian cities — Seville, Granada and Córdoba: Moorish architecture, tapas culture, and best in spring or autumn because summer heat inland is intense.

Mallorca and Menorca — the Balearics for beaches and coves. Mallorca has the range, from busy resorts to the mountainous north-west; Menorca is smaller and calmer. Ibiza has a club reputation but also a quieter north.

The Canary Islands — Tenerife, Lanzarote, Gran Canaria and Fuerteventura sit off the African coast and stay mild through the British winter. Each has a different character: Tenerife the largest and most varied, Lanzarote volcanic and low-key, Fuerteventura for beaches and wind sports.

Barcelona, Madrid and Valencia — city breaks with proper scale. Barcelona for architecture and sea, Madrid for art and food, Valencia for a beach and a city in one.

When to go

Mainland coasts are at their best from April to June and September to October: warm enough to swim, cooler than high summer, and often cheaper. July and August are the busiest months and accommodation is often more expensive. The Canaries are the winter option, typically offering Spain's mildest weather from November to March. Inland Andalusia is best avoided in July and August.

Getting there

From the UK, direct flights run year-round to Málaga, Alicante, Palma, Barcelona, Madrid and the Canary Islands from many UK airports, with more routes and more frequency in summer, and UK regional airports usually have good Spanish coverage. Spain is also well connected by direct flights from cities across Europe.

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Getting around

Spain's trains are excellent between major cities, including high-speed services that make city-to-city trips easy without a car. On the costas, resort buses and taxis cover most needs. For inland Andalusia or exploring an island, a hire car is the practical choice. If you drive in cities, be aware that many historic centres restrict traffic.

Who it suits

Almost everyone: families (the costas and the Canaries), couples (Andalusia, Menorca, Mallorca's north), city breakers, winter-sun seekers and anyone who wants a direct flight from a regional airport.

Planning notes

• Some Spanish destinations levy local or regional tourism taxes, which may be collected by your accommodation. Check the rules for the destination you're visiting.
• Entry rules for UK visitors have changed since Brexit and continue to evolve; check the GOV.UK travel advice for Spain before you book. Visitors from other countries should check their own government's guidance.
• Weighing a package against booking separately? See our package or DIY guide.

Booking it

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