Spain is well-known for glorious weather nearly all year-round; so whether it’s a beach holiday, a city break or perhaps a golfing holiday you are after, Spain could be the perfect holiday destination for you. We hope our Spain holiday guide will give you an insight into the country and help you plan a holiday that best suits you.
Location & geography
Spain is located in south-western Europe on the Iberian Peninsula. The Spanish mainland is bordered to the south and east almost entirely by the Mediterranean Sea (except for a tiny land boundary with Gibraltar); to the north is France and the Bay of Biscay; and to the west is the Atlantic Ocean and Portugal. Spanish territory also includes the Balearic Islands in the Mediterranean and the Canary Islands. Due to Spain's geographical situation the climate is extremely diverse; roughly described as Continental in the inland areas, Mediterranean along the coasts to the Pyrenees, and Oceanic in Galicia and the coastal strip by the Bay of Biscay.
Capital city
Art and nightlife are the two main reasons to visit Madrid. The city is compact and easy to navigate on foot - most of the sights of interest are found in the downtown area. The city sits atop a plateau and is the highest capital in Europe, making its climate somewhat extreme with steaming hot summers and bitterly cold winters. Madrid is home to Plaza de Toros, Spain's largest bullring, along with football teams Real Madrid, and Atletico de Madrid.
Natural world
Because of its wide variety of climate, Spain has a greater variety of natural vegetation than any other European country. Nevertheless, vegetation is generally sparse. In the humid areas of the north there are deciduous trees (including oak, chestnut, elm, beech, and poplar), as well as varieties of pine. Pine, juniper, and drought-resistant shrubs predominate in the dry southern region. The Canaries support both Mediterranean and African flora. A small, yellow-tinged finch on the islands has given the name "canary" to a variety of yellow songbirds widely bred as house pets. You might like to check out the nature and landscape at the National Park in Sierra Nevada.
Food & drink
Spanish Cuisine is heavily influenced by seafood available from the waters that surround the country, and reflects the country's deep Mediterranean roots. Traditional dishes include: Paella (rice dish garnished with vegetables and meat or seafood) Chorizo (fatty pork sausages seasoned with chilli, paprika and garlic) Tortilla de Patatas (egg omelette with fried potatoes, onion and garlic) Sangría (a red wine punch with fruit, honey or orange juice and brandy)
Health & safety
There are no health risks associated with travel to Spain, and no vaccination certificates are required for entry. Most visits to Spain are trouble-free, except for street crime, which is common in the big cities, and travellers are advised to take precautions to avoid theft of passports, credit cards, travel documents and money. Be wary of strangers offering or asking for help of any kind, as it is often a distraction for accomplices.
Travelling
Smoking in public places is banned and stiff fines will be imposed for smoking in areas such as enclosed public spaces, areas where food is prepared and sold, public transport, bars and restaurants, and any places that cater for children. Drinking alcohol in the streets of Madrid, and in the Canary and Balearic Islands is illegal. British citizens must hold a passport, but no visa is required for a maximum stay of three months. Spain is +1 hour (GMT) and a flight from the UK is approximately 2.5 hours long.
A beach holiday in Spain
Whether you're planning on going to the mainland or one of the numerous islands, beach holidays in Spain are sure to afford you the ability to take it easy and work on your tan. Or perhaps the thousands of miles of beautiful coastline would be the perfect excuse for a sailing or even a self-drive holiday in Spain. The Costa del Sol area and Marbella are popular places for beach holidays in Spain where you may want to check out resorts like Torremolinos and Mijas Costa where you’ll be spoilt for choice over all-inclusive hotels or perhaps a self-catering apartment or villa.
Whilst there is plenty to do on the mainland, you may want to take in some of the country's fascinating islands. The Balearic Islands are four astounding islands which make up part of Spain - Majorca (also known as Mallorca), Ibiza, Formetera and Menorca. Much like the coast of the mainland, the Balearic Islands are home to gorgeous golden beaches and upon your visit you will also uncover the dazzling array of festivals, cultural attractions - such as Majorca's Al Quinto Pino Art Club - and the bustling towns that the Balearics have to offer. These islands have a rich fishing industry so you will be able to tuck into some fantastic seafood dishes.
A city break in Barcelona
There are numerous destinations you can head to if you're going on city breaks in Spain. Perhaps one of the most popular places for city breaks in Spain is Barcelona. Barcelona is a truly stunning city; you’ll be spoilt for choice with fantastic beaches, outstanding architecture, wonderful food and wine and non-stop night life. And if you're a fan of sports; the Spanish city is home to the Nou Camp - the stadium of Barcelona Football Club. By going on a guided tour of the venue, you can see where the likes of Diego Maradona and Johan Cruyff have played. But if football is not your thing there will still be plenty of things to do in Barcelona, such as the fascinating Parl Guell. After a day taking in the sights, why not head to the beach?
A golf holiday in Spain
While there is plenty of opportunity to lie back and take it easy on a trip to Spain, you may want to be a little more active and work on lowering your golf handicap while on holiday. Spain is still one of most popular golfing destinations and it’s clear to see why with over 300 golf courses both on the mainland and throughout the various Spanish islands. There are also numerous driving ranges and golf schools that you can attend. With an abundance of golfing package deal holiday’s available things couldn’t be easier for you.
