With a rich history, fascinating arts and culture scene, lively nightlife, gorgeous sandy beaches, and great food and wine, it’s no wonder Spain is one of the best destinations for UK holiday-goers. With so many things to see and do (and eat), planning a Spanish holiday can be overwhelming. To give you one less thing to worry about, we’ve compiled this guide to make your travel planning a little easier:
How to get there
Depending on where you’re coming from, you can get to Spain either by train or plane. Visitors can take the Eurostar, and take the London-Paris-Barcelona route. If you want to visit one of the islands – such as Mallorca or Ibiza – you can take a train to Barcelona and then take the daytime or overnight cruise ferry. If you prefer to go by plane, flying to Spain is really easy as there are airports in most of the cities. Madrid, Barcelona, Palma de Mallorca, and Malaga are some of Spain’s most popular airports.
Where to go
Spain is the fourth largest country in Europe, so you’ll be surprised by how many awesome destinations there are (other than Madrid and Barcelona). Here are some of our favourite Spanish regions:
Canary Islands
The Canary Islands are an Atlantic territory of Spain, located on the West Coast of Africa. The islands are known for their black and white sand beaches, volcanic landscape, and balmy weather. Visitors can hike Tenerife’s lava fields, admire the art and architecture in Lanzarote, drive through the pine forested-peaks in Gran Canaria, or go star-gazing in La Palma (home of the biggest optical telescope in the world).
Andalusia
Andalusia, Spain’s southernmost region, is the heart and soul of Spanish culture. With Moorish castles, bullfighting, flamenco, tapas, gypsies, and ancient streets – Andalusia embodies everything that is quintessentially ‘Spanish’. Visit the remarkable Alhambra palace in Granada, watch a passionate flamenco show in Seville, marvel at the beautiful Mezquita in Cordoba, or soak up some sun on one of the Costa del Sol’s many beaches.
Balearic Islands
The Balearic Islands are an archipelago off the coast of Eastern Spain, in the Mediterranean. Ibiza, Formentera, Mallorca, and Menorca are the main islands. Ibiza is known for its lively nightlife scene, Formentera – Ibiza’s chilled-out little sister – is sprawled with sensational beaches, and quiet and beautiful Menorca is a haven for scuba divers thanks to its clean, crystal clear waters. Mallorca, the largest and most popular island, has it all: thriving nightlife, sweeping bays with turquoise waters, watersports, beautiful mountains, and award-winning restaurants.
Where to stay
As a visitor, you can choose from Spanish holiday villas, apartments, charming guesthouses, and hotels – depending on your budget and interests. Couples usually choose to stay at holiday apartments or hotels, especially ones with swimming pools or a seaside location. If you’re not going to be driving, make sure you stay in accommodation in a central area or near public transportation. If you’re planning a short trip, we recommend staying at a hotel or a Bed & Breakfast. If you’re planning on staying for a long time, a rental apartment is a good choice.
How to budget
Spain is one of the best-value destinations in Europe, so you’ll already be spending much less than you would in Italy or France. Here are some tips on how you can save money on your Spanish holiday:
Book your flights at the right time – You can get a good deal by booking last minute flights, but it’s safer to book in advance. You might be able to get a really cheap flight by booking months in advance, especially if you’re using a budget airline.
Get the menu of the day – A lot of restaurants offer a 3-course lunch (Menu del Día) for about 10 euros. Many bars, especially in Granada, offer free tapas with every drink you buy.
Take the bus – While the train system is fast, the bus is significantly cheaper. If you have some time to spare and want to save money, we recommend taking the bus. A rail pass only makes sense if you'll be taking three or more long train rides in Spain.
Take advantage of the free days – Many museums and attractions are free on certain days and during certain times. Do your research before your trip so you can plan an itinerary.
If you choose Majorca as your Spanish holiday destination, contact us for comfortable and affordable accommodation. Whether you’re looking for an all-inclusive romantic getaway at our one of our Mallorca hotels, or an intimate stay at one of our apartments – let us know and we’ll send a shuttle or private car to pick you up from the airport.
Image credit: Roam and go lightly, King of wallpapers
