Spain makes it into our top five holiday hotspots
With its variety of resorts offering something for ravers and relaxers to kid friendly holidays, Spain is a great place to jet away to with your family or as a couple. For a city and beach break Barcelona with its architectural brilliance is a great option to keep little and large members of the family entertained.
At a glance
- If you want sandy beaches then the Costa Dorada in the North of Spain and Costa Blanca are a great options
- The Costa del Sol houses popular resorts such as Torremolinos to the millionaire’s playground of Marbella
- Menorca offers a great family ambience
Flight time: UK South-East airports to Southern Spain: 2.30 hours
UK South-East airports to Northern Spain: 2 hours
The Costa del Sol, which translates to the ‘Sunny Coast’ houses popular resorts such as Torremolinos to the millionaire’s playground of Marbella (or Marbs). If you want sandy beaches then the Costa Dorada in the North of Spain and Costa Blanca – home of Benidorm - are a great options.
Fancy a sneaky weekend away with the mister? Then head to Ibiza, which in the summer months is a perfect place to let your hair down and party. If you’re taking the family then this party capital’s cousin Menorca, offers a great family ambience.
Passports and Visas
You don’t need a visa to enter Spain or any of its islands, but you’ll have to remember those passports for each member of the family.
Health and safety
Specific vaccines aren’t required for Spain, however it’s important that your ‘traditional’ immunisations such as diphtheria, rubella and polio are all up to date.
When to go
Spain, like many Mediterranean countries, gets very warm in the summer with in-land regions such as Madrid and Andalucia experiencing the highest temperatures. May, June and September are great months to visit with the country being quieter and temperatures cooler. If you’re opting for the school holidays then pick a beach resort, which tends to be cooler and prepare yourself for those early towels on sun lounger days.
Things to do
Kids will love the snorkelling and watersports options the country has to offer. Culture buffs will enjoy the historic Roman ruins in the Costa Dorada, as well as Salvador Dali’s home town in Cadaques, Gandia. Look out for panoramic boat trips if you’re in the Formentor beach area of Mallorca while the Dolphin Safari in the British territory of Gibraltar offers a great way to watch these magical creatures.
Essential Information
Watch out for mainland Spain where temperatures can rise to uncomfortable levels in the summer, while you might find less touristy resorts shut shop in the afternoon for that traditional siesta.