Spain boasts just about everything you could ever wish for in a holiday destination.
This popular European country has a fantastic climate, a wealth of culture and history, some amazing and diverse landscapes, numerous tourist attractions, lots of great food and drink and a huge range of self-catering holiday properties to rent during your stay in Spain.
As one of the world’s top tourist destinations, Spain truly has something to offer all tastes, whatever type of holiday you’re looking for, whether it’s an annual family vacation, a romantic break or a last-minute weekend getaway.
With so much to see and do in this amazing country, here’s a taster of what you can get up to during your stay.
There is no shortage of self-catering properties to rent in Spain, too. There’s an abundance of beautiful villas and apartments available here, so you can find your ideal holiday property rental in no time at all!
The regions of Spain include Andalucia, Aragon, Asturias, Balearic Islands, Basque Country, Canary Islands, Cantabria, Castilla-La Mancha, Castilla y Leon, Catalonia, Extremadura, Galicia, Madrid, Murcia, Navarra, La Rioja and Valencia, and each one offers so much to its visitors.
Within those regions, there are, of course, also some fantastic cities, towns and villages to check out. In fact, there are so many places that you’ll want to return to Spain, time and time again.
Some of the popular areas of Spain include Madrid, Seville, Barcelona, Bilbao, Alicante, Granada, Malaga, Valencia and San Sebastian, among others, of course.
Whether you’re looking to tour a busy city or laze on a beautiful sandy beach, Spain has the answer.
Madrid, the country’s capital, is brimming with museums and art, so be sure to check it out if you’re an art lover. There’s the Golden Triangle of Art, which is three museums – the Prado Museum, the Thyssen Bornemisza Museum and the Reina Sofia Museum. You can also see the Royal Palace of Madrid, tour Real Madrid’s famous football stadium or relax in one of the city’s parks or gardens.
Seville, Spain’s fourth largest city, is rich in history and a must see here is the amazing cathedral and its bell tower, the Giralda. Seville is also said to be the tapas capital of the world, so be sure to sample some delicious food and drink while you’re there.
The historic city of Barcelona is perfect for a short break. It has some lovely Gaudi architecture to gaze at and some interesting museums, too. It’s also an ideal location for a beach holiday, as it has 4.2km of sandy beaches situated just 10 minutes from the centre of the city!
Another popular visitor attraction is the Guggenheim Museum in the city of Bilbao, which is located in the Basque Country. It’s a must for art lovers. While you’re in Bilbao, take the opportunity to try some pintxos, which are like tapas.
Alicante, along the Costa Blanca, is a well known destination which has miles of sandy beaches to offer its visitors. Its mild climate is one reason why so many people come to visit. But if you want to do more than just lie on a beach all day, then the city of Alicante has no shortage of things to see and do. There’s the castle to visit, various parks to enjoy, museums to see and a wealth of restaurants in which to dine.
The city of Granada, meanwhile, boasts the stunning Alhambra Palace, that was once the home of the Arabic Sultans and is today a major tourist attraction. You can take a tour of the Alhambra and view the amazing architecture for yourself.
Malaga is another popular area with tourists. The city has a cathedral, a market, the Picasso Museum, numerous other museums, and the harbour and castle, too.
Malaga is just one of the many popular tourist destinations situated on the Costa del Sol. There’s also Marbella, Puerto Banús, Torremolinos, Benalmádena, Fuengirola, Mijas and more. The Costa del Sol is perfect if you’re after a beach holiday, as it has many excellent beaches to discover. The kids will love them, too.
Valencia is an ideal destination to relax and unwind. It has a lovely old town which has gardens, squares, museums and historic buildings to explore. Apparently, Valencia is where paella was invented, so, it’s not surprising that there’s no shortage of restaurants, cafes and tapas bars in this great city. Why not try some paella while you are there!
San Sebastian is another great beach holiday destination. The best beach here is said to be Playa de Concha, which is not only popular for sunbathing, but also for swimming and water sports.
Spain also has much more to offer those wanting a sports holiday. There’s plenty of golf available, as well as fishing, horse riding, scuba diving and other activities. Many people don’t realise that Spain has good skiing facilities, too. The ski resort Sierra Nevada, for example, is worth checking out.
The Canary Islands, which are part of Spain, are also popular holiday destinations. There are seven islands to discover – Gran Canaria, Tenerife, Lanzarote, La Palma, La Gomera, El Hierro and Fuerteventura. They are all worth a visit and if you’re looking for a Spanish holiday property rental, there’s no shortage of accommodation there.
Spain can offer so many different types of holiday to suit all ages and tastes. Whether you’re looking for art and culture, a sandy beach or a ski slope. Or if you’d rather get close to nature, visit a winery or sample some excellent cuisine, Spain has it all. What’s more, it boasts a lovely warm climate that makes it an attractive all-year-round destination – perfect for a self-catering holiday at Christmas or mid summer.
Holiday rentals in Spain are the most authentic way to get the right feeling of the Spanish country.
From the charming country houses to the luxury villas at the beach, any of the holiday homes that Spain-Holiday.com suggest for a holiday are wonderful opportunities to experience the best of Spain.
The most attractive holiday homes located on the coast and with all kind of facilities are always the first to be booked in advanced. The first months of the year are the best months to book a holiday apartment in Spainand avoid that others do it before you.
Renting a holiday home let you experiencing much deeper the life style and the small details of the Spanish culture that you could never appreciate by staying in a big hotel together with other hundreds of tourists.
Holiday rentals in Spain are unlikely to be more expensive than a package deal. From the UK you can get any number of low cost flights to Spain and on top of that, you can always share the rental expenses with you holiday partners.
Spain, with its big variety of nature, combines big and snow mountains with great crystal clear waters, good sandy beaches, history and lots of traditions.
Accommodation in Spain can be cheaper or expensive, coastal or inland, modern or rural, and you can always pick the perfect location in holiday maps depending on your preferences for your holiday.
By booking Spain holiday rentals rather than booking a hotel you have so much more choice as to where you stay, and will often get the opportunity to taste Spanish life in a way that you simply can’t when you’re staying in a hotel.
Some holiday villas in Spain even offer some of life’s true luxuries, from private swimming pool, hot tubs and more. Whatever you are looking for, there are holiday homes in Spain to suit every taste and budget.
Spain is the most popular holiday destination for British residents with over 14million of us visiting the European hotspot every year.
The hordes of holidaymakers are drawn to Spain by the fantastic weather, beautiful beaches and westernised lifestyle. Spain has become an increasingly popular choice for holidays since the 1960’s as the price of air travel has steadily dropped and standard of living has improved.
Spain has many fantastic destinations to visit and in this article we will look at some of the best of what Spain has to offer.
Alicante is located on the eastern coast of Spain at the centre of the Costa Blanca region. Traditionally the city was a busy port and still has a distinct African flavour. Most visitors to Alicante come for the beaches with San Juan being one of the most popular. The streets are lined with cafes, restaurants and ice cream parlours. The area also has good shopping facilities with a mixture of high class boutiques and typical seaside gift shops. The city has an international airport and cheap flights are available from most UK airports including Stansted, Heathrow and Manchester.
Benidorm is the Costa Blanca’s largest and liveliest resort and is packed with British tourists taking advantage of cheap package deals and enjoying the Spanish sun. The streets are full of shops selling buckets, spades and flip-flops. Behind the golden beach and rows of shops, bars and cafes stand huge apartment blocks. Many of the apartments have been bought the British who have made Benidorm their home or annual holiday destination.
The city boosts a great collection of bars and nightclubs that have helped establish Benidorm as the Costa Blanca’s party capital.
Lloret de Mar is located on the north east coast of Spain and has steadily grown to become a large established holiday resort. The former fishing town has lost much of its former history and now caters for 18-30 visitors alongside families with children. The area has a large water park and five sandy beaches. Despite its distinct British feel a taste of the real Spain is not too far away for visitors looking for a more traditional Spanish holiday.
Torremolinos is very much the south coasts answer to Benidorm, with a six-mile stretch of sunny beaches, water sports and lively entertainment Terremolinos is certainly not the place to visit if you are looking for a cultural Spanish holiday. This resort also tends to be popular with visitors from other European countries as well as 18-30 crowds and families.
There are many more popular resorts across Spain and regular flights from the UK are available at a cheap price. Hotels and car hire can be booked online or through a travel agent, booking early usually ensures you receive a fair discount.
If you want to know all about Spain, then the best thing to do is research it before your vacation. Learning about Spanish culture before you come to Spain will help you to have a better grasp of the place and the people. If you come to Spain you won’t be disappointed by the wide array of things to do and see here.
Spain offers a wide variety of cultural, culinary, and historical activities that are right for everyone. You can visit the beautiful meadows and valleys, hike the Pyrenees, or relax on a beach with your entire family. You will find something for everyone in your family when you visit Spain.
When you are in Spain you may notice that the language sounds different than that spoken in South and Central America. The Spanish in Spain is commonly known as Castillian. This form is related to Italian, Portguese, and French. You may also hear people speak Basque, Catalan, and Galician if you travel to different regions of the country.
You can often find cheap flights on major airlines to Spain. This is the most popular way to enter the country and there are many large and excellent international airports located throughout Spain. It doesn’t matter which region of the country you want to visit you will be able to find a flight from your hometown.
When you are in Spain you may want to consider traveling by bus. There are many buses to choose from that have cheap fares and are very comfortable. Seeing Spain while using public transport will save you lots of time and headaches.
If you want to have more independence and freedom on your trip then you should consider using a car rental or car hire company. You can travel wherever you want and whenever you want without worry about schedules. You can find out this kind of information online or through your travel agent.
There is a wide abundance of excellent cuisine in Spain. Whether you are inland or on the coast, in a big city or in a small town you will be able to find food to suit your palate. When you are the coast you can enjoy fresh seafood nearly every day and when you are inland you can select from high-grade meat.
When you are in Spain, you’ll be delighted at how fresh all the food is when you go out to eat. There is very little in the way of frozen food and you can be sure the meat, seafood, and vegetables are usually grown and produced locally.
When you want to eat out for dinner and lunch you should be aware of the differences in Spain in terms of schedule compared to your country. In Spain lunch is usually eaten at 2:00 pm and dinner is served at 9:00 pm or later.
If you want to relax and an enjoy wine, beer, or a mixed drink than you can find a wide selection of bars to choose from. This is a great way to meet some locals and practice your Spanish. There is no age restriction to go into a bar, so feel free to bring the kids. Spaniards tend not to get drunk and this is not considered polite behavior.
The Euro was introduced to Spain in 2002 and this is the common currency. You cannot use any other currency and should be prepared to change money at a bank or ATM machine when you arrive. The airport will usual be able to accommodate your needs.
You can also use credit cards all over Spain for purchases or to go out. You usually need to show your passport upon using a credit or debit card. This is for your own protection, so make sure you have it with you when you want to use your card.
The music video for ‘Holiday in Spain’, Counting Crows together with Bløf (Dutch band). De videoclip voor ‘Holiday in Spain’, het duet van Bløf met de Counting Crows
Spain is a beautiful country, located in Southern Europe. It is neighbor to Andorra, France, Gibraltar, Morocco and Portugal. Every year millions of travelers come to Spain for beach vacations and to experience the rich culture and history of the country. Spain is an awe-inspiring country with a lot of historical cities, such as Madrid and Barcelona, scenic countryside, mountains, picturesque coast and art treasures. Holidays to Spain will leave you with great memories for a lifetime.
When visiting Barcelona
Barcelona is one of the most interesting sites in the country. Highlight is to walk down La Rambla, the famous street mall. La Rambla is a place where you can experience the local culture through traditional Spanish cafes. As you walk down La Rambla, you can freely visit local shops and meet local artists in central Barcelona. Beauty lines the street. As a matter of fact, you marvel at several of the great works of the outstanding 19th century architect, Antoni Gaudi. You can visit some of the well renowned buildings he created like the La Sagrada Familia, Casa Mila, Casa Batllo, Palau Guell, Casa Vicens, and Parc Guell. Don’t forget to find the fountain that is famous for its legend that all of those people who take a drink there will come back some day to the beautiful city of Barcelona.
But there are so many sites beyond La Rambla where you will go through this great culture of Barcelona during your holiday in Spain. Barcelona is full of amazing museums. These museums show the plentiful art and history of Barcelona. Ensure you do not overlook the local restaurant and tapas bar scenes while you are on holiday in Spain. Barcelona has many opportunities to enjoy the typical varieties of Spanish cuisine in the traditional Spanish eating places.
Taking a Holiday in Madrid
Madrid is the capital of Spain. Travelers regularly include Madrid in their itinerary as they are going for Spain vacations. Madrid has a unique clime amongst the cities of Spain, due to its higher elevation in central Spain. A must see in Madrid for any tourist is the monument of Puerta de Alcala located in the central part of Madrid. Close to this highlight you are able to relax in the stunning Parque del Buen Retiro or try visiting the Prado Museum. There are so many historic sights in Madrid that every culture lover or art lover will be awed by the plentiful history that Madrid has to offer.
Seeing the Rest of Spain
Barcelona and Madrid are the most popular cities, however you can find a lot more historical points of interest and ancient works in the other parts of Spain. When traveling within Spain, it is easy to move from one city to another, by bus or by train. If you want more control over your travel plan on your Spain holidays, consider hiring a rental car. Take out a tourist guide and a map to create your own great Spain holiday.
Spain has become one of the most popular tourist and holiday destinations on the planet. The total number of visitors and holiday makers who come to Spain each year is more than 150% the numbers of the whole of the Spanish population!
So what is it that makes Spain such an attraction for all these tourists and holidaymakers?
-For most Brits, the first reason they are likely to give is the weather- the fantastic Spanish climate which just gets better and better the more one travels further and further south into this country. With more than 300 days of sunshine each year, it is true that regions such as the Costa Del Sol, Costa Blanca, Costa Calida and Costa Almeria are a tremendous draw for anyone looking to escape the grey of a Northern Europe winter or even Northern European summers of late!
-In addition to the climatic adavantages, Spain is a country which offers tremendous geographical variety and diversity. Believe it or not, this land of golden palm fringed beaches is the 3rd most mountainous country in Europe- indeed, where else in Europe can you ski in the morning and be on the beach basking in 25c of sunshine in the afternoon? Well, you can in the Sierra Nevada mountains which lie just 1 hours drive north of Malaga and the beaches of the Costa Del Sol.
-Culturally, Spain is amazingly diverse as you will notice in its art and architecture, cuisine and its peoples. All across the southern province of Andalucia, itself a Moorish word, you will find evidence of a people who came to occupy this part of Spain from North Africa hundreds of years ago, bringing with them a rich tapestry of cultural, artistic, linguistic and architectural styles and mores. The Alhambra Palace in Granada is probably one of the most famous and impressive legacy of Moorish architecture in the whole of this region.
-Linguistically too, Spain is very diverse. Catalan, a language as much akin to French as Spanish, is widely spoken in the North East of Spain and in great historical cities such as Barcelona you will see signs written in both Catalan and Spanish.
-Perhaps one of the biggest attractions for many tourists is the Spanish way of life. Whilst the often referred to “manana” culture can sometimes be very frustrating if you need something done in a hurry, there is no doubt that the outdoor lifestyle which is enjoyed by the Spanish people is much to be admired and envied by us Northern Europeans who are confined to indoor activities only for many months of the year.
Surely the essence of a relaxing holiday is to be able to relax over an evening meal eaten ” al fresco” washed down with beautifully refreshing Spanish wines such as Rioja or Ribera Del Douro? Wander through villages and small towns and stop to buy fresh produce at the many markets you will come across, enjoy a peaceful and relaxing “paseo” or evening stroll after an evening meal and rub shoulders and share pleasant and light hearted conversation with the locals- that is how to get to know, experience and enjoy the real Spain!
Top Tips As To How To Make The Best of What Spain Has To Offer?
Whilst there are many hotels of all sizes and descriptions which one could stay in, in my opinion the best way to experience this fabulous country, is to consider renting one of the may thousands of holiday homes, holiday villas or apartments which can be found on any high quality web based holiday property rental website.
When you rent a holiday home whether that be a holiday villa or holiday apartment in one of the many regions of Spain, you will instantly appreciate the benefits that this offers as opposed to the confines and limitations of staying in a hotel or pension. You can come and go from your holiday home as you please, you can organise sleeping and eating arrangements to suit the size and mood of your group and best of all you can experience first hand the real Spanish way of life by staying in authentic rural Spanish villages or energetic towns and cities.
As much as Spain is a fantastic destination for a holiday or short weekend break, the wrong or inappropriate choice of accommodation can totally ruin your experience and enjoyment. That is why I would strongly encourage you to go self catering and to seek out a holiday villa or holiday apartment to rent in one of the many diverse resorts and regions of Spain.
From coastal villas, apartments, townhouses, studios or rustic fincas you can take advantage of Spain’s wonderful sun drenched beaches, fabulous golfing resorts, or if its rural tranquillity which you seek, then accommodation set against a backdrop of soaring mountain peaks, lush green valleys and quiet rural retreats will be just for you.
Spain is a beautiful country that has everything possible in store for a tourist. Be it the Spanish culture, traditions, scenic locations or the natural beauty and historic importance of the place, Spain is a great holidaying location.
For any holiday destination, it becomes very important to have its own holiday homes where the tourist may feel at home. Hotels are an option but they are not only expensive but also very formal. In such a scenario, holiday homes Spain is exactly a tourist is looking forward to.
Spain is a tourist’s paradise and visiting its country side is just so mesmerizing. The best part about the rural Spain is that even they provide holiday homes Spain with comfortable and cosy settings.
Holiday homes Spain has everything that you may require for your stay and the most wonderful part about renting holiday homes Spain is that you may rent it directly from the owner, who being the locale, would help you to know the place better and may introduce you to some picturesque locations that a tourist may never get an opportunity to visit.
The holiday homes Spain include a house of your choice. You may go in for a villa, a bungalow, an apartment or a country home facing mountains and offering some spectacular view for holiday homes Spain. Some of the holiday homes Spain even have a private swimming pool making them ideal for a family holiday.
The holiday homes Spain are located in prime locations accessible to local markets and grocery shops. On one side, the holiday homes Spain offer you complete tranquillity and peace of the heavenly beauty that surrounds them, while on the other hand side, their location enables you to be in the hub of the city and your accessibility and requirements are taken care of by the prime location these holiday homes Spain provides.
The holiday homes Spain are quite affordable. They offer not only a comfortable setting for you and your family but also a cost effective price which will suit every budget. The first thing that you may ensure before going for any holiday homes Spain is a clear budget that you are ready to spend on holiday homes Spain. Once that is done, you may select from a range of holiday homes Spain that are both comfortable and offer you everything from comfort to scenic beauty.
If you are really interested in exploring Spain to its best, holiday homes Spain are a good option to get captivated with the beautiful landscapes and nature at its best.
Travelers choose to take a holiday in Spain for many reasons. Some of the most beautiful vistas on Earth are found in Spain, and the country also contains some of the greatest party locations in Europe. Whether seeking solitude or nightlife, Spain has a lot to offer.
For the casual vacationer who wants to get an overview of Spain, take a trip to both the coast and one of the World Heritage Sites of the country. Ibiza, party capital of the world, is both of these things. Ibiza is one of the fifty Balearic Islands, and it has both an interesting history and exciting future. The nightlife of the area is centered on the south and the west of the island. Ibiza is known as the island paradise of the electronic music scene. It can get pretty rambunctious, but if you’re up to it, Ibiza offers some of the best nightlife in the world. Of course, if you’re not in the mood to visit the “Gomorrah of the Med,” Ibiza probably isn’t the place for you.
There are many other places in Spain to enjoy a more relaxed holiday. Many of the coastal areas feature gorgeous beaches and high-quality resorts, with shopping and dining within walking distance. If you’re looking for a relaxing view of the scenery, try one of the coastal areas, many of which have great resort communities tailored to vacationers looking for rest and relaxation.
La Manga del Mar Menor is a popular resort area on the southeast coast of the country. Not to be confused with the sports resort of the same name, La Manga is a strip of land that separates the Mediterranean Sea from the Mar Menor. Though La Manga has areas popular with young tourists, particularly the Zoco area, it is very friendly toward visitors of all ages. The Mar Menor translates to the “Little Sea” in English. Looking at it from the land, the small body of water looks like a small lake. In fact, the sea is only eight meters deep. Many holiday travelers pick this region because of its peacefulness and beauty.
The city of Seville features some of the country’s most glorious architecture. Over two-thousand years old, Seville contains a beautiful cathedral, one of the largest of the gothic cathedrals. It was built on the site of the city’s mosque, and it even incorporates columns from the ancient mosque into the design. The tower of the cathedral uses ramps instead of stairs so that horses could be ridden to the top. Many of the surrounding buildings are also built from the old Moorish sites. Also of note is the University of Sevilla, which is on the site of the first tobacco factory in Europe.
Whether you’re looking for the excitement and nightlife or the beauty and relaxation of Spain, it’s easy to find them both. Many areas offer great shopping at affordable prices, as well as some of the finest resorts Europe has to offer. The wide variety of vistas, entertainment and culture in Spain make it the perfect choice for a vacation destination.
People these days usually make their flight reservations online, which means it is imperative to have the knowledge of a travel agent in order to obtain the top deals and best prices to Spain, or even the rest of the world. When researching flight reservations or simply looking for information regarding flights to Spain, here are some useful tips to take into consideration.
1. Reserve flights far in advance, or at the last minute
2. Have an adaptable plan
3. Be knowledgeable about which airlines are present in the regions pertaining to you
If you posses any experience in booking a flight, you know that the cheap flights are hard to come by if you search too late, especially for exotic locations and if you don’t expect to find seasonal deals. The key to success here is reserving flights two weeks or more in advance. The reason for this is that airlines set aside only a certain amount of tickets that can be sold for a lower price. You could be next to someone on your flight getting exactly the same treatment, and you might have paid more than $500 less! As we all know, the early bird gets the worm.
On the other hand, if you do decide to wait until the last minute you can also get a good deal. Although some people cannot do this because it is crucial to plain ahead of time, others with flexibility can. For example, if February is fairly open, and you aren’t very particular about where you go, you can browse different sites and destinations to find the best, last minute deals. You can enjoy Spanish culture no matter what time of year!
Another advantage of not being rigid in plans is that you can travel even cheaper depending on how you travel to your destination. Many online vendors require you to input airport codes for places as far as 100 miles from your actual destination. If you don’t mind the extra travel period, you could save hundreds of dollars.
Furthermore, direct flights usually cost more. So if you are willing, making several extra layovers could reduce your travel costs significantly. The downside is the extra time it takes to travel, but this method will save you a pretty penny, but only if you are willing to be flexible, and forego the non-stop flight.
Changing planes multiple times may cause other problems to arise. Therefore, if you are worried about lost luggage, pack smart. Find out what the baggage requirements are and if you can, pack all your belongings in your carry-on.
Another way to make a dent in your costs is to once again, be flexible in the days you plan to travel. For instance, if you travel mid-week, like Tuesday through Thursday, flights will likely be cheaper. The reason for this is that most business people travel from Monday through Friday, and vacationers use the weekends, so the demand increases greatly. Once again, online services usually require you enter dates in your search within a range of your ideal travel day in order to find better deals.
Focusing recent findings in Spain, Robert Carlton is writing principally for http://www.alicante-spain.com . His articles on cheap flights Spain are published on http://www.alicante-spain.com/faq/cheap_flights.shtml .
