The Best Places to Visit in Spain During Summer

Close to home yet so diverse, Spain's perfect for summer getaways. So whether you’re looking for some cheap sunshine, somewhere you can take the kids or you’re craving an exotic adventure, look no further than this European hotspot!

From the coastal beauty of the Costas to the city sights of Barcelona and the island beauty of Majorca, these are the places to visit in Spain during summer.

Sample Majorca’s endless themed fun

Children playing a game of mini golf

With around 10 to 11 hours of daylight in July and August, there’s no better time to hit Majorca for some themed fun with the family. And you’ll be spoilt by all the choices! Kids will love racing down the water slides at one of its three aquaparks: Western Water Park, Hidropark and Aqualand - a great way to stay cool in that summer heat.

For something a little dryer, get ready for some adrenaline-pumping action at Karting Magaluf! From adults to teens and children as young as three years, there’s courses and carts for just about every age. But no getaway would be complete without a day at Katmandu! Ranked TripAvisor’s best theme park in Majorca, it’s a must-visit. And as it's open till 10pm in summer, you’ll have plenty of time to squeeze in all of its attractions. Walking through the upside down house is fun no matter your age thanks to its weird and wonderful illusions, while the interactive Zombies ride is a good choice for fearless teens.

For some friendly competition in the sun, look no further than Golf Fantasia, Katmandu’s sister attraction. Find a staggering 54 holes scattered through stunning tropical gardens with water hazards and bunkers among the many obstacles. Holidaying with kids aged six and over? Forestal Park is another fantastic day out, especially with its family high ropes course, Tarzan swing and the island’s longest zipline.

Top tip: To avoid disappointment during the busy summer months, you can book the island’s most popular excursions before you go.

Things to do

• Take a tour of the Caves of Drach

• Make a splash at Western Water Park

• Visit Katmandu Park

• Spend the day in Palma

• Go sightseeing on the Orange Express to Soller

• Sunbathe on Puerto Pollensa beach

• Climb among the treetops at Forestal Park

• Get your adrenaline fix at Karting Magaluf

• Practise your putting skills at Golf Fantasia

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Walk Barcelona’s culture-rich streets

Woman taking photos of the cathedral in Barcelona's picturesque Gothic Quarter

A crowded city in the height of summer might sound like a bad idea, but not Barcelona! Right by the coast, you can tick off all its major cultural sights in the morning, then hit the beach mid-afternoon for a spot of sunbathing. Or if you’d prefer to cool down with a sangria in hand, you won’t be short of shaded pitstops along its famous tree-lined avenue, Las Ramblas.

This fascinating city is like an open-air museum with architectural gems at every turn. Begin your trip with a stroll through the Gothic Quarter, one of Barcelona’s oldest, most eye-catching areas. Adored for its arched walkways and stunning 14th-century cathedral, come and immerse yourself in its unique medieval atmosphere.

For the best of Gaudi’s creations, visit Parc Güell. This famous surrealist playground has everything from the artist’s former home, to a ceramic lizard and those iconic mosaic-roofed pavilions. And when you’ve ticked off most of the sights, there’s plenty of picnic areas where you can soak up those hot summer rays. On your way back, don’t forget to stop by La Sagrada Familia - Gaudi’s unfinished masterpiece, and a highlight on any Barcelona city break.

Top tip: If you want to capture La Sagrada Família in all of its glory, we suggest heading here at sunrise. Not only will you miss the summer crowds, but you’ll get some beautiful photographs along the edge of the pond (a popular photography spot) where you’ll see the perfect reflection of the basilica.

Things to do

• Admire the architectural beauty of La Sagrada Família

• Visit the iconic Parc Güell

• Grab some tapas in the Gothic Quarter

• Stumble upon Barcelona Cathedral

• Go shopping at La Boqueria market

• Catch some rays at Barceloneta Beach

• Take a tour of Camp Nou stadium

• Stroll down Las Ramblas

• View the art at Museu Picasso

• Catch a light show at The Magic Fountain of Montjuïc

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Soak up Marbella’s blissful beach weather

The beautiful Golden Mile seafront in Marbella, Spain

With its enviable position on the sun-filled Costa del Sol, Marbella is a great pick for stylish summer getaways by the coast. From its million-dollar mansions right down to a luxury marina lined with designer boutiques, don’t be surprised if you see a few famous faces on the beach. Speaking of its beaches, you’ve got nearly 30 km of coastline to choose from! And with sea temperatures averaging a toasty 22°C at this time of the year, there’s nothing stopping you from taking a dip.

There’s a good range of sand spots too! Families tend to hit Playa Alicante for its safe, shallow waters and snack spots, while El Faro’s location next to the Old Town makes it a great option for sunbathing and shopping. For coastal beauty, Puerto Cabopino’s natural sand dunes and hilly backdrop is particularly photogenic.

And with its long list of shorelines comes an array of beach clubs. Nikki Beach, Ocean Club and PuroBeach are some of Marbella’s most famous options, but there’s plenty more to choose from. DJ sets and champagne celebrations are just some of the shoreside shenanigans here, but with a jam-packed party calendar during July and August, there'll be plenty of other events thrown into the mix.

Top tip: Bounty Beach is a great pick for sun and shade. Scattered with palm and banana trees, you’ve got some much-needed cover should you want to avoid the midday heat.

Things to do

• Soak up the relaxed atmosphere of Bounty Beach

• Sip champagne at Nikki Beach

• Lose yourself in Marbella Old Town

• Take a stroll along Paseo Maritimo

• Dance the night away on the Golden Mile

• Sample the nightlife of Puerto Banus

• Go shopping at La Cañada

• Tee off at Los Naranjos Golf Club

• Enjoy family-friendly beach days at Playa Alicante

• Spend a day in Gibraltar

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Save some pennies in Benidorm

Benidorm's beachfront skyline at sunset

Benidorm and great value for money go together hand in hand. As one of Spain’s cheapest summer destinations, there’s no wonder why us Brits love it! Prices tend to rise during the busier months of July and August, but there’s still plenty of bargains to be had. With most people arriving via Alicante Airport (serviced by a number of low-cost airlines), budget-friendly flights are easy to come by. Accommodation isn’t expensive either, with a great range of choices, from self-catering apartments to all-inclusive hotels.

Whether you’ve come here to party on its neon-lit strip or take advantage of its family attractions, Benidorm's pretty pocket-friendly when you get there too. A beer here will cost you under 3 euros on average, while a three-course meal will cost around 25 euros.

As for attractions, you won’t be stuck for things to see and do. Spend a lazy afternoon on one of two Blue Flag beaches, or stroll through the Old Town’s flea market for some affordable shopping. Come evening, hit the bustling English Square and take advantage of discounted drinks.

Top tip: Sometimes it’s worth booking early if you want to visit Benidorm during the summer months. This is often cheaper than booking last-minute due to the high demand in July and August.

Things to do

• Escape to Benidorm Island

• Explore the Old Town

• Get wet at Aqua Natura Waterpark

• Ride Terra Mitica’s biggest roller coasters

• Spot the wildlife at Terra Natura

• Enjoy a family day out at Aqualandia

• Hit the English Square for a night out

• Sunbathe on Levante Beach

• Take in the sea views from Balcón del Mediterráneo

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Go trekking in Tenerife

A sunset view at Masca Valley in Tenerife, Canary Islands, Spain

Tenerife’s rich, varied landscape makes for some fantastic summer adventures. See the best of the island’s volcanic terrain and trek to Mount Teide’s summit, Spain’s highest peak. Although challenging, you’ll be rewarded with amazing vistas, particularly from Pico Viejo Viewpoint.

But it’s not all rocky ascents here! Prefer a gentle ramble? The stunning Corona Forestal Natural Park is another great spot to soak up the island’s beauty with 20 pine-covered hiking trails. From biking to caving and rock climbing, there’s no limit to the activities you can try here.

When you’re not on dry land, you could be diving into the depths of the Atlantic. With a higher visibility in the summer months, this is the perfect time to spot the island’s most famous marine residents, which include parrotfish, sea turtles and octopus. Watersports fans are also in luck with paragliding, jet skis and surfing all tempting you into the water, let alone the bath-warm sea temperatures.

Top tip: Make sure you always consider the temperature when planning your summer adventures. Stick to the coolest parts of the day (early in the morning or early evening) for strenuous activities.

Things to do

• Make a splash at Siam Park

• Visit Teide National Park

• Get lost in Corona Forestal Natural Park

• Go diving at the Tabaiba Shipwreck

• Take a whale watching tour

• Relax on the sands of Playa de las Vistas

• Sample the nightlife of Playa de las Americas

• Discover Masca Valley

• Go off the beaten track on La Gomera island

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Adele Grant

About the author

Adele has worked in travel for a number of years now, which has taken her to some amazing places. When she’s not at home cuddling her dog, she loves to explore new places. From Mexico to Croatia and Iceland, she has some great insider tips.