Spain holidays

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Spain holidays

Best hotels in Spain

Spain holidays at a glance:

  • Best for: Families, couples and easy-going breaks
     
  • Flight time: 2-3 hours (mainland & Balearics), 4-4.5 hours (Canaries)
     
  • Best months: April-June, September-October; Canaries year-round

 

  • Top regions: Costa del Sol, Costa Blanca, Costa Brava, Majorca, Ibiza, Menorca, Canary Islands 

 

Types of Spain holidays

Beach holidays

Spain beach holidays are for those who like to let the day unfold at its own pace. 

Best for: Families, couples and anyone who wants proper rest, gentle days by the sea and well-set-up resorts.

Top areas: 

  • Costa del Sol – Marbella and Málaga: golden beaches, beach clubs, evening catamaran trips

  • Costa Blanca – Benidorm and Alicante: soft sand, lively promenades, watersports on tap

  • Costa Brava – Lloret de Mar and Tossa de Mar: hidden coves, snorkelling, coastal strolls
     

Explore: Costa del Sol | Costa Blanca | Costa Brava

 

Island holidays

Suits anyone who wants contrast: a lively night, a quiet morning, and secret beaches in between.

Best for: Couples, families and travellers who want beach time with the option to explore. 

Top areas:

  • Ibiza: whitewashed streets, secret calas like Cala Comte, nightlife that goes on
     
  • Majorca: Serra de Tramuntana hikes, Palma’s old town, beaches like Es Trenc
     
  • Menorca: green hills, turquoise coves, family-friendly calm
     
  • Canary Islands: volcanic landscapes, surfing beaches, nature reserves
     

Explore: Ibiza | Majorca | Menorca | Canary Islands

 

All Inclusive & package holidays

Everything is sorted in advance, leaving you free to relax once you arrive. 

Best for: Families, first-time visitors and anyone who wants clear costs, easy planning and a relaxed, low-effort holiday. 

Top areas: 

  • Resorts in Costa Adeje, Playa de las Américas: pools, evening shows, kids’ clubs, and meals included
  • Palma Nova: perfect for sunbathing, beach walks, and casual local exploration

 

Explore: Palma Nova

 

Villa holidays

Spain villa holidays are for those who enjoy mornings in pyjamas and evenings under the stars. 

Best for: Families, groups of friends and couples who want more room, flexible mealtimes and a quieter home-to-home feel. 

Top areas:

  • Majorca & Ibiza: villas near beaches and charming towns

  • Costa Brava: hillside homes with sea views and easy access to hidden coves

 

Cheap & shoulder-season holidays

Cheap holidays to Spain shine in April, May, September, and October. Shoulder season is warm, gentle, and far more relaxed than the chaos of mid-summer.

  • Weather in Spain in April and May: ideal for sightseeing or early beach walks
     
  • Weather in Spain in September and October: still sunny, still warm, still inviting
     
  • Great destinations include Costa del Sol, Costa Blanca, and the Canary Islands
     
  • Explore markets, historic towns, tapas bars, and beaches without the crowds

 

5 reasons to choose Spain for your next holiday

1. You don’t have to choose one kind of holiday
It’s easy to mix beach time, culture, and good food all on the same day and without travelling too far. 

2. It works for how you travel
Spain suits families who need ease, couples who want atmosphere, friends chasing a buzz, and solo travellers looking for calm. 

3. It’s realistic, not remote
Short flights from the UK, frequent departures, and a wide choice of hotels in Spain make planning straightforward. 

4. The seasons are flexible
Spain doesn’t peak and vanish. Spring and early autumn bring warm days without the crowds, while the Canary Islands offer winter sun when much of Europe cools down. 

5. There’s more than the beach, if you want it
The beaches are stunning, but Spain rewards curiosity too. Markets, food, walking routes, small towns, and everyday rituals add texture – the sense that you’re somewhere lived in, not just passing through.

 

More Spain travel guides

Mainland Spain

Costa Brava holidays

Spain beach holidays  

Balearic Islands

Balearic Islands holidays 

Majorca holidays  

Canary Islands

Canary Islands holidays  

Tenerife holidays  

Cities

Madrid holidays  

Seville holidays  

Barcelona holidays

 

 

Map of Spain

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17–30°C

Hot, dry summers and mild winters

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2-5 hours
Spain has 25 international airports, with dozens of flights every day from departure points all over the UK.

Spain is best for...

Couples: With a wealth of beautiful beaches and pretty cities galore, many of Spain’s destinations are perfect for two. Why not wander through Barcelona’s bustling streets before riding the cable car to Montjuïc?

Families: Find your favourite spot on the Costa’s golden sandy beaches. When you fancy a change of scenery, you’ll find all kinds of waterparks and theme parks to keep the kids entertained.

Night owls: Laze away an evening in a traditional tapas restaurant in Madrid, or dance until the sun comes up in Ibiza's superclubs. And when you really want to fire up your night, head to the popular flamenco shows in Andalucia.

Fast facts for Spain

Language: Spanish, although English is widely spoken across Spain, especially in the tourist hotspots and resorts. If you’re heading off the usual visitor trails, pack a phrasebook or download a translator app.

Currency: Euro (€).

Local time: Spain is 1 hour ahead of GMT/UK time.

Fly to:

  • Alicante Airport for Benidorm 
  • Girona Airport for Costa Brava
  • Reus Airport for Costa Dorada
  • Malaga Airport for Costa del Sol
  • Transfer times are 30–90 minutes

 

Flight time from the UK: The flight time to Spain is around 2.5 hours.

Tourist information: Find further information about various Spain destinations at the official Spain tourism website. 

 

Events in Spain

  • Semana Santa – Easter brings celebrations across Spain during Semana Santa (Holy Week). For seven days, thousands of people take to the streets to take part in religious processions.
  • La Tomatina – You’ll be seeing red during Buñol’s annual tomato frenzy, La Tomatina, held in late August.
  • Sónar and Benicàssim – Music fans will want to book Spain holidays in June and July, when two of Europe’s biggest festivals take centre stage.

Spain safety and security

Passport and visa requirements

UK travellers need a valid British passport to enter Spain and can stay visa-free for short stays of up to 90 days in any 180-day period. Check government travel advice for more information.

Travel insurance

Travel health insurance is strongly recommended to cover medical treatment. Check your policy carefully if you plan on activities like diving, skiing or climbing.

Local tips 

  • Spain is generally safe, but take care with valuables in busy areas and on public transport.
  • Shops may close in the afternoon for siesta and reopen late. 
  • The emergency number is 112.
  • Smoking is banned in enclosed public spaces.

 

For up-to-date advice on travelling to Spain, please visit the UK government's safety and security page for Spain.

Worth knowing

The legal drinking age in Spain is 18.

In parts of the Balearic Islands (including Majorca and Ibiza), All Inclusive alcohol is limited to six drinks per person, per day, usually with meals. These rules don’t apply everywhere - many mainland and Canary Island resorts aren’t affected. 

 

Spain weather

Best time to visit Spain

For most travellers, April to June and September to October are the sweet spots. You’ll enjoy warm, sunny days without the peak-summer crowds, and prices are often better than during school holidays. 

Summer & Canary Islands

Summer (June to August) is hot and busy across mainland Spain and the Balearics, while the Canary Islands offer reliable Spain weather all year-round, including winter sun. 

 

More hotels in Spain

Discover the best destinations to visit in Spain

Popular Spain holiday resorts

FAQs

FAQs

What entry requirements do UK travellers need for Spain?

UK travellers visiting Spain will need:

  • A valid passport
  • No visa for stays of up to 90 days
  • Travel insurance (recommended) 

Also worth knowing:

  • The EU Entry/Exit System (EES) is expected to launch gradually. Your fingerprints and facial image are recorded on your first entry, replacing passport stamping.
  • ETIAS is not currently required; timings may change - check official advice. Remember, it’s not a visa - it's a short online travel authorisation for multiple trips. 

Which Spanish destinations are best for UK travellers?

It depends on what kind of holiday you’re after:

  • Costa del Sol - Easy, familiar and family-friendly, with good flight connections.
  • Costa Blanca - Great value, long sandy beaches and lively resorts.
  • Majorca - A balanced choice with beaches, mountains and historic towns.
  • Ibiza - Best for nightlife, with quieter spots if you want to relax too.
  • Canary Islands - Winter sun at its finest and year-round warmth.
  • Costa Brava - Quieter coves, scenic coastline, close to Barcelona.

How many days do you need in Spain?

Most UK travellers find:

  • 3-5 days - Enough for a city break or short beach getaway.
  • 7-10 days - Common choice for cheap holidays to Spain that balance cost and experience. 
  • 10+ days - Best for exploring, multiple regions, island-hopping or mixing beaches with culture and hiking.

What food should you try in Spain?

Small bites/snacks

  • Tapas - Small sharing platters including patatas bravas, chorizo, jamón ibérico. 
  • Tortilla Española - Simple yet a delicious potato and egg omelette. 

 

Main dishes 

  • Paella - Seafood or chicken rice dish, best in Valencia.
  • Seafood - Fresh fish, prawns, squid, and shellfish along coasts and islands. 

 

Desserts/Treats

  • Churros con chocolate  - Crispy fried dough with thick chocolate.
  • Turrón - Almond and honey nougat, a Spanish classic.

Local wines & sangria - often paired with meals or tapas.

How do you get around Spain?

  • High-speed trains - Fast and easy between cities like Madrid, Barcelona, Valencia, and Seville.
  • Regional trains & buses - Handy if you want to go to smaller towns and off-the-beaten-path spots.
  • Flights - Popular with UK travellers heading to the Canary Islands or skipping long distances.
  • Car hire - Gives you the freedom to explore the coast, countryside, or multiple regions at your own pace. 
  • Public transport - Metro, trams, buses, taxis and rideshares make getting around towns and cities simple.

What’s included in a typical Spain holiday package?

A typical Spain holiday package bundles the essentials so you can relax from the moment you arrive. Usually, this includes flights to Spain, hotels in Spain and sometimes transfers between the airport and your resort. Many packages also offer meals or All Inclusive options, plus extras like evening entertainment, kids’ clubs, or excursions depending on the resort. 

 

Are there any extra or hidden costs to be aware of?

Most Spain holidays cover flights, accommodation, and sometimes meals, but there can be extra costs to budget for:

  • Resort extras - Spa treatments, watersports, or activities which may not be included.
  • Local transport - Trains, buses, taxis, or car hire often come on top.
  • Food & drinks - If you’re not on an All Inclusive package, meals, snacks and drinks are extra costs.
  • Tips - Optional, but common in restaurants, bars, and for hotel staff.
  • Excursions and attractions - Day trips, museums, and theme parks usually cost extra. 

Do’s and don’ts in Spain

Do

  • Take your time with meals - Eating is social in Spain. Lunch and dinner are unhurried, and sharing plates is part of the fun.
  • Greet people properly - A simple hola or buenos días goes a long way in shops or cafes
  • Dress with purpose - Beachwear is perfect by the sea, but towns, restaurants and churches expect something a little more put-together.
  • Embrace late hours - Shops may close mid-afternoon, and dinner often starts after 8pm
  • Carry some cash - Cards are widely accepted, but it’s good to carry some cash as small cafes and markets may prefer it. 

 

Don’t

  • Expect Spanish days to match UK schedules - Things simply run later, and that’s part of the charm.
  • Rush service - Spanish hospitality is relaxed on purpose.
  • Skip local customs - Festivals, siestas and regional traditions are part of everyday life - lean into them.
  • Forget sun protection - Even in spring or autumn, the sun can be stronger than it looks. 
Popular Spain destinations
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