Spain Holidays 2026/2027

Deals from £109 per person
Spain Holidays 2026/2027

Best hotels in Spain

Spain holidays 2026/2027

Holidays to Spain pair year-round Mediterranean sunshine with a record-breaking 677 Blue Flag beaches — proof the country takes its beach game seriously. Book your Spain holiday with Thomas Cook and swap the UK's "sunshine followed by a sudden burst of rain" forecast for warm seas, reliable heat, and stretches of sand that actually live up to the postcards.

Find Costa escapes, All Inclusive holidays to Spain in Tenerife, a family week in Majorca, or year-round winter sun in the Canary Islands — and you can relax knowing all of our package deals are ABTA & ATOL protected.

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 


More Spain travel guides

Andalusia | Balearic Islands | Barcelona | Canary Islands | Costa Almeria | Costa Blanca | Costa Brava | Costa Dorada | Costa del Sol | Fuerteventura | Gran Canaria | Lanzarote | Tenerife | Ibiza | Madrid | Malaga | Majorca | Menorca
 

Types of Spain holidays

Beach holidays to Spain

Beach holidays to Spain come with more than 3,000 beaches to choose from, so relaxing by the sea might as well be a national skill.

Best for: Families, couples and anyone craving sunshine and sea.

Top areas: 

  • Costa del Sol – Malaga and Marbella: La Carihuela for family-friendly vibes; Nikki Beach for luxury beach parties.

  • Costa Blanca – Benidorm and Alicante: Levante Beach for nightlife and watersports; Playa del Postiguet for calm city swimming.

  • Costa Brava – Lloret de Mar and Tossa de Mar: Playa de Fenals for quieter swims; Platja Gran for beach + old town views.

Explore: Costa del Sol | Costa Blanca | Costa Brava

 

Island holidays

Spain’s islands each have their own vibe, like they’ve all agreed on sunshine but not much else. From Ibiza's legendary nightlife and Majorca’s historic towns to Menorca’s quiet coves and the Canary Islands where the  idea of winter is politely ignored altogether.

Best for: Couples, families and  holidaymakers who want plenty of beach time with the option to roam.

Top areas:

  • Ibiza: San Antonio and Playa d’en Bossa for lively, social stays; Santa Eulalia for relaxed, family-friendly options
  • Majorca: Serra de Tramuntana hikes, Palma’s old town, beaches like Es Trenc
  • Menorca: Preserved medieval quarter and cathedral in Ciutadella, Mahon or Maó’s deep natural harbour
  • Canary Islands: Tenerife for a strong all-rounder, Fuerteventura for the famous Popcorn Beach

Explore: Ibiza | Majorca | Menorca | Canary Islands
 

Canary Islands holidays

While the rest of the continent is layering up and checking heating bills, the Canaries is warm, sunny, and beach-ready all year round. It’s one of the few places that still feels like a proper holiday in January as much as July. Better still, it’s only a short flight from the UK.

Best for: Winter sun, families, couples and anyone who wants guaranteed sunshine outside of peak summer.

Top areas:

  • Tenerife – Costa Adeje and Playa de las Américas for resorts; Mount Teide for something different
  • Gran Canaria – Maspalomas dunes, Playa del Inglés for nightlife, Puerto Rico for families
  • Lanzarote – volcanic landscapes, quiet coves and Playa Blanca for a relaxed pace
  • Fuerteventura – long sandy beaches, Corralejo for watersports, natural parks for walkers

Explore: Tenerife | Gran Canaria | Lanzarote | Fuerteventura

 

All Inclusive & package holidays

Book an All Inclusive holiday to Spain and the logistics quietly disappear into the background - flights, hotels, meals all arranged before you’ve even finished packing. You arrive, drop your bags and immediately graduate into full holiday mode.

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

Browse: All Inclusive holidays
 

Villa holidays in Spain

Villa holidays in Spain offer space to stretch out, a kitchen, and often a pool that doesn’t require queuing for a sunbed. You’re free to eat when you want, sleep when you want, and make zero small talk unless you choose to. Shops, markets, and restaurants are nearby, but the real luxury is having your own schedule.

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

Cheap holidays to Spain are easiest to find in April, May, September and October - where the sun is doing its job properly, prices ease off and the resorts are calm enough that you can actually hear the sound of the waves!

  • 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


Mainland Spain holidays

Mainland Spain holidays mix beach days with beautiful cities, long lunches that somehow turn into evenings very easily. Barcelona packs beaches, the Sagrada Família and the Gothic Quarter into one effortlessly cool city. You can drift between sightseeing and the coast, with a dining culture built around late tapas. Make sure you go in spring or autumn where the weather is warm and the crowds are minimal.

Then you’ve got Madrid and Seville bringing a rich mix of Spanish culture, from world-class art at The Prado, and leafy escapes like Retiro Park in Madrid to Seville’s orange-lined streets, grand plazas and Moorish landmarks like the Real Alcázar. Both make brilliant shoulder-season city breaks with warm weather and fewer crowds around top spots.

Along the coast, the Costas stretch from the Costa Brava to Andalusia. Costa del Sol is the mainland star of the show with reliable sunshine, sandy beaches and resorts like Torremolinos that make it dangerously easy to go full holiday mode.

Best for: Couples, culture lovers, city-break fans, and foodies.

Explore: Barcelona | Madrid | Seville | Costa del Sol
 

When to book your holiday to Spain in 2026

The Spanish mainland and the Balearic Islands run on sunshine from April to October. July and August bring peak heat,  peak crowds, and less value if you book too late. For a smarter choice, aim for May, June, September, or October - same sunshine, fewer elbows on the beach, and prices that don’t sting quite as much.

The Canary Islands are the cheat code: it stays warm all year round, so when the British weather is throwing a tantrum, you’re still in shorts.

For Spain holidays in 2026 and 2027, book early  to secure the best hotels and decent flight times. If you’re flexible, late deals in September and October can feel like winning the holiday lottery.
 

5 reasons to choose Spain for your next holiday

  1. You get multiple holidays for the price of one - beach by day, tapas by sunset, old town wandering after dinner, and still time for cocktails.
  2. Every coast has its own personality - Marbella does beach clubs and luxury, Benidorm keeps things lively, and the Balearics swim between peaceful coves and “we’ll sleep tomorrow energy”.
  3. Easy and affordable from the UK - short flight times, regular departures, and lots of package options make Spain one of the simplest holidays to plan.
  4. Long holiday season - mainland Spain is best from spring to autumn, while the Canary Islands stay warm enough for winter sun when most European destinations cool down.
  5. More than a beach drop - paella for days, historical wonders, markets worth getting lost in, and places that make you actually want to leave the hotel.

 

Our Spain holidays guide was last revised and updated in June 2026.

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.
Types of holidays in Spain

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.

Booking tips

Spain remains our best-loved destination by far, with an impressive 64,355 Thomas Cook holidaymakers booking a trip here over the past year. From lively coastal resorts to family-friendly beaches and reliable sunshine, it's easy to see why it remains a firm favourite for all kinds of UK holidaymakers. A 7-night stay is the  top choice, with shorter 4 and 5-night breaks proving just as popular for quicker trips.

September is the peak month to travel, followed closely by August and July for those wanting to jet off in the height of summer. Our customers typically jet off from Manchester, London Stansted and London Gatwick, making Spain one of the easiest destinations to reach from across the UK.

Customers regularly book Hotel BelleVue Club, SBH Costa Calma Beach Resort, and Barcelo Lanzarote Active Resort. Holidays typically start from around £732pp, dropping to roughly £679pp over winter, or from about £753pp during peak summer. Every flight plus hotel booking is ATOL protected with low deposits starting from just £19pp.

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. 

For detailed monthly temperatures and sea conditions, see our Spain weather guide.

More hotels in Spain

Discover the best destinations to visit in Spain

Popular Spain holiday resorts

Spain holiday 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) launched in April 2026. 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.

What's the best currency to take to Spain?

Spain uses the euro, the standard currency across much of Europe, so it’s best to get your travel money before you go. You can order cash or a fee-free travel money card through Thomas Cook, often available the next business day.

While ATMs and exchange bureaus are widely available in Spain, having euros in advance helps you avoid poor rates and extra charges.

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. 
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