Who are Spain holidays best for?
Culture runs deep in Spain with endless World Heritage cities offering art, music and architecture galore. Valencia showcases some of the best avant-garde architecture; The Guggenheim Museum in Bilbao is considered one of the best art galleries in the world; Barcelona is alive and kicking with its thriving night life; and the sophisticated capital of Madrid invites nights at dreamy design hotels. Even outside of the cities, the villages and towns offer bustling streets alive with the al-fresco inspired life while further out, in the Andalusian countryside, farm stays are full of charm and swimming pools entice big ones and little ones alike to jump right in. The beaches of the Costa del Sol are another firm family favourite and the hotels and resorts scattered across the Balearic Islands and the likes of Tenerife and Gran Canaria are ideal for lazy seaside escapes.
What can you find in Spain that you can’t find elsewhere?
Moorish influence can be found throughout Andalucia, home to the magnificent Mosque of Cordoba and incredible Alhambra in Granada. Celebrating traditional Spanish culture with a modern twist, here you'll experience flamenco that has been lovingly revived by young, modern artists. While you're here, make sure to feast on plenty of sensational Spanish cuisine - famed around the world for its tasty tapas, paella and fresh seafood available at beautiful bistros and cute cafes. When it comes to bedtime in Spain, it's inevitably late, and there are some truly special places to rest your head. From convents and castles to magnificent monasteries, there are endless opportunities for original stays.
What are the best ways of discovering Spain?
Weekend escapes are ideal for exploring Spain's sensational cities from Bilbao and Barcelona in the north and Madrid and Valencia in the centre, to orange-scented Seville and gorgeous Granada in the south. For those who have a week or more on their Spanish holidays, renting a car and heading out to Castile makes for an incredible road trip. And for those lucky enough with ten days or more to play with, Andalucia should be high on your exploration list, ideally combined with a short and sunny seaside break.
Unique experiences in Spain
- Those seeking a spiritual slant to their Spanish escape can pack a pair of hiking boots and walk the popular Camino de Santiago route. The Pilgrims Trail takes you across the wild countryside and into the holy city of Santiago de Compostela, the capital of Spain's Galicia region and the supposed burial site of the Biblical apostle St. James.
- Design lovers will adore exploring Gaudi’s gorgeous creations in the colourful city of Barcelona.