Spain

Sun, Siestas & Soulful Adventures Await

Holidays in Spain

Your Guide to Spain

Golden sands stretching under a reliably sunny sky, the lively chatter spilling out of a bustling tapas bar, the dramatic flair of a flamenco dancer, or the breathtaking beauty of Moorish architecture glinting in the Andalusian sun. Spain ignites the senses! It’s a country bursting with life, regional diversity, a deep love for food and socialising, and a passionate spirit that’s utterly infectious. From the Pyrenees to the Mediterranean, the Atlantic coast to the central plains, Spain offers a dazzling array of experiences.


For many first-time visitors from the UK, Spain means a glorious beach holiday on one of the famous Costas or islands (Balearics or Canaries), or perhaps a vibrant city break exploring the architectural wonders of Barcelona or the artistic treasures of Madrid. But Spain richly rewards returners: delve deeper into the history and culture of Andalusia, walk the ancient Camino de Santiago pilgrimage route, explore the unique culinary scene of the Basque Country, discover the green landscapes of Galicia, or simply find your favourite hidden cove or mountain village.

Flights: This is the main way most Brits travel to Spain. An enormous number of flights operate from virtually all UK airports (London and regional) to countless Spanish destinations. Budget airlines like EasyJet, Ryanair, and Jet2 offer extensive routes alongside national carriers like British Airways and Iberia. Key Spanish airports include:

  • Madrid (MAD): Gateway to the capital and central Spain.
  • Barcelona (BCN): Main airport for Catalonia and a hugely popular city destination.
  • Málaga (AGP): The gateway to Andalusia and the Costa del Sol resorts.
  • Alicante (ALC): Serves the Costa Blanca (Benidorm, etc.).
  • Palma de Mallorca (PMI), Ibiza (IBZ), Menorca (MAH): Main airports for the Balearic Islands.
  • Tenerife South (TFS), Gran Canaria (LPA), Lanzarote (ACE), Fuerteventura (FUE): Key airports for the year-round Canary Islands.
  • Many others like Seville (SVQ), Valencia (VLC), Bilbao (BIO) also have direct UK flights.

High-Speed Trains (AVE), Other Trains (Renfe), Domestic Flights, Rental Cars, Buses/Coaches.

Transport options in Spain

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Official Spoken Languages

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Getting to Spain

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The official language nationwide is Spanish (Castellano). However, Spain has strong regional identities, and several co-official languages are widely spoken and visible on signs in their respective regions.


While English is widely spoken in major tourist resorts (Costas, islands) and popular city centre attractions/hotels, proficiency drops significantly outside these areas. Making an effort to speak even basic Spanish is highly recommended, shows respect, and will greatly enhance your interactions.

Weather & Climate

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Spring (April-June) and Autumn (September-October) are often the best times to visit mainland Spain for pleasant weather and sightseeing. July-August are perfect for guaranteed beach heat but expect crowds and high temperatures. The Canary Islands are a fantastic year-round option.

Must-Do Experiences in Spain

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City Vibes: Madrid & Barcelona

Explore Spain's dynamic duo. In Madrid, immerse yourself in art at the 'Golden Triangle' (Prado, Reina Sofía, Thyssen museums), relax in Retiro Park, witness the grandeur of the Royal Palace, and experience the legendary nightlife and tapas culture. In Barcelona, marvel at Gaudí's unique architectural masterpieces (Sagrada Família, Park Güell), get lost in the charming Gothic Quarter, stroll down the lively Las Ramblas, hit the city beach, and savour Catalan cuisine. Essential first-timer city breaks.

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Andalusian Treasures

Journey through the heart of historic Southern Spain. Be utterly captivated by the exquisite Islamic architecture and gardens of the Alhambra Palace in Granada (book tickets months in advance!). Stand in awe inside Córdoba's Mezquita, a breathtaking former mosque with a cathedral built within. Explore the enchanting alleyways of Seville's Santa Cruz neighbourhood and feel the raw passion of an authentic flamenco performance. Andalusia is unforgettable.

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Coastal & Island Escapes

Find your perfect spot in the sun. Relax on the popular beaches of the Costa del Sol or Costa Blanca. Discover the diverse Balearic Islands: Mallorca's stunning coves and mountains, Ibiza's legendary clubs and beautiful bays, Menorca's tranquil beaches and turquoise waters, or Formentera's pristine Caribbean-like sands. Or head to the Canary Islands for year-round warmth, volcanic landscapes (like Tenerife's Mount Teide), unique black sand beaches, and excellent watersports and hiking.

A wooden cutting board topped with plates of food and crackers Tapas Style

The Joy of Tapas

Eating in Spain is a social delight! Embrace the culture of tapas – small dishes perfect for sharing and sampling. Hop between bars trying classics like patatas bravas (fried potatoes with spicy sauce), gambas al ajillo (garlic prawns), tortilla española (potato omelette), jamón ibérico (cured ham), croquetas, and countless regional variations. Enjoy with a small beer (caña), a glass of Spanish wine (Rioja, Albariño etc.), or refreshing sangria. ¡Buen provecho!

Tips for First-Time Visitors

Spaniards generally operate on a later schedule than Brits. Lunch, the main meal, is often eaten between 2 pm and 4 pm. Dinner rarely gets going before 9 pm, often 10 pm or later, especially in cities or summer. Don't turn up at a restaurant at 7 pm expecting it to be busy! Adapt by having drinks and tapas around 7-8 pm. While the traditional afternoon 'siesta' closure is less common in large cities and tourist resorts, some smaller shops may still close for a few hours mid-afternoon.

Adjust Your Body Clock For Late Dining

Look out for the "Menú del Día" (Menu of the Day) offered by many local restaurants, especially on weekdays at lunchtime. It's a fantastic value set menu typically including a starter, main course, dessert or coffee, bread, and often a drink (wine/beer/water) for a fixed price (usually around €10-€15). It’s a great way to eat well, try local dishes, and save money.

Unlock Value with the 'Menú del Día'

Tap water in most Spanish cities is perfectly safe to drink, but it's not customary for restaurants to serve it automatically at the table like in many other countries. If you want water with your meal, you'll generally need to order bottled water – "agua mineral". Specify "con gas" for sparkling or "sin gas" for still.

Ordering Water: Ask for 'Agua Mineral'

The biggest switch is Spain is drive on the right, overtake on the left. Be cautious on roundabouts; generally, traffic already circulating has priority, but local driving can be assertive. Use indicators clearly. Spain has excellent motorways but be aware of speed limits (often enforced by cameras) and strict drink-driving laws. Ensure you carry your UK driving licence, passport, and potentially an IDP (check current requirements).

Driving Alert: Right Side & Roundabout Rules

Spain: Sun, Culture & Unforgettable Experiences

From the sun-drenched beaches that are a perennial favourite to the vibrant, culture-packed cities and richly historic regions, Spain offers an incredible breadth of experiences just a short flight from the UK. Its passionate culture, world-renowned food and wine, diverse landscapes, and generally fantastic climate make it a destination you can return to again and again, always discovering something new.


Whether you're seeking a relaxing all-inclusive break, a sophisticated city exploration, a deep dive into history and art, or simply want to soak up the lively atmosphere and sunshine, Spain welcomes you with open arms. So practise your 'hola', prepare your appetite for tapas, and get ready for an unforgettable Spanish adventure. ¡Buen viaje!