If you’re looking to escape into the sun, experience dazzling history and culture, and avoid spending a huge amount of money, then an adventure to Spain might be exactly what’s called for. Spain has long been the most popular holiday destination among British tourists. But what’s less clear is the hierarchy of Spanish resorts. Let’s take a look at a few of the best of them, and try to determine which might make the best match for your needs.
Cultural City Escapes: Barcelona and Madrid
If you’re looking to experience authentic Spanish culture, art, and architecture, then you’ll need to visit a few of the major cities. While Granada, San Sebastian and Seville all have a great deal going for them, it’s a good idea to focus on the capital, Madrid, and Barcelona.
The former offers some of the country’s best museums, including the ‘Golden Triangle of Art’, which comprises the Museo del Prado, Reina Sofía and the Thyssen-Bornemisza. Barcelona’s appeal stems, in large part, from the work of Gaudí, whose Sagrada Família very recently became the tallest church in the world.
Coastal Retreats: Costa del Sol and Costa Brava
If you’d like to spend time on the beach, of course, then a visit to the coast is more or less obligatory. Here, there are two stretches of coastline worth focusing on, depending on your priorities.
Costa del Sol is relatively lively, with a vibrant nightlife and plenty of scorching weather during the summer. If you’d prefer a more sedate, laid-back experience, the natural charm of Costa Brava might win you over.
Family-Friendly Destinations: Mallorca and Menorca
If you’re entertaining a group that includes children, then a trip to the Balearic Islands might be a sensible choice. You’ll be able to benefit from convenient, well-developed all-inclusive resorts, like Mallorca’s Club Mac Alcudia. You’ll also be sure of a safe experience – thousands of families make the trip to the region each summer, which means that you can book with confidence.
Hidden Gems for Professionals: Salamanca and Albarracín
What if you’d like a slower pace for your Spanish adventure? For solo travellers and small groups, a more obscure destination that’s packed with undiscovered treasures might be precisely what’s called for. In Salamanca, you’ll find a wealth of academic heritage; the gorgeous medieval buildings of Albarracín, by contrast, might appeal to lovers of slow travel.
