Spain holidays

Spain’s national dish, paella, is a delicious combo of saffron-flavoured rice and meat or seafood. Served piled high in hot skillets, paella can be found in every corner of the country. For a truly authentic experience, try it where it all began, in Valencia. Tapas is another must-try in Spain. These moreish bite-size morsels include jamon-filled croquetas, tortilla Espanola (Spanish omelette) and patatas bravas – roast potatoes with a spicy tomato sauce. For a drink that pairs well with most tapas dishes, ask for a glass of Rioja, the classic Spanish wine. Perfect for the hotter months, gazpacho is a chilled soup made from tomatoes, green peppers, onions, garlic, and vinegar. Using only the freshest ingredients, this summertime favourite can be found all over Spain, but hails from Andalusia in the south. Sample a bowl the next time you’re in Seville.

On Majorca’s east coast, Cala Mesquida often tops lists of Spain’s best beaches – and for good reason. This Blue Flag beauty comes with powder-soft sand and bright blue waters, ideal for swimming and snorkelling. The fragrant pine trees and sand dunes behind the beach make Cala Mesquida an idyllic place to spend an afternoon. With a breathtaking curve of golden sand and medieval castle, Playa Gran on the Costa Brava is like something from a fairy tale. The water is calm, see-through clear, and warm for much of the year. The beautiful old town of Tossa de Mar lies a short distance from the sand. In upmarket Marbella, there’s one beach that stand out for its sheer beauty. Puerto Banus, with its palm fringed sand, turquoise waters, and dramatic mountain views can’t be missed on any Costa del Sol holiday. You might even spot a famous face or two – this is a popular celebrity hangout.

Barcelona: Spain’s most emblematic city, Barcelona is an open-air museum filled with stunning architecture and bustling boulevards. Take in the awe-inspiring work of Gaudi, and stroll through the captivating streets of Las Ramblas. Don’t forget to include top attractions La Sagrada Familia and Park Guell on your tour of the city.

Valencia: A ‘must-visit’ near the Costa Blanca is Valencia. From the mighty cathedral to the Institute of Modern Art, you’ll discover endless attractions worth taking your time over. What’s more, there’s a host of beautiful beaches, just a few km from the city.

Granada: Surrounded by the dramatic Sierra Nevada mountains, Grenada is one of Europe’s most picturesque cities. Famed for its Moorish architecture, the star of the show is the Alhambra, an ornate palace built in the 14th century. Other highlights include the Basilica de San Juan de Dios, and the cave dwellings of Sacromonte.

Maspalamos dunes: The Maspalamos dunes in Gran Canaria are a sight to behold. Spanning 400 hectares, this natural formation is more like the Sahara than anything in Europe, and is a great place to explore on foot. Plus, you’ll find the Atlantic Ocean directly in front of the dunes – ideal for a cooling dip.

Teide Mountain: Standing tall in the centre of Tenerife, Teide Mountain is not only Spain’s highest peak, but an active volcano, too! Not to be missed on any holiday to the Canaries, Teide stands at a whopping 3,500m above sea level, and can be reached on a thrilling cable car ride.

Caves of Drach: Home to one the world’s biggest underground lakes, the Caves of Drach are a top attraction in Majorca. Your journey begins on a wooden rowing boat, where you’ll float through vast caverns full of fascinating formations. The tour then stops for a classical music concert on the water – a magical holiday experience.