Holidays to Spain

Seville 

Seville is set in the region of Andalusia, which has a rich culture and history. Seville has intriguing Moorish and Castilian influences in much of its architecture, and is the home of conquistadors, with the golden age of the city arising from its trade links with the New World in the 15th Century. A must-see feature in any Spain travel itinerary, Seville is a beautiful city that blends old and new. Visit historic sites like the 15th Century Cathedral and the 13th Century Torre del Oro, as well as the city’s various museums and galleries. In the evening, immerse yourself in the city’s nightlife, particularly its music scene, with Seville known as the birthplace of flamenco. 

Valencia 

Valencia is best known for its local traditions and festivals, including the Fallas, a bustling gathering that attracts thousands every year. Highlights include the famous Mascletà - an explosive display of firecrackers and fireworks – and the grand finale, La Cremà, a ceremonial burning of incredibly elaborate paper-mâché monuments. Valencia is also renowned for its cuisine, with the region being the traditional home of paella, as well as other local delicacies like the eel and potato stew All i pebre, and the sweet pumpkin fritters called Bunyols. 

Toledo 

A golden-hued building rising from the plain, and circled by a steep ravine, this 2000-year-old walled city is a former capital (of the Visigothic Kingdom and later Spain), a fortress of the Emirate of Cordoba, a Roman municipium, the seat of power of King Charles V - safe to say these walls hold a lot of history. Famously a city of three cultures - Christians, Muslims and Jews - you'll see influences of each throughout the architecture. This UNESCO-protected site is easily explored in a day with highlights such as the city's cathedral, the Santa Cruz Museum and the Jesuit church, San Ildefonso.  

Balearic Islands 

Off Spain's eastern coast, you'll find an archipelago of sun-kissed islands; the four largest - Ibiza, Mallorca, Menorca and Formentera - offer visitors countless white sandy beaches and rugged cliffs. 

These islands are mainly known as party destinations, so you may be surprised to find out that Ibiza is UNESCO-protected for its biodiversity and culture as well as specific sites, such as the acropolis of Dalt Vila with its many winding streets and historical alleyways. The Mallorcan capital, Palma, also offers plenty of highlights to explore, including the royal residence of the King and Queen of Spain, the Royal Palace of La Almudaina, an Islamic monument turned Gothic palace with impressive Moorish arches as well as its famous cathedral. And Menorca, the laid-back little sister of Mallorca and Ibiza, with French, British and Catalan influences, is, as yet, unspoiled by a hoard of holidaymakers, offering an authentic look at life in the Balearics. The historic town of Ciutadella lives up to its nickname 'the old and the beautiful' (it's more poetic in Spanish: "Vella i Bella") with golden stone architecture and an atmospheric old harbour.  

Granada 

The last stronghold of the Sultans during the Middle Ages, Granada is dramatically located against the backdrop of the permanently snow-capped mountains of Sierra Nevada. Of course, the jewel in Granada's crown is the imposing Alhambra - an incredible example of Moorish Andalucía. Not just a palace, it's part fortress, and surrounded by a beautiful formal garden full of roses and fountains.  

Barcelona 

This list wouldn’t be complete without the country’s capital, Barcelona. One of the biggest cities in Europe, Barcelona is awash with astounding architecture and UNESCO World Heritage sites such as La Rambla, Gaudi’s Basilica de la Sagrada Família and Casa Batlló, plus the amazing buildings in Barri Gòtic – or Gothic Quarter. Take a long walk in one of Barcelona’s 60 parks, or its seven beaches, and enjoy classic Catalonian cuisine like Escalivada and Crema Catalana. 

Salamanca 

Widely acknowledged as the country’s most beautiful city, Salamanca is one of the most stunning places to visit in Spain. Home to the oldest university in the country, Universidad de Salamanca, which was founded in 1134, the city is host to some of the most awe-inspiring buildings in the world. Visit the two cathedrals, which are separated by hundreds of years of history, but joined together by shared construction, along with Salamanca’s various palaces and museums. 

Visit the Royal Alcázar of Seville 

Paying testament to the bloody history of the Christian conquest of Spain, The Alcázar of Seville is a royal palace built for King Peter ‘the Cruel’ on the site of a former fortress erected during the Abbadid dynasty. The palace is one of the finest examples of Iberian architecture, which takes heavy influences from the Moors, and contains stunning features and engravings. The Alcázar is one of the most significant Spanish attractions thanks to its historical and contemporary importance, having been used as a filming location in Lawrence of Arabia and Game of Thrones. 

Visit the Sagrada Família 

Gaudi’s masterpiece, the Sagrada Família, is one of the most famous Spanish landmarks, and one of the top things to do in Spain. The Basilica is renowned for its unique design and remaining unfinished, despite construction beginning in 1882, with Gaudi famously having remarked that “my client is not in a hurry”. 

Try Rioja in La Rioja  

Rioja is Spain’s fine wine capital, where historic producers have been making wine for centuries. Undulating hills covered in olive trees and vines dominate the landscape, punctuated by traditional wineries - the perfect place to stop and take in the views. Fragrant and silky, aged in oak barrels, La Rioja is Spain's most famous wine so why not try a glass for yourself - it would be rude not to! 

Enjoy a Flamenco performance 

To the performers, Flamenco is more than just a dance, it's a lifestyle. Derived from various folkloric music traditions of southern Spain, Flamenco originated in the region of Andalusia. Elevate your visit to Seville by taking in an authentic performance, you'll be mesmerised by the style and rhythm of the dances. 

Take in the views of Ronda 

In a scene snatched straight from a fantasy book, Ronda is perched on a high ridge split by the most impressive gorge plunging down hundreds of feet. The two sides are joined by an incredible feat of engineering, a bridge that almost seemed carved from the rockface. Surrounded by a setting so naturally dramatic, it simply takes your breath away. It's not uncommon to see eagles and vultures soaring high above or ibex in the countryside around Ronda, so don't forget to pack your binoculars! 

Savour views of Seville over a drink  

Seville's heady mix of Islamic and Catholic architecture makes it one of Spain's most beautiful cities. Narrow winding streets, lush green parks and a large historic centre add to its seductive quality. And we think there's no better way to appreciate this cityscape than from a rooftop bar (preferably sometime close to sunset). Relax and enjoy the views with an aperitivo - the Spanish enjoy Vermouth-based cocktails - before heading off to dinner once the sun has set. 

Snack like a local 

Of course, if you're going to indulge in an aperitivo, you may as well enjoy a snack alongside it, and the Spanish tradition of pintxos is among our favourite pastimes. Made with the freshest, locally sourced ingredients, from Iberico to fish, pintxos are small finger food (often served at the end of toothpicks) offered in taverns and bars throughout Basque County. Usually eaten before dinner - like a Spanish happy hour - they're a great way to try new flavours and taste the very best this region has to offer.

The Spanish currency is the Euro, having adopted the currency in 1999. They were one of the first countries to adopt the Euro, along with Austria, Belgium, Finland, France, Germany, Ireland, Italy, Luxembourg, the Netherlands, and Portugal. 

Spain is a sunny country with around 3,000 hours of sunshine every year - temperatures are generally mild. The south and east coasts are characterised by their Mediterranean climate (wet winters and warm, calm, dry summers) whereas the central region experiences a more continental climate (very hot summers and very cold winters), and the north and northwestern regions are oceanic (mild summers and cool winters). Spain experiences an average high temperature of 19°C in Spring (March to May), 31°C in Summer (June to August), 20°C in Autumn (September to November) and 11°C in Winter (December to February). 

Spain is famous for its bold cuisine. The nation’s most famous dishes include paella, tapas and gazpacho – all bursting with flavour. 

The regionality of Spain means that cuisine varies across the country, with a variety of local delicacies to try. Botifarra is a Catalonian sausage that features in many dishes and has numerous variations, while a visit to Andalucía should include a taste of the region’s Serrano ham. 

For those with a sweet tooth, try two of the country’s famous Christmas desserts: turron - the famous nougat from Alicante – and Tortell, a Catalonian O-shaped pastry filled with marzipan or cream, which is traditionally eaten on the 12th day of Christmas. 

You'll find an abundance of oranges in various regions throughout Spain, with Valencia often nicknamed 'The Orchard of Spain'. When in harvest season, which ranges from May to October, you'll see beautiful orange trees growing everywhere, and many bars and restaurants will have a do-it-yourself machine to squeeze and taste the delicious juice. 

Wine drinkers will be familiar with the country’s most famous tipples – sherry from the Andalucía region, and Rioja from the La Rioja province, as well as Cava and the fruity punch sangria.

There’s no established tipping culture in Spain because a service charge is usually included in the bill. However, it is also not considered rude to tip and, if the service has been especially good in cafes, bars and restaurants., I’m sure they’d appreciate it!

The most practiced religion is Catholicism, with Muslim being the second highest. Others include Hinduism, Judaism, Buddhism and Protestantism.