Top Spanish Holiday Destinations for Sunshine

Spain’s capital city Madrid provides an elegant location for a city break. It’s a large city with plenty to do if you’re planning a short break or a week-long escape. Notable highlights include walking along the Gran Via, (“Broadway of Madrid”), Madrid’s main tourist area.

On the Gran Via, you’ll encounter an array of dazzling department stores. When you’ve checked them all out, head to one of many bars and wonderful restaurants. It’s the street that never sleeps!  During the day you can visit Madrid’s many museums and palaces, which showcase Spain’s rich history. These include the official house of Spain’s royal family – the Palacio Real (Royal Palace). Take a tour of this majestic building to learn more about Spanish culture.

Madrid has many green spaces to explore too. The biggest is Casa de Campo, which at 1,700 hectares is five times the size of New York’s Central Park. Within it, you’ll discover a large lake with boats to rent, a funfair and the Madrid Zoo. All these activities and attractions make Madrid one of the best Spanish holiday destinations for families of all ages.

The city of Barcelona is the cosmopolitan capital of Spain. Located on the west coast, close to the French border, this Spanish metropolis enjoys fantastic weather throughout the year. For example, if you plan to visit for some Easter sun, the average temperatures are 19°C in April. Whichever month you’re in Barcelona, you’ll enjoy a fantastic mix of beach and city holiday.

For a city break, take in Barcelona’s beautiful architecture and many sights. You’ll be busy for hours! One of the most breath taking buildings is the stunning La Sagrada Familia. This grand cathedral, which blends Spanish Gothic, Art Nouveau and Modernistic styles, has been under ongoing construction for nearly 150 years. It was blessed by the Pope in 2010 and attracts almost three million visitors each year! In the centre of Barcelona, you’ll discover a host of live music venues, including the Gran Teatre del Liceu. This is a beautiful, opulent venue with gold leaf, plush red carpets, and ornate carvings.

When relaxing on Barcelona’s beaches in summer, you’ll find the sea temperature comfortable enough to dip your toes in. Thanks to an average temperature of between 20–24°C, you may want to take a swim as well!  Plus, most of the city’s beaches have EU Blue Flag status, which certifies safe and clean waters. With ten to choose from, you’ll be spoilt for choice.

Majorca is the biggest Balearic Island. It’s consistently one of our top Spanish holiday destinations for summer, autumn or winter! With average temperatures of 18°C for most of the year, and hitting 31°C in the summer, it’s not hard to see why. The island offers visitors a beautiful environment for a beach holiday at any time.

One of the best beaches to embrace the heat is Alcudia beach in the north of the island. Stroll along the soft sand, while gazing at the turquoise waters. Then, for a change of locale, cool off by heading to Majorca’s pine-scented forests in Mancor de la Vall in the northwest. Near here, you can view some prehistoric remains. Firstly visit Clot del Diners, where you’ll see the Talayot megaliths (large stone structures). It’s also worth exploring the Montaura cave, which was a burial site and a sacred place for bull-worshippers in ancient times.

If cave exploration is a little too dark for you, step into the light for some modern-day retail therapy! The capital of Majorca – Palma – is where to shop till you drop. Take a stroll along the popular high street of Avinguda de Jaume III, where you’ll discover a mix of local, international and designer brands.

Looking for a Spanish holiday destination to visit outside of the summer holidays but still wish to relax on the beach? Travel to the shores of Ibiza in October. This Balearic island’s sunny and warm temperatures typically remain above 25ºC. To catch some rays, pick the popular district of Playa d’en Bossa for a break – this is the longest beach on Ibiza! Your accommodation should only be a short walk from Playa d’en Bossa beach. Grab a towel and go for a paddle in its shallow waters after breakfast. Then for lunch, discover an array of bars and beach restaurants with sea views. With the sound of the waves in the background, sample your choice of mouth-watering Mediterranean meals, from paella to seafood.

For more great food and relaxation, head to a coastal town in the south of the island. This is known to be a quieter and calmer side of Ibiza away from the crowds and clubbers, where laid-back holiday-makers enjoy lower-tempo music at their leisure. In the southeast you’ll stumble upon Santa Eulalia, where a secluded beach called S’Argamassa is a calm location for windswept strolls and swims in crystalline waters.

Looking for a lesser-known Spanish holiday destination? Far away from the bustling tourist traps, explore the beautiful region of Extremadura which sits in the west of Spain. As well as playing host to an array of beaches and freshwater bathing spots, it’s also home to three UNESCO World Heritage sites! If you’re a history buff, you’ll love exploring the medieval town of Cáceres, which in Roman times was known as Norba Caesarin.

Under an hour’s drive from Cáceres, you’ll find the Monfragüe National Park. It boasts an unspoilt ecosystem full of smooth mountains, holm oak and cork trees, and a mighty rockface dubbed Peña Falcon. This environment is a peaceful place where thousands of magnificent birds live. Grab your binoculars and travel to the top of the park’s 9th-century castle (Castillo de Monfragüe) to spot the Spanish Imperial Eagle and more.

To observe more wildlife, visit the Jerte Valley in March for the Cherry Blossom Festival. Stay in one of 11 friendly villages and walk amongst two million cherry trees, which flower and turn the landscape white in spring. The Jerte Valley is also known as Spain’s Pantry – a foodie’s paradise! The region’s cherries are used to create an array of sweet dishes, and its pasture-grazing pigs are brought from field to fork to provide world-renowned cured ham. Plus, locally grown thistles are used to craft rich and creamy dairy products.