Spanish Holiday Destinations | Living in Spain | Spain Tourist Guide

If you’ve not yet booked your summer holiday, what are you waiting for? Worried you won’t be able to get enough time out of the office? It doesn’t matter – with great last-minute savings online you can book a weekend European break and be back in work by Monday. There are some great Madrid hotels available at low prices, meaning you can be jetting off to Spain in no time.

With less than a three hour flight time from the UK, you can touch down on Spanish soil in no time at all, ready to explore the great sights the city has to offer. Madrid boasts impressive monuments and museums, as well as lively nightlife, great restaurants and fantastic shops. Get hold of a Madrid travel guide before you board the plane and plan an itinerary for your weekend trip.

There are some stunning sightseeing opportunities in Madrid, whether you’re exploring the city by foot or via the convenient Metro transport system. Take advantage of last-minute Madrid hotel deals and save pounds which you can put towards your spending money. If you’re visiting the city with your family, search the Internet for money-saving offers and cut price show tickets.

Choose a hotel that’s located close to the places you’re particularly interested in visiting. That way, if you’re visiting the city for just a few short days, you’ll have more time to visit all the sights.

Couples who’re planning a holiday to Madrid to enjoy a romantic break can head straight to the Medina Mayrit Arabic Baths. Situated in the centre of the city, the spa offers a fantastic escape into a sensual world of relaxing aromas. Ensure you check out the great deals on offer and book yourself a pampering treat.

If you prefer lively nightlife, head to Palacio Gaviria, an uber cool dance club near Madrid’s Puerta Del Sol. Head for a few pre-club drinks and a tasty meal before getting your dancing shoes on and indulging in a spot of tango!

You don’t need to spend a fortune to enjoy a weekend in Madrid, either. There are loads of fun, free sights to see in and around the city so ensure you check them out while you’re visiting.

Kids will be spoiled for choice in this lively, bustling city. With loads of activities and theme parks available to keep them entertained, they can even visit the animals at the nature park of Faunia for top class family entertainment. Wander through eight eco-systems and see over 3,500 animals from all over the world – just get that camera at the ready.

You’ll never be bored in Madrid and it’ll easily take you several days to explore all the beautiful sights in this cosmopolitan city. Stroll through Madrid’s old centre and check out Calle and Plaza Mayor (medieval Madrid), lined with stunning buildings and old churches. Later, why not kick back relax at one of the many terraces on the old plazas?

Madrid boasts countless world-class museums, including the Prado and the Centro de Arte Reina Sofia, which features work by Picasso and Miro. Online reviews, travel guides and websites will tell you all you need to know about various attractions, so ensure you pick up hints and tips for the best time to visit.

Hotels in Madrid offer everything from luxury accommodation to rooms for those on a tight budget. Those who’d like to explore the city on foot would be best choosing a hotel that’s close to all the action. Accommodation situated in the heart of the city saves money on transport and relieves tired, aching feet.

If you’d like to take in some of Spain’s stunning architecture, get yourself to the Plaza Mayor, in the heart of the old Madrid. This bustling square was once used during the Spanish Inquisition and its prestigious 17th Century buildings attracts flocks of visitors from across the world.

The enormous Palacio Real comprises 1,000 rooms and a stroll around the exterior of the building could easily pass a whole morning. Make sure you plan your trip accordingly to make the most of your break. Famous for its so-called Golden Triangle, you’ll find three of the most impressive art museums in the whole of Spain in Madrid. Each museum is within just 15 minutes’ walking distance from each other, meaning you won’t have to suffer sore feet!

The city’s Reina Sofia boasts a vast collection of 20th century art, and is best known for Picasso’s painting Guernica, which portrays the bombing of the town of the same name during the Spanish Civil War.

Experience Spain’s hospitality by dining out at one of Madrid’s fine restaurants and eateries. Enjoy a cold glass of wine and a delicious meal, with something to suit all budgets and tastes. In Spain, most people don’t eat lunch until 2pm or later, meaning you can really enjoy your mornings sightseeing. Likewise, the evening meal is served late in Spain, with people dining from 10pm onwards.

Make time to sample Madrid’s churro, a donut-like strip that you dunk in gloopy, thick hot chocolate. Yum! Try churros at their sticky best at Madrid’s famous San Gines churreria in the centre. If you’re heading out for an evening meal, order some delicious tapas with a great bottle of wine.

There are some popular tapas bars on the trendy Cava Baja street, located just a short distance from the Plaza Mayor. Enjoy tapas until as late as 1pm on the Cava Baja street, or try Segun Emma if you’re looking for somewhere a little more intimate. Enjoyed a hearty lunch? Don’t forget to get into the spirit of things and take a Spanish-style siesta to recharge the batteries before heading out for some more exploring.

Get online and you could have your Madrid break booked in no time at all. Check out the great range of last-minute deals on offer and bag a cheap holiday this summer. Grab those suitcases, sun glasses and suncream and get packing for a fun-filled European weekend break.

Popularity: 5% [?]

Crystal clear blue waters, great surf, hot sunny beaches, sand dunes and volcanic landscapes… sounds like a world away from Europe.  Yet when you journey to the Spanish Canarian island of Fuerteventura you will discover Europe’s secret surf getaway, where the weather is always warm and there is space to relax, explore and try new activities.

Lying only 100 kilometres west off the coast of Morocco, the island of Fuerteventura benefits from gold sandy beaches thanks to the easterly winds that carry sand from the Sahara desert.  The island itself is volcanic, rising up out of the Atlantic millions of years ago, and its prehistoric origins can be seen today in the ancient majestic volcanoes that make the island’s skyline so memorable.  Even today there are shrines at the bases of some of the magnificent dormant volcanoes, paying homage to previous civilizations.

Fuerteventura is known as “the windy island”, and has a great reputation for being mecca for wind and kite surfers.  However, not that many people know that it is also a great place to go and learn to surf.  The rugged island offers numerous surf spots around its coastline, whether for beginners or experts.  These surf spots are surrounded by some of the most stunning natural scenery.  The Spanish government declared huge sections of land as protected national parks.  So on your way to your next surf session, you will be surrounded by sweeping volcanic planes that are akin to a Martian terrain and simply take your breath away.

You’d be forgiven for thinking that you’d left Europe for Africa whilst holidaying on Fuerteventura, what with the great weather and the infamous sand dunes.  However, Fuerteventura retains its Spanish and European flavour with the mixture of holiday and homemakers that just keep coming back for more.  The island’s towns of Corralejo, Puerto del Rosario, Caleta de Fustes and Jandia provide great locations to eat out, go shopping or entertain the kids.  And then of course there is the nightlife.

The Spanish know how to party, so if you want a night out then look no further.  The secret to Fuerteventura’s nightlife is that everything happens later.  Siestas are a national pastime as is dining late into the evening.  What with the warm nights, it is a pleasure to celebrate another great day over sangria and tapas, before exploring the winding streets of Corralejo and choosing a location for your fiesta that will go on into the small hours of the morning.

So the question is: what are you waiting for?  With flight times only 4 hours from the UK and Ireland, and no visa required for Europeans, Fuerteventura is a great holiday destination for those who want not only sunshine, but a chance to experience something a little bit more exotic close to home.

surfholidays.com offer week long packages in June & July this summer with 4 star accommodation, plus 5 days of surf, transfer to the best beaches on the island, all equipment and return airport transfers for €404 per person.

Popularity: 9% [?]

There is no arguing the fact that the current economic crisis has had a dramatic effect on Spain, it has meant that many holidaymakers have stayed away over the last couple of years, but it now looks like peoples need for perfect summer weather and cheap sangria has returned, and bookings are again buoyant across country, but especially in the jet set destination of Marbella.

This recent economic downturn has had one great side-effect of those looking for Villa holidays in the see-and-be-seen capital of the Costa del Sol, it has meant that many operators have lowered their prices in order to attract customers to their holiday rentals; this of course means a better deal for anyone searching for a Villa for their holidays.

One of the best established Marbella holiday letting companies is Espana Breaks, which offers a wide selection of accommodation in the Marbella area. One good example would be the four-bedroom Villa Daniel, which offers excellent accommodation with manicured gardens, its own swimming pool and even ornate fishponds.

There is a large covered under leading to double patio doors, which allow you into the lounge area, which offers a large flat screen TV as well has British channels. There is also a very comfortable and large dining room area. There is one master bedroom and three comfortable twin bedrooms on two floors.

Another company in the area is Marbella Holiday Villa, which has a fine range of varied villas available to suit all requirements and budgets. If location is an important factor for you then it is hard to resist Villa Marbesa located only 150 m from the Mediterranean and the world renowned Nikki Beach with its wealth of beachside eateries.

This is a one story building located in one of the towns most exclusive areas. It is very private with extremely attractive tropical gardens. The villa has two bedrooms capable of accommodating up to 6 people; there is an impressive lounge with a good selection of quality furnishings as well as TV with satellite channels. There is also a well-equipped and sunny kitchen area.

Villa Carlos is offered by Premier Holidays as an attractive option ideally placed within easy walk of the ever popular upmarket Puerto Banus area, ideally located just one minute off the beach. Inside you will find the very best leather furnishings as well as tables made from marble, there is of course the air conditioning throughout the entire Villa.

There are four bedrooms available, the master suite has not one, but two, terraced areas as well as a high-end marble clad bathroom. The other three bedrooms are on a separate floor, one of which leads directly out onto the pool deck via patio doors.

This is a very private and gated accommodation with a 10m long pool with dramatic Roman steps, as well as sun terrace as well as a covered patio area with built-in barbecue facilities for an idyllic evening’s entertainment.

Popularity: 9% [?]

In order to truly get a picture of a country it’s always best to reach the highest of its heights. Mount Tiede extends to 3,718 metres high and is the highest point in Spain. Mount Teide is an active volcano that last erupted in 1909. The mountain became a World Heritage Site by UNESCO on June 29, 2007.

On a holiday in Tenerife you must make a trip to Mount Tiede and the surrounding Nature Park. The landscape was used in the film ‘One Million Years B.C (1966)’ and the famous poster of Raquel Welch in her cave-woman get-up was taken in this area. It is clear to see why it was used as the background to the Prehistorical epic. One notable thing to do on a Tenerife holiday is to head up the mountain after night-fall. Being above the clouds watching countless shooting stars go by is something that I can’t recommend enough.

Of course Tenerife is synonymous with sun, sea, sand and Sangria. So visit the amazing volcanic beach of Los Gigantes in the south of Tenerife and relax. If your after a little bit more culture then hop over Mount Teide to the north where you will be greeted with incredible greenery and join the locals in one of their almost weekly fiestas.

Popularity: 16% [?]

There’s no doubt that the airport improvements over the years have help the tourism industry on Mallorca hugely. The island’s Aeropuerto de Son Sant Joan on the outskirts of Palma is model of modern design and efficiency.

The majority of foreign tourists who holiday on Mallorca are either German or British and, with over 7 million tourists flying to the island during 2009, the importance of a great airport cannot be underestimated.

For British travelers there are several airlines that offer cheap flights to Mallorca, with some operating a year round service while others just concentrate on the busier summer months. One of the benefits for airlines of operating a schedule to Mallorca is that the season is slightly longer than for other Mediterranean destinations. Also the flight duration and fast turnaround times that Palma airport is able to offer mean better efficiency and ultimately better profits.

Just how much Mallorca depends on its airport is shown by comparing the number of tourists arriving by air against the number arriving by sea. In 2009 that ratio was a staggering 50 to 1. Also the importance of the British and German markets to the tourism trade on Mallorca is highlighted by comparing the number of foreign tourists to the number of Spanish nationals arriving on the island by air. In 2009 that ratio was almost 5 to 1, which means that if you fly to Mallorca from the UK during 2010, you can regard yourself as a pretty important person.

Popularity: 12% [?]

The Island of Ibiza may well be best known as a mecca for club goers these days.  But the island is also a magnet for families and those seeking a more tranquil break too.   As this beautiful Balearic island boasts plenty of peaceful pueblos and off the beaten track beaches.

Known as the White Island Ibiza is one of the four Balearic Islands – along with Mallorca, Menorca and near neighbour Formentera.  And nestles in the Mediterranean just off the southern coast of Spain.  The island was first subdued and reconquered for the Spanish crown in 1235 when the Moors were finally expelled.

The island capital Ibiza Town is the hub of the islands nightlife – home to big name establishments such as Pacha.  As well as the cultural heart of the island – best epitomised by the impressive walled town within a town of the Dalt Villa.

The island boasts some fantastic beaches – over 80 in fact.  Some of which are amongst the most stunning in Europe.  Such as Cala Benirass – a favoured hangout of the rich and famous who flock to the Ibiza  in the summer months, located between San Joan and San Miguel.  Where tourists will find a smattering of bars and restaurants and a beautiful cove backed by pine clad hills.

There are plenty of excellent accommodation options on the island.  Including a host of hotels and apartments complexes.  Many visitors also seek to book holiday villas in Ibiza direct online – with prices rising sharply during the peak summer months of the season.  An annual phenomenon that also sees prices hiked for other services and facilities such as car hire.

Ibiza is just a short two and half hour flight from the UK – which is one of the islands major markets.  And is served by most of the leading low cost budget airlines such as Ryanair and easyJet.  Making it cheap and easy to reach.  It also enjoys huge popularity with other nationalities – most notably Italians, Germans and of course the Spanish.

As well as beaches and nightlife Ibiza offers plenty for visitors to do and see.  One of the best ways to enjoy the island is simply to hire a car and cruise through the delightful countryside and cool villages such as San Jose and San Miguel.  Which is located right atop the Puig de Missa range of hills about 4km inland on the north east coast. And which is as sleepy and traditional an Ibincan village as one could hope to find.

Popularity: 10% [?]

There are plenty of reasons to select Lanzarote for your summer holiday this year.  As the third most popular Canary Island not only offers great weather and unique scenery but also represents great value for money by comparison with many other Spanish holiday hot spots.

The Canaries collectively welcome close to 9 million tourists every year – making them the second most popular region in Spain after Catalonia.  And Lanzarote is visited by about 1.4 million of these visitors annually.  The bulk of them arriving on flights from the UK, Germany and Eire.

Holidays in Lanzarote have long been a fixture in the brochures of most leading travel agents and tour operators.  With big names such as Thomas Cook, Thomson’s and First Choice all offering a variety of packages on the island.  Whilst flights to Lanzarote have never been cheaper thanks to increased competition on the route between budget airlines such as Ryanair and easyJet.  With returns now available from as little as €100.

Whilst around 50% of all visitors opt to stay in hotels or apartment complexes the remainder book private rental accommodation.  As Lanzarote villas are much cheaper to rent than comparable properties on other holiday islands such as Mallorca and Ibiza.  Due largely to the fact that Lanzarote has a year round season whereas on other island this is restricted to just a few months of the year.  Either way though this still helps to reduce the cost of a break on the island considerably – with standard villa with pools available from as little as €400 per week.

Aside from offering excellent value for money and great weather Lanzarote also provides visitors with loads of things to do and see.  There are close to one hundreds great beaches to explore, along with picturesque villages and towns such as Yaiza and Teguise.  The latter being the former island capital and home to hundreds of historic buildings.

Lanzarote´s real star attraction though is the Timanfaya National Park, home to hundreds of spent volcanoes, which were first created by eruptions in the 18th century.  The scenery here is so surreal and dramatic that it provides the perfect location for moviemakers.  And most recently Warner’s new release Clash of the Titans was partly filmed here. The island is also easy to explore as car hire in Lanzarote is very cheap and the roads are quiet and safe.

Popularity: 25% [?]

An art exhibition exploring almost 20 years of work by the Seville painter Bartolome Esteban Murillo is set open in his home city, with paintings borrowed from museums across the world included in the showcase.  The Young Murillo looks at the artist’s output during his younger years, covering the time periods of 1638-40 and 1650-53, with 40 pieces and accompanying technical information included for visitors to gain a real knowledge of the painter.

According to the Museum of Fine Arts in Seville where the exhibition is taking place, Murillo established himself in the art sphere later on in life, but it was in the 1630s when he first made an impression in his home town.

The exhibition is open from Tuesday to Saturday from 09:00 to 20:30 local time and 09:00 to 14:30 on Sundays and public holidays until May 30th.  If you can bring proof of being a European Union citizen or a student can get free entry, while everyone else must pay €1.50 (£1.30).

Popularity: 16% [?]

Radisson Blu has announced the opening of its newest hotel right in the heart of Madrid.

The new Radisson Blu Hotel, Madrid Prado, is located in the prestigious area called “The Golden Triangle of Art” with the Museo del Prado, Thyssen-Bornemisza Museum and the Reina Sofia Museum at its vertices and the recent addition of the new CaixaForum nearby.

The new hotel contains 54 beautiful rooms, created by the famed Spanish design duo Sandra Taruella and Isabel Lopez, which have been designed as a celebration of individuality, with playful elements of photography and modern aesthetics and colour selection. The rooms are both beautiful to look at and delightful to live in, with big, lush bathrooms and high-tech amenities including free high speed internet.

The hotel’s spa, has been created using a minimalist design and offers a variety of treatments, combined with a host of facilities including an indoor pool, steam room and a relaxation and fitness area.

The hotel’s new restaurant and grill, “The Cask”, is expected to become one of the Spanish capital’s most popular restaurants, with its Lounge Bar offering a large selection of cocktails and Spanish tapas with a modern twist, and the Whisky Bar which serves more than 20 of the best single malts.

As the headquarters for public administration and the home of the Spanish royal family, as well as playing an important role in both the banking industry and within business, Madrid provides an important centre for culture and business. This makes the Radisson Blu Hotel, Madrid Prado, with its perfect location and flexible, ultra-modern conference area which can be divided into three separate boardrooms or combined with a bar area to increase the size, ideal for business travellers and cultural tourists alike.

More information about Madrid hotels or to book click here.

Popularity: 14% [?]

Ibiza looks set to continue to grow in popularity as a holiday destination, according to the findings of a recent survey conducted by Ibiza holiday guide website Love Ibiza (loveibiza.net).

In a survey of 232 clubbers who had visited Ibiza in 2009 for holidays and working holidays, 45% were visiting Ibiza for the first time and 96% of respondents said that they would be returning to Ibiza for future holidays. 78% intend to return to Ibiza for their summer holidays in 2010.

The Ibiza clubbing scene has evolved in recent years from being focused solely on house music to being more inclusive of other genres, this has led to an increase in the popularity of Ibiza outside its traditional core audience. The popularity of Ibiza as a holiday resort among young people does not appear to be negatively impacted by the economic downturn or the increasing price of holidaying in Europe.

A number of other key finding from the survey, titled the ‘Ibiza Holiday Census’, show:

- Easyjet was the most popular airline for flying from the UK to Ibiza
- Holidaymakers preferred to plan their trips independently using the internet to get the lowest prices on flights and hotels
- The respondents were on the whole satisfied or very satisfied with the service they received on their Ibiza holidays, including flights and accommodation.
- Although the summer job market in Ibiza is competitive the majority of season workers found employment in Ibiza soon after arriving.
- Amnesia, which starred in the Kevin and Perry movie set in Ibiza, was named the most popular nightclub by the survey

Full summaries and data from the survey are available at the Love Ibiza website: http://www.loveibiza.net/features/ibiza-holiday-census.

John McElborough, Editor of the Love Ibiza website said of the findings:

“We found it encouraging to see that so many of our members were reporting positive experiences with the various travel companies servicing Ibiza and that a new found variety in the music scene appears to have stimulated the number of first time visitors, as Ibiza has historically been heavily reliant on returning travellers. Along with the interest we have seen in the 2010 season already we would expect this to be a record breaking year for Ibiza tourism.”

The Love Ibiza website has a membership of 25,000 clubbers who use it as a base to plan their Ibiza holidays.

Popularity: 19% [?]