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Top beaches in Spain

Think Spain, think beach holiday. Whatever vibe you’re after, this European hotspot has something for every type of traveller. Here are four of the best.

La Concha Beach, San Sebastian

In the heart of San Sebastian, this curved golden beach has been popular ever since Queen Isabella II bathed here in 1845. The sheltered beach is perfect for little ones to paddle in, and you can take a kayak out to Santa Clara Island. Stay in a hotel in the old town area for easy beach access.

Playa del Cristo, Costa del Sol

This attractive beach near Estepona faces west, so it’s a prime sunbathing spot. Pull up a stool at one of the beach bars and sip on a cocktail at sunset. The surrounding coastline is sprinkled with lovely beaches and hotels for every budget.

Cala Galdana, Menorca

Cala Galdana’s glistening turquoise water and soft sweeping sands are the stuff of dreams. Sun-loungers and shaded picnic spots keep the sun’s rays at bay and there’s an impressive choice of watersports. The beach has a handful of resorts to stay in and there are many more nearby.

Cala Comte, Ibiza

The sunsets from Cala Comte in Ibiza are special, so find your spot either on the sand or at a beach bar to watch night fall. You can hire jet skis here, and the water is crystal-clear and lovely to swim in. A range of hotels, villas and resorts are nearby if you’re keen to stay in the area.

Things to do in Spain

From world-class museums to iconic cultural sites, a holiday to Spain is packed full of brilliant things to do. Here are some of its best bits.

The Alhambra

The spectacular Alhambra palace in the Andalusian city of Granada is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of Spain’s most popular monuments. The well-preserved Nasrid Palace rooms feature ornately decorated mosaics on the walls and intricate ceiling crowns. Take time to explore the ramparts, museum and gardens, too. Visitor numbers are limited, so book in advance.

Sagrada Família

Antoni Gaudí’s unfinished architectural treasure (only a quarter of the church was completed before he died) is a beloved part of Barcelona. Today, it stands proud above the city’s skyline with a new 12-point star at its highest point. See the stained glass windows and complex geometric shapes inside the basilica and explore the school, museum and towers on a guided tour.

Guggenheim Bilbao

Sitting on the banks of the Nervion River, Frank Gehry’s titanium showstopper was an instant global hit when it opened in 1997. It remains a major draw today as people try to photograph the light bouncing off its metallic curves. Inside is a world-class modern art museum well worth the price of admission.

La Rambla

This handsome tree-lined boulevard (also referred to as Las Ramblas), cuts through Barcelona’s old town ending at the Monument to Columbus near the port. The music, performance artists and chatter from the pavement cafes create a carnival atmosphere as you take a leisurely wander. Shop at La Boqueria food market, stop off at the Liceu Theatre and check out Miro’s iconic floor mosaic.

Prado Museum

Home to one of the most respected European art collections in the world, Madrid’s Prado Museum is a must-see on your visit to the city. Discover Spanish masters such as Velázquez and Goya, alongside works by Rubens and Raphael. With more than 8,000 paintings and 700 sculptures to enjoy, it’s easy to spend a few hours meandering through the museum’s halls. Top tip: pre-book to avoid the queues.

Royal Alcazar of Seville

Seville’s royal palace blends Islamic, gothic, renaissance and baroque styles to wondrous effect. Take in the beautiful ceramic tiles and gilded ceilings in the palace, then relax in the garden pavilions by the palm trees and pools as peacocks wander by. Attend one of the outdoor evening concerts in the summer and see the palace look spectacular in the moonlight.

Flamenco Dancing

Sultry, dramatic and rhythmic, flamenco is an enduring part of Spanish culture. Seek out authentic shows in traditional tablaos to see great artists, musicians and dancers display their skills. Seville’s Los Gallos and Madrid’s famous Corral de la Moreria put on nightly performances, while the palace courtyard of La Casa del Flamenco in Seville is a charming setting to watch this passionate dance.

When to go to Spain

Spain’s Mediterranean climate means peak season is in the summer, with long, sunny days drawing tourists to the beach resorts. You can expect temperatures in the high 20s.

For fewer crowds, visit from March to May (expect average highs of around 20C) or September to October, when temperatures can still get above 25C. During these shoulder seasons, you can enjoy warm temperatures without the peak prices.

Looking for winter sun? Head to the Canary Islands or Costa del Sol in the south.

When is the cheapest time to visit Spain?

You’re likely to find cheap package deals to Spain in the low season, from December to March. Although temperatures are less reliable, there are often good deals on popular resorts and hotels.

You can still grab a bargain in April, May, October and November too, so compare different dates to find the cheapest option.

When should I go for the best weather?

Late spring and early autumn bring warm sunshine without the sweltering heat, making this a great time for city breaks and a holiday by the beach.

In the summer months, city temperatures can be sweltering, but cooler inland mountain regions and breezy coastal areas to the west are refreshing.