Spain

Spain holidays promise a huge amount of variety. The sun-soaked country is the largest in Southern Europe, so it’s perhaps unsurprising that it boasts huge cultural and geographic diversity. From its northernmost point on the Bay of Biscay to its southernmost tip – from which you can see the coast of Morocco – the country is a true melting pot of influences. These can be seen in anything from its many Roman ruins (including the impressive Italica site near Seville) to its Moorish architecture at the Alhambra.

You simply can’t mention holidays in Spain without bringing to mind the vibrant cities of Barcelona and Madrid, both of which are bursting at the seams with historic sites and cultural attractions. And, of course, there are the country’s incredible beaches – from the golden stretches of the Costa Brava to the glittering shores of Ibiza. Speaking of Spanish archipelagos, the volcanic Canary Islands also offer up a little slice of paradise for nature lovers and sunbathing fanatics alike.

As well as being a haven for culture vultures and sun seekers, Spain is a magnet for foodies looking to gorge on its flavourful Mediterranean cuisine, including tapas, olive oil, fine cuts of meat and red wine aplenty. There’s more to the country than sun, sea, sightseeing and stuffing yourself silly, though – it is also an ideal destination for snow bunnies, who flock year in, year out to the powdery slopes of the Sierra Nevada for its prime skiing and snowboarding opportunities. With so much to offer, it’s no wonder Spain tops many a holidaymaker’s bucket list.