Holidays in
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.
Three Kings’ Day
On 6 January, huge crowds congregate in many Spanish cities for this festive ceremony in which a procession of kings travels through town on colourful floats.
April
Visit in April to see the country blossom into life in spring. Temperatures are mild, which makes it an ideal time to enjoy some sightseeing.
August
This summer month is a popular time to visit Spain, because it promises plenty of glorious sunshine. Northern Spain is particularly pleasant at this time.
Take part in La Tomatina
If you don’t mind getting your clothes dirty, you’ll love this legendary tomato-throwing festival held in Buñol, a town in Valencia, on the last Wednesday in August.
Enjoy that beach life
Grab those towels – Spain’s blessed with more than its fair share of beautiful beaches, being bordered by the sea to its north, south and east.
Visit the Sagrada Familia
The ornate stonework of Gaudí’s legendary and still-unfinished basilica in Barcelona is a spectacular sight to behold. Work started on this intricate construction in 1882.
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