Spain is the most popular overseas holiday destination for British travellers, and for good reason. Reliable sunshine, beautiful beaches, fantastic food and short flights make it a brilliant choice for almost any kind of trip. But Spain is a big and varied country, so where you go and when you visit really matters. This Spain holiday guide covers the best regions and the right time to visit each.
Why Spain is so popular with UK travellers
Spain offers an unbeatable combination for British holidaymakers: short flights, dependable weather, excellent value, and a warm welcome backed by infrastructure geared towards visitors. From lively resorts to quiet coves, world-class cities to year-round island sunshine, there is a Spanish holiday for every taste, budget and season. It is easy, familiar and reliably enjoyable, which is exactly why so many UK travellers return year after year, often discovering a different region each time.
The Costa del Sol and the south
The Costa del Sol in Andalusia is a classic sun-and-sand destination, with long beaches, resorts to suit every budget, golf and a long, warm season. Nearby cities like Malaga, Seville and Granada add culture and history, with the famous Alhambra and atmospheric old towns. The south is hot in summer and pleasant well into autumn, making it a strong choice for both beach holidays and city sightseeing outside the peak heat.
The Costa Blanca
The Costa Blanca, around Alicante and Benidorm, is another long-standing favourite, known for its sandy beaches, family resorts and excellent value. Benidorm in particular offers everything from lively nightlife to family-friendly fun, while quieter spots nearby suit those wanting a more relaxed pace. With reliable sunshine and a wide range of accommodation, the Costa Blanca is a dependable, affordable choice, especially for families and groups looking for a straightforward beach holiday with plenty to do.
The Balearic Islands
Majorca, Menorca, Ibiza and Formentera each have their own character. Majorca offers a bit of everything, from family resorts to a beautiful interior and a lovely capital in Palma; Menorca is quieter and ideal for families; Ibiza is famous for nightlife but also has gorgeous beaches and calm corners; and tiny Formentera is a slice of paradise. A short flight away, the Balearics deliver some of the Mediterranean's best beaches and are perfect for summer sun.
The Canary Islands
The Canary Islands, off the coast of Africa, are Spain's year-round sun destination. Tenerife, Lanzarote, Gran Canaria and Fuerteventura enjoy a mild, sunny climate even in winter, making them hugely popular when mainland Europe is cold. With beaches, volcanic landscapes, family resorts and a long season, they suit everyone. Our guide to the best winter sun destinations explains why the Canaries are the go-to choice for a warm escape outside summer.
Barcelona and the cities
Spain's cities make superb breaks in their own right. Barcelona dazzles with Gaudi's architecture, beaches and buzz; Madrid offers world-class art and nightlife; and Seville, Valencia and Granada each have their own charm. City breaks work year-round and are especially pleasant in spring and autumn, when the weather is comfortable for sightseeing. For travellers who want culture, food and atmosphere rather than just a beach, Spain's cities are every bit as rewarding as its coast.
Northern Spain
Green, cooler and less crowded, northern Spain is a different world from the southern Costas. The Basque Country, with the food capital of San Sebastian and the city of Bilbao, the rugged coast of Asturias and Cantabria, and the pilgrimage city of Santiago de Compostela offer culture, scenery and superb cuisine. Summers are warm but milder than the south, making the north ideal for those who find the peak heat too much and want a more active, less beach-focused trip.
When to visit Spain
Timing depends on what you want. July and August bring guaranteed beach weather but the most heat, crowds and highest prices. The shoulder seasons of late spring and early autumn are ideal for combining beaches and sightseeing in comfort, while the Canary Islands offer warmth all year. Cities are best enjoyed outside the summer peak. Our guide on choosing a destination by weather and season can help you pick the perfect month for your Spanish holiday.
Getting there and practical tips
Spain is one of the easiest countries to reach from the UK, with frequent, affordable flights to airports across the mainland and islands. Public transport is good, and hiring a car opens up the interior and quieter beaches. As with any trip abroad, check your passport meets the entry rules and look at current FCDO travel advice before you go. With a little planning, a Spanish holiday is about as easy and reliable as overseas travel gets for British holidaymakers.
The Costa Brava and Catalonia coast
North of Barcelona, the Costa Brava offers a more rugged, scenic stretch of the Spanish coast, with pretty coves, charming towns like Tossa de Mar and a slightly more relaxed feel than the busier southern Costas. Combined with the cultural draw of Barcelona nearby, it makes an appealing twin-centre trip of city and coast. The region also boasts superb food and wine. For travellers who want classic Spanish sunshine with a touch more character and scenery, the Costa Brava and wider Catalonia coast are well worth considering.
Spanish food, fiestas and culture
Part of Spain's appeal is its rich culture and wonderful food. From tapas and paella to regional specialities and world-famous wines, eating is a highlight of any Spanish holiday, and dining happens late and sociably. The country's lively fiestas, flamenco in the south and distinct regional identities add colour and interest beyond the beach. Taking time to enjoy local food and customs, rather than sticking to resort restaurants, turns a good Spanish holiday into a memorable one and is one of the easiest pleasures to embrace.
Spain on a budget
Spain can be enjoyed at almost any budget. Outside the peak summer weeks prices drop, the mainland Costas offer excellent value, and self-catering plus local restaurants keeps costs down without sacrificing the experience. Our guide on planning a holiday on a budget has more ways to save. Because Spain is so well served by flights and so geared towards visitors, it remains one of the best-value sunshine destinations for British travellers, whether you want a cheap-and-cheerful break or a more upmarket trip.
In short
Spain offers something for everyone: the Costa del Sol and Costa Blanca for classic beach holidays, the Balearic Islands for summer sun, the Canary Islands for year-round warmth, and Barcelona and the cities for culture. Northern Spain offers a cooler, greener alternative. Visit in summer for guaranteed beach weather, or the shoulder seasons for comfortable sightseeing. Match the region and timing to the trip you want, and check entry requirements before you book. Whether you are after a lively family resort, a peaceful island, a culture-packed city or a quieter corner of the greener north, Spain has a version of itself to suit you. Its reliable sunshine, short flights, great food and excellent value are why it remains the firm favourite of British holidaymakers year after year, and why so many return again and again to discover a new region each time.
Explore more sunshine ideas in our Destinations guides.