Spain Holidays

• Culture: Spaniards aren’t shy about celebrating their culture and heritage, with a vibrant calendar of events and festivals throughout the year. These include Semana Santa, a holy festival which takes place in the build-up to Easter, and San Fermin, another religious event best known for the running of the bulls.
  
  History buffs will be in their element, with an abundance of historic monuments and beautiful buildings to discover. Spain is also home to an impressive array of UNESCO-listed sites, from Gaudi’s famous Sagrada Familia in Barcelona to Granada’s magnificent Alhambra complex. Fun fact: only four countries in the world are home to more.


• Food and drink: Dining is an important part of Spanish culture – locals see it as an opportunity to indulge in delicious cuisine, while connecting with loved ones. No dining experience captures this attitude better than tapas, where small dishes are shared around the table. Traditional tapas dishes include padron peppers, patatas bravas, croquetas and gambas al ajillo.
  
  When it comes to drinks, sangria is always a popular choice. And you can’t go wrong with cava – Spain’s answer to champagne. This versatile sparkling wine from Catalonia complements an array of delicious dishes.


• Art: Spain’s also known for its pioneering artists like Gaudi, Picasso and Dali, who have produced some of history’s most famous artworks. The country’s not short on bucket-list-worthy museums and galleries either, including the world-renowned Guggenheim Museum in Bilbao. The eye-catching building, designed by architect Frank Gehry, houses some of the world’s most significant pieces of contemporary art by the likes of Anish Kapoor and Jeff Koons.

What is the drinking age in Spain?

The legal age for consumption and purchase of alcohol in Spain is 18. When it comes to alcohol, the country is particularly well-known for its wines. In fact, it’s the third-largest wine-producing country in the world – Rioja and cava are two of the most popular varieties.

What is the weather like in Spain?

Spain has different climates across the country. In the Mediterranean portion (the south and east coasts), there is less variation throughout the year than in other parts. With milder winters this is a prime spot for some winter sun. Come summer, expect warm, dry weather and, on the coast, a refreshing sea breeze.

Central Spain, home to the capital city of Madrid and Medieval cities such as Toledo and Salamanca, is generally the warmest part of the country during the summer months, with temperatures exceeding 30ºC in July and August. The region also has the coldest winters so be sure to wrap up.

Spain’s northern region – or Espana Verde (Green Spain) – is generally wetter and cooler than the rest of the country. Summers are still warm, with temperatures in Bilbao averaging around the mid-20s, but expect plenty of cloud cover and more rainy days throughout the year.

When is the best time to go to Spain?

The best time to go to Spain is either late spring or early autumn. While the country’s a great year-round destination, travelling during these months ensures you can make the most of the pleasant weather while avoiding the peak summer crowds.

What are the main tourist islands in Spain?

The Balearic and Canary Islands are popular spots due to their pleasant climate and beautiful beaches. Majorca and Ibiza make up the majority of tourism in the Balearics and are particularly popular among British travellers.

Surrounded by the Atlantic Ocean, large parts of the Canary Islands are characterised by volcanic landscapes and wild beaches. The archipelago is far closer to the northwest coast of Africa than to the Spanish mainland, meaning the islands enjoy a subtropical climate. Tenerife is the largest and most popular island in the Canaries, with Gran Canaria and Lanzarote not too far behind in visitor numbers.

What is the capital of Spain?

Madrid is both the capital and largest city in Spain. Situated in the heart of the country, it remains one of Spain’s most popular destinations and is renowned for its vibrant culture and lively atmosphere.

What language do they speak in Spain?

Spanish is the country’s official language and is the most widely spoken dialect. However, each autonomous region has its own language with official status, such as Catalan in Catalonia and the Balearic Islands.

What currency does Spain use?

Spain uses the Euro (€). Credit cards are accepted almost everywhere although it’s always good to have cash to hand to pay for things like taxis. ATMs are easy to come by, even in small towns.

What countries border Spain?

Spain is bordered by Portugal to the west, and France and Andorra to the north. It also shares a land and maritime border with Morocco, while the British Overseas Territory of Gibraltar sits on the southern tip of the mainland.

How big is Spain?

Covering nearly 200,000 square miles, Spain is the biggest country in Southern Europe. Fortunately, it’s very well connected by public transport and benefits from a modern road network, which makes it relatively easy to explore different parts of the country in the same trip.

How long does it take to fly to Spain from the UK?

Flight times from London to some of the most popular destinations are:

• Tenerife – four-and-half hours
• Madrid – two hours and 25 minutes
• Ibiza – two hours and 20 minutes
• Barcelona – two hours ten minutes
• Bilbao – two hours