Best destinations to visit in Spain for the summer
March 25, 2021
Sun, sea and sangrias, Spain is a country that has somethingfor everyone all year round, but the summer time is when the excitement is heightened – and a must-see season to visit.
Whether you love to spend your days soaking up the rays, playing tourist around the city or exploring the hidden wonders of a newdestination, Spain has plenty to do and see. If you’re unsure of what locationis right for you, here are the best destinations to visit in Spain for thesummer.
Beach hotspots
Spain isn’t short of beach getaways. From the busy sands of Gran Canaria to the quieter waters in Menorca, here are the best beach hotspots:
Gran Canaria
The Canary Islands scream ‘summer holiday destination’ andGran Canaria is a top pick for any holidaymaker. Called its own ‘miniature continent’,Gran Canaria is the most diverse of all the Canary Islands in terms of climate,things to do and see, and the activities on offer; you’ll never get bored onthis island.
Whether you’re planning to spend some much-needed timerelaxing on the beaches, hiking around the mountainous areas for a jaw-droppingview of the island, or love the excitement of the historic capital, Las Palmas,it’ll be a trip like no other. Dabble into sightseeing tours, nature reserves,fishing trips, buggy safari tours, or simply spend your days lapping up theglorious weather with a sangria in hand on the beach.
Tenerife
A popular destination for families, couples and groupsalike, Tenerife has been renowned as a favourite holiday spot for Brits fordecades and there are many reasons why. Tenerife has a unique landscape withthe black sanded beaches, quiet towns and mountainous exterior, and has ninedifferent microclimates.
The activities in Tenerife is as varied as the climate, andhas something for everyone to grip their teeth into. The island is huge and intypical fashion for that top relaxation spot, many tourists flock to the southof the island to spend the time experiencing glorious weather, great food andsome of the best beaches you can find. Whilst the north of the island isslightly quieter and rugged, it’s ideal for those who’d like to hike around themountainous areas or simply spend their beach days in a more peacefulenvironment.
Ibiza
Ibiza may hold the title of the party capital in Spain;however, the island is just as famous for its quieter and laidback side, idealfor those who want to appreciate the glory of Ibiza, without the wild, partyvibe.
The beautiful landscape is complete with serene beaches,glorious backdrops and some of the best eateries around to experience all thefiner things in life on your trip away. The picture-perfect beaches are only afraction of the top things to do, with white washed villages, Ibiza’s old townand UNESCO heritage site to explore and see, all whilst you soak up theunforgettable weather. And, you can still enjoy that drink away from the clubsat secluded beachside bars or in the company of your resort.
Menorca
One of Spain’s Balearic Islands in the Mediterranean Sea,Menorca is known to be one of the quieter islands compared to its busyneighbours of Ibiza and Mallorca. The smaller and quieter appeal is what drawsmany people to go for their summer break away.
The island is renowned for its gorgeous white-sanded beacheswith calm seas, historical towns, chilled beach bars and the authentic cuisine,with restaurants run by locals alike. The nature reserves, sightseeing in thecapital Mahón, water activities, hidden walkways and fresh seafood are only acouple of reasons why it’ll make for that perfect summer break.
The best cities
The country isn’t just known for its beaches and sunny weather, it’s a hub for historical buildings, museums and sights and that’s why, venturing to Spain’s top cities will offer the opportunity to learn all about the culture.
Barcelona
Capital of Spain’s Catalonia region and a city like noother, Barcelona has the versatility appeal for its visitors. The city is hometo some incredible sights including the Sagrada Familia, Park Güell, Casa Milà,the busy shopping street of La Rambla and plenty of museums and cathedrals toexplore.
But the adventure doesn’t stop there, Barcelona is acultural hub for Spanish food, top wineries, art galleries, and has a quieterside too, with glorious beaches not too far from the city centre. Barcelonaisn’t for the faint hearted with so much to see and do, and a buzz that’ll staywith you long after you leave to return home.
Madrid
Spain’s capital and a city with a unique appeal, Madrid is acultural hub with more than enough on offer for the perfect summer getaway.Renowned for its art scene, the city offers the best art museums in all ofEurope with a heavy significance on renaissance artwork and seminal 20thcentury pieces to admire.
Away from its artistic side, Madrid has lots of historicsights to add to your agenda, a restaurant list longer than the journey thereand quaint parks to step away from the city’s hustle and bustle. To jump intoits shopping and entrainment hub, Gran Vía is a brilliant starting pointand then, stepping away to quieter plazas and marketplaces for a true authenticfeel of the Spanish culture.
Seville
Seville is one of those cites that’ll leave a mark on yourheart with the desire of wanting to go back again and again. As the capital ofthe southern Spain’s Andalusia region, Seville is renowned for flamencodancing, Mudéjar architecture and the prettiest sights you’ll ever see.
The things to do in Seville are endless from the top sightsincluding the Royal Palace, Christopher Columbus’ tomb, to the busy andcultural plazas and the oldest tapas bar in all of the city, dating back to1858, and run by the same family! A trip to Seville also wouldn’t becomplete without booking yourself into one of the famous Flamenco shows andexperiencing the fun.
Valencia
As Spain’s third largest city, Valencia shouldn’t go amisswhen planning your summer getaway. Valencia used to be one of the quieter andoff-the-beaten-path style cities to visit in Spain with a hub of things to seeand do, however, in recent years, it has had a lot more life breathed into itand has become one of the most popular cities to see.
The city has plenty to explore and absorb from the gothicarchitecture, historical sites including cathedrals, a top dining scene ofauthentic Spanish dishes to marketplaces and the famous Bullring and adjoiningmuseum. Wherever you wander in Valencia, we can assure you, Spanish charmfloats through and will leave you wanting more.
Off the beaten track
Now if you’re a traveller who prefers a trip away from busytourist hubs or to keep to yourself, these destinations in Spain are for you.
Setenil de las Bodegas
If big cities aren’t for you, the town of Setenil de lasBodegas is worth a visit. The exterior of the town is unique to many otherplaces you’ll come across. For years, many inhabitants lived in the cavesprotected by rocks and today, it has become one of the best features and uniquepoints of the town.
Th white-washed buildings and colourful paths are enough todraw you in by the eye, but once you there, even more adventure is apparent.Spend your days wandering through the picturesque streets, experience thegastronomy for one-of-a-kind dishes and learn all about the history at itsmonuments and churches. The town can easily be accessible by car from Malagaairport.
Huelva
Located in southwestern Spain, Huelva is a port city, oftennicknamed as the ‘secret coast’. It’s popular with both foodies and naturelovers as a destination that’s not really on many holidaymakers’ radars – andthat’s why, it’s a great spot for a serene few days away.
Despite the hidden status, the city isn’t short of things todo. For nature fans, the UNESCO Biosphere reserve of Marisa del Odiel is agreat place to begin your venture, whilst adventurers may like to follow in thefootsteps of Christopher Columbus with many attractions focused around him. Thecity is a cultural hub for authentic Spanish food and has countless beaches tospend your day soaking up the sunshine.
Malaga
Often thought of as only an airport city, Malaga doesn’treally get the attention it deserves with more to explore than first meets theeye.
As one of the oldest Mediterranean seaports, Malaga has alot of history to see, learn and explore which can be found in the cathedrals,castles and Roman theatres. The relaxing side of Malaga also needs to get amention with the gorgeous scenery of Costa del Sol, made up of sunny shores andseaside promenades.
Cies Islands
If being away from the bustle of everyday life is yourholiday vision, Cies Islands is the destination for you.
Cies Islands are located an hour’s boat trip away from Vigoand you’ll have the option of San Martino, Monteagudo, the Lighthouse Islandand Rodas Beach to also explore. As one of the most remote places in all ofSpain, it’s popular with creatives, who go there to get their heads down for workand for literary inspiration. Whilst it may not have many historical sights,the appeal of the quiet coves, sandy beaches and national park as a whole isthe hidden paradise you need in your life.
Planning you next trip to Spain? Always ensure to haveyour travel insurancepolicy before you jet away to the sunny shores.
