Planning a holiday in Spain this summer? Discover the gems that should be on your hit list, from clifftop cities steeped in history to captivating coastlines with every modern convenience.
Barcelona
Experience the awe-inspiring architecture of Barcelona, Spain’s artistic north-east coastal city.
Most famous as the canvas of revered architect Antoni Gaudí, Barcelona boasts an extraordinary number of his best works – sometimes found in the most unexpected places. Must-see creations include the yet-to-be-completed La Sagrada Familia which has been in construction for decades, the colourful mosaics of Park Güell and the award-winning Casa Batlló concealed in the centre of the city.
Beyond Gaudí, there is much to discover, including medieval history at the Gothic Quarter and lively local music and dancing down Las Ramblas. Nightlife is rewarding, whether you want to sample fresh tapas and sangria or go clubbing.
Seville
With Roman origins, centuries under Islamic rule and position as the gateway for transatlantic trade, Seville has a rich heritage that’s evident in its diverse and dramatic design and cultural traditions including the striking dance style ‘flamenco’.
Your first stop should be the Alcazar of Seville, a royal palace with intricate Moorish architecture and some of the best examples of Mudejar art in the world. This masterpiece was developed over decades by a series of monarchs, each putting their stamp on this fortress-palace complex, and is still in use today.Elsewhere in the city, you’ll find the largest Roman Catholic cathedral in the world, an 80-year labour of love constructed in a grand Gothic style. The mighty bell tower – La Giralda – conceals the minaret of the original mosque and towers over the tomb of explorer Christopher Columbus.
Ronda
Escape to the beautiful Andalucian countryside with its characterful, white-washed villages where delicious local delicacies like gazpacho are served in charming open-air squares. While the pretty hotspots Mijas and Frigiliana offer a delightful taste of traditional life in this autonomous community, the clifftop city of Ronda will undoubtedly be the highlight of your visit.
Set on the edge of a gorge with a sharp drop to the river bed, this is undoubtedly one of the most dramatic city locations in the world. The Puente Neuvo bridge, standing hundreds of feet high, connects the medieval Moorish old town with the relatively new town – that’s still circa 15th century.
As well as breathtaking views, amazing architecture awaits around every corner, providing in-depth insight into the rich heritage of this area. Highlights include the medieval Arab baths and grand Plaza de Toros, one of the country’s oldest and most prominent bullfighting rings where events are still held annually.
Costa del Sol
Unwind on beautiful beaches along the Costa del Sol, one of the most sought-after stretches of Spanish coastline. Two main hotspots with decidedly different spirits ensure a stint here still has plenty of variety.
First up is Marbella where you can live a life of luxury for your holiday. A line of premium shops, restaurants and residential estates known as the Golden Mile precedes the Puerto Banus marina that in summer is filled with sparkling yachts. Yet more fine-dining eateries, boutiques and bars are found here, just moments from the water.
Away from the shoreline are picturesque golf courses and high-end hotels and villas backed by the towering Sierra Blanca Mountains where you can escape the crowds and enjoy total tranquillity.Further up the coastline is the contrastingly lively city of Malaga. Best known for its party atmosphere and rewarding nightlife, there are plenty of things to do in Malaga beyond the nightclubs along the main strip. Overlooking this urban port are the remains of two Moorish citadels, demonstrating the region’s Islamic past, while a magnificent cathedral stands in the centre of the city.
Costa Blanca
A day’s drive east along the shoreline brings you to the Costa Blanca, a coastal gem of a different kind. Here, the beaches are backed by functional resorts with all the facilities you could require, and there are a host of attractions to entertain all ages. This makes it a firm favourite with families travelling from the UK and beyond.
You can fly directly to the Costa Blanca by choosing routes to Alicante. The vehicle transfer from Alicante Airport to Benidorm, the region’s most popular tourist spot, takes just half an hour – another advantage if you’re travelling with small children!
In addition to the golden beaches and turquoise waters the Mediterranean coastline is known for, Benidorm has many alternative attractions including water and wildlife parks where children can be entertained for hours. For those who want to relax on the coastline, exhilarating water sports abound.
This is a collaboration post