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Spain

Expert travel guides and holiday advice

With vibrant cities, idyllic islands, sandy stretches and spectacular national parks, it's no surprise that Spain is a favourite holiday spot. Our experts have explored the best bits of the country to provide you with hotel reviews, restaurant recommendations and the best things to do during your Spanish holiday. From family-friendly beach holidays in Mallorca to history-packed city breaks in Seville, a quick weekend stop to watch the football in Madrid or a romantic escape to Barcelona, there's something for everyone to love about Spain.

- Spain travel guide

<p>The coastline in Nerja, a famed resort in Spain’s Costa del Sol</p>

The ultimate Spain travel guide

From top-notch dining and vibrant cities to sun-soaked beaches and idyllic islands, there’s a reason Spain is Brits’ favourite holiday spot

Travelling to and around Spain

Getting there and back

Spain has an excellent network of high-speed trains – one of the best in Europe, in fact – for crossing the country between cities. Where there are no direct rail links, there are low-cost coaches in operation. In big cities themselves, a range of public transport options keep people moving, including metro systems and buses, plus there are often bike sharing schemes. There’s also the option of hiring a car to get around – like much of Europe, they drive on the right in Spain.

Spain travel FAQ’s

<p>Gure Toki offers innovative Basque cuisine in miniature size </p>

How to plan the perfect pintxos crawl in Bilbao

With practically every bar in this Spanish city serving the Basque version of tapas, ensure you dine at the best in town with this expert guide from Jennifer Fernández Solano

Canary Islands

Europe’s most bankable winter sun spot, the Canary Islands, located just west of northern Africa, enjoy a micro-climate that makes them an attractive year-round destination. The archipelago is beloved by visitors for its warm seas, lunar landscapes, rugged hills, untouched beaches and dark skies that lend themselves to star gazing. Biggest and best-known is Tenerife, but there’s also Lanzarote, Gran Canaria, Fuerteventura, La Palma, La Gomera, and El Hierro to explore.

<p>With wild beaches and boxy whitewashed villages, La Graciosa is a timewarp take on the Canaries</p>

Why you should visit the Canary Island you’ve never heard of

Volcanoes, low-rise whitewashed villages and daily adventures: overlooked La Graciosa deserves your full attention, says Robin McKelvie

<p>Macizo de Anaga in northeast Tenerife</p>

Why the Canaries make for a perfect island-hopping holiday

Forget fly and flop – this Spanish archipelago was made to be explored by boat thanks to excellent ferry connections, discovers James Litston

Barcelona

With its recognisable architecture, sophisticated art scene and Michelin star-worthy food, the Catalan capital is a must-visit. To help you book the ultimate Barcelona city break, our travel experts have reviewed Barcelona's best hotels, tried and tested restaurants and bars, and recommended top things to see and do.

Barcelona’s Sagrada Familia, looking across the lake in Placa de Gaudi gardens

What to do in Barcelona

With iconic architecture, a flourishing Michelin star-worthy food scene and a vermouth revival under way, there’s never been a better time to check out the Catalan capital

Madrid

"It may not have the quaintly ageing city centre of its more touristy Spanish rivals, but Madrid has a glam-gritty charm all of its own. Not to mention the food," says travel writer Lucy Thackray. From royal architecture to bargain tapas delights and late-night cocktail hubs, there's culture for everyone to enjoy. The Spanish capital is home to a range of accommodation options, whether you're after luxury five-star hotels, edgy hostels or budget boutiques.

<p>Al fresco lunches in Malasaña, Madrid</p>

The ultimate city guide to Madrid

It may not have the quaintly ageing city centre of its more touristy Spanish rivals, but Madrid has a glam-gritty charm all of its own, says Lucy Thackray. Not to mention the food...

Best hotels in Spain

From bougie boutique hotels in Seville to family-friendly beach resorts in Mallorca, our experts have reviewed the best hotels for all types of travellers, budgets and location preferences. Read reviews on luxury hotels in Ibiza, villas in Marbella, seaside B&Bs in San Sebastian and budget accommodation options in Madrid to help you book your perfect Spanish trip.

<p>From central hotels  to new-found gems  </p>

Best hotels in Madrid: City centre sights and noteworthy nightlife

Annie Bennett shares her pick of the best hotels in the Spanish capital 

Bay watch: San Sebastian is defined by the shell-shaped beach of La Concha

48 Hours in San Sebastian

One of Spain's most alluring cities gets its first air link from Britain next month - making its charms even easier to enjoy

<p>Fuerteventura pretty much guarantees beautiful beach weather all year round  </p>

Best hotels in Fuerteventura for a 2023 holiday

Take it easy (or not) at Fuerteventura’s family-friendly and adult-only hotels

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