Spain Holidays

The Spanish mainland has some mega mountains, but the Canaries claim the highest one and look like something out of space.

• The Picos de Europa, Cantabria – These are the ‘Peaks of Europe’, spread across Asturias, Cantabria, Castile and Léon and form part of the Cantabrian Mountains in the north of Spain. The national park features rugged peaks, lush valleys and charming villages, and trails like the Ruta del Cares are ideal for experienced and more casual hikers.
• Mount Teide, Tenerife – Spain’s highest peak is in Teide National Park, and you can reach the top by hiking or via a cable car. The stargazing is unreal here, so why not book a sunset tour?
• Timanfaya National Park, Lanzarote – Explore the lunar-like landscape of Lanzarote’s volcanic park, with a guided walk or camel ride to see its dramatic craters and lava fields.
• The Tabernas Desert, Almería – This is Europe’s only desert and the backdrop for many classic films, like Cleopatra and Lawrence of Arabia.

Even if you don’t think you’re after anything, the markets in Spain are part of the local culture, so deffo worth a visit.

• Madrid – Head to the Golden Mile – Milla de Oro – in the Salamanca district for a top-tier shopping spree. This area’s home to high-end designer stores like Chanel, Louis Vuitton and Spanish fashion house, Loewe. If you prefer a more eclectic vibe, check out the Malasaña and Chueca neighborhoods, which are full of vintage shops and independent boutiques.
• Barcelona – Stroll down Passeig de Gràcia, where luxury shops meet iconic Catalan architecture. Also, don’t miss the El Born district for artisan products and handmade jewellery. Or, for a more local experience, visit the Encants Market, which is one of Europe’s oldest flea markets.
• Valencia – Central Market’s all buzzing stalls, offering fresh produce, gourmet food and authentic souvenirs. For fashion and crafts, the Colón Market is full of upscale shops and cool cafés.
• Granada – Explore the Alcaicería, Granada’s historic Moorish bazaar, filled with stalls selling ceramics, textiles and jewellery. This market is the perfect place to find unique souvenirs inspired by Andalusian culture. Nearby, local boutiques also sell artisanal leather goods and traditional flamenco dresses.
• Bilbao – Walk through Gran Vía – a haven of flagship stores and luxury brands – then head to the Casco Viejo, or Old Town, for independent boutiques and traditional Basque goods, including handcrafted leather bags and traditional espadrilles.

The Canary and Balearic Islands love a party but some of Spain’s top cities are known for their bar scene, too.

• Ibiza – Start with sunset drinks at Café del Mar or Mambo on San Antonio’s sunset strip, then hit up world-famous clubs like Pacha, Amnesia, or Ushuaïa, where international DJs bring the big crowds.
• Madrid – Malasaña’s Madrid’s hottest nightlife district, with indie music venues and cosy cocktail bars. La Latina’s known for its lively tapas bars that spill onto the streets, and you can end the night in a traditional flamenco bar.
• Seville – Seville’s Triana district is full of intimate flamenco performances. But for a more modern vibe, head to Alameda de Hércules, a square lined with bars, outdoor terraces and cocktail spots.
• Barcelona – The Gothic Quarter is where you’ll find a lot of bars and smaller, local clubs but Plaza Real has the most famous venues. To end your days beachside, Port Olympic has all the beach clubs – Opium and Shôko are two big names here. Then, for rooftop views, check out Eclipse at the W Hotel.
• San Sebastian – Start your evening hopping between pintxos bars in the Parte Vieja – AKA the Old Town, and later, explore the bars along La Concha Bay for some drinks with stunning coastal views. You can also catch the sunset from up high, with a hike or ride on the funicular up Monte Igueldo – the panoramic views from here capture the sea and city, then you can head back into town for some drinks.

Missed out on Glasto? It’s probably gonna rain anyway… Pick a festival in Spain and you can deffo leave the wellies at home.

• Primavera Sound, Barcelona, June – This annual music festival gets an unreal line-up every year. Name a better trio of headliners than Charli XCX, Sabrina Carpenter and Chapell Roan, we’ll wait… It’s hosted in Parc del Fòrum, which is right in Barcelona, so you can tie it in perfectly with a city break. And, with every ticket, you get 25% off an Hola Barcelona Travel Card for unlimited travel around the city, too – win-win.
• Festival Internacional de Benicàssim, Benicàssim, July – Category is… pop, rock and electronic. This music festival takes place in the town of Benicàssim in the Valencian Community every July and has seen Bastille, Franz Ferdinand and the Black Eyed Peas headline.
• La Tomatina, Buñol, August – For something a bit more local, join the world’s most famous food fight in Buñol, where thousands get together just to hurl overripe tomatoes at each other. Don’t forget to wear old clothes and goggles for protection – we’re not joking.
• Carnival, Tenerife and Cádiz, February – Spain’s Carnival celebrations are up there with Rio, thanks to Tenerife and Cádiz. Expect colourful costumes, busy parades and street parties. Tenerife’s events also include the quirky Burial of the Sardine.
• Christmas markets, December – Spain might not be your first thought for a Christmas markets break, but places like Barcelona and Madrid put on festive stalls just like the colder parts of Europe, too. Wander through the Fira de Santa Llúcia in Barcelona or Plaza Mayor in Madrid to soak it all in. They’re known for selling roasted chestnuts and a festive turrón-flavoured drink.