Spain Tours & Vacations

About Spain

Spain is a country of diverse landscapes and vibrant culture, known for its flamenco dancing, bullfighting, and warm hospitality. With its long Mediterranean coastline, sandy beaches, and stunning mountain ranges, Spain has become one of the top tourist destinations in the world. From the bustling streets of Madrid to the scenic vineyards of Rioja, Spain offers endless adventures and experiences.

Why is Spain one of the world’s most popular destinations?

From riotous fiestas and sizzling cuisine to world-class museums and cutting-edge art galleries, there’s a reason why Spain endures as one of the world’s most popular destinations. Like the country’s famous tapas, Spain is a tempting smorgasbord of bustling cities, scenic countryside, and sunny islands. The visitors can nibble away at it on repeat trips or consume it in one giant feast. Either way, it is one appetizing nation.
Despite its myriad attractions, most come to Spain for the sun, sand, and self-indulgence. The travelers flock to the likes of the Costa del Sol and Costa Brava, whiling away days on beaches and nights in clubs. An early pioneer of package holidays, Spain’s leading resorts have long been geared up for the mass market, from the Balearics to the Canary Islands. But it’s not all sprawling hotel complexes; quaint fishing villages, bijou retreats, and secluded beaches abound if you’re looking to veer o the tourist trail. Spain is much more than holidays in the sun, however.

What do you find a variety of things to do away from the beach?

Away from the beach, there’s an extraordinary variety of things to do, from climbing snow-capped peaks in the Pyrenees to hiking the ancient pilgrimage route of St James’s Way, from diving in the protected Medes Islands to stargazing in Tenerife.

Alternatively, you could drop in on one of the country’s many festivals. You can think of Running of the Bulls, La Tomatina, and the Baby Jumping Festival, which are madder than a box of frogs. And then there are the cities; Madrid, Barcelona, Bilbao, Seville, Valencia, and the list goes on.
Each of these vibrant metropolises has its distinct flavor. Barcelona’s Dali architecture and sweeping beaches seem far from Madrid’s wide boulevards and soaring skyscrapers (though the Catalans may wish it was further). But for all their disparities, these cities are bound by Spain’s remarkable history and enviable cultural feats. All are proudly displayed in the country’s museums, galleries, and UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Suffice it to say; its popularity shows no sign of waning.

History and Culture of Spain

Travel Spain boasts a rich and diverse history, having been inhabited by numerous civilizations over the centuries, including the Romans, Moors, and Visigoths. Its vibrant culture reflects this diverse heritage with its distinctive architecture, music, and cuisine.

Must-Visit Historical Landmarks

• Alhambra Palace in Granada
• Park Güell in Barcelona
• The Sagrada Familia in Barcelona
• The Royal Palace of Madrid
• The Giralda Tower in Seville

Experience the Vibrant Culture of Spain

• Flamenco dancing in Seville
• La Tomatina Festival in Valencia
• Running of the Bulls in Pamplona
• Bullfighting in Madrid
• Spanish Wine Tasting in Rioja

Spain's Beaches and Islands

Spain’s coastline stretches over 5,000 miles, making it a paradise for beach lovers. From the Mediterranean to the Atlantic, endless stretches of sandy beaches, crystal clear waters, and sunny weather exist.

Best Beaches in Travel Spain

• Playa de Las Catedrales in Galicia
• La Concha Beach in San Sebastian
• Cala Conta Beach in Ibiza
• Costa de la Luz Beach in Cadiz
• Playa de Muro in Mallorca

Explore Spain’s Islands

• Ibiza: Known for its party scene and  stunning beaches
• Mallorca: A popular family-friendly destination with picturesque villages and beautiful beaches
• Canary Islands: A group of seven volcanic islands off the coast of Africa, with year-round warm weather and diverse landscapes.

Spain's Mountains and National Parks

Spain’s mountain ranges offer spectacular landscapes and outdoor adventures, including hiking, skiing, and rock climbing. Its national parks are home to unique wildlife, flora, and fauna, making them an ideal destination for nature lovers.

Top Mountain Ranges in Spain

• The Pyrenees: A range of mountains stretching from the Mediterranean to the Atlantic
• The Sierra Nevada: The highest mountain range in Spain, with snow-capped peaks and ski resorts
• Picos de Europa: A dramatic limestone mountain range in northern Spain

Explore Spain’s National Parks

• Doñana National Park: Home to a diverse range of flora and fauna, including the Iberian Lynx
• Teide National Park: Home to Spain’s highest peak, Mount Teide
• Sierra de Grazalema Natural Park: A stunning park known for its rugged limestone cliffs and canyons

Weather, Climate and Geography

What type of clothing should I pack?

In Spain, people dress differently according to the season, the place they are going to, and the circumstances. Spanish people don’t dress up too much to go out, although it depends on where you are going. On the coast, because of the mild climate, it is usually not necessary to pack warm clothes, while on the interior, you should dress according to the season. In the interior of Spain, temperatures vary significantly from one season to the next, with icy winters and hot summers.

What is the weather like in Spain?

Spain, one of the warmest countries in Europe:  Spain has a predominantly warm Mediterranean climate, with dry summers and winters with balanced temperatures. It is no surprise that this is one of the warmest parts of Europe. Here you can enjoy more than 3,000 hours of sunshine per year.

When discussing the weather, special mention should be made of the Canary Islands. Their unique location faces the coast of Africa. It gives them a benign climate with mild temperatures (22ºC year-round average on the coasts), with only minor temperature differences between day and night, whatever the season. Nevertheless, due to Spain’s immense geographical diversity, variety is the main characteristic of the climate here.

So that if you travel to the north, to the Cantabrian coast, you will find a mild climate with high rainfall. Winters are mild, and in summer, temperatures rarely exceed 25ºC. However, the climate is harsher in the higher parts of the country, and it is common to see snow from the beginning of winter to the end of spring. This is the case with the Pyrenees, the mountains of the Sierra Nevada, the Central and Iberian ranges, and the Cantabrian Mountains, amongst others.

What is the geography of Spain?

Spain covers an area of 505,955 square kilometers, which places it amongst the fifty largest countries in the world. The most significant part of the territory is in the Iberian Peninsula. The remaining, approximately 12,500 square kilometers (4,800 sq. Miles), are the Balearics Islands and the Canary Islands. Plus, 32 square kilometers (12.5 square miles) are accounted for by the cities of Ceuta and Melilla, situated on the coast of Africa. The situation of the Iberian Peninsula in the extreme southwest of Europe and only 9 miles (14 km) away from the African continent endows Spain with a great strategic value. Projecting into the Mediterranean on one side and acting as an intersection on the path to Africa and America on the other.

The fact that a large part of Spain is peninsular also explains the length of its coastline. It runs along the Atlantic Ocean and the Mediterranean Sea. As a result of its position, between 36- and 43-degrees North latitude, the climate ranges from the mild oceanic climate in the north to the continental Mediterranean in the center and the Mediterranean in the East and South, factors which combine to create a wet Spain in the North and mountainous areas, green Spain with luxuriant forests and a dry Spain in the Mediterranean.

Required Clothing

From June to August in the coastal areas, casual beach wear such as flips ops, vests, loose-fitting clothing, and shorts will suffice. It can get unbearably hot in the city, so be prepared to brave the weather with plenty of water, a hat, and sunscreen. Between high and low seasons (April-May; October-November), the climate can be unpredictable in certain parts of the country, be sure to pack your umbrella, raincoat, and a light jacket for the night.

Cuisine and Wine

Spain is known for its delicious cuisine, including tapas, paella, and jamón ibérico. Its culinary traditions are a reflection of its diverse history and culture, with influences from the Moors, Romans, and Greeks.

Must-Try Spanish Dishes

• Paella: A traditional Valencian rice dish with saffron, vegetables, and seafood or chicken
• Tortilla española: A classic Spanish omelet with potatoes and onions
• Gazpacho: A cold soup made from tomatoes, peppers, and cucumbers
• Churros: A fried dough pastry served with hot chocolate for dipping
• Patatas bravas: Fried potatoes served with a spicy tomato sauce

Spanish Wine Tasting

Spain is known for its high-quality wines, with regions such as Rioja, Ribera del Duero, and Priorat producing some of the best wines in the world. Wine tasting is popular in Spain, with many vineyards offering tours and tastings.

Did you know?

• Incredibly influential artists Salvador Dali and Pablo Picasso are from Spain.
• Ibiza is Spain’s most popular tourist destination.
• Flamenco music was born in Spain.
• Having breakfast at home in Spain is not common.
• Spain is the largest producer of olives in the world. It is three times Italy’s production and four times Greece’s production.
• Spain has been the biggest donor of organs in the world for 15 consecutive years.
• Spain has the 3^rd most UNESCO World Heritage Sites, with 48 after Italy and China. Probably the most famous UNESCO World Heritage Site is the Sagrada Familia cathedral in Barcelona.
• The national flower of Spain is the red carnation, and it’s mostly grown in Andalucía and Aragón.
• Spain is the only country in Europe with cities outside of Europe.
• Spain is the second most visited country on earth.