A quick guide for traveling in Spain with helpful tips & tricks

Looking for exquisite restaurants and lively cities? Dreamy beaches and idyllic islands? Look no further than Spain. Here are our favorite destinations and why you should plan a visit on your next holiday. Needless to say, you'll discover glorious historic metropolises and stunning national parks, as well as the boundless coastline. Get ready to discover Spain’s charm and its infinite diversity.

The best time to visit Spain

Most tourists, mostly families, arrive in Spain in the hot season of July or August. The costs on the coast and in the isles are clearly higher during this period and shores can be overloaded. However, cities might actually be cheaper.

During Holy Week or Easter Sunday, most cities are super crowded and extremely busy. And if you wish to avoid the parades, you can hit the coast or the countryside. But spring and autumn are also great seasons to visit Spain and the weather is nice. Beware of festivals that cause higher prices for regular accommodation.

Mallorca and Ibiza

Some of the most popular destinations are the Balearic Islands. Mallorcan leaders are pushing tough to wash the largest island’s appearance by taking measures such as restricting alcohol administered as part of all-inclusive vacation packets. As well as fantastic beaches, Mallorca has stunning inland villages supported by abrupt cliffs. What's more, Ibiza has seen deluxe hotel openings, and Menorca is more peaceful. You can also try Formentera’s beautiful bays which are almost pristine.

Barcelona

This is a famous weekend escape for all tourists. The sophisticated Barcelona is worth discovering for more than just its clubs. In fact, why not climb Montjuic to the National Art Museum of Catalonia, for fresh exhibitions or walk up Passeig de Gracia to visit the great Gaudí structures? Casa Batlló has also night-time visits which contain a rooftop show. See the architect’s incomplete masterpiece, the towering Sagrada Familia but make sure to reserve your tickets well in advance. There are other things you can do, like take a journey to a Costa Brava beach town, the fishing village Cadaqués where Salvador Dalí lived, or other places like Sitges, a cool resort with a famous gay scene.

Madrid

Not as cool as Barcelona, but still worth a visit. Madrid, the Spanish capital, actually has a more real feel to it. Experience the true madrileño life, head to barrios like hip Malasaña and Chueca. Walk down the busy Gran Via, peeking out for the famous victory statue on top of the Edificio Metropolis. Explore the scenic view from the Circulo de Bellas Artes roof patio bar to enjoy a Negroni or lead to Plaza Mayor and tapas at the Mercado de San Miguel. If you are an art-lover, don't miss the three major museums the Prado, Reina Sofia - for Picasso, and Thyssen-Bornemisza.

Malaga

A lot of Costa del Sol tourists always visit other things and miss Malaga, but they shouldn't. Why? Because the culture and gastronomy are stunning. You can see a lot of street art and the Contemporary Art Centre, Carmen Thyssen, Picasso, and Pompidou. In terms of food, you can try a wide range from tapas to Michelin restaurants, the city more than holds its own against rival Andalucian metropolises. Malaga is a must if you love street markets and cultural hubs with artisan and retro pieces.

Islas Cies

The tiny Islas Cies is off the coast of Galicia in northwest Spain. It's a 7 km-long protected national park in the Vigo estuary, which can remind you of the Scilly Isles. There are no cars and wide beaches with turquoise waters. But two of the islands, Monteagudo and del Faro, are connected by the famous Rodas beach. There is no public transport in San Martiño and visitor numbers are rigorously managed to maintain this natural heaven. So you need to apply for permission in advance and book your boat.