Whatever type of holiday you're looking for, Spain is the ideal location. Offering sun-drenched beaches, vibrant modern cities and rustic charm in equal measures, you can choose from cheap holidays to tailor-made packages to suit you. Spain delivers relaxation and excitement, from the golden sands of Spain's legendary beaches, including the famous Costa Blanca and Costa del Sol to the picturesque scenery and bustling cities of Andalucia and Catalonia. Whether you're looking for idyllic beaches, buzzing nightlife, rich culture, mouth-watering cuisine or world-class shopping - or maybe a bit of each - you'll find it all in this magical country.
| Factbook | |
|---|---|
| Capital (and largest city): | Madrid |
| Official languages: | Spanish (Castilian) |
| EU accession: | 1 January 1986 |
| Currency: | euro (EUR) | 1EUR = 0.93GBP (last updated on 12. March 2009) |
| Time zone: | UTC+1 |
| Calling code: | +34 |
| Area: | 504,030 kmē | 195,364 sq mi |
| Coastline: | 4,964 km |
| Population: | 45,200,737 |
| Climate: | temperate; clear, hot summers in interior, more moderate and cloudy along coast; cloudy, cold winters in interior, partly cloudy and cool along coast |
| Terrain: | large, flat to dissected plateau surrounded by rugged hills; Pyrenees in north |
Stretches of golden sand, perfect for family fun, line the coast of mainland Spain, including the popular and famous Costa Blanca, Costa Brava and Costa del Sol resorts with their mix of idyllic beaches and buzzing nightlife. You'll be spoilt for choice as you select the perfect package holiday destination - Torremolinos and Fuengirola, where British-style pubs nestle side-by-side with traditional tapas bars; the ever popular towns of Marbella and Benidorm; picturesque Alicante; the beautiful coastal resorts of Isla Canela and Isla Cristina in unspoilt Costa de la Luz.
Or, perhaps you'd like to soak up the culture and cosmopolitan atmosphere of sophisticated cities like Barcelona, with their wonderful historic sights, museums, fine restaurants, busy nightlife and world-class shopping.
Andalucia offers the historic cities of Seville and Granada, brimming with heritage, culture and unique atmosphere. Andalucia lets you explore the 'real' Spain, the home of flamenco and bull fighting, majestic mountains and outstanding natural beauty. While Andalucia includes the fun and excitement of the Costa del Sol, it is also filled with rustic charm, historic treasures from Spain's Roman and Arabian past and breathtaking national parks to discover.
In Catalonia you'll find cosmpolitan Barcelona, as well as a very different side to Spain. Alongside the popular Costa Brava and Costa Dorada resorts, you'll discover an indepedent region boasting its own language and traditions. At the heart of this exceptional region lies Barcelona, a vibrant city packed with rich culture, including Gaudi's breathtaking works. This fashionable city may draw the most attention, but you should not miss Catalonia's other treasures, such as the charming towns nestling in he stunning scenery, such as La Bisbal D'emporda, Santa Cristina D'aro and Pals.
The sun-drenched paradise of Spain offers a wide choice of accommodation to suit all budgets, from all-inclusive to self-catering, and is the perfect destination whether you're planning a family holiday or a quick getaway.
If you'd prefer to sample island life with some Spanish flair, the Balearics and Canary Islands are filled with stunning resorts offering something for everyone.