Spain receives more British tourists than any other country, over 17 million visits per year. With guaranteed sunshine, incredible food, direct flights from every UK airport and accommodation at every budget level, it's easy to understand why. But "Spain" covers an enormous range of experiences. Here's how to pick the right part for you.
Costa del Sol, Glamour, Sunshine and Tapas
Best for: Couples, foodies, nightlife, golf • Airport: Malaga (AGP) • Season: Year-round
The Costa del Sol is Spain's most famous holiday coast, 150km of Mediterranean shoreline stretching west from Malaga to Estepona. It's one of Europe's most reliably sunny spots, with over 300 days of sunshine per year and temperatures that rarely dip below 15°C even in January.
The resort strip is centred on Torremolinos and Benalmádena (lively, popular with Brits), Fuengirola (family-friendly, excellent beach), and the globally-famous Marbella (upmarket, with the glitzy Puerto Banús marina). Nerja, to the east of Malaga, is smaller and more traditionally Spanish, with one of the prettiest beaches on the coast.
Malaga city itself is increasingly recognised as a brilliant destination in its own right, the Picasso Museum, the Alcazaba fortress, and one of the best urban food scenes in Spain make it an excellent city-break alongside the beach.
Best time to visit: May–June and September–October offer the best balance of heat, crowds and price. July and August are very hot and busy. Winter is mild and quiet, perfect for golfers and those who want to explore without the crowds.
Costa Blanca, Where Alicante Rules
Best for: Families, first-timers, value • Airport: Alicante (ALC) • Season: Year-round
The Costa Blanca ("White Coast") runs either side of Alicante city, north towards Benidorm and Calpe, south towards Torrevieja and the Mar Menor. It's arguably the most accessible part of Spain for UK visitors, with some of Europe's cheapest direct flights and a vast range of accommodation options.
Benidorm is Britain's most-written-about Spanish resort, for better or worse. It's unashamedly built for the British market, hundreds of hotels and apartments, miles of beach, and a nightlife strip that goes until dawn. But it's also genuinely good value and the beaches are legitimately excellent. The mountains behind Benidorm are worth exploring if you want a break from the sun lounger.
Alicante city is one of the most underrated Spanish cities, a proper Spanish urban experience with a stunning castle overlooking the port, a lively tapas scene and some beautiful beaches within easy reach. It's a natural base for exploring the Costa Blanca without being anchored to a resort.
Best time to visit: The Costa Blanca is genuinely pleasant year-round, it has the lowest rainfall in Spain. Summer is hot and busy; spring and autumn are perfect.
Mallorca, Something for Everyone
Best for: Families, couples, walkers, nightlife • Airport: Palma (PMI) • Season: April–October
Mallorca is Spain's most-visited island and, at 3,600 sq km, large enough to offer genuinely distinct experiences depending on where you stay. The south-west, Magaluf, Palmanova, Paguera, is lively and British-dominated. The north, Pollença, Alcudia, Cala Millor, is quieter and more family-oriented, with some of the island's best beaches. The rugged Serra de Tramuntana mountain range in the west is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and paradise for walkers and cyclists.
Palma itself is a genuinely stunning city, the cathedral, the old town and the waterfront are all first-rate. It's one of the few Spanish cities that can genuinely compete with Barcelona as a city-break destination.
Best time to visit: May–June and September are ideal, warm, less crowded, and the island's walking routes are at their best. Most hotels are closed November–March.
Ibiza, Not Just for Clubbers
Best for: Nightlife, couples without children, beach lovers • Airport: Ibiza (IBZ) • Season: May–October
Ibiza's clubbing reputation is deserved but one-dimensional. The north and east of the island, around Santa Eulalia, Es Canar and Portinatx, are quiet, family-friendly and genuinely beautiful, with crystal-clear coves that rival anything in Greece. The UNESCO-listed Dalt Vila (old town) in Ibiza Town is one of the most atmospheric historic centres in the Balearics.
If you do want the nightlife, the clubs in San Antonio and Ibiza Town are world-class, with headline DJs performing throughout the summer season. Just be aware that the best clubs are expensive and tickets should be bought in advance.
Best time to visit: June and September for the best weather without the peak-season prices and crowds. July and August are the most expensive weeks of the year.
Spain Holiday Planning: Key Tips
- Choose your region before your resort, the character of Marbella is completely different to Benidorm, even though both are "Costa del Sol"
- Direct flights matter, all major UK airports serve Spain's main holiday airports (Malaga, Alicante, Palma) with multiple airlines, giving you real choice on price
- Half-board can beat all-inclusive, in Spain, the local restaurant scene is so good that all-inclusive can actually mean you miss out. Consider half-board and eat out at least a few evenings
- Hire a car for flexibility, particularly on the Costas, where the best beaches and villages are often a short drive from the main resort strip
- Book summer school holiday weeks as early as possible, direct flights from UK regional airports to Spanish destinations fill quickly, especially on Jet2 and TUI