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White beaches, tourist complexes, nightlife, culture and romance - it's hard to say which Spanish beach resort is the best place to spend your holiday. We have tried to select a few that are perfect for every type of tourist. Let's discover them together!
1 - Ibiza Town, Balearic Islands
Many people don't know that Ibiza is not only the name of the island but also of the town that is its capital. Known the world over for its nightlife, the city possesses natural and historical beauty that often goes unnoticed by the nightlife lover. The oldest part of Ibiza, for example, has been a World Heritage Site since 1999. The area, called Dalt Vila, bears witness to the different cultures with which the island has come into contact throughout its history: from the Phoenicians to the Carthaginians, passing through the Romans and Muslims, up to the Catalan conquest. In addition to its historical attractions and nightclubs, Ibiza Town includes three of the most beautiful beaches on the entire island: Ses Figueretes, Talamanca and Platja d'en Bossa.
See also: Balearic Islands, Spain - where they are, when to go and what to see
Recommendedfor: Recommended for everyone
Sights: Dalt Vila, beaches, Castle and Cathedral, Hospitalet Church, Almudaina
Cheap flights: from €43.98 - look at the offers
Where to stay: Hotels and B&Bs from €30.00 per room - see offers
Card, tickets and recommended tours: Ibiza : Dive for beginners with sunset option Ibiza : snorkelling activities from San Antonio Ibiza: all inclusive cave tour and luxury vehicles
2 - Barcelona, Catalonia
Barcelona is perhaps the most popular tourist destination in the world. Sea, romance, entertainment for the little ones, historical monuments, the capital of Catalonia offers an embarrassment of riches, making it a holiday destination for everyone. Barcelona is a theatre where the curtain doesn't come down even at night when the dense network of alleys leading up to Plaza de la Catalunya comes alive with people. La Ramblas, the big street that runs through the old city is, with its stalls and street artists, the symbol of Spanish movida but, it doesn't end there. Depending on the time of year or personal taste, Barcelona offers a diverse range of nightlife entertainment to suit all tastes. Are you on holiday with your better half, and fancy going dancing in a 'quiet' club? The neighbourhood of ElBorn is the place for you. Are you looking for unbridled nightlife in a romantic setting? At Porto Vecchio they often organise events under the stars and, not to be underestimated, entry to the clubs is free.
Recommended for: everyone
Sights: Plaza de la Catalunya, Sagrada Familia, Casa Battlò, Parc Güell, Basilica of Santa Maria del Mar
Cheap flights: from €24.98 - see deals
Where to stay: Hotels and B&Bs from €32.00 per room - see deals
Card, tickets and recommended tours: Sagrada Familia: fast entry ticket Costa Brava: half-day tour from Barcelona Barcelona: Magic Fountain show and open-top bus tour
3 - Cadiz, Andalusia
Cadiz is a quaint coastal city in Andausia, boasting a major port, many and varied museums, a charming old town embraced by the sea, and diverse nightlife options. Cadiz's rise began around 1100 B.C. by the Phoenicians and continued after the discovery of America, when it was the most cosmopolitan city in the whole of Spain. The city's inhabitants are famous for their youthfulness and hospitality, not to mention good food. Don't miss the Carnival of Cadiz, one of the most famous festivities in Spain, which takes place on Mardi Gras and the beautiful beaches, which fill up with people on summer nights. The promenade, the General Muñoz de Arenillas street and the Victory beach area are favourite destinations for nightlife lovers and people seeking shelter from the heat of the day. Some venues offer live shows and musical genres, suitable for young and old, while for young people looking for a good time, the area of Puntade San Felipe is recommended.
Recommended for: everyone
Sights: Tavira Tower, Castle of Santa Catalina, Museum of Cadiz, Cadiz Cathedral, the historical centre and walls, Roman Theatre and the Central Market
Cheap flights: Jerez de la Frontera, near Cadiz, from €122.17 - see deals
Where to stay: Hotels and B&Bs from €33.00 per room - see deals
Card, tickets and recommended tours: Cadiz 2.5 hour private walking tour and market visit Cadiz: medieval tour Cadiz: Segway beach tour
4 - Valencia Region
Valencia is one of Spain's most important port cities, known for its City of Arts and Sciences, which includes a planetarium, an oceanarium and an interactive museum, and for its many beaches, some of which are located within the Albufera park: a true natural paradise, boasting a marshland reserve, a lake and several hiking trails. A young and lively city with a range of attractions designed especially for children, Valencia, with its mix of Catalan and Andalusian culture, has recently entered the Iberian nightlife scene in its own right, suitable for young people, couples and families alike. Known all over the world for the'Paella', a culinary speciality born in the area, Valencia offers a choice of nightlife entertainment, ranging from the typical bars of the Barrio del Carmen, where you can also attend live shows; to the trendiest discos, suitable for couples who want to be 'quiet' without giving up the nightlife, and finally to the area of the port and Malvarosa beach, the 'youth' area, where the city's biggest discos stay open until the morning.
Recommended for: everyone
Worth visiting: City of Arts and Sciences, Central Market, Fallero Museum, Bioparc, Oceanographic Park, Lonja de la Seda
Cheap flights: from €23.98 - see deals
Where to stay: Hotels and B&Bs from €30.00 per room - see offers
Card, tickets and recommended tours: Valencia: Oceanogràfic City of Arts entrance ticket: combined tickets Valencia Biopark: a day in the heart of Africa
5 - Mogán, Canary Island
Mogán is a small town on theCanary Island, which includes fishing towns such as Puerto de Mogán and Arguineguín. The main attraction of the area is the beautiful beaches, currently divided into six residential centres: Arguineguín, Patalavaca, Anfi del Mar, Puerto Rico, Amadores, Tauro, Playa del Cura, Taurito and Puerto de Mogán, all of which have sumptuous hotels and luxurious restaurants. Mogán is the ideal area for families looking for a quiet holiday, for nature and water sports lovers, and for couples wishing to enjoy a romantic holiday away from the hustle and bustle of the crowds.
Recommended for: families with children and couples
Worth visiting: natural beauty is the area's main attraction
Cheap flights: Las Palmas airport, near Mogán, from €134.96 - see deals
Where to stay: Hotels and B&Bs from €40.00 per room - see offers
Card, tickets and recommended tours: Mogán: 40-minute submarine tour Gran Canaria: combined water sports packages Cocodrilo Park: entrance ticket
6 - Palma de Mallorca, Mallorca
Palma de Mallorca, the capital of the island of Majorca, is taken by storm every year by lovers of beaches and nightlife, but the city also has much more to offer. Plaza Mayor and Plaza del Sol are the beating heart of Palma's old town where, besides strolling and shopping, you can enjoy some local specialities in one of the many quaint cafés. The old part of the city, on the other hand, hides historical beauties, such as the Arab Baths, an architectural masterpiece and the Almudaina Royal Palace, used by the king for official ceremonies in the summer. At night, Palma de Mallorca comes alive and offers entertainment in all areas of the city, allowing practically anyone to find the club closest to their idea of fun.
Recommended for: couples and young people
Sights: Royal Palace, Turkish Baths, Cathedral of Palma de Mallorca, Fundació Pilar i Joan Miró, Palaza Mayor, Plaza del Sol
Cheap flights: from €19.98 - see deals
Where to stay: Hotels and B&Bs from €40.00 per room - see deals
Card, tickets and recommended tours: Majorca : Palma Cathedral and Museum of the Diocese Palma Aquarium: entrance ticket Palma de Mallorca: guided tour of the old town
7 - Marbella, Andalusia
Marbella is one of the most famous seaside resorts in the world. Located between Malaga and Gilbilterra, the town began its rise as a tourist destination in the 1960s when actors and various other show business personalities made it their favourite holiday destination. With an old town centre of Arab origin, Marbella is equipped to cater to everyone's idea of entertainment: discos, beaches equipped for children, monuments and a quiet seafront promenade for romantic walks. In addition, if you are an active person, you can practice a water sport or try your hand at a round of golf at one of the elegant clubs in town.
Recommended for: everyone
Sights: Sohail Castel, old town, Plaza de la Iglesia, the Arab walls, Capilla San Juan de Díos
Cheap flights: Málaga airport, near Marbella from €25.98 - see offers
Where to stay: Hotels and B&Bs from €40.00 per room - see offers
Card, tickets and recommended tours: Paddleboarding tour of Marbella Bay Marbella : ride through the Old Town, harbour and Marbella parks: Old Town tour with wine and tapas tasting
8 - Roses, Catalonia
Photo by Gordito1869. Roses is an ancient Greek colony, stretching between the sea and the mountains. Located in the province of Girona, its natural beauty is the area's main attraction. It boasts countless beaches, where you can practice a variety of water sports, and the natural parks of Aiguamolls de l´Empordá and Cap de Creus, a favourite destination for trekking enthusiasts. The great scenic wealth of this region is complemented by the richness of the seabed, which can be admired thanks to the boats with their transparent backdrops, very popular with children, diving and scuba diving. But Roses is not only nature. The town retains some importanthistorical monuments from theGreek period, including the ancient Hellenic quarter, the Roman villa and the Romanesque-Lombard monastery.
Recommended for: families with children, couples and young people looking for a relaxing holiday
Worth visiting: Roses Lighthouse, Church of Santa Maria, Casa Mallol, historical remains from the Greek/Roman period, natural parks, the Citadel.
Cheap flights: Barcelona Airport, near Roses from €24.98 - see offers
Where to stay: Hotels and B&Bs from €48.00 per room - see offers
9 - Santander, Cantabria
Santander is an elegant city overlooking a beautiful bay. Developed around the Abbey of San Emeterio - to which it owes its name - from the mid-19th century it became one of the most exclusive holiday resorts in Spain. The historical centre of the city, immersed in a natural setting that embraces the sea and the mountains, is made up of ancient palaces that overlook the sea. Among the main tourist attractions in Santander are the Sardinero beach, which runs along the seafront, the Magdalena peninsula and the Plaza de Italia with its elegant outdoor venues, a meeting point for lovers of summer nightlife. It should also be noted that Santander is also one of the stops on the famous Pilgrim's Way to Santiago.
Recommended for: families with children and couples
Worth visiting: Altamira Caves, natural parks, Plaza de Italia, Gran Casino, Museum of Prehistory and Archaeology, San Emeterio Abbey
Cheap flights: from €XX,XX - see offers
Where to stay: Hotels and B&Bs from €XX,XX per room - see offers
Card, tickets and recommended tours: Santander: private one-way transfer to SDR airport
10 - Malaga, Andalusia
Malaga is the second largest city in Andalusia and the undisputed queen of the Costa del Sol: the most popular coastal strip for tourists from all over the world. Characterised by year-round mild temperatures and long beaches, Malaga was the birthplace of Pablo Picasso and is home to important historical remains. Founded by the Phoenicians, it has passed through Roman and Muslim hands over the centuries, which have left traces clearly visible in the historical artefacts and buildings scattered throughout the city. Famous for its exuberant population, which has the reputation of being 'people who have fun all day long', Malaga is ideal for nightlife lovers and couples looking for a bit of liveliness after a romantic day out.
Recommended for: couples and young people
Worth visiting: Alcazaba, Casa Natal and Picasso Museum, Roman Theatre, Gibralfaro Castle
Cheap flights: from €25.98 - look at the offers
Where to stay: Hotels and B&Bs from €30.00 per room - see offers
Card, tickets and recommended tours: Picasso Museum Málaga: entrance ticket and audio guide Alhambra: guided tour from Málaga Málaga: classic guided walking tour of the city
11 - Sant Francesc Xavier, island of Formentera
Sant Francesc Xavier is the most populated urban core of Formentera, as well as its capital. The small town is generally the place where hundreds of tourists stay overnight, attracted by the island's natural beauty, beaches, lidos and nightlife. A very popular tourist destination, thanks to the beauty of its beaches, in recent years it has been the subject of a veritable invasion of tourists, especially Italians, attracted by its 'particular wild nights'. Sant Francesc, like the whole island, is a far cry from the frenzy of Ibiza, and much closer to hippie culture. Tranquillity and peace characterise the whole island, where you can spend the evenings in bars, ice-cream parlours and beer gardens, where entertainment is offered to those who don't feel like going to bed early.
Recommended for: everyone
Sights: lighthouses, salt pans, nature trails, beaches, the town church.
Cheap flights: Ibiza airport, close to Formentera from €43.98 - look at the offers
Where to stay: Hotels and b&b's from €46.00 per room - look at the offers
Card, tickets and recommended tours : Formentera: scooter rental service from 1 to several days
12 - Lloret de Mar, Catalonia
Photo by Cudeiro04. Lloret de Mar is a city of almost 40,000 inhabitants located between Girona and Barcelona. Known throughout Europe for its movida, a destination for many young people in the midst of their 'post high school exam' journey, Lloret de Mar enjoys all the wonders of the Catalan coast at a lower average price than its more famous sisters. The town is young and always cheerful, and a popular tourist destination thanks to its beautiful natural environment, equipped for the enjoyment of sports enthusiasts and cultural attractions, expressions of the Catalan modernist school.
Recommended for: couples and young people
Sights: Maritime Museum, Sant Joan Castle, Cat Museum, Modernist cemetery of the Indianos, nature trails
Cheap flights: Barcelona airport, near Lloret de Mar from €24.98 - see offers
Where to stay: Hotels and B&Bs from €36.00 per room - see offers
Card, tickets and recommended tours: Costa Brava sailing Tour Barcelona to Lloret de Mar Private transfer by car Barcelona: Highlights from Costa Brava
13 - Alicante, province of Alicante
Alicante is a beautiful seaside city, the size of a fishing village, but dotted with skyscrapers and neon. In the city, the old and the new coexist and, simply by leaving the tourist streets, you can immerse yourself in the atmosphere of a bygone era, finding peace and romance. Famous for its child-friendly beaches, Alicante also boasts a vast historical heritage, whose roots go all the way back to Visigothic times, and the most famous clubs in Spain. The city's nightlife entertainment has something for everyone, ranging from bars and pubs to trendy nightclubs and discos.
Recommended for: everyone
Sights: Tabarca Island, Museum of Contemporary Art, Church of Santa Maria, the beaches, Explanada de Espana
Cheap flights: from €41.66 - see offers
Where to stay: Hotels and B&Bs from €22.00 per room - see offers
Card, tickets and recommended tours: Segway tour of Alicante Castles of Alicante: Segway Tour Caves of Canelobre: 1-day tour from Alicante
14 - Almeria, Andalusia
Created to meet the defensive needs of the Arabs,Almería was the largest fortress ever built in Spain by the Muslims and within its triple walls housed palaces and mosques.The Caliphate's main trading port, from the hill of San Cristóbal, you can enjoy a romantic view of the old town and harbour. Filled with historical wonders, one cannot leave Almeria without visiting the Park of Nicolás Salmerón, or walking along the wide Paseo de Almería and the Calle Real, characterised by palaces with multicoloured façades. Just outside the city you can find beautiful beaches and several natural parks, suitable for relaxing in contact with nature.
Recommended for: families with children and couples
Worth visiting: Almería Cathedral, Via de las Tiendas, the natural parks, San Pedro Church, Hayrán Wall
Cheap flights: from €139.00 - see offers
Where to stay: Hotels and B&Bs from €27.00 per room - see offers
Card, tickets and recommended tours: Alhambra and Generalife Gardens Shore Excursion from Almeria Oasys Mini Hollywood: 1-day western park tour
15 - Torremolinos, Andalusia
Photo by Hans Olav Lien. The long white beaches and nightlife attract hundreds of tourists from all over the world to Torremolinos every year. An established seaside resort, the city is not just about beaches and fun, however. Torremolinos has a beautiful historical centre, entirely pedestrianised and full of shops of all kinds, attractions designed to enchant children and a charming seafront promenade, suitable for romantic moments. Restaurants and bars along the Paseo Marítimo are the ideal choice for enjoying a good meal, or for those in search of some evening entertainment for everyone.
Recommended for: everyone
Worth visiting: Pimentel Tower, Iglesia de San Miguel, Cocodrilos Park, Parque La Batería, Jardin Botanico Molino de Inca
Cheap flights: Zaragoza airport, near Torremolinos, from €96.10 - see deals
Where to stay: Hotels and B&Bs from €35.00 per room - see offers
Card, tickets and recommended tours: From Torremolinos: full day Alhambra Tour to Cordoba from Torremolinos, Estepona and Marbella
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