Self Catering Holidays in Spain

Home to sun, sea, sand and sangria, Spain is Europe’s most popular holiday destination. People have flocked to it since 1954, returning year after year as one visit just isn’t enough.

Laid back yet welcoming, energetic yet calming, it is a country of huge geographical and cultural diversity. From bustling beach resorts to world heritage cities, snowy mountains, marshes, plains and national parks this varied country really does have it all.

With flights plentiful and reasonably priced from all UK airports, it’s accessible too. There’s a multitude of options when it comes to self catering accommodation. From stylish villas and apartments on the coast to rustic cottages and farmhouses inland, you’re sure to find the ideal base from which to explore the fascinating landscapes of Spain.

The Coasts of Spain

For a sun-drenched beach holiday, the Costas are the place to be - Costa de la Luz and Costa del Sol in the south, Costa Blanca and Costa Calida to the east, and Costa Brava and Blanca further north. All are modern-day tourist havens with a mix of secluded coves and long stretches of sandy beaches, and some of the best resorts in Europe.

There’s a bounty of good quality water sports and family-fun in key resorts including Benidorm, Benalmadena and Torremolinos. Find fabulous shops in Malaga, chic sophistication in Marbella and a heady nightlife in Magaluf.

The Costas are also a Mecca for golfers. Over 300 courses scatter the coastline, many of them shaping an entire resort and some designed by world-famous golfers yet with green fees considerably lower than in the UK.

Spanish Mountains & National Parks

In contrast to the high temperatures of the south east coastline, the northern areas of Spain tend to be cooler and, epitomised by lush landscapes, are known as ‘green Spain’.

As to its peaks, Spain is the second most mountainous country in Europe. The Spanish Pyrenees constitutes a huge area with endless possibilities for open-air summer activities and winter sports.

There is something for everyone, from small, friendly, family resorts to huge skiable areas. On the Spanish side of the Pyrenees there are a total of 16 ski resorts alone whilst the Catalonian side boasts 11, all catering for a variety of ski standards from the most advanced to complete beginners. In the summer choose from static hot air balloon flights, white water rafting, hiking, horse-riding, paragliding and biking.

Culture & Heritage of Spain

Spain has some of the most beautiful and fascinating cities in Europe - Barcelona, Bilbao, Cordoba, Seville, Valencia, Granada and Madrid to name a few. It also has the second highest number of UNESCO World Heritage Cities in the World. Thirteen monumental centres were joined together in 1985 and 1998, each boasting stunning architecture and rich in Spanish history and culture.

Spanish music, cuisine, religion, festivals, art and language, reflects the myriad of cultural influences throughout its history. From flamenco dancing and the Running of the Bulls festival at Pamploma, to sherry drinking, mock battles and fireworks, there are many festivals all forming an integral part of this fascinating country’s way of life.

Spain’s artistic heritage is equally captivating with world famous painters and sculptors including Pablo Picasso, Salvador Dali and Gaudi. Gaudi’s intricate, avant-garde work can be seen in Barcelona, with all cities displaying wonderfully decorative and architecturally beautiful buildings.

Some of the best museums can be found in Madrid and Bilbao. There’s the Prado Museum in Madrid and the Guggenheim in Bilbao where you’ll also find Maritime and Bullfighting museums.

National Parks of Spain

From wetlands to mountains, Spain’s diverse array of National parks makes up 4 per cent of the country. With the first park established in 1918, it is a country actively committed to conservation.

For the tourist this means an opportunity to visit beautiful environments and get in touch with nature. There are parks at Sierra Nevada, Donana and Cabaneros, but the most popular is the Tablas de Daimiel National Park. Located on a plateau in the south central region of the country, in the La Mancha area, it offers stunning views and is a haven for numerous species of animals and birds

From spring to autumn it’s possible to go on Eco-tours and marvel at local flaura and fauna including Eleonora’s Falcon, the Pasha butterfly and many varieties of orchid.