Spain lies in south-west Europe on the Iberian Peninsula. Spanish territory also includes the Balearics in the Mediterranean and the Canary Islands in the Atlantic. There are great regional differences in the geography of Spain, from mountain ranges to long sandy beaches and from the fertile green north to the arid plains of the south. Architectural differences reflect the influences of the various invaders and occupiers of the land. Spain is a year round holiday destination offering skiing in the winter and beach holidays in the summer. City breaks are especially popular in the spring and autumn.
Spain holidays offer true variety from snow-covered mountains with skiing, lush green valleys, arid desert and superb golden beaches. Perhaps only in Spain is it possible to do this all on the same day. It is not just the landscape of Spain that offers such diversity - climate, culture, art, and even language vary widely throughout this country. The true classic, Spain holidays is really where the UK package holiday started in the 50's and 60's. Spain offers a year round reliable climate, great beaches, a high standard, and wide variety of hotel, villa and self-catering apartments.
Spain holidays are so varied that they attract all age groups and appeal to all interests. Skiers will find a large number of excellent resorts with first class facilities both on and off the slopes. Sun worshippers and beach lovers are spoilt for choice having a long Mediterranean coast and a short Atlantic coast from which to choose. Those interested in the architecture and culture of Spain will find city breaks are the perfect way to explore the magnificent churches, museums, monuments and ancient historic sites found in the great towns and cities of Spain.
Spain has a year round holiday season. Spain skiing holidays begin in December and last until spring. Spain summer holidays begin in April in the south and end in October. City breaks can of course be taken at any time of year but are most popular in the spring and autumn when the temperature is not so high.
Spain, a very large country, was originally separate autonomous regions and this is evident today in the contrasts seen in architecture, in language and in the cultural differences of its people. The Roman ruins, the Moorish mosques, the Renaissance and Baroque cathedrals, all serve to illustrate the changing history of the country. There are over thirty skiing resorts in the Pyrenees, the Cantabrian Mountains and the Sierra Nevada all of which have excellent facilities and fine safety records. Good snow, together with bright winter sun, make Spain a very popular skiing destination. The many coastal resorts in Spain attract hundreds of thousands of visitors every year. They range from the quiet family beaches of La Pinada on the Costa Dorada to the eighteen to thirty resorts of Torremolinos on the Costa del Sol where the evening entertainment extends until dawn. Every kind of sport is available both on land and in the sea. Spain is renowned for its excellent golf courses. The unique architecture found in cities such as Madrid, Barcelona, Granada and Cordoba attract many tourists.
Spain celebrates many festivals each year often associated with the church. Music and dance form a large part of any xelebration. The Flamenco dancers with their whirling skirts present an exciting exhibition. Bull fighting has existed for many centuries in Spain and was at one time a major attraction. The controversial nature of this so called sport has seen a reduction in the number of tourists who attend the bull ring.
Nightlife in Spain depends on where you choose to holiday. There are peaceful resorts more suited to families who like to sleep at night, frenetic resorts where partying continues until dawn and resorts with a combination of both.
Wherever you travel in Spain you will find many shopping opportunities from elegant boutiques to gift shops and from specialist shops to markets. Leather goods, jewellery, linens, ceramics and woven baskets are all popular souvenirs.
Spaniards are a nation of people who like to eat out and it is easy to see why this is so. You don’t need to eat in an exclusive restaurant to enjoy a good meal. Small family run bars and cafes often serve the best of Spanish cuisine using locally produced ingredients. Fish restaurants by the coast are renowned for their catch of the day specialities. Feel peckish in between meals and you will find a host of tapas bars ready to take the edge off your appetite. Spanish wines are delicious and are excellent value.
Spain is a catholic country and many of its festivals are connected with the church and the feast days of the saints. Visitors to churches, particularly in rural areas, should dress modestly in order to avoid offence. The Spanish are a warm and friendly people who offer a genuine welcome to visitors. Children are always greeted with much affection.
Cheap holidays to Spain are available all throughout the winter period, apart from at Christmas, New Year and February half term when the kids are off school. To get the cheapest Spain holiday price possible, you’ll be looking at a time outside of the peak periods, although you can still pick up a cheap Spain holiday in early May and late October when the temperatures aren’t quite so hot.
If you visit Spain outside of the peak seasons you’ll notice that drinks are considerably cheaper, but the price of food will stay at roughly the same price as it is here in the United Kingdom, so it might help you get a cheap holiday if you book into half board accommodation depending on what kind of deal you can find at the time.
May is a good time for a cheap Spain holiday if you’re interested in checking out some of their festivals. The first of the month is the Spanish Labour Day which is celebrated all over the country. In Madrid between the 12th and 21st of the month the Fiesta de San Isidro takes place, with parties, parades, bull fights and dances all over the city. This is a big attraction for not only tourists, but locals too, and is definitely worth visiting if you decide to take a cheap Spain holiday in May.
The busy summer season is starting to come to an end and resorts become less crowded. It’s a good time to visit Spain if you’re looking for a cheap holiday to a place with temperatures higher than those in the UK at this time, however you probably won’t get the heat or sunshine that’s traditionally associated with Spain’s summer months. If you’re interested in visiting some of the countries fascinating landmarks whilst on your cheap Spain holiday, then October is probably a perfect time to do so. Prices will be coming down, and the number of tourists in the area will be too, so you won’t need to spend so long queuing for places such as the many art galleries throughout Barcelona and the rest of the country.
With many different sights to see all through the year, just outside of the summer seasons is a good time to book a cheap Spain holiday.
