There’s no holiday destination quite like Spain for us Brits. Every year (with the exception of Covid), we flock to the hotspots – be it Ibiza, Marbella or Majorca – to catch some sun, sea and sand. And now we’re paying homage to Espana with our A-to-Z of Spanish destinations. So get your sun lotion out and put on the Ray Bands because we’re discovering the best of Spain. 🇪🇸🇪🇸🇪🇸🇪🇸
A is for Almería
Rugged mountains, shopping centres and tapas await you in Almeria, a charming Spanish city in southeast Spain. Wander the medieval old town, peaceful squares and fishing villages before hitting one of the many beaches to soak up some sun.
B is Barcelona
A city that needs little introduction, Barcelona is one of the most recognised places in the world thanks to its Gaudi architecture. Then there’s the all-night parties, city beaches and vibrant atmosphere that makes Barcelona one of the best places to visit in the world.
C is for Cadiz
If you’re looking for a postcard-perfect destination then book a trip to Cadiz. Considered the oldest continuously inhabited settlement in Europe, Cadiz is full of history and one of the most romantic places to visit in Spain with its tranquil water settings, quaint taverns and cobblestone streets.
D is for Dos Hermanas
Located 15km south of Seville, Dos Hermanas is the second-largest town in the Seville province. It’s not your typical tourist destination, but it does have historical buildings and plenty of Spanish charm.
E is for Elche
Head to Elche for another non-tourist destination. It’s better known for its shoemaking than it is a holiday hotspot, so a trip here provides the chance to get away from it all. Local markets sell fresh fruits, but it’s the palm trees that will capture your attention – they give the city some serious chilled-out vibes.
F is for Formentera
The smallest island of the Pityusic Islands, Formentera is best known for being Ibiza’s neighbour. Don’t expect 24-hour parties and hedonism in Formentera, though. This is a place to relax the day away on the soft-sandy beaches while taking a dip in the crystal-clear waters.
G is for Getafe
As the centre of the Iberian Peninsula, Getafe is just eight miles away from Madrid. During your visit, climb Cerro de los Ángeles and pass pleasant pine trees as you ascend to the top and enjoy sweeping views of the Iberian landscape.
H is for Horno de Alcedo
A village in the municipality of Valencia, Horno de Alcedo has a population of just 1,200 people. It might not be your first-choice destination, but if you’re visiting Valencia, why not see how the locals live while enjoying some homemade tapas?
I is Ibiza
What else is there to say about Ibiza? The party capital of the country (maybe even the world), this is where you go for clubbing nights that last for days and days. It also happens to be a beautiful island, with some of the best beaches in Europe and charming little villages. Get ready to enter a hedonistic paradise.
J is for Jaén
Known for its olive oil production and fortresses, Jaen is full of historical buildings that are Instagram-snap worthy. Visit the Renaissance-style Jaén Cathedral, spend some time at medieval Santa Catalina Castle and grab some bread to enjoy that homegrown olive oil.
K is for Kintoa (Quinto Real)
Kintoa, otherwise known as Quinto Real, is a condominium on the border between France and Spain in the Pyrenees mountains. It’s not really somewhere you visit, but there aren’t many places in Spain that begin with a K.
L is for Las Palmas
Located on the Canary Islands, Las Palmas is known to have the best climate in the world. It’s Spain’s ninth-largest city and effortlessly blends old with new. Visit Columbus House, which was formerly the governor’s residence, before partaking in a spot of retail therapy in Triana, the city’s premier shopping area.
M is for Madrid
As the capital of Spain, Madrid is one of the most cultured cities in the country. It’s alive 24/7 and features fantastic museums and dazzling nightlife that goes on well into the early hours of the morning. Wander Madrid and enjoy the boutiques, delis, cafes and gastrobars that line the streets in a city that’s all about spontaneity.
N is for Nerja
Located in the Costa del Sol, Nerja is a stylish resort town with about 10 miles of pristine beaches. It’s all about the watersports here, so get your swimwear out and enjoy water skiing, scuba diving and sailing.
O is for Osuna
This Andalusia town is perhaps best-known as a Game of Thrones filming location. But even if you’re not a fan of the book or TV series, Osuna is a city that will delight you with its rich architectural and cultural heritage.
P is for Palma
As the capital of Mallorca, Palma is an economic and cultural hub bursting with restaurants, cafes, bars and nightclubs. It features narrow streets that are great for exploring on foot and the Soller Railway, which has 17 miles of scenic sights to admire.
Q is for Quintanarraya
Quintanarraya might not be at the top of your “to visit” list, but it’s another chance to admire rural Spain and experience a side to the country not typically associated with Spanish holidays.
R is for Rioja
Renowned for its local wine industry, Rioja is surrounded by Basque Country, Aragón, Navarra and Castilla y León. It really is about the wine here: the region produces around 300 million litres of wine per year and has approximately 63,593 hectares of vineyards.
S is for Seville
A classy city with mouthwatering food and Gothic and Renaissance architecture, Seville is a must-visit place. It might lack a beach, but more than makes up for it with its style. Wander the picturesque cobblestone streets and indulge in the old world during your trip to Seville.
T is for Tenerife
It’s all about the beaches in Tenerife, a place where you can party until the early hours while indulging in luxury. Choose from Michelin-star restaurants, chic beach clubs and boutique spots before venturing off into the forests or to admire the local art scene. Tenerife really is a place that has it all.
U is for Ubeda
Set in the province of Jaén, Ubeda is a quiet little town with charming buildings, local restaurants and 48 monuments to admire. Ubeda Parador is a historic landmark and stylish boutique hotel that’s well worth a stay if you’re visiting the area.
V is for Valencia
Spain’s third-largest city has benefited from regeneration, and it’s now full of striking modern architecture that blends in with the Art Nouveau buildings. This is a place to visit for culture, with its museums, festivals and market gardens.
W is for Wamba
Not many regions, cities or towns begin with the letter W in Spain, apart from Wamba. It’s a municipality in the province of Valladolid with just 323 residents. A visit here is a chance to experience life like the locals.
X is for Xàtiva
Xativa is the ideal destination for a few hours if you’re staying in Valencia, plus it has a location just 25km from the beach. There is plenty of Roman and Arab history to discover in this province of Valencia, and it’s full of hills that make for great vantage points.
Y is for Yecla
Yecla is a small Spanish town around 96km from Murcia. Visit the Concha Segura Theatre, a historic building where you can watch local plays. Or spend some time at Mayor Square, which is a monumental gathering renascentist and baroque in the heart of the historical centre.
Z is for Zaragoza
One of Spain’s most underrated destinations, Zaragoza has fine architecture like a turreted castle and plenty of bars and cafes to enjoy local delights. In fact, it has one of the best tapas scenes in the country, so make sure you’re hungry when you arrive in the capital of the Aragon region.
