Spain is still the most popular destination for the UK holidaymaker. Budget airlines and affordable fares have turned Spain into a beach resort haven for northern Europeans wishing to escape their own damp climates, with sun-bleached beaches it’s easy to see why.

Some may feel that the Canary and Balearic Islands have been overrun by tourists, and this is true to some extent - Tenerife, Lanzarote and Mallorca have become synonymous with cheap package holidays and warm beer, and Ibiza’s reputation has, for some, been tarnished by the revellers frequenting its famous dance clubs and beach parties; however even here you will find many magical, unspoilt corners awaiting discovery.

Spain is comprised of numerous autonomous regions, offering such variation within one country. The hundreds of miles of Mediterranean coastline provide ample opportunity to get off the beaten track,

and the country’s vibrant cities and colourful festivals will amaze and delight even the most seasoned traveller. There is the Spain of Gaudi, Dali, and Picasso, of Goya and Velazquez - proudly displayed in Madrid’s museums and galleries.

Spain’s Pamplona is a unique experience of thundering streets that vibrate to the rhythm of man and beast during the annual running of the bulls, and while the whole country celebrates each February with the Carnaval, no place does it better than Sitges. Barcelona is Spain’s showcase of the unique architectural style of Gaudi’s bizarre organic turrets and balconies. For a more provincial experience, the Valencian town of Buñol goes wild every year with the La Tomatina festival, a time when the region’s surplus tomatoes - following the annual harvest - are dumped on the streets and pelted about in a friendly riot.

Spain is also a country rich in heritage and the historic cities of Toledo, Salamanca, Seville and Granada promise a wealth of early Christian and Moorish buildings and monuments, as well as the

remains of some incredible medieval sites. Spain has six cities that have been declared Unesco World Heritage sites, more than any other country in the world.

Climate

Spain is extremely hot during mid-summer, in July and August. The rest of the year the climate is generally temperate in the north, but warm in the south. The best time to visit is during spring or autumn, except for the Atlantic coast, which has heavy rains in October and November. August is the busiest month, while May and October are the best times for both ideal weather and fewer crowds. Madrid and the high central area can get very cold during winter.

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R-Travel are a specialist travel agency that understand how important it is for you that your annual holiday is everything you have expected, we try harder to ensure this everytime for all our customers, so please pick up the phone and talk to one of our experienced agents who will be able to tell you and recommend far more for your holiday destination.

As a full member of ABTA – the Association of British Travel Agents and covered by the groups ATOL – Air Travellers Organizers Licence we are able to offer complete peace of mind in the knowledge that your financial transactions are safe in our hands, “ATOL Protected”.

We have comprehensive commercial agreements with all the major tour operators, airlines, cruise companies and accommodation providers and with being part of the multi billion Co-operative Group; our prices are the very best in the industry.

We believe that successful holidays are much more than flights and places to stay. They are about giving you the reliability, personal service and peace of mind that allows you to really relax during your precious time away.

Please add your own comments on experiences and recommendations for holidays in Spain.