Camping holidays in Spain / Photo by Claire (Europe Explored)

Andalusia: Situated in the southern part of the country, it’s a region famous for its deserts, beautiful sandy beaches and ancient cities. Some of the best beaches are along the coast of Costa de la Luz and Costa del Sol. It’s the region with the highest mountains – the Sierra Nevada mountain range. There are plenty of great camping sites around the provinces of Granada, Malaga, Sevilla and Almeria. The combination of seaside and mountainous landscape attract a big number of campers.

Aragon: Situated in the northern part of Spain, it’s a great camping region. The area borders France with the Pyrenees and it is famous for its rural villages, beautiful valleys and breathtaking mountain peaks. Some of the best campsites are in Zaragoza, Teruel and Huesca. They are top choices of both experienced campers and beginners.

Asturias: If you’d like a different camping experience – combined with some sightseeing, this is the ideal destination for you. It’s on the north of Spain and there are plenty of historical buildings and museums in the area. There are numerous campsites to choose from in Luarca, Colunga, Cudillero, San Tirso de Abers, Ribadesella and many more.

Catalonia: One of the finest Spanish regions, bordering Andorra and France to the north (with the Pyrenees), Valencia to the south, Aragon to the west and the Mediterranean Sea to the east. It’s a wonderful area for camping and sightseeing. The region is popular for its impressive architecture and art.

Galicia: A region which borders both the Atlantic Ocean and Portugal; it is often called “the first country in Europe”. Full of great campgrounds, the best areas are in Pontebedra, Ourense and A Coruna.

One of the major tourist destinations in Spain is Majorca. It attracts people with its mountainous scenery, golden sandy beaches and beautiful cities. It’s a great camping location with various options for outdoor activities and sports. Spain is also famous for its music scene, culture, warm and friendly people, delicious food and it’s definitely worth a visit. A camping holiday is a great opportunity to explore the country with just a backpack on your back and sturdy walking shoes.

Article provided by https://vacation-rentals-news.com/category/vacation-rentals-articles/, pictures provided by article writer.

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Jamón Serrano – Dry-cured Spanish ham by Jardoz

Spain is famous for its Jamón Serrano. You can’t go very far without seeing a cut of this meat hanging in a window, asking to be sliced and sampled. Small plates called tapas are meant to be shared amongst friends who want to keep the energy level up until late in the night. Enough tapas dishes will constitute a meal; enjoy with wine and you’ll immediately see the appeal of the small plate.

Typical dishes serve variations of cheese, fish, vegetable, and pastry delicacies. Spain’s Mediterranean diet features olive oil, fruit, nuts, honey, legumes, and other heart healthy ingredients. You may find you’re able to taste a little of everything you want without feeling that you’ve overdone it. Seek out dishes containing saffron or chorizo for something different. And don’t forget to pair with wine.

The Costa del Sol (Coast of the Sun) consists of small fishing settlements as well as fancy resort towns, such as Marbella. Yacht charters throughout the Mediterranean make this area a frequent destination. The area is perfect for unwinding on vacation and for seeing a completely different landscape than that of Spain’s northern region and interior. There are popular beaches in Malaga, Cadiz, Santander, Valencia, Huelva, and up to Barcelona or out to Mallorca. The other appeal of being on the coast is getting first dibs on the fresh seafood brought in daily.

Tapas by José Porras

A highly recommended method for learning about Spanish traditions is to go to a festival. Every town has a festival for its patron saint, and there are plenty of other festivals to go around. Foreigners are welcome and expected to have fun! Try the food, grab a drink, and celebrate with the locals. It would be very hard not to get caught up in the excitement. Here are a few to try:

• Tomatina in Valencia
• San Fermin in Pamplona
• Carnival in Cadiz

Once you take in Spain’s gorgeous and varied scenery, experiment with its cuisine (squid or snails, anyone?), and participate in a festival, you will start to understand why Hemingway had to write about his experiences there. An atmosphere of joviality coupled with the harsh realities of history compelled him to contemplate life. You are encouraged to simply come and enjoy it.

This is the land of Pablo Picasso, Juan Gris, Joan Miro, and Salvador Dali. There is earthly beauty in Spain waiting to be discovered. Far from the 24 hour parties on Ibiza, you can still find quiet hillsides and calm waterfronts from which you’ll watch the locals while tasting their specialty dishes. Celebrate the little moments in Spain, one bite at a time.

[Katie Harper has travelled the world over and enjoys sharing your experiences as a guest blogger.]

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(www.Iberia.com)

Iberia is Spain’s premier airline and specialises not just in Spain’s airports, but in Spanish-speaking countries. You can fly with Iberia to popular holiday destinations from as little as £77 return to Barcelona or £128 return to Palma Mallorca.

The great advantage with Iberia flights to Spain is that Iberia flies from regional airports in the UK such as Manchester, as well as London  – and you can also search for flights according to your budget and not just your destination; so if you want to fly to Spain for a holiday, but are not set on a particular destination or holiday resort, you can not only pick up a bargain flight with Iberia but also try a new holiday resort without spending a fortune on the flight.

Photo by admin

Some of the Spanish airports Iberia flies to include:

• Barcelona
• Bilbao
• Gran Canaria
• Madrid
• Palma de Mallorca
• Seville
• Valencia.

Monarch

(https://www.monarch.co.uk/spain-mainland/flights)

Monarch can fly you to the most popular Spanish holiday resorts, including Alicante, Almeria, Barcelona, the Canaries, Costa Brava, Costa Blanca and the Costa del Sol (Malaga). You can also fly Monarch to Gibraltar – a British island but joined to the Spanish mainland.

Monarch flies from the following UK airports

• London Gatwick (Alicante, Barcelona, Malaga)
• Luton (Alicante, Malaga, Gibraltar)
• Birmingham (Alicante, Almeria, Barcelona, Gibraltar, Malaga)
• East Midlands (Alicante, Malaga, Gibraltar)
• Manchester (Alicante, Almeria, Barcelona, Gibraltar, Malaga)
• Leeds/Bradford (to Barcelona).

Monarch not only offers cheap flights to Spain (from around £35 one way off peak), but you can also select from three different Monarch Airpacks which will upgrade your flight with extra leg room or more luggage allowance, according to your needs.

Ryanair

(www.ryanair.com/en)

Ryanair takes the chore out of choosing a flight to Spain with a handy online route map (https://www.ryanair.com/en/cheap-flight-destinations) which will tell you at the click of a mouse where you can get to from your local airport.

Ryanair flies to all these destinations in Spain, so whether you are looking for a city break or a beach holiday, there is plenty of choice available.

• Alicante
• Almeria
• Asturias
• Barcelona
• Bilbao
• Fuerteventura
• Girona
• Gran Canaria
• Ibiza
• Jerez
• Lanzarote
• Madrid
• Malaga
• Menorca
• Murcia
• Palma
• Santander
• Santiago
• Seville
• Tenerife North
• Tenerife South
• Valencia
• Valladolid
• Zaragoza.

In the UK Ryanair flies from

• Birmingham
• Bournemouth
• Bristol
• Derry
• Doncaster
• East Midlands
• Edinburgh
• Glasgow Prestwick
• Leeds Bradford
• Liverpool
• London Gatwick
• London Luton
• London Stansted
• Manchester
• Newcastle.

You can also register with Ryanair for cheap offers on flights – and there are also discounts on Hertz car hire in Spain.

When a holidaymaker is ill at a hotel in Spain, and it is a package holiday, it is the tour operator that sent the holidaymaker to that hotel that is liable for their welfare. This is thanks to the Package Travel Regulations.

Peter Anderson – I love to blog about holidays in Spain Google+

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Scheveningen, The Netherlands by FaceMePLS

1) Scheveningen, Netherlands

This beach may not be able to boast the highest temperatures or the most picturesque seafront, but there are plenty of water sports to take part in and a number of bars and restaurants. However, one of the most appealing things about Scheveningen is its location – you can easily have an early morning dip in the sea before visiting Anne Frank’s House in Amsterdam or one of the 17th century palaces in The Hague.

2) The Curonian Spit, Lithuania

The natural, largely unspoilt beauty of this Lithuanian beach needs to be seen to be believed! Unfortunately it’s a protected World UNESCO Heritage Site and sadly, as a result, there are certain areas that are a no go for tourists. However, the parts you can access are absolutely worth the journey, and this beach is a truly beautiful place to spend a day.

Curonian Spit, Lithuania by Tobin

3) Pembrokeshire, Wales

While you can never depend on good weather in Wales you can certainly depend on absolutely stunning scenery in Pembrokeshire. If you’re not convinced take it from the National Geographic magazine, which voted it the second best coastal destination in the world. It’s easy to fit in as part of a trip round the UK so there’s no excuse for not seeing the area for yourself.

4) Barleycover, Ireland

Again, this beach may generally be cold, but the beautiful natural surroundings in County Cork more than make up for it. This beach could be the perfect antidote to a hectic weekend sightseeing and sampling Ireland’s famous Guinness beer in Dublin, which is only a few hours away by car.

5) Pupnatska Beach, Croatia

The Dalmatian Islands off the coast of Croatia all boast delightful coastlines and, as a result, trying to pick out just one is mightily difficult. However, Pupnatska beach, on Korčula Island is a definite contender thanks to its sapphire waters, stunning white sand, and a friendly, laid back atmosphere.

Pupnatska Luka, Korcula, Croatia by Andrea Musi

6) La Rochelle, France

While the South of France boasts some mesmerising beaches, there are plenty of places on the western coast that can give the south a run for its money. La Rochelle is one such resort. What many people will love about a holiday incorporating La Rochelle is the fact that the area is steeped in history. Many holidaymakers will only feel comfortable sunbathing once they are sure they have explored the town and learnt about its rich history.

7) St. Brelade’s Bay Beach, Jersey

Gorgeous views, interesting trails, lovely restaurants… there’s little if anything to fault with this beautiful beach. And, even better, being on an island the size of Jersey means there’ll be another great beach around every turn. So take a wander and you could find yourself your own private piece of beach!

If you are taking one of the many Europe tours available, do make sure to add a beach into your trip. Europe’s architecture, art, culture, food and history are all wonderful of course, but everyone needs time to relax! And what better way to unwind and rest tired feet than on a beach with truly stunning scenery?

Written by Michael Palmer, a passionate traveller and experienced travel writer.

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A tiny island off the coast of Sicily, Favignana is the largest one of Aegadian Islands, which also include Marettimo and Levanzo. Whilst Favignana was once prominently involved with tuna fishing and packing, it is now focussed on tourism. But you won’t find scores of people flocking to the white sand beaches with cool boxes in hand, like some other European holiday destinations; the island is relatively untouched by the cruel hands of mass tourism and remains a safe haven for those looking for some peace and quiet.

Cala Rossa, Favignana, Italy by rivaalessandro

Places to Stay

There are a variety of different hotels to stay in around the island and you can be sure a beautiful view of the azure sea is never far away. My two favourites are the Hotel Tempo di Mare and the Hotel Cave Bianche.

The Hotel Tempo di Mare is a four star, stunning white-walled hotel whose entranceway beautifully frames the crystalline waters. It is not a huge hotel and has around 45 rooms, each designed in a simple but chic way with white linens and hints of pale blue. There is a restaurant within the hotel which serves delicious Italian and Sicilian fusion food, using the mouth-wateringly plentiful frutti-di-mare.

The Cave Bianche is a little further away from the island’s main city, only around a 10-15 minute drive, and is set in an old mining quarry. This is a striking hotel unlike anything else in the world; submerged within a quarry with huge vaulted ceilings and characteristic pale sandstone walls. There is also a large pool and Jacuzzi’s not to mention plenty of sunbeds, so you can take advantage of the warming Mediterranean sun.

All in all both hotels are stunning and a real design feat, certainly eons better than what you would find on the Costa del Sol!

Church in Favignana, Sicily, Italy by giovanni.gambaro

Beaches

There are a number of beaches scattered throughout the island, the best has to be the gorgeous Lido Burrone and Cala Azzurra. Both of these beaches are around the south of the island and easily accessible by car or moped. The real thing that makes them special is the fact that the sea is so clear, and the sea beds are covered with luminous white sand stretching out from the coastline. This makes it easy to see all of the amazing sea-life around the area, including octopi, moray eels, crabs and jellyfish, although the majority of these will be found in deeper waters so you don’t have to worry about getting stung!

Sunset at Favignana, Sicily, Italy by payhere

How to get there?

I am from London and so one way I found to get there was flying from Heathrow to Palermo in Sicily which is only a short flight, then hire a car from Palermo to Trapani and then hop on a hydrofoil for around 20 minutes to then get to Favignana’s main port. If all this may seem a little too much, why not try a cruise and stay Caribbean cruise? They are run regularly by many operators and stop right alongside Sicily making it much easier for you to get to Favignana.

However you find it, Favignana is a real hidden gem, so why not discover it now before everybody else does?

The post Top 5 reasons why Favignana is the perfect place for your next holiday appeared first on Europe Explored.

Port Aventure

Port Aventura is located in Salou, Catalonia, Spain. The park, which attracts around 3 million visitors each year, is the most popular adventure park in the country. It is divided into 6 different areas, each of which has its own theme. The 6 areas are Polynesia, China, SesamoAventura, Mexico, Mediterrania, and the Far West. All 6 sections have really fun rides, shows, and other attractions. Some of the best rides at Port Aventura are Dragon Khan, Furius Baco, Tutuki Splash, Hurakan Condor, and Stampida.

Port Aventure, Salou, Catalonia, Spain by Joao Maximo

Terra Mitica

Terra Mitica is a large adventure park that is located in Bendidorm, Spain. The park is divided into 5 different zones and each zone has its own theme. The 5 zones are Egypt, Greece, Rome, Iberia, and The Islands. In addition to having a lot of really good rides, Terra Mitica also has many shops and restaurants. The food and merchandise in these establishments are very fair and reasonably priced.

Trivoli World

Tivoli World is a much smaller adventure park. It’s located in the Costa del Sol and has around 30 rides. They always have a lot of live music, Wild West shows, and shows for children.

Isla Magica

Isla Magica is an adventure park that is located in Seville, Spain. The park has many rides and other exciting attractions. Some of the most popular rides there are the Anaconda, El Jaguar, Rapidos del Orinoco, and El Cubo.

Monte Igueldo

Monte Igueldo is another smaller adventure park. Although it is small, it is still very fun and exciting. It is located on top of a mountain in San Sebastian and has many rides and attractions. This park is a really good place to take kids, but it also has a lot of good rides for adults as well. Because there are so many really nice adventure parks in Spain, it’s a great place to take a trip to.

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The Party Pad – Grand Flamingo, Los Flamingos Golf, Benahavis, Marbella

This modern villa features in the top five to rent in Marbella because of its contemporary design, party perfect layout; it sleeps 20 people and has a few little surprises.

Grand Flamingo, Los Flamingos Golf, Benahavis, Marbella / Photo by lamarproperties.com

It’s situated in Los Flamingos in Benahavis which is a very short drive to Puerto Banus and Marbella centres. This villa is situated on a gated community within 5000m2 of private beautifully landscaped grounds and therefore is very self-contained. It is perfect for the golf enthusiast as it has a putting green as well as a professional golf course (Los Flamingos) practically on the door step. It boasts outdoor and indoor heated pools, three Jacuzzis, a tennis court and a pool/snooker table.

Locational Perk – Palazzo delle Lucce, La Zagaleta, Benahavis, Marbella

La Zagaleta is thought to be the most expensive urbanisation in the world and set just above San Pedro just in the mountains. This villa is a palatial residence which lives up to the neighbourhood.

Palazzo delle Lucce has probably the most fantastic bedrooms in Spain, with a terrace overlooking the lawns and domed ceiling which lets light in through coloured glass in the ceiling. There are six more generous double bedrooms all with en-suite bathrooms. As for facilities there is an extensive pool area and home cinema which seats 10 comfortably. Being in La Zagaleta also has its advantages as use of the private equestrian centre and golf course is permitted for those who reside in this exclusive development.

Beachside Chill-house – Villa Casablanca, Golden Mile, Marbella

This villa is five bedroomed and only 300 metres from the beach on the Golden Mile. It’s effortlessly stylish with modern furnishing and four designer bathrooms. The situation is the major selling point to this villa, as it’s less than five minutes’ drive away from both Puerto Banus and Marbella or a very enjoyable walk. Although it’s right on the seafront it also has a swimming pool and garden to relax in and enjoy with friends.

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Málaga, Andalucía, Spain by untipografico

When you land at Malaga airport (the largest in Andalucía) you might be tempted to pick up your car hire and set off on the open road, out of the city or even province. But wait, don’t miss out on Malaga; take in the city first then head out to discover the rest of the province. Malaga province known largely for the Costa del Sol (one of the first places to attract tourism in Spain) should be well reviewed and documented. However, the city itself and the small villages in the area were relatively undiscovered. If you want an initial guide on Malaga province then look no further than this plethora of perfect places to peruse:

The City Itself – Historic Cultural Malaga

If you like Spain, you’ll love Malaga. Rich in culture from art galleries to incredible eateries, you can take in a bull fight or become engrossed with Picasso. Malaga as the birth home of the modern artist offers a multitude of modern art galleries – the Thyssen, the CAC and the Picasso Museum to name just three. When you want to relax, soak up the atmosphere and people watch then there is no better place than one of the coffee shops or restaurants. Top insider tips include: Le Panto on Calle Larios for incredible cakes, Café con Libros on Plaza Merced for thirst quenching juices and milkshakes, Taberna el Quitapenas on Calle de Marin Garcia for fresh fish and Bodega El Pimpi for Sherry and Serrano Ham.

Málaga Cathedral, Andalucía, Spain by Thomas Münter

Beyond the City and into the Mountains

Malaga province is famed for White Mountain villages where they are as picturesque as they’re traditional. Each village has its own nuances from eating a special variety of lemon sprinkled with paprika as tapas in Iznate, to slow oven cooked kid with garlic in Canillas de Aceituno. This is the real Spain, jump in a car hire in Malaga and set off around the province. On your drive from the coast it becomes mountainous very quickly and the winding roads offer some fantastic views out to sea over to Morocco. Visit Gaucin with its art shops and wonderful sunsets or the area around Grazalema which is a hiker’s paradise. Each white village offers something new, if not a culinary delight then an incredible view.

Summer Dining

Spain as a whole is rich in gastronomic delights and Malaga province is no exception. If you are beside the sea during the summer months look out for Chiringuitos (rustic BBQ’s on the beach) where the catch of the day is seasoned and grilled to perfection. During August it’s harvest time for Muscatel grapes. Try Vino de Malaga a sweet sherry which is made around most towns and villages. There are different variants, from semi sweet to syrupy sweet but all are made from the local muscatel grapes which are collected by hand.

While on holiday in Malaga, adapt to the pace of life, stop, relax and enjoy the surroundings. Plan your day around food times – breakfast anytime up to midday, lunch between 14.00hrs and 17.00hrs (make it long and leisurely), then dinner anytime from 20.30hrs onwards (the later the better in summer).

Paul Collins lives in Southern Spain and works for https://www.marbenjo.com/ a family run car hire firm based in Malaga.

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Playa del Rincón de la Victoria, Costa del Sol, Spain by Cayetano

Whilst many people choose to holiday down on the coast itself, there are a growing number of visitors choosing to rent properties dotted around the hillside towns and rural areas of Montes de Malaga.   Set back from the coast the so called ‘white villages’ offer a glimpse of more traditional Spanish life, of how it used to be before mass tourism hit the Costas.   With breathtaking views from their mountainside perches, often as far as Morocco on a clear winter’s day, village life is peaceful and tranquil with only the ringing of the church bells to disturb your sunbathing.   Here you will still see the occasional donkey or vans traversing the villages selling fresh fish and vegetables and spend a lazy hour over a drink or two and watch the locals as they go about their daily business.

Choose from a cortijo, a small traditional farmhouse or rustic fincas, charming little cottages and rural country houses which have been lovingly restored and designed to provide a perfect holiday home with everything you could possibly need to enjoy your time in the sun.  Fully equipped, often with private pools and barbeques they are a great option for those of you who don’t like the rigidity of hotels or prefer a little more space and privacy.   Satellite televisions, wi-fi, every modern kitchen gadget and tasteful furnishings make these properties a home from home, some so luxurious that you will be reluctant to raise yourself from your sun lounger to venture outside your little haven.

Nerja, Costa del Sol, Spain by Miika Silfverberg

If you prefer to be amongst the action on the coast you will be able to choose from a wide range of apartments and villas, often set in complexes with every amenity you can think of from large swimming pools and gym complexes.  And for those of you who want the flexibility of being in your own property but don’t want the hassle of self catering, properties are available in serviced complexes which have restaurants available for breakfast, lunch and dinner and those all important pool side snacks.  Some of the larger complexes even boast sports centres complete with tennis courts, bowls and golf and evening entertainment too.

So if it is a self catering holiday you are searching for make sure to check out some of the properties available as holiday rentals on the Costa del Sol.

Sue Wright is an avid traveller and writer and has spent many years working with travel companies including Travel and Leisure Group.  She has spent the last eight years living and working in Cyprus.

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Benidorm bay / Andrew Parnell

Beach lovers will find Spain holidays to be the safest bet for a summer sun, sea and sand holiday, with the Costa del Sol, Costa Dorada and Cost Brava lined with family friendly beach resorts with every facility you could wish for.

Cheap Benidorm holidays are a great choice for families, couples, singles – in fact, everyone who fancies some fun in the sun that doesn’t take itself too seriously. The main beach, Playa Levante, stretches out for over 2km and is home to over 5,000 sunloungers. This gives an indication of just how busy this beach gets in peak season.

It’s easy to see why this beach is so popular, as its facilities are second to non. A wide range of watersports are available for adults, as well as mobile magazine libraries for those who just want to kick back and relax. For little ones, several play areas have been built on the beach, as well as a wet play area, water slides and diving boards. Clean and safe (colourful picture boards help prevent children getting lost in the crowds), this beach is the pride of Benidorm, and a real treat for those booking Benidorm holidays.

Away from the beach Benidorm has plenty to offer. Spend a fun-filled day at the Terra Mitica theme park, or the Aqualandia waterpark. Or wander the Old Town to discover a different side of Benidorm.

If you can’t be persuaded that Benidorm is for you, why not try family friendly Salou or lively Torremolinos instead? Or the quieter resort of Benalmadena? You’ll be spoilt for choice when choosing summer holidays to Spain as it’s the place to be for fun in the sun this summer.

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