Summer holidays in Spain by the sea. Resorts in Spain: where to relax

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Let's look and choose! The best seaside resorts in Spain - for youth, for children, for families - which one do you like?

“Mutuo amor,” or “love that is mutual.” This is how the Spaniards describe the attitude of Russian tourists to the country of bullfighting, endless beaches and resorts with the prefix “Costa”.

It is not without reason that Spain remains the long-term leader in domestic tourist flow. Since 2016, more than three million vacationers from Russia have visited its coast - a number comparable to the statistics of outbound tourism to Thailand, the UAE, Vietnam and island China for the same period.

The climate in this country is milder than in Turkey or Tunisia, but the average water temperature at the height of July is slightly lower than in Rhodes in Greece, besieged by tourists, or Larnaca in Cyprus - +24°С...+26°С.

The swimming season on the east coast of Spain can open as early as the first half of June, when the water temperature in the Mediterranean Sea warms up to +23°C. However, this does not happen at all resorts; Basically, the Costa Blanca and Costa Tropical “warm” faster. Since July, others have been catching up, incl. and the popular Costa Brava and Costa Dorada.

May cannot be called the season of a full-fledged beach holiday, but this month is perfect for active young people or budget travelers: before the official start of the European holiday season in 3* hotels in Barcelona you can still grab rooms for 50 euros for two per night.

Thinking about a tour? Look at prices for and - these aggregators show the best deals, because... They search all tour operators at once. They will definitely tell you where it is cheaper in Spain :)

Resorts of Catalonia (near Barcelona)

Qualitative beach holiday in Spain, in the minds of many tourists, it is a holiday on the Catalan coast. Thanks to its status as an autonomous commune, Catalonia was little affected by the spontaneous influx of migrants from North Africa, which began in the 70s of the last century, which is why some of the most environmentally friendly resorts on the Mediterranean have survived here.

Historically, wealthy French, Germans, English, Portuguese, and Spaniards themselves from the northern regions of the country flocked to the resorts of the Costa Brava and Costa Dorada. Until now, they come here not only for the warm sea and hotels with a high comfort rating, but also for cultural tourism, wine routes and the cleanest beaches in all of Spain.

The two most famous and best resorts in Catalonia are called Costa Brava and Costa Dorada. They are equidistant from the Catalan capital of Barcelona, but differ greatly from each other in the quality of beaches and price segment.

Located further north on the map and closer to the French border, the Costa Brava lives up to its name "The Wild Coast". There are more hidden beaches, rocky cliffs with pine trees, and in almost every bay you can see the remains of ancient outposts. The beaches of the Costa Brava are sandy, but the sand on them is more like crushed pebbles.

The most popular holiday destinations on the Costa Brava are:

Lloret de Mar Bay, which is famous for its beach parties for European youth 17-25 years old. Holidays here are centered around the beaches of Lloret, Fenals and Santa Cristina.
The city of Palamos, a center of attraction for divers and fans of outdoor activities on the Costa Brava.
The party center of Playa de Aro, where novice yachtsmen from all over the world gather in the summer season. An ideal place to rent a yacht for the whole family at an affordable price (from €60 per hour).
The wine-growing region of Roses, the northernmost resort of the Costa Brava, which is still little explored by tourists from Russia. The city is quieter than its neighbors to the south and is famous for its Michelin-starred restaurants serving fresh seafood.

A cultural must-visit for the Costa Brava is the old center of Girona, the botanical garden in Calella de Palafrugell and the photogenic fishing village of Blanes. A separate attraction is the house-museum of Salvador Dali in Figueres (entry €14).

Gran Beach - there are a lot of vacationers, but you can always find a place (Tossa de Mar, Costa Brava)

(Photo courtesy of traveler Rodomaster - tripadvisor.ru)

Costa Dorada

The Costa Dorada, or the Gold Coast of Spain, is located further south, an hour and a half drive from Barcelona. This place got its name for the 200-kilometer strip of beaches with fine yellow sand and a gentle slope. Therefore, this part of the Catalan coast is more suitable for holidays with children than the neighboring Costa Brava resort.

Some of the quietest beaches on the Costa Dorada can be found in the towns of Cambrils and El Perello. All conditions for a break from the metropolis are created here: well-groomed municipal beaches, golf courses, long promenades and dozens of bars with homemade wine.
Another destination for a quiet holiday by the sea is the Mont Roig del Camp resort with a 12-kilometer-long Miami Platja beach. The main attraction of the town is the Bull Square, where you can watch live bullfights.
One of the youngest resorts on the Costa Dorada, La Pineda is ideal for a beach holiday in Spain. For kids there is a huge town with animation and restaurants with children's menus.
The city of Salou is famous for its amusement park "Port Aventura", which is called the Spanish "Disneyland". A visit to the park is not cheap (€55 per person), but it’s worth the money.
A considerable share of the tourist flow here falls on the resort of Tarragona - an open-air museum city. The Roman forum of the 1st century and the ruins of a Roman amphitheater of the 2nd century AD, architecture of the era of the Carthaginians and Visigoths, have survived here. The main attractions of the city can be seen for free; entrance to the city cathedral and some museums costs up to €3 per person.

Costa del Maresme

For those who are not going to rent a personal car, but want to explore as many of the sights of eastern Spain as possible, it makes sense to stay on the Costa del Maresme. This is a 50-kilometer stretch of beaches between the Costa Dorada and Costa Brava resorts, which begins less than 20 kilometers from Barcelona.

The advantage of this part is that Costa del Maresme is the “golden” middle of the price segment of Catalonia: for example, in Malgrat de Mar you can book a 3* hotel on the first line from the sea at a modest price for Spain.

For a family holiday, the best resorts are Malgrat de Mar - there are good beaches with a gentle shore and there is a free transfer to the Marineland water park (adult ticket €24, children and discounted ticket - €15).
The tourist suburb of Barcelona - Pineda de Mar - is more suitable for adult holidaymakers, because nudists sunbathe on the local beach without hesitation. The sandy strip here is wide, but there are practically no shallow waters, so for a holiday with children it is better to choose neighboring cities, for example, Santa Susanna, one of the quietest Catalan cities. The sand on the beach here is very fine, the entrance to the sea is gentle, the water is clean and transparent.
For those who want to divide their vacation into city and beach, Calella is suitable. Located just an hour's drive from Barcelona, it boasts well-kept beaches and affordable hotels.
If you are planning to combine a resort holiday with travel around Spain, you can stay in the city of Premia de Mar, where the Mataro-Barcelona railway runs along the sea coast. This is the closest resort to large water park Illa Fantasia with extreme slides for adults and an animation area for children.
Adults will find it more interesting to visit Big city Mataro is a shrine for fans of budget shopping. Local outlets have sales in the middle of each season (June 10-26, October 15-30), so many tourists and the Spaniards themselves come there to spend the day choosing new items.

Other resorts on the southeast coast

The next three Costas - Blanca, Tropical and del Sol - are located closer to the south of the country (and Africa) on the map. This means that it is hotter, drier and more “Spanish”, because Catalonia, which insists on its individuality, is replaced by Valencia and Andalusia.

To the south of the Catalan borders, the “Golden” coast turns into the “White” - a strip of beaches belonging to the Costa Blanca begins.

Its resort capital, Benidorm, is the most popular place to buy property from Spaniards with above-average earnings, but the shores of the Costa Blanca are loved not only by locals. In the coastal resort of Torrevieja, foreigners from France, the Czech Republic, Britain and Germany make up almost half the population, and it is home to Spain's largest Russian-speaking community.

Those planning their trip to the Costa Blanca should remember that holidays in Benidorm and the resort of Alicante are typically urban. In search of solitude, you will have to travel outside the city limits:

to Granadella Bay (pebble beach with rocks, great for divers)
Moraira bay to El Portet beach (shallow beach 350 meters long, suitable for families with children)
to the Santa Pola lagoon to the beaches of Lisa and Tamarit (the best beaches for windsurfing and kitesurfing on mainland Spain)
or to the Guardamar Lagoon (a 10-kilometer stretch of beach surrounded by pine forest).

Levante and Poniente are considered good city beaches in Benidorm, Alicante - San Juan beach and Postiguet, but finding a place on them at the height of the season will not be easy. From the reviews of tourists it follows that you can also take a closer look at the Calpe area, where it is much calmer and has more space.

Las Colinas Golf and Country Club (Costa Blanca)

(Photo courtesy of traveler DouglasFalkirkregion - tripadvisor.ru)

Costa Tropical

Costa Tropical is a little-known resort among Russian tourists in the south of Spain (because you have to travel on your own), but popular among Europeans. Indeed, this is the warmest region in mainland Spain!

You can swim from the 10th of June until mid-October (+21°C...+24°C), and the air temperature all year round is not lower than +10°C. It is convenient to get to from Malaga airport (on the Costa del Sol), and Tropical is the closest place with a guaranteed warm sea.

Almunecar and Salobreña are the main tourist destinations - with developed infrastructure, picturesque and hilly. Two hours by car - Granada and the Sierra Nevada National Park.

The only negative: resort towns do not have sandy beaches, but small pebbles. In addition, five-star hotels are not the strong point of the Costa Tropical; they are not here at all. But there are decent and, most importantly, budget “triples” - from €70 per night for two.

In general, Costa Tropical is universal, it is chosen for both active and beach holidays.

Costa del Sol

The Spanish coasts south of the Costa Blanca can only conditionally be called European.
The proximity to the African continent and the high mountain range have created a tropical microclimate near the southernmost resorts of the country - Marbella and Malaga. The sun shines here almost 300 days a year; The water in the Alboran Sea warms up to +25°C...+26°C by summer, but is periodically diluted by cold currents.

Marbella is considered one of the most expensive resorts: world celebrities live in the local Golden Mile quarter, so for tourists with an average budget it makes sense to take a closer look at apart-hotels and apartment rentals.

There are significantly fewer vacationers from Russia here than in the neighboring Costa Blanca and Costa del Maresme, but there are more visitors from the United States. The landscapes of this part of the coast are very reminiscent of California: long boardwalks, highways with palm trees, beaches with American music and themed parties (Bounty Beach, Nikki Beach and Playa Hermosa).

Between Malaga and Marbella there are dozens of settlements that 15 years ago were authentic fishing villages, and today they are bustling resorts:

Torremolinos, where it is better to relax in the Carihuela area if you want a relaxed beach holiday, because... this is a typical party town, where DJs and young people from all over Europe come every weekend
Fuengirola yacht port is a more conservative resort for older holidaymakers, typically touristy, crowded with hotels and cafes
finally, the most “family” of the Costa del Sol resorts is Benalmadena, where you can swim on the almost deserted Benalmadena Costa beach and stroll through the colorful palaces of Castillo de Colomares and the Moorish palace of Bil-Bil

If your plans do not include a car rental point, it will be more convenient to stay in Malaga itself, the transport hub of the province of Andalusia, where commuter trains run to Seville (adult ticket €8), Granada (€5) and Gibraltar (€12).

The length of the beach line in Malaga is less than in Marbella (14 kilometers), so the municipal beaches are located more compactly to each other and run in a continuous line along the city promenade.

Resorts in the Balearic Islands

Few people have heard about Balearic Islands in general, but everyone knows their local names. Mallorca, Menorca, Ibiza - yes, yes, this is the very corner of the Mediterranean Sea where both the wild party that gathers tourists from all over the world and the best beaches for families with children are concentrated.

The island that never sleeps and will not let any of the tourists visiting it sleep is Spanish Ibiza. The “club season” (May-August) on this island of the Balearic archipelago is replaced by the “velvet season” (September - October), a short lull begins in winter, the time for divers and windsurfers, and in the spring everything starts all over again.

Resort towns in Ibiza are located close to each other. The length of the island from north to south is only 40 kilometers, and you can move between them by public transport:

The southern coast is the noisiest part, home to casinos, electronic music clubs and Spain's famous diving schools. In the suburb of the city of the same name in Ibiza, the Talamanca district, there are also schools for children to learn swimming, water sports and the Aqualandia water park (entrance €12);
The northern coast is full of beaches with themed parties. For example, Benirass beach has gained the fame of Mecca for all followers of hippie culture.
The resort of Santa Eulalia also hosts a hippie fair on Wednesdays and Fridays all year round. This place is one of the few on the island that is suitable for a quiet and even family holiday - within the city there are many performances, museums and family parties with children's animation.

Cala Bassa beach - the sea is like in the picture, azure blue, clean, you can see fish (Ibiza)

(Photo courtesy of traveler FM883PJ - tripadvisor.ru)

Majorca

East of Ibiza is the legendary island of Mallorca, whose name translates as “big island”.

But the peace and quiet with which we associate the word “Mallorca” is not easy to find on the coast, because up to 8 million tourists visit the island every year. Unlike Ibiza, Mallorca is designed specifically for a comfortable family holiday - in August and September, the resorts resemble a European kindergarten with animators on the boardwalks and parties for children.

It is not surprising that the most expensive item on a holiday in Mallorca is accommodation. During the peak season, August, hotel prices in Palma de Mallorca are two to three times higher than in mainland Spain. To rent an umbrella and a sun lounger on the city beach of Palma Can Pere Antoni you will have to pay €10 per day, compared to a price tag of €3-5 on the mainland.

Mallorca's busiest party town is Magaluf, a hub of safe nightlife with many visitors from the UK and Germany
Less busy, with good sea and cultural attractions - Alcudia. This is the best resort for children - a gentle beach, clean sand, water parks, zoos and a scattering of all-inclusive hotels

Menorca

Despite its proximity to Mallorca, the second largest island of the Balearic archipelago, Menorca, is very different from its “big sister” both in noise level and in popularity with tourists. The reason is that the entire island is under UNESCO protection as a unique biosphere complex, therefore it is prohibited to build hotels above three floors here, and the color of the walls of all buildings must fit into the overall color scheme of the landscape.

Menorca is chosen mainly by lovers of a quiet holiday and secluded resort towns, of which there are plenty here, for example, Cala Galdana on the central coast, Cala en Porter in the south of the island.

An absolute must-visit of Menorca is the so-called hovering boat bay of Cala Macarella: the water there is so clear that the shadows that they cast on the bottom of the sea can be seen from the yachts sailing on it.

Canary Islands (Tenerife)

Finally, the main Spanish resort “from the picture” is the Canary Islands in the Atlantic Ocean. Each of the seven islands in this chain deserves a separate description: if the easternmost of them, Lanzarote, has more than three hundred extinct volcanoes and few beaches available for swimming, then neighboring Gran Canaria and Tenerife are buried in hotels, green areas and photogenic beaches.

For many visitors, culture shock is caused by the black volcanic beaches of Tenerife El Medano, Taganana, Socorro, Playa Arena
The islands of Lanzarote and Gran Canaria have many natural “water parks” - pools with warm salt water, which locals call “charcos”
Fuerteventura boasts beaches and golden sand, while La Palma is home to one of the most photographed lagoons in the world, the blue lagoon of Charco Azul.

The holiday season in the Canary Islands is open here throughout the year, the warmest water is in September and October (+23°C...+24°C), in January and February it cools down to +19°C.

Prices for tours to the Canary Islands

Interestingly, Gran Canaria and Tenerife are not the most expensive resorts in Spain.

In 2019 minimum price trips to the Canary Islands in the summer - 95,000 rubles per week for two. It’s cheaper to fly in April-May: a little cooler, but already from 75-80,000 rubles

The waters of the Bay of Biscay here warm up less than in the Mediterranean - up to +22°C in July, so the seasonal rush, as in the resorts of the southern coast, is less common here. But for surfers, the local waves and cool water are one of the most convenient locations on the entire Atlantic coast (most surfing occurs on the city beach of Playa de Zuriolla).

You can get to San Sebastian from Madrid – 5 hours by train for €12. Local hotels are considered expensive for accommodation, so most tourists prefer to stay in guesthouses on the second or third lines.

The sand in this part of the Spanish coast is fine, oceanic; 10-20 meters from the shoreline at the bottom you can see large fragments of corals, which are carried here by the Gulf Stream. Of the city's most photogenic beaches, two can be distinguished: the crescent-shaped Playa de la Concha bay and the shallower Playa de Ondaretta beach, which is suitable for families with children.

Where is the best place to relax in Spain?

A lot has been said and written, all that remains is to summarize and briefly and structuredly go over the resort locations and their “purpose”.

So, the top places where it is better to relax in Spain, depending on your composition/goals:

Holidays in Spain with children

With children on a budget - Costa Dorada (Salou, Cap Salou, Cambrils)
medium – Costa Blanca (Calpe), Costa Tropical (Almunecar)
above average – Mallorca (Alcudia)

Youth recreation

Budget - Costa Brava (Lloret de Mar, Blanes), Costa del Maresme (Calella)
medium – Costa Blanca (Benidorm, Alicante), Barcelona, Costa del Sol (Torremolinos, Malaga), Canary Islands (Tenerife)
above average – Mallorca (Magaluf), Ibiza

Beach holiday

budget - Costa Dorada (Salou, La Pineda), Costa del Maresme (Santa Susanna), Costa Brava (Blanes)
medium – Costa Blanca (Calpe, Benidorm), Costa Tropical (Almunecar, Salobreña)
above average – Mallorca

Last minute tours to Spain in 2019. Where to buy tours?

By the way, cheap tours to resorts in Spain are not even rare and are caught mainly in September-October and April-May. In the summer - during the high season - they are less common, but there is a chance (and even more than to Turkey, since the destination is visa-free).

We always use online aggregators - we are satisfied with both the prices (directly from tour operators) and the very concept of independently searching for a tour, without imposition.

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Spain is one of the most popular destinations among Russian tourists who want to perfectly combine a beach holiday and excursions. The swimming season here lasts from June to September, and at this moment the major tourist centers of Spain are literally filled with visitors from different parts of the world. There are several answers to the question of where is the best place to relax in Spain, and it all depends on what goal you are pursuing.

Where is the best beach holiday in Spain?

If you want to come to the country for a beach holiday, then it is best to choose the islands. On the mainland, of course, there are also resort areas, such as the Costa Brava and Costa Dorada, but it should be remembered that this is an economically developed and urban country. As a result, at resorts you can encounter marks of civilization and technological progress. For example, railway tracks are laid along the coast.

In the same time Costa Brava offers several picturesque secluded beaches, which are located in the northern part of the resort. And the coast Costa del Sol, despite the clean beaches and beautiful nature, has one drawback: due to the Atlantic undercurrent, the sea here can be too cold.

So the best beach holiday in Spain is in the Canary Islands. It is worth saying that it is quite expensive here, but this is fully justified by the more than decent level of service. The weather is always pleasant, and the surroundings are very beautiful and clean. The African coast is located nearby, making excursions to this continent possible all year round.

Where is the best place for young people to relax in Spain?

The answer to this question is clear - of course, in Ibiza! There is always a noisy, festive atmosphere here, the island is built up with bars, restaurants, nightclubs, and every night there are many open-air discos, including on the beaches. Grandiose shows are organized, world-famous stars perform. In a word, you won’t be bored.

To Spain with children

Many resorts in Spain offer good conditions for a family holiday. Important criteria are a warm sea, clean beaches, a gentle entrance to the water and shallow depth, as well as a developed entertainment sector for children. Based on this, we can offer the following resorts to choose from:

Mallorca is the largest island of the Balearic archipelago. The resort is located 7 km from the administrative center of Palma de Mallorca Illetas. This is a fairly quiet place, hotels are located right on the coast, there is kids club, animator services are offered. The same list of services is presented at the resort Magaluf, which, among other things, has the opportunity to go to Western Park.

- Costa Blanca

On the Costa Blanca Better conditions the resort offers for families with children Calpe where it is quiet and calm. A special disco is organized for children, there is a swimming pool and a mini-club.

- Tenerife

This is the largest of the. There are several water parks here, and the Melia Jardines Del Teide 4* and Mediterranean Palace 5* hotels have a well-developed children's infrastructure.

- Costa Dorada

The most attractive resort in this part of the Spanish coast La Pineda with clean sandy beaches and a dolphinarium. In addition, the famous Port Aventura water park is within walking distance.

When going to Spain with children, you should remember one fact: at sea there is a possibility of collision With sea urchins and jellyfish. If this happens, you must immediately contact a medical center.

Best shopping in Spain

In general, Spain is one of the favorite countries for those who like to shop. Here you can find items from world brands, as well as affordable offers from Spanish designers whose items are very stylish and of high quality.

IN Barcelona, which is considered best place For shopping in Spain, you should head to Carrer Pelai, where high-quality shoes and accessories are sold. There is also a lot of clothing and other goods in the capital of Catalonia. Madrid- one of the centers of world fashion, so it goes without saying that there are many boutiques and shopping centers here.

A short distance from the major cities of Spain there are shopping areas that are famous for their numerous discounts. In addition, there is two sales seasons- from July to August and during the Christmas holidays.

The best cultural holiday in Spain

Spain is a country with a rich past, and if you want to explore its many attractions, it is better to choose cities and resorts on the mainland. IN Madrid It's best to come in the off-season. The capital has many architectural monuments and museums, including the world-famous Prado.

The largest tourist center in Spain. Here you can combine a beach and sightseeing holiday, go to neighboring countries - and. The city itself has many medieval and modern buildings, as well as monuments from ancient times.

An excellent cultural heritage has been preserved in Valencia, Seville, Toledo and other cities in mainland Spain.

Where is the best place to relax in Spain in winter?

Except beach resorts and large cultural centers There is also the possibility of a ski holiday in the country. The southernmost resort in Europe for winter active entertainment is. Although it is not particularly large, it is quite popular. The slopes are most suitable for professionals, although there are also ski schools, so you can learn to ski here.

In terms of price, the Costa Brava and Costa Dorada resorts are considered the most attractive. There are many small and cozy towns: Lloret de Mar, Salou, Cambrils, Balanes. But in general, if service and comfort are not important to you, you can relax economically anywhere. The main thing is to know a few simple ways save. You need to book air tickets correctly, because this is often the most expensive of all expenses. Unlike Europeans, for whom flights cost a few euros, we have to, as they say, shell out for a flight and part with a large sum of money. Now there are many different search engines where you can track offers from all airlines and find some of the cheapest tickets for yourself. There are also low-cost companies that charge little money for a flight, but for all additional services, even seat selection (you can sit with your whole family at different ends of the cabin), you will have to pay extra, and the sums are not small, but for traveling lightly this is a good option.

Choose the right hotel, because as you know, on vacation this is the place where you will spend the least time and you can save a lot on this expense item. Consider the options of hostels and guesthouses; in such establishments the prices are an order of magnitude lower than in a hotel. In hostels, the more people living in a room, the cheaper the stay. In Barcelona, for example, there is an inexpensive hostel located right in the city center. There is also the option of renting housing directly from the owner of the apartment, this service is provided by the Airbnb website. The website indicates what foreign language the owner of the premises speaks, as well as reviews from previous guests, so you can protect yourself and also find out more about the place where you want to live by asking the owner directly about it. Security is guaranteed, there is no fraud, because all transactions are carried out through the system, and the owner receives funds only after your approval. There is also an option for free accommodation, this is Couchsurfing, but if there are more than two of you and with children, it is not convenient, and not everyone will want to host a large number of guests. At the same time, of course, you don’t have to count on beautiful landscapes from the window, but still you are guaranteed a good location, cleanliness and tranquility, and most importantly, an affordable price.

The third tip is to save on food, no, no, I don’t encourage you to eat fast food or not healthy products. And yet, if you purchase a tour with breakfast included, the amount will be much more expensive than without it (by the way, in hostels the price usually includes breakfast, but not in all). At the same time, when eating on your own, you have a choice and a daily variety of dishes. As in any European country in Spain you can order a “Menu del dia”, which means a set lunch. It usually includes a first and second course, a salad, a non-alcoholic cocktail or drink, and sometimes even dessert. There is enough food for a good lunch, and such pleasure costs from 5 euros to 10 euros per person. Typically, prices for set meals are posted on a special sign near the establishment, so you won’t see any surprises on your bill. With this diet, you will spend from three to four thousand rubles on food for the entire trip. In Barcelona, I can recommend several establishments that offer the most delicious and affordable set lunches: “LaPoste”, the price of lunch will be 6-7 euros, the establishment is located at 23 Gignàs Street, JaumeI metro station. “Drassanes” - lunch cost 10 euros, located in the courtyard of the Maritime Museum, Drassanes metro station. “ElConvent”, prices from 8 euros, address: Jerusalem street, building 3, Liceu metro station.

You can also save money on excursions. In Spain, many palaces, museums and parks can be visited for free, and walking tours with an experienced guide who speaks English language are held at free of charge. In Barcelona, tours are offered through the ancient streets and quarters of the city, as well as along the route of the work of the famous architect Gaudi (Sagrada Familia, Casa Mila, Palace Güell, Casa Batlo). Such excursions are held daily, the meeting point is Reial square, the first excursion starts at 11 am, the second at the same place from 16:30.

In Madrid, free to visit are: the Prado Museum, the Bullfighting Museum, the Reina Sofia Museum, and Buen Retiro Park. Buen Retiro Park is very beautiful, there is a rose garden, various statues, performances and fairs, and you can rent a bicycle for free. The Planetarium is also free, as is the Royal Palace on Wednesdays. Active travelers and simply those who want to save money on moving around the city and country are recommended to travel by bus. In Spain they are comfortable, and the cost of a ticket can rarely exceed 10 euros.

And the Atlantic Ocean. We collected their pros, cons and pitfalls. Read it!

Spain has been synonymous with excellent holidays for several decades.

Among the popular summer destinations you can easily find the bustling Salou, luxurious Marbella, the Canary Islands in all their diversity or the Costa Dorada with its golden sands.

Spain is washed by the Atlantic Ocean on one side and the Mediterranean Sea on the other. In order not to make a mistake with a resort, it is worth knowing the features of each of them.

Let's take a quick look at the key locations.

Resorts of Spain on the Mediterranean Sea

Alicante

Alicante is the center of the province of the same name and one of the main resort towns on the Costa Blanca. From an ordinary port, it has turned into a place with modern infrastructure, medieval and Moorish architectural monuments, long beaches and quality gastronomy.

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Pros of Alicante:

Proximity to international airport- one of the largest in Spain;

The presence of a well-groomed embankment is an excellent place for walking at any time of the day;

Long beaches covered with clean sand;

Historical monuments of different eras;

Availability of shopping streets;

Lots of vibrant festivals during the summer season;

Opportunities for family recreation.

Cons of Alicante:

Mountainous terrain around and little greenery;

Stormy night life in the center - noise can be heard in neighboring hotels.

Climate in Alicante and best season for holiday:

Precipitation in Alicante occurs only in winter. In other seasons the climate is dry and mild. The temperature at the height of summer is about +30 ˚C, in winter - from +13 ˚C. You can swim from the end, but it is better to come in August-September, when the sea is warmed up to +24˚C.

Notable places near Alicante:

There are nearby attractions for families with children, such as the amusement park and aquarium of the neighboring town of Santa Pola. It's worth a trip to the nearby vibrant city of Benidorm, an hour's drive to Murcia to admire the architecture, or to spend time in national park Sierra Helada.

Salou

Salou is the tourist center of Catalonia with a 7 km coastline. This is the gastronomic capital of the Costa Dorada, a favorite holiday destination for young people and families with children. Business card Salou is the famous “Port Aventura”, with which only Disneyland can compete in popularity.

Pros of Salou:

Clean beaches without jellyfish and sandy seabed;

Lots of budget apartments and hotels;

Restaurants of various categories: from family cafes to establishments from the Michelin guide;

A lively embankment with dozens of entertainment options;

Abundance of greenery;

Availability of hiking trails for long walks in nature.

Cons of Salou:

Few historical attractions;

Distance from Barcelona - travel time will be less than 1.5 hours.

Salou climate and best season for holiday:

Salou has a mild climate. There are warm winters (up to +20 ˚C) and hot, dry summers (on average +30 ˚C). You can relax comfortably on its coast when there are still few tourists, or when the sea is perfectly warm. and August is the time of maximum temperatures, which is when attendance peaks.

Notable places near Salou:

Barcelona is 112 km away. Despite this distance, it is rare that a tourist denies himself the pleasure of visiting the capital of Catalonia. From Salou it is convenient to travel to the neighboring, historical and to Reus - the homeland of Gaudi.

Marbella

For lovers of a sophisticated holiday, Marbella is a long-loved resort 58 km from Malaga. The best restaurants and hotels in Spain are located here, although a century ago, on the site of Marbella there was an ordinary fishing village. The local beaches are all perfect: with clear sea, fine clean sand and developed infrastructure, although there are secluded bays.

Pros of Marbella:

Proximity to Malaga airport;

High level service;

Nice sandy beaches;

Availability of both luxurious and affordable hotels;

The picturesque Old Town with monuments from the 15th century;

Lowest crime rate in Spain - high level of security;

Cons of Marbella:

Prices in many shops and restaurants are higher than in other Spanish cities.

Marbella climate and best season for holiday:

Marbella has a mild climate without stuffy summers and cold winters - this is due to its proximity to the mountains, which protect the resort from sudden temperature changes. In summer the air warms up to +28 °C, in winter - up to +16 °C. You can swim from June to the best months August and early September are considered for holidays, when the sea is warmed up to +24 °C.

Notable places near Marbella:

In Marbella itself and the surrounding area there are several botanical gardens with collections of rare trees for summer walks. You can also explore the neighboring cities of Estepona and Fuengirola, go to the Las Nieves Natural Park - a mountain range with exciting routes for lovers of canyoning, mountaineering and trekking, buy an excursion to Gibraltar or spend a day in Malaga - big city With good beaches and historical monuments.

Resorts of Spain on the Atlantic Ocean

San Sebastian

San Sebastian is called by many the most beautiful Spanish resort on the Atlantic coast. If there are several reasons to agree with this statement: the city is famous for its sandy beaches, extraordinary nature and unique architecture, thanks to which San Sebastian is called “little Paris”.

Pros of San Sebastian:

There is an airport just 20 km from the city;

A less popular destination than the Mediterranean coast;

Local gastronomy (abundance of seafood, Basque cuisine);

Clean and calm sandy beaches;

Eat suitable conditions for windsurfing;

Ancient architectural monuments and historical quarters;

Active cultural life - concerts, International Film Festival and jazz festivals are held.

Cons of San Sebastian:

Precipitation is more frequent than on the Mediterranean coast.

The climate of San Sebastian and the best season for vacation:

Weather conditions in San Sebastian are both an advantage and a disadvantage of this resort. On the one hand, the climate here is ideal for those who cannot stand the heat. In summer the air warms up to +25 °C, and the ideal wind for surfing often blows. On the other hand, the season here is shorter than in the resorts of Mediterranean Spain. Already in September, rains in San Sebastian are not uncommon, and with the beginning of October strong waves arrive.

Notable places near San Sebastian:

San Sebastian is just a stone's throw from France - tourists often travel to Biarritz, France. The trip to Spanish Bilbao will take about an hour. Here you can see a different Spain with examples of modern architecture. In 3.5 hours by train or bus you can reach Zaragoza, a city where Jewish, Spanish, Christian and Arab monuments are mixed.

Tenerife

When talking about resorts in Spain, we cannot limit ourselves only to those located on the mainland. Its islands are no less charming, and Tenerife is an example of this. It is the largest island of the Canary archipelago with unspoiled nature, volcanic beaches and opportunities for active recreation. Some tourists go to Tenerife for treatment - the island is rich in thermal springs. Others prefer hiking along special paths National park ov, windsurfing or visiting ancient cities.

Pros of Tenerife:

The nature of the island and the abundance of greenery - the largest National Park of the Canary Islands is located here;

There are 2 airports on the island that serve international and domestic Spanish flights;

A wide choice of cities for relaxation: from the bustling Las Americas in the south to the calm northern Puerto de la Cruz;

Exotic beaches with volcanic sand, which has beneficial effects on health;

Stable wind for windsurfing;

Availability of health centers for those wishing to improve their health;

Authentic cuisine - you can try dishes of the indigenous population of the island;

A large selection of entertainment for children (Loro Park, Eagle Park, Siam Amusement Park, Monkey Park).

Cons of Tenerife:

Some sandy beaches are artificial;

You will have to carefully choose a place to relax: in the south the sea is warmer and the coast is less susceptible to waves than in the north, where ocean currents influence the water temperature.

Tenerife climate and best season for holiday:

Tenerife has stable weather throughout the year, which is why it is called the island of eternal spring. But in winter it rains more often and the wind gets stronger. Best month for a trip to Tenerife - September, when it is warm like summer and the ocean is warmed up to +25 °C.

Notable places near Tenerife:

From Tenerife there are excursions to the majestic cliffs of Los Gigantes. While on a yacht, you have the opportunity to see whales. It is also convenient to visit the islands of Gran Canaria and La Gomera from Tenerife, which are not inferior to it in beauty.

Cadiz

Cadiz is the heart of Andalusia and a city recognized as one of the oldest in Europe. Therefore, it is not at all surprising that it has preserved historical monuments: a Roman theater, one of the largest Cathedrals in Spain, baroque churches and medieval fortresses. Cadiz is famous for its amazingly beautiful beaches, which belong to the Costa de la Luz. You don't need to go far: wide beaches with golden sand stretch along the entire city. Cadiz is suitable for tourists who want to combine an educational holiday with a carefree pastime on the coast.

Pros of Cadiz:

Luxurious and clean coastline;

Interesting Old Town, which can be explored in a couple of days;

A combination of traditional beauty, resort atmosphere and modern urban infrastructure;

Excellent fish restaurants, famous for their variety of dishes;

The oldest botanical garden in Spain is located here.

Cons of Cadiz:

Strong winds may blow;

Due to ocean currents, the water is cooler than in the Mediterranean Sea.

Cadiz climate and best holiday season:

Cadiz has a moderately warm climate (called Mediterranean-oceanic) with rare precipitation in the summer. In August, the air in Cadiz warms up to +29 °C, the water - up to +23 °C. This month is on a par with July and September - best time for visiting. In winter, the air in Cadiz warms up to +15 °C.

Notable places near Cadiz:

From Cadiz it is convenient to travel to Seville - the journey time is 1.5 hours. This is a unique city that will give you an idea of the real Spain. Seville is filled with shops, palaces, and ancient churches. The opportunity to attend a flamenco show is not to be missed.

You can explore the surrounding area by water - boat trips along the Strait of Gibraltar are organized from Cadiz. This is an opportunity to visit nearby port cities and see dolphins. In 20 minutes from Cadiz you can reach the Aqualand water park with dozens of calm and extreme attractions for guests of all ages. The water park has well-maintained green areas and places for a family picnic.

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Spain boasts a huge number of holiday destinations to suit every taste. There is a place for beach, thermal, and even ski resorts here! As part of this article, we will try to present the rating of the best resorts in Spain: concisely and as objectively as possible.

TOP 10 best beach resorts in Spain

Most of us love Spain for two reasons - it's warm and there's the chance to lie on the beach Mediterranean Sea. Coupled with good service and an abundance of attractions, the best Spanish resorts are beach resorts, so we’ll start with them.

La Garriga is a famous thermal resort located 35 kilometers from Barcelona. Hot springs (56 °C) of local thermal waters are actively used to treat diseases of the musculoskeletal system, as well as for various types of cosmetic procedures;

Archena is a popular place due to its wide selection of health and wellness treatments at very reasonable prices. Hot waters of local thermal springs (52 °C) are used in the treatment of diseases respiratory system, relaxing anti-stress programs are also successful. In addition, they provide treatment for rheumatism and neuroses, recovery from injuries and elimination of dermatological diseases;

Caldes de Montbui is one of the oldest thermal springs, located in the vicinity of Barcelona. The temperature maximum of thermal waters is observed here – 74 °C. The resort is known for its rejuvenating properties and special successes in treatment respiratory diseases and rheumatism;

Panticos is a thermal spring in the province of Huesco in the Pyrenees, which was used during the reign of Julius Caesar. The water temperature ranges from 26 to 31 °C. Here they treat the digestive and respiratory systems;

Valencia is a thermal resort located in the town of the same name. The temperature of thermal waters varies from summer to winter. Here you are provided with high-quality treatment and a variety of cosmetic procedures, with special attention paid to rejuvenation;

Costa del Sol is a resort located in Malaga and was opened in the 14th century. Cosmetology services are provided, vitamin complexes and an amazing underwater massage. Water temperature – 24 °C;

Costa Brava is a unique thermal spring in the city of Blanes, whose thermal waters successfully treat dental diseases, normalize metabolism and eliminate rheumatism (42 °C)

If you really want to improve your health, consult your doctor and choose the best Spanish thermal resort for your case - you won’t regret it!

TOP 10 ski resorts

Many are surprised when they learn that Spain has its own ski resorts. By the way, they are very popular not only among beginners, but also among real pros. We present to you our small ranking of the best Spanish ski resorts.

Sierra Nevada is the highest, located in the southwestern part of the country. It is a favorite place for skiing of popular stars, government officials and lovers of noisy recreation. High price holiday in Sierra Nevada is fully justified by the presence of fashionable hotels and high-quality service. 62 km of slopes are more than enough for skiers of different skill levels;
Baqueira Beret is another stellar place located in the heart of the Pyrenees. 77 km of trails of varying difficulty levels, Alpine-like landscapes and developed infrastructure make it a universal resort for holidaymakers of all types. age categories and preferences;
Port del Compte is located in the eastern part of the Pyrenees and has about 12 km of pistes with ideal snow coverage. The resort is perfect for sports skating and has great amount ski schools with professional instructors. Excellent conditions for a family holiday with children;
Panticosa-Los Lagos - western part of the Pyrenees, Tena Valley near Panticosa. 34 km of trails of varying difficulty levels provide maximum comfort for all vacationers. Hotels and restaurants with a high level of service, a wide selection of entertainment for adults and children. Counts the best resort region;
Aramón Valderinales is located in the district of Maestrasgo Bajo in the Iberian mountain range. A cozy, comfortable place for a family holiday. 10 kilometers of groomed trails. The resort received the highest award for its high level of service and quality of accommodation;
Espolite Esqui is located near Lake San Maurico in the Catalan Pyrenees. The total length of the slopes is about 32 kilometers, the slopes are designed for different categories of skiers. Most suitable for a quiet family holiday;
La Sierra de Cadi is a region of La Molina in the Catalan Pyrenees. There are no more than 10 kilometers of trails. Special attention deserves a network of entertainment and traditional cuisine of the region. A popular holiday destination at any time, as numerous mountain biking and climbing sections open during the summer season;
Aramon-Curler is located in the Benasque Valley in the Pyrenees. There are more than 63 kilometers of trails, most of which are reserved for professional slopes. A paradise for professional skiers and athletes. Quite an expensive resort. A huge number of sporting events are held here. A high level of comfort in the apartments and excellent service, for which the resort has received more than one award;
La Masella - located in the La Guerdanesa area, the total length of the tracks is about 27 kilometers. There are both professional slopes and a series of slopes for beginners. The abundance of sports complexes and playgrounds can provide an unforgettable vacation for athletes and their families;
Manzaneda is a resort located in the middle of the Sierra Quaish mountain range, east of Pontevedra. The length of the ski slopes does not exceed 16 kilometers. The low altitudes of the slopes make it an ideal place for beginner skiers. The choice of off-piste entertainment is impressive: karting, tennis, swimming pools, sports centers, park area and much more. Favorite place for local people