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Travel guide

Spain holidays: a travel guide for UK visitors

Sun-warmed cities, green northern coasts and a string of island and mainland ports — Spain is a Mediterranean and Atlantic favourite for cruises and city-rich tours.

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Why visit Spain

Spain rewards the curious traveller with far more than its beaches. The green, surf-fringed north — Bilbao, Santander and the pilgrim city of Santiago de Compostela — feels a world away from the palm-lined promenades of the Costa del Sol. In between lie Barcelona’s Gaudí skyline, the Moorish palaces of Andalucía and the Balearic and Canary islands, many of them strung together on a single cruise. It is a country of long lunches, late evenings and cities built for wandering, where the everyday rhythm is half the pleasure.

Best time to visit

Spring (April to June) and autumn (September and October) bring warm, comfortable days ideal for sightseeing and cruising, before and after the fierce heat of high summer. July and August are hot and busy, especially in the south, while the Canary Islands stay mild and inviting right through the winter.

Top things to do in Spain

  1. 1

    Discover Barcelona and Gaudí’s masterpieces

    The Sagrada Família, Park Güell and Casa Batlló set Barcelona apart, alongside the medieval lanes of the Gothic Quarter and a buzzing waterfront. A favourite Mediterranean cruise port with plenty within walking distance of the quay.

  2. 2

    Sail the green north and the Bay of Biscay

    Bilbao’s Guggenheim, the elegant beaches of San Sebastián and the Galician coast make Spain’s Atlantic north a rewarding, cooler alternative — often paired with France or Portugal on Bay of Biscay sailings.

  3. 3

    Explore Moorish Andalucía

    Granada’s Alhambra, the great mosque-cathedral of Córdoba and Seville’s palaces tell the story of Spain’s Moorish centuries, easily reached from southern ports such as Málaga and Cádiz.

The cheapest Spain holidays right now

Lowest lead-in prices first, from live availability. Open one for its dates, and book directly with its operator.

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Spain travel questions

When is the best time to visit Spain?
Spring and autumn are ideal for most of Spain — warm and comfortable without the intense heat of high summer, and quieter at the major sights. For winter sun, the Canary Islands stay mild all year.
Do UK citizens need a visa for Spain?
No. UK passport holders can visit Spain without a visa for tourism and stay in the Schengen Area for up to 90 days in any 180-day period.
What currency does Spain use?
Spain uses the Euro (EUR). Cards are widely accepted, including for small purchases, though it is worth carrying a little cash for markets, tapas bars and rural areas.
Is Spain expensive to visit?
Spain offers good value by Western European standards, particularly for eating and drinking. Barcelona and the major islands cost more in peak season, but a menú del día lunch and good public transport keep day-to-day spending reasonable.
What languages are spoken in Spain?
The national language is Spanish, known as Castilian. Catalan, Galician and Basque are co-official in their regions. English is widely understood in tourist areas, but a few Spanish words are always welcomed.
How many hours ahead is Spain compared with the UK?
Mainland Spain is one hour ahead of the UK on Central European Time. The Canary Islands, however, share the same time as the UK all year round.
Is Spain safe for tourists?
Spain is a safe and welcoming destination. The main thing to watch is pickpocketing in busy spots such as Barcelona’s Las Ramblas and crowded metros. Keep valuables secure and you are very unlikely to have any trouble.
Do I need a travel adaptor for Spain?
Yes. Spain uses Type F sockets at 230V, so you will need a European travel adaptor for your UK three-pin plugs. UK devices run happily on the local voltage.
Which Spanish ports do Mediterranean cruises visit?
Barcelona is the headline port, often a departure city, with Málaga, Cádiz, Valencia, Palma de Mallorca and the Canary Islands also common calls — giving a single cruise a real cross-section of Spain.
What is the difference between northern and southern Spain?
The Atlantic north — the Basque Country and Galicia — is green, cooler and famous for its food, while the Mediterranean south is hotter and sunnier, with Moorish architecture and long beaches. Many travellers enjoy contrasting the two.

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