Spain A Great Summer And Holiday Destination

Spain is a country you will never tire of visiting; the exciting cities and cultural experiences will leave you wanting to return again and again, making Spain your favorite holiday destination.

Whether it's drinking early morning espressos on the beach in Barcelona or watching flamenco dancing in the caves of Granada, there is always something exciting to see or do.

Northern Spain

Barcelona

Barcelona, the capital of the Catalonia region, is a bustling yet laidback city with over 1.6 million people.

At least one day in the city can be spent visiting artist Antoni Gaudi's iconic works of art. Parc Guell is elevated above the city and gives visitors some of the most incredible views of the Barcelona and the sparkling Mediterranean Sea.A half hour walk from Parc Guell is La Sagrada Familia Cathedral which is one of the most distinctive creations in the world.

A more relaxing day can be spent walking down Las Ramblas to see the street performers. Be sure to visit La Boqueria to pick up some fresh fruit and Tapas to take with you to the nearby Barcelona Beach. This beach is a must during your summer holiday as its expansive sandy beach is the most vibrant spot in the city.

Sitges

If you strictly want a beach holiday, you can head to nearby resort town Sitges which boasts 17 different beaches ranging from expansive to pebble beaches to tiny coves.

Madrid

Heading south, you'll experience cities with incredibly rich history and vibrant art. You can visit Spain's capital which sits in the exact center of the country. Its wide boulevards and sophisticated architecture give it a feel completely separate from the more laidback Barcelona. The Prado Museum holds famous works of art by Goya and Velázquez. You can also visit the Royal Palace of Madrid and maybe spot an official ceremony with the Royal Family.

Southern Spain

Costa Blanca

This area has over 200 kilometers of coastline with golden sandy beaches. The busy resort town of Benidorm boasts two vast beaches: Levante which is the more popular and active spot, or Poniente where more locals spend their time.

Granada

This city is a must for history buffs and art lovers alike; the historic cobblestone streets and beautiful buildings are one of a kind.

Sitting atop a hill with the picturesque Sierra Nevada Mountains in the backdrop, the Alhambra Palace will transport you to another time; constructed initially as a fortress it was rebuilt with stunning Moorish architecture and tile work, trickling fountains and beautiful gardens.

Across from the palace lie the Sacromonte caves where you can watch an authentic flamenco show.

Leaving Granada, you can head to the coast, and on the southernmost part of Spain, you will be able to visit some of the best beaches in the world.

Tarifais exceptional for its white sand beaches but also because visitors can look across the Strait of Gibraltar and see Africa.

The Canary Islandsare even further south and sit off of the coast of Africa. These beaches are most appealing to water sports aficionados.

Remember: when outdoor or on the beach never rely on regular swimwear and clothing alone for sun protection if the UV index level is 3 and above; use a combination of 5 sun protection measures:
1. Apply sunscreen on exposed skin;
2. Cover up with UPF clothing or Swimwear when on the beach;
3. Slap on a wide brim sun hat;
4. Wear EPF sunglasses;
5. Seek shade.