late deals, apartments and cheap flights can be found by searching on our home page.

Holidayco.co.uk specialises in cheap spanish holidays, package holidays and late deals to a huge number of destinations. Find out more about spain in our guide below.

Holidays in Spain

Spain is one of the most visually spectacular and varied countries in Europe. From the great beaches to fantastic nightlife, Moorish monuments to wonderful cuisine. Spain is a land of contrasts so you may want to take some time out to explore a bit when you've topped up your suntan.

The cities are each unique and highly individual; the country's monuments change from one region to the next, reflecting Spain's long history and the landscape changes from the green of Galicia and Asturias in the north through the arid, high plains of Castile to the deserts of Estremadura and the beaches of the Costa del Sol.

Why not search our database of cheap spanish holidays now by visiting the holidayco.co.uk homepage and using the search facility.

Area: 504,782 sq km

Climate:

Temperate; clear, hot summers in interior, more moderate and cloudy along coast; cloudy, cold winters in interior, partly cloudy and cool along coast

Terrain: Large, flat to dissected plateau surrounded by rugged hills; Pyrenees in north

Population: 40,280,780

People: Composite of Mediterranean and Nordic types

Languages: Castilian Spanish 74%, CATALAN 17%, Galician 7%, BASQUE 2%. Note: Castilian is the official language nationwide; the other languages are official regionally

Currency: Euro's - buy currency and travellers cheques online

Time Zone: GMT +1 hours

International Dialing Code: 34

Electricity Supply: 220V, 50Hz

History:

Spain's powerful world empire of the 16th and 17th centuries ultimately yielded command of the seas to England. Subsequent failure to embrace the mercantile and industrial revolutions caused the country to fall behind Britain, France, and Germany in economic and political power. Spain remained neutral in World Wars I and II, but suffered through a devastating civil war (1936-39). In the second half of the 20th century, Spain has played a catch-up role in the western international community and joined the EU in 1986.

Places to visit

Holiday in Costa Blanca

The Costa Blanca had a modern, cosmopolitan feel while retaining much of its traditional culture. It is an area of tremendous natural beauty, flanked by mountains and varied terrain there is a huge amount of things to see and do - from mountain hikes, nature reserves and parks, islands, authentic Spanish villages to beautiful beaches. Many visitors to the Costa Blanca are drawn by the cuisine, with a range of local and international restaurants offering some of Spain's best cuisine, emphasizing fresh fish and meat dishes.

Holiday in Costa Brava

The Costa Brava is a hundred mile stretch of rugged, spectacular coastline in the region of Catalonia in the North East corner of Spain where there is an abundance of summer sunshine, natural beauty and miles and miles of sandy beaches. You'll find modern, international tourist resorts with all the amenities beside medieval towns with ancient castles, unspoilt fishing villages, and secluded rocky coves.

Holiday in Costa del Sol

The Costa del Sol stretches from Gibraltar in the west to Nerja in the east and boasts a host of sandy beaches. The Costa del Sol has long been a popular holiday destination. Whether you are looking for culture, museums & historical sights, an elegant cuisine & vibrant nightlife, or sporting facilities of almost any type, they are here in abundance. The area is also well known for having some of the most beautiful white washed villages in the world; most of them looking out to sea from high up on the mountainsides. These villages still follow Spain's traditional, slower place of life and provide an ideal retreat from the hustle and bustle. The Costa del Sol is well known for its mild climate, making it an ideal destination for visitors year round.

Holiday in Costa Dorada

The Costa Dorada (Golden Coast) is named after the color gold - warm, bright and soft - which is predominant in the area, in the southern part of Catalonia. The twenty towns and villages that comprise the Costa Dorada encompass a stretch a hundred and fift miles long, with plenty of uncrowded beaches with clean fine sand and transparent shallow water. Sandwiched between the mountains and the see, visitors will find many areas clustered with sleepy towns and villages and peaceful farmland, where olive trees, hazels, carobs, vineyards and almond trees grow.

Holiday in Ibiza

Ibiza is a great place if your looking for nightclubs but contrary to popular belief its not just a party island. This island has around 125 miles of coastline and some of the best beaches in the Balerics. Being only 125 miles from the Spanish mainland its also just a relatively short hop from the UK.

Holiday in Fuerteventura

Fuerteventura is a gorgeous island in the Islas Canarias (Canary Islands) and has the oldest history and the longest beaches in the islands. Fuerteventura is a beautiful island with some of the best beaches in Europe and is well known for a wide range of water sports activities from whale watching to surfing.

Holiday in Gran Canaria

Gran Canaria is in many ways a continent in miniature, offering verdant forests, exotic fauna and flora, desert dunes, mountains, volcanic craters, occasional snow on the highest peaks, the most lively capital city in the Canary Islands, stunning coastlines and beautiful beaches.

Holiday in Lanzarote

This sundrenched island boasts some of the best beaches in the Canaries and spectacular inland volcanic landscapes. It lies a mere sixty miles off the coast of Africa and the warm winds that blow from there make it a perfect choice for windsurfing. Whether you want to relax on soft sands and soak up the sun or enjoy some great watersports, Larzarote is an ideal destination.

Holiday in Madrid

Madrid, the capital of Spain, is in the heart of the country and is a perennial favorite for tourists who find the city to be a very friendly, beautiful and relaxing place. In the centre Madrid, the old part of the city whisks visitors back to years gone by, with winding cobbled streets and old buildings. There is no shortage of things to see and do in Madrid from restaurants, bars, theme parks, and huge range of historical attractions. Whether you prefer to spend your time relaxing in the cafes and bars or admiring the scenery and art, Madrid has something for everyone.

Holiday in Majorca

Most visitors to Majorca seek out the plentiful sunshine, unspoilt beaches and warm sea, but the island also has a lot more to offer. Majorca has great examples of gothic architecture, old villages, olive groves and secluded beaches. For those seeking something a little wilder, twenty-four hour parties and clubbing are the norm on Majorca. Palma, Majorca's capital city is especially lively, with many cultural sights and a great nightlife.

Holiday in Menorca

The quite jewel in the crown of the Balerics this beautiful island is smaller than Majorca but has many beautiful beaches and coves. The pace of life is slow and relaxed and there are a large number of resorts suitable for families. The short flight time from the UK is an extra bonus.

Holiday in Tenerife

Tenerife is the largest of the Canary Islands and enjoys almost constant good weather, making it an ideal holiday destination year round. The North of the island is a topical paradise, full of palm trees and banana plantations and breathtakingly beautiful landscape. Inland, you'll find yourself in traditional rural towns the hillside villages and extraordinarily unusual landscapes formed from the twisted lava-rock of the largest mountain in Spain, Mount Tiede. One of Tenerife's most popular resorts is Playa de Las Americas, known for not only its nightlife, but its many beaches, some composed of black volcanic sand. Enjoying a great variety of shops, bars and restaurants, Playa de Las Americas is definitely the pulsating heart of the island.

Things to do

Beaches In Spain

Check out the Costa del Sol, Costa Blanca, Costa Brava, Costa de la Luz, Costa Verde and Balearics for some of Spain's best beaches.

Shopping In Spain

Spain offers great bargains on many articles with some special discounts for tourists. Madrid and Barcelona are, of course, the major cities for shopping. Travelers to Madrid should spend time at the Rastro Market, where you can bargain hard and experience the full flavor of Spain's shopping fever. In Madrid you can find artistic products of rich and varied Spanish handicraft, rugs, tapestries, shoes, luggage, bags, coats, dresses, gloves, fans, cloaks, porcelain, ceramic ware, cast iron wooden statues.

Why not search our database of cheap spanish holidays now by visiting the holidayco.co.uk homepage and using the search facility.

Sport In Spain

There is no shortage of sporting activities to interest the visitor to Spain. From watching a bullfight or football match to skiing, golf, fishing, hiking, diving and sailing, Spain really has something for every taste.

Culture In Spain

History has left its traces everywhere in Spain - Roman remains, Arabic and Jewish architecture and Prehistoric caves. Not surprisingly, 30 Spanish sites are considered UNESCO World Heritage sites. The art experience in Spain is completed by its extensive offer of museums, featuring the best from the classics to the most avant-garde painters and sculptors.

Food In Spain

Meals are an extremely important social activity in Spain, whether that means eating out late at night or having large family gatherings for lunch. Whenever you can, be sure to try the specialties of each region, particularly when you visit the Basque country or Galicia.