I think Spain is my favourite country. I mean, what’s not to love? The wall to wall sunshine, beautiful beaches, the friendly people and, of course, the delicious food. Tapas, paella, pinchos, I cannot get enough!
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As well as mainland Spain, there are the Canary Islands and the Balearics too so there are plenty of different places to explore on a summer holiday. I’ve spent many happy holidays in the European country and made lots of memories there.
I’ve put together this post to show you some of my favourite destinations for a summer holiday in Spain.
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Mallorca
The biggest of the Balearic Islands, and the biggest Spanish island, Mallorca is a fantastic holiday destination. It has so many beautiful beaches including Platja de Alcudia and even Magaluf beach is worth a visit!
Plus, it’s full of gorgeous Spanish towns like Soller and Pollenca, with pretty cobbled streets and historical architecture. There are plenty of walking routes on the island if you like to explore the great outdoors.
If a city break is more your thing then don’t miss Mallorca’s capital city, Palma. It’s a great city with an incredible cathedral overlooking it.
There’s plenty to do here and there is a tapas bar on every corner.
If you’re visiting Mallorca, then check out my seven day Mallorca itinerary here.
Javea
Situated on Spain’s northern Costa Blanca, this region gets 320 days of sunshine a year which is reason enough to visit if you ask me. The landscape here is full of peaks and mountains so it’s the perfect place for hiking.
Javea‘s old town is typically Spanish with narrow streets and bars where you can sit outside with a drink and watch the world go by. There’s also a local market on a Thursday which is full of delicious fresh produce.
Playa El Arenal is the main beach here and it’s a large, sandy affair. The sea is shallow a long way out and crystal clear and you can do stand-up paddle boarding, kayaking and jetskiing here too.
If you want to get away from the tourist trail then head to Granadella Beach. Popular with locals, the beach is accessed by a steep mountain track and has a lively atmosphere. Head to the bar first and then enjoy your day!
Ibiza
Ibiza is pretty much a rite of passage when you’re in your teens and early 20s (or even visit Ibiza in your 30s!) but there’s much more to the island than champagne showers, house music and beach clubs. Away from the clubs, this Balearic island has a laidback, hippie atmosphere, villages full of rural charm and countless stunning beaches.
Ibiza is the perfect place for road trips as the island is small enough to drive around during a couple of days. Hire a car for the week, throw away your plans and go off the beaten track.
Discover hidden bays, traditional towns and fall in love with this beautiful island like I have.
If it’s partying you’re after, stay at beach resorts San Antonio, Playa d’en Bossa or head to the island’s capital Ibiza Town for upmarket fun. If it’s chill time you’d prefer then head to quieter Portinatx in the north of the island.
Family resorts Santa Eulalia and Cala Llonga are gorgeous too.
Tenerife
Known primarily as a winter sun destination, Tenerife is great for summer holidays too. Plus, it tends to be reasonably priced during the summer months as demand is lower.
The south coast is home to big beach resorts like Los Cristianos and Costa Adeje where you can soak up the year-round sunshine.
But there’s more to Tenerife than just beaches. It’s also home to over 40 protected nature areas, covering almost half of the whole island.
The centre of the island is home to Mount Teide, the third largest volcano in the world and the highest point of the island.
Lloret de Mar
Located on Spain’s Costa Brava, Lloret de Mar is a popular tourist destination in mainland Spain. Medieval ruins and gothic architecture are in abundance here and there’s also a few beaches to choose from.
Lloret de Mar is only an hour’s drive away from the city of Barcelona so you can head here for day trips. Don’t miss La Sagrada Familia, Barcelona’s most photographed landmarked, as well as taking a stroll down Las Ramblas and the Magic Fountain show in the evening.
Fuengirola
Fuengirola is one of the biggest resorts in Spain’s Costa del Sol. There’s eight kilometres of sand here which is split into eight different beaches – more than one for each day of the week! Try the chiringuitos, small restaurants or bars right on the beach, for some seafood delights.
There’s also some great nightlife here. We went over New Year and the weather was warm enough for sunbathing plus the party in the square was fantastic!
Fuengirola is less than two hours away from Granada, in Andalusia. Take a day trip here for medieval architecture dating back to the moorish occupation.
It’s also one of Spain’s top university cities which means that it’s brimming with culture and nightlife.
