Spain Tours & Holidays

Generally speaking, Spain enjoys a warm Mediterranean climate, with hot, dry summers and relatively mild winters. There is some regional variation to this rule, with the Cantabrian coast in the north experiencing milder summers of around 25°C, and the interior and mountainous areas (such as the Pyrenees, Sierra Nevada and the Iberian Mountains) getting much harsher winters, often with snow. Temperatures in the south and on the Balearic and Canary Islands can climb into the high 30s during the long, dry summer.

It depends which part of Spain you are planning on visiting. It is best to avoid visiting Seville and other parts of southern Spain during peak summer, as temperatures often surpass 40°C. Generally speaking, spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November) are the best times to visit southern Spain and the Balearics, when there are fewer crowds, but temperatures remain pleasant. The Canary Islands are an ideal year-round destination.

Considering its position within Western Europe, Spain is not a particularly expensive country. Prices do vary across Spain, with major cities like Madrid and Barcelona sitting toward the more expensive end of the scale. However, in most Mediterranean coastal resorts, smaller cities together with the Canary and Balearic Islands, prices are very agreeable, especially for eating and drinking, as Spain does not rely on imports for most of its food.

Spain is famous for its Mediterranean climate, culture and coastline, together with its food, wine, architecture and history. The capital of Spain is Madrid, which, along with Barcelona and Seville, is one of the country’s most visited cities, each home to a treasure trove of diverse architecture and popular sights, including Madrid’s Plaza Mayor, Barcelona’s Sagrada Familia and Seville’s Alcazar Palace. Spain’s beaches are also very popular, with the country boasting a huge coastline, together with several islands. Flamenco and bullfighting are also popular aspects of Spanish culture.

Spanish food is famous across the world, and is heavily influenced by historical legacy and regional climates. Tapas is a popular form of cuisine throughout Spain, consisting of plates of food that are traditionally shared, as is paella, a large rice dish that originated from Valencia. Tomatoes and peppers are ubiquitous across the country, along with chorizo and Iberico ham. On or near the coast, seafood is very popular, including prawns, octopus and mussels. The Spanish produce a lot of wine, including the famous Rioja variety. Sangria (a wine-based beverage) and beer are also popular drinks in Spain.