Best Summer Destinations in Spain | Travel Guide and Trip Planner

If you are planning a summer holiday in Spain, we have you covered, in this Spain Travel Guide featuring the Best Summer Destinations for you to explore in Spain!

Spain is a fantastic destination for sun-seekers, beach lovers, and those who want to immerse themselves in the country’s culture.

You can admire the impressive works of Gaudi in Barcelona, soak up the sun on the beautiful beaches of Alicante, visit picturesque white-painted towns in Andalusia, surf and much more.

With so much to offer, Spain is not only a top choice with family travellers, but it’s also one of the Best Destinations in the World for Solo Travellers.

In this Spain Travel Guide, you’ll discover Spain’s best summer holiday destinations, that you should add to your Spain Travel Bucket List.

– Written by Cristina from My Little World of Travelling

PS – Useful Travel Resources to use while heading to Spain to discover the Best Summer Holiday Destinations in Spain – 

• Book your Europe train tickets at Omio or Trainline
• Book your Rental Car in Spain on Discover Cars and RentalCars.com
• Book the best Spain Tours at GetYourGuide or Viator
• Book the best Culinary / Food Experiences in Europe on EatWith
• Book your Accommodation in Spain on Agoda or Booking.com
• Book the cheapest flights for your trip to Spain on Kiwi.com
• Get an eSIM by Airalo to stay connected and Save on Roaming Fees
• Sign up for a Priority Pass before flying to Spain, and enjoy free access to premium Airport Lounges.
• Sign up for a Travel Insurance to enjoy a hassle free vacation in Spain.

Best Summer Travel Destinations in Spain

Pin this Spain Trip Planner featuring the Best Summer Holiday Destinations in Spain

Barcelona

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A must-see Spanish destination is Barcelona, which also happens to be one of the Best Solo Travel Destinations in Europe. The city boasts incredibly beautiful architecture, a lively atmosphere and culture.

No matter what time of the year you visit Barcelona, La Sagrada Familia must make it to your list, as its one of the Top Bucket List Experiences in Spain, that you should have on the top of your Spain Bucket List.

Gaudi’s masterpiece is one of a kind, but that isn’t the only work by the architect. You can also visit Park Güell and Casa Vicens.

On hot summer days, there is no better activity than spending time on La Barceloneta Beach, which is also gorgeous at sunset.

If you spend more than three days in Barcelona, you might also want to escape the bustling city and visit one of its pretty coastal towns like Sitges and Tossa de Mar.

Best Tours in Barcelona

Where to stay in Barcelona

Having stayed at H10 Metropolitan, I highly recommend this hotel. It is stylish, next to the famous Plaza de Cataluña, and close to attractions like Palau de la Musica Catalana and Barcelona Cathedral.

Mallorca

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Mallorca also spelled Majorca, is one of the best places to visit in the Balearic Islands. The island has a bit of everything, from magnificent historical buildings and picturesque pastel streets to idyllic beaches and delicious cuisine.

If you love the beach, you are spoilt for choice. There are plenty of stunning beaches and small coves to spend the day. Caló Des Moro and Playa de Es Trenc are the most beautiful.

For a cultural experience, visit Mallorca Cathedral, known as La Seu. The architecture is awe-inspiring, and the building is rich in history. I highly recommend visiting its rooftop too.

You might also want to try the local cuisine, which include some of the Best Street Food in Europe, such as Paella or Boquerones which is Malaga’s most famous dish during your time in Mallorca. If you have a sweet tooth, try “ensaimadas”, a sweet pastry made with flour, water, eggs and pork lad.

Best Tours in Mallorca

Where to stay in Mallorca

Hotel Palma Bellver Affiliated by Meliá is a fantastic hotel close to the beach and not far from Palma de Mallorca city centre.

Tenerife

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Tenerife is one of the best islands for families. It has many kid-friendly attractions that will keep little ones and adults entertained.

It’s the largest island in the Canary Islands, so there are many activities besides enjoying its gorgeous beaches.

El Teide is the main attraction in Tenerife. It’s the only volcano in Spain, so it’s definitely worth seeing.

Another beautiful natural place is Masca. This small village nestled in the mountains is magical.

Although Santa Cruz de Tenerife is the capital, Puerto de la Cruz offers a wider variety of activities. You can visit the black sand beaches, spend the day at Lago Martianez and visit Loro Park.

PS – You might find this Tenerife Travel Guide, useful for planing your trip to Tenerife – one of the best Summer Holiday Destination in Spain.

Best Tours in Tenerife

Where to stay in Tenerife

If you stay in Puerto de la Cruz, H10 Tenerife Playa is a great choice. It is next to the beach and has a big pool. However, if you prefer to base yourself in Santa Cruz, Occidental Santa Cruz Contemporáneo is an excellent and affordable hotel within walking distance from the centre.

Marbella

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When summer is around the corner, Marbella becomes livelier than ever. The town, located less than an hour from Malaga-Costa del Sol Airport, has so much to offer during summer.

First, you can enjoy its stunning beaches. They all have great facilities, but some of the best centrally located beaches are Playa de la Venus and Playa de Puerto Banus. Many of these beaches have water activities for all ages.

Second, if you love parties, Marbella is home to the most luxurious beach clubs like Nikki Beach. They are popular for a reason!

However, if you aren’t into parties, there are other fantastic activities to do in Marbella, like visiting its historic centre and lovely parks, watching a traditional flamenco show or taking a romantic sunset cruise.

Last but not least, Marbella is a short drive from other beautiful coastal towns and traditional villages that are worth visiting. For example, you can see the picturesque village of Mijas Pueblo or Gibraltar.

Best Tours in Marbella

Where to stay in Marbella

There are plenty of accommodation options, but if you want to stay close to the centre and beach, Linda Boutique Hotel is great. For a beachfront hotel, Amare Beach Club Marbella is an excellent choice.

Alicante

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Alicante is a fantastic summer destination because it has some of the most beautiful beaches in mainland Spain.

If you stay in Alicante, Postiguet Beach is the closest beach to the city centre and is perfect for swimming, soaking up the sun or doing water sports.

For a cultural experience, the Castle of Santa Bárbara, located in Mount Benacantil, offers historical insight and panoramic views. However, that isn’t the only place to immerse in culture; you can also visit the MACA Museum and see the Santa Maria Basilica.

Summer in Alicante is filled with festivals, including the famous Bonfires of Saint John, which offers a glimpse into local traditions and vibrant nightlife.

Also, you can do lots of excursions from Alicante by train. Villajoyosa, Benidorm and Altea are three coastal towns that make a perfect out. 

Best Tours in Alicante

Where to stay in Alicante

Occidental Alicante is my preferred accommodation because it is affordable and central and offers comfortable rooms with all the necessary amenities.

Malaga

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Malaga is one of the most popular destinations in Spain to visit in the summer. The city has good beaches, lively events and attractions for those who love sightseeing.

If you love soaking up the sun, the closest beach to Malaga’s old town is La Malagueta Beach, which has very good facilities and is accessible to everyone. Other less frequented and nearby beaches preferred by the locals are Playa Huelin and Playa de la Misericordia.

If you can’t stay still on the beach or want to have a cultural experience, Malaga has over 30 museums. It also has a beautiful cathedral and a fortress palace called Alcazaba de Malaga. The latter is one of the city’s most impressive places to visit.

By visiting Malaga in mid-August, you can experience one of its most important events, the Malaga Fair, where you can try the local wine and food or dance the night away! Alternatively, you can also check out music festivals in towns near Malaga.

If you are visiting Malaga, you might also want to tick off Costa Del Sol from your Spain Bucket List. And this 3 Day Costa Del Sol Itinerary, will answer all your questions, regarding spending a weekend in Costa Del Sol.

Best Tours in Malaga

Where to stay in Malaga

Room Mate Valeria is a lovely hotel next to Calle Larios and Malaga’s port. It also has a rooftop pool to cool down on the hottest days.

Santander

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Are you looking for an underrated Spanish destination to visit in the summer? Santander it is. Located in Northern Spain, this city isn’t as popular as the rest of the Summer Destinations in Spain mentioned in the article.

However, if you prefer fewer crowds and a quieter atmosphere, but you still want to enjoy the beach, Santander is an excellent option.

In addition, the temperature in Santander is cooler than in other parts of the country, like Southern Spain, where you can expect a maximum of 40 degrees Celsius.

The beaches in Santander are gorgeous and famous for their water sports activities like surfing. Playa del Sardinero is one of the best beaches in Santander, but you can also visit other beautiful ones like Playa de la Magdalena.

Regarding attractions, you don’t want to miss Centro Botín, an art gallery, and Santander Cathedral.

However, some of the best activities in Santander are outdoors, like exploring Magdalena Peninsula, which has the stunning Magdalena Palace, and visiting the Natural Park of Cabarceno.

In addition, Santander isn’t far from other fantastic Northern Spain destinations like Bilbao, which you can visit on a day trip.

Best Tours in Santander

Where to stay in Santander

Hotel NH Ciudad de Santander is my top choice. This hotel is centrally located, has spacious and comfortable rooms and offers a delicious and varied buffet breakfast.

Ibiza

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One of the most epic summer destinations in Spain is Ibiza. It is the perfect place to go on holiday for anyone who wants a good time with friends, partying and enjoying its pristine beaches.

The beaches in Ibiza are idyllic – their crystal-clear water and cosy coves make them so picturesque, and they are even better at sunset, making Ibiza one of the Best Places to visit in Spain.

For partygoers, some of the best nightclubs in Ibiza are Pacha Ibiza, Amnesia and Eden Ibiza. These three places won’t disappoint you.

However, not everything is about the party scene in Ibiza; you can also have a cultural experience on the island. The best place to learn about the history of Ibiza is its Old Town, called Dalt Vila. It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and you can visit its castle, leisurely enjoy coffee at a cute cafe, or simply take photos of its photogenic streets.

Best Tours in Ibiza

Where to stay in Ibiza

Ibiza Town is the best place for first-time travellers to stay. Sud Ibiza Suites has lovely apartments with all the amenities you might need. However, if you prefer a more upscale stay, Hotel Boutique & Spa Las Mimosas Ibiza is perfect.

Almeria

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Located in Southern Spain, Almeria province is a great place to spend your summer holidays.

One of the most beautiful places within the province is Cabo de Gata-Níjar Natural Park. It is home to pristine beaches, small fishing villages and deserts. It is a paradise for beach and nature lovers.

For those who prefer a cultural experience, Almeria City has historical attractions worth visiting. For example, you can visit its Roman Catholic Cathedral and beautiful Alcazaba fortress, which offers stunning views of the city.

Best Tours in Almeria

Where to stay in Almeria

If you stay in Almeria City, AC Hotel by Marriott Almeria is a good option. The hotel is a short walking distance from the main attractions. However, if you opt for Cabo de Gata, Barceló Cabo de Gata is one of the best hotels in the area.

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