Weekend breaks are one of the best ways to reboot, and the place higher than in sunny España? Begin planning now with my checklist of the most effective locations to go for a weekend break in Spain, every with its personal distinctive choices.
Getting away from the stresses of day-to-day life and leaving work behind for a few days is an excellent feeling. If like me, you go too lengthy with out seeing one thing completely different, you go a bit stir loopy, then a weekend away in Spain is an effective way to maintain your sanity in verify.
Spain is conveniently positioned only a few hours flight from many of the UK. And you’ll typically discover low cost(ish) tickets on low-cost airways to maintain issues reasonably priced. You possibly can simply plan a weekend away in Spain for £150pp relying on the time of 12 months. So with cash being much less of an impediment when in comparison with most different holidays, the query is – the place in Spain do you go?
Spain has a variety of locations to select from which every provide enjoyable and experiences and completely different cultures. Artwork lovers, seaside lovers, structure appreciators will all have one thing to entertain them in numerous cities throughout Spain so I can see why it’d be arduous to know the place to go. My checklist of the most effective locations to go for a weekend break in Spain may also help you make your choice – though you actually can’t go fallacious!
6 prime Spain holidays for a weekend away
In case you’re in want of a fast getaway, these are the most effective locations to go for a weekend in Spain that may depart you rejuvenated and revived. Disfruta!
1. Barcelona for a weekend away
Barcelona, the capital of Catalonia, is without doubt one of the greatest cities on the planet and due to this fact completely among the best locations to go for a weekend break in Spain! There may be a lot to see and do, you’ll have to come again repeatedly with a view to do all of it – however that’s a beautiful drawback to have.
You might be actually spoiled for selection with tradition, historical past, museums, theatre, music, sport and even a seaside! Indulge your self within the superb structure on provide from many alternative eras that blend the Gothic with the modern and check out all of the fantastic meals and wine on provide – Barcelona actually has one thing for everybody.
Structure in Barcelona
It’s arduous to know the place to even start with such an attention-grabbing metropolis however I suppose there is no such thing as a higher place than mentioning among the most wonderful structure on provide so that you can adore.
Firstly, Antoni Gaudí’s masterpiece, the Sagrada Familia, is an iconic image of Barcelona. Its ornate design is exceptional and can stick with you endlessly. It’s presently being completed (we’ve been ready a short while let’s consider) and its towering spires make it a must-visit. Have your picture taken exterior with some ice cream from the superb parlour throughout the road, and even take a tour of the within (far more cultured than consuming ice cream).
Gaudí’s whimsical Park Güell is a mosaic-filled wonderland providing panoramic views of town. It’s like a playground for the creativeness and actually fills you with pleasure so I extremely advocate it. The colourful colors and imaginative sculptures create a surreal ambiance which you’ll always remember.
You’ll want a ticket and e-book upfront as they will promote out. Each these gorgeous residing items of artwork are excessive up on the Finest Locations to Go for a Weekend Break in Spain.
Artwork in Barcelona
As the house of Gaudi, Ramon Casas and Miró, Barcelona is teaming with artwork and tradition at each level. The Picasso Museum is an artwork fanatic’s dream, the place you’ll be able to discover the early works of Pablo Picasso within the coronary heart of the Gothic Quarter. Study all about his evolution as an artist by viewing an enormous array of his works from throughout his life within the fantastic museum.
One other cease for artwork lovers is the Joan Miró Basis. This museum showcases the works of the fascinating and famend Catalan surrealist.
La Rambla
Barcelona’s well-known boulevard, La Rambla, is bustling with thrilling exercise. Stroll alongside the tree-lined road, discover native markets, and witness road performers and artists showcasing their abilities. A plethora of outlets promoting every kind of produce from garments, to meals to souvenirs line the road.
It’s a very tourist-heavy space so should you choose a much less busy stroll then lots of the roads off of La Rambla additionally provide numerous character and tradition with out being fairly so busy. However you’ll be able to’t say you’ve been to Barca and not using a stroll down La Rambla.
Quarters and neighbourhoods to wander round
Barcelona is split into completely different quarters which every have their very own idiosyncrasies, structure and contrasting vibes so that you can interact with and discover. I undoubtedly counsel testing the Gothic Quarter. Lose your self within the slim mediaeval streets and also you’ll discover charming squares, historic buildings, and gems corresponding to family-run retailers which have been there for generations, to boutiques, to artisan wine bars and eateries. There’s numerous different neighbourhoods corresponding to El Born. This district is understood for its inventive aptitude, quirky and funky boutique retailers, and nice nightlife scene on provide.
The place to eat in Barcelona
In case you’ve ever visited or lived in Spain earlier than then you definately’ll after all be aware of tapas, the small, plentiful, sociable means of consuming. If not, it’s essential to have your first tapas expertise in Barca! Foodies will love meals tradition right here and I insist you take pleasure in a tapas crawl. Every bar gives a novel number of small, flavourful dishes, so you actually can strive an enormous selection.
It’s not simply cafes, bars and superb eating places which do nice meals there. Boqueria Market, Situated simply off La Rambla, is a bustling market and meals lover’s paradise, that includes contemporary produce, seafood, and native specialities.
The seaside in Barcelona
On most metropolis breaks you don’t usually have the choice of visiting an attractive sandy seaside, nevertheless you might be in luck with Barca! Barceloneta Seashore, although man-made, provides an excellent dimension to an already improbable metropolis.
Take a break and unwind on town’s sandy shores, go for a swim, sunbath – eat, drink and be merry! The seaside gives a refreshing escape from the busy metropolis centre (although that is on no account a secluded quiet little seaside). Enveloped with seaside eating places and nice ambiance I’d say Barceloneta Seashore is a must-do in your journey.
Barcelona’s vitality, inventive treasures, and an ideal mixture of city and coastal experiences make it an excellent vacation spot for a memorable weekend break. Whether or not you’re exploring architectural wonders, savouring native wine, tapas and risottos, or soaking within the Mediterranean solar, Barcelona is totally among the best locations to go for a weekend break in Spain.
2. Madrid for a weekend away
Madrid, the capital and coronary heart and soul of Spain, is one other Spanish metropolis which gives world-class museums, historic landmarks and energetic neighbourhoods.
Artwork
The Prado Museum is Spain’s nationwide artwork museum and residential to an intensive assortment of European artwork. It showcases masterpieces by Goya, Velázquez, and El Greco. Artwork lovers will rejoice and may simply spend hours exploring its many galleries.
The star of the present on the Reina Sofia Museum is Picasso’s ‘Guernica’ which individuals journey from far and huge to admire. It’s not the one artwork on show nevertheless, extra fashionable and modern artwork take centre stage right here too.
Tradition of Madrid
Madrid has numerous locations across the metropolis which show their historical past proudly. A go to to the opulent Royal Palace gives a glimpse into Spain’s regal historical past. Discover the grand rooms, the Royal Armory, and the gorgeous Sabatini Gardens.
Puerta del Sol, Madrid’s bustling central sq., is a hive of exercise, that includes the long-lasting Tio Pepe signal, the Bear and the Strawberry Tree statue, and the symbolic Kilometre Zero marker. In case you love people-watching then Plaza Mayor is one other sq., surrounded by red-brick buildings and arcades, which is ideal for therefore doing.
The Kilometro Zero, is a small stone slab in Madrid’s metropolis sq. which marks the geographical centre of Spain. The marker units the Zero Kilometre level from which distances are measured in Spain.
Retiro Park
Retiro Park covers over 125 hectares and includes greater than 15,000 timber. El Retiro Park, not too long ago named a UNESCO World Heritage Web site, is Madrid’s largest park. I merely adore it. Its scale is spectacular and actually does really feel like an oasis in the course of a metropolis (you would neglect you had been in a capital metropolis while in right here).
It has the vibe of Hyde Park in London or Central Park in New York. Extensive boulevards, individuals strolling, skating, picnicking, canine being walked, some sports activities being performed – it’s each tranquil but energetic on the identical time. There’s peaceable manicured gardens, an excellent boating lake, and the Crystal Palace!
You undoubtedly want a selfie right here. It’s a haven for rest and out of doors actions, I couldn’t advocate it extremely sufficient. It’s additionally a beautiful place to take it simple after an evening indulging in all of the meals and wine Madrid has to supply and among the best locations to go for a weekend break in Spain.
The place to eat in Madrid
Malasaña, a neighbourhood identified for its different scene and attention-grabbing vary of culinary choices, is the proper place to take pleasure in tapas within the native bars and cafes.
But in addition, let’s not neglect the chocoholics amongst us; Indulge within the Spanish custom of dipping churros into sizzling chocolate on the well-known Chocolatería San Gines.
Gran Through
You can’t go to Madrid and never stroll down Gran Vía. My coronary heart does a merry little dance when it sees the long-lasting Schweppes signal adorning a constructing at one finish of the Gran Through. It’s like one thing from a Baz Luhrmann movie and is immediately recognisable – once more, one other place for an incredible selfie!
Madrid’s bustling fundamental road just isn’t solely a consumer’s paradise but in addition nice for nightlife. Discover theatres, cinemas, many cocktail bars, and golf equipment on Gran Through and the encircling areas. It’s not all historical past and artwork in Madrid, you’ll be able to actually occasion too!
Madrid’s dynamic vitality, cultural treasures, and an ideal mix of historic and fashionable sights make it an distinctive vacation spot for a weekend retreat and that’s the reason I’ve to shout about it as among the best locations to go for a weekend break in Spain!
3. Seville for a weekend away
Seville, the capital of Andalusia, is a metropolis that effortlessly weaves collectively centuries of historical past, inventive brilliance, and the fervour of flamenco.
Structure
Firstly I’ve to say the Alcazar of Seville. The royal palace advanced is a masterpiece of Mudejar, Gothic, Renaissance, and Baroque structure. Discover its intricate courtyards, lush gardens, and opulent rooms.
Seville Cathedral and Giralda Tower is the biggest Gothic cathedral on the planet and is just gorgeous. The size of it’s breathtaking and the structure is mind-blowing. The cathedral homes treasures corresponding to Christopher Columbus’s tomb, although some debate whether or not his physique is definitely there (some consider it’s nonetheless in Cuba). Climb the Giralda Tower for panoramic views of town.
Cultural explorations in Seville
There may be a lot to discover in Seville, each geographically and culturally. Seville’s historic Jewish Quarter, Santa Cruz, is a labyrinth of slim streets, attractive squares, and whitewashed buildings so that you can uncover, loosen up and dine in.
It’s not all structure although! How about you immerse your self within the soul-stirring artwork of flamenco at venues like Tablao El Arenal or Tablao Los Gallo? The passionate dance, music, and singing create an unforgettable expertise. Study all in regards to the artwork of flamenco on the Flamenco Museum, housed in a shocking constructing within the coronary heart of Seville. In case you’re fortunate sufficient to go to in April you will note town come alive with the Feria – a bombastic truthful that includes flamenco, music, costumes and a celebration ambiance!
Iconic Views and Parks
The chic Metropol Parasol / Las Setas is a must-see when visiting Seville. Fashionable structure meets historic environment on this enormous, gorgeous, architectural and inventive surprise!
An unlimited picket construction, which is actually a chunk of artwork, is a big viewing platform providing panoramic views of town. You must purchase a ticket for 15 euros however it’s effectively value it for the wonderful view – even the design of the construction itself is value it!
Additionally, Maria Luisa Park is a beautiful, huge, opulent inexperienced area which is town’s largest park. Full of fountains, ponds, and the Plaza de España—a shocking palace-like semicircular constructing with vibrant tiles representing completely different areas of Spain.
Seville’s mix of historical past, inventive expression, and tradition makes it an ideal weekend vacation spot. Whether or not you’re marvelling at structure or being swept away by the rhythms of flamenco, Seville guarantees to be an interesting vacation spot and among the best locations to go for a weekend break in Spain.
Finest Locations to Go for a Weekend Break in Spain
I’ve centered rather a lot on three of the most effective locations to go for a weekend break in Spain however there are much more. I’ve included an extra three cities which can be nonetheless standard, however arguably much less notorious than the foremost cities above to whet your urge for food on your brief break!
4. Valencia for a weekend away
Valencia, on Spain’s japanese coast, gives a weekend seamlessly fusing avant-garde structure and the standard. The long-lasting Metropolis of Arts and Sciences, designed by Santiago Calatrava and Félix Candela, showcases futuristic wonders just like the Hemisfèric.
For individuals who love the grandeur of centuries-old non secular websites then Valencia Cathedral will set your coronary heart a flutter as will the UNESCO-listed La Lonja de la Seda, the fifteenth century silk change, reflecting town’s buying and selling previous. It’s a shocking gothic constructing which attracts a variety of admirers.
Stretching over 9 kilometres, Turia Gardens are an infinite inexperienced area for strolling, biking, and practising sports activities. Additionally, with golden sand and nice transport hyperlinks, Malvarrosa Seashore is the most effective seaside in Valencia – broad, lengthy and providing sun-soaked shores!
Strive your hand at bartering in Spanish, get to know the locals and all of the tastes of the area by visiting Mercado Central to purchase contemporary produce for a must-try paella, Valencia’s culinary pleasure. Much more tradition and humanities are on provide at IVAM and the Oceanografic, Europe’s largest oceanarium.
Additionally, relying on the time of 12 months you want to go to you’ll be able to entertain yourselves by attending some further particular occasions. Town hosts parades and fireworks throughout a number of days for Las Fallas in March and the world-famous Tomatina competition in August.
Valencia guarantees to be among the best locations to go for a weekend break in Spain, mixing modernity, custom, and Mediterranean solar, sea and sand.
5. Granada for a weekend away
On the foot of the Sierra Nevada mountains, Granada is ready to win you over with its Moorish splendour. Start with the Alhambra which was a fortress, a palace, and a citadel multi functional. It is without doubt one of the most visited websites on the planet and an attractive instance of historic Islamic life. The Nasrid Palaces showcase intricate stucco work and lovely gardens of Generalife.
Take within the fantastic surroundings with a wander by the UNESCO-listed Albaicín neighbourhood, with its cobbled streets and iconic views from Mirador de San Nicolás. There’s the cave dwellings of Sacromonte so that you can try for genuine flamenco performances. And historic landmarks so that you can admire, together with the Royal Chapel of Granada and the grand Cathedral.
As evening falls, Albayzín comes alive with eclectic tapas bars, tea homes, and flamenco venues; then at dawn think about a visit to the snow-capped peaks of the Sierra Nevada.
Granada, with its distinctive Moorish and Spanish influences, gives an unforgettable expertise at each flip and that’s why it’s among the best locations to go for a weekend break in Spain.
6. Malaga for a weekend away
An extremely standard vacation vacation spot within the Costa del Sol, Malaga is known for sun-drenched seashores, and is a gem of Andalusia. Start with Picasso’s Birthplace on the Buenavista Palace, dwelling to the Picasso Museum. Then indulge your self in Moorish and Roman historical past as you discover the Alcazaba fortress with its stunning gardens and the adjoining breathtaking Roman Theatre. If gorgeous structure is your factor then you should go to the historic centre’s energetic Calle Larios and take within the grandeur of Malaga Cathedral.
Solar, sea and sand make Malagueta Seashore important, the place the city setting meets the ocean. Ascend Gibralfaro Citadel’s hill for panoramic metropolis views. For tradition vultures amongst you there’s the Centre Pompidou and CAC Málaga, showcasing modern artwork. In case you want serenity after all the aforementioned then Parque de Malaga, a inexperienced oasis close to the port, is unquestionably the place for you. You’ll little question have labored up an urge for food and I’d strongly counsel you tickle these style buds on the Atarazanas Market and discover Outdated City’s slim streets adorned with conventional tapas bars.
In August, be a part of the zeal of the Malaga Honest (Feria de Málaga), a celebrated competition that includes parades, music, flamenco, and fantastic road festivities. Malaga, with its mixture of gorgeous surroundings and welcoming seashores, guarantees to be among the best locations to go for a weekend break in Spain by capturing the quintessence of Andalusian allure at each flip.
READ MORE: 12 Souvenirs from Spain to recollect your journey by
Whether or not you’re drawn to the inventive Barcelona, the historic streets of Seville, or the nation’s capital Madrid, every vacation spot has its personal story to inform. Spain’s gorgeous landscapes, ambiance, tradition and delicacies make sure that each weekend escape is a enjoyable and enriching expertise. Pack your baggage and prepare for a weekend journey. Viva España!
7. Weekend in San Sebastian
San Sebastian is a good place for a protracted weekend away. One of many fundamental sights of this Spanish metropolis is the native delicacies – count on among the greatest pintxos and tapas you’ll ever style (and see!). In my view San Sebastian is without doubt one of the most stunning locations in Spain – excellent for a weekend journey.
Go to within the peak of summer time and also you’re going to come back throughout some loopy crowds, and warmth. The shoulder season is the most effective time to go to to benefit from the wealthy historical past, seaside vibes, and fewer crowds. Prime sights in San Sebastian embrace the Outdated City and the Cathedral, however the seaside is the must-see attraction – nice for teenagers!
There aren’t any direct flights from the UK to San Sebastian, however you’ll be able to fly into Bilbao Airport close by and get an hour’s switch throughout the Basque Nation. Or rent a automobile for the street journey. It’s value it, I promise!
San Sebastian gives among the best metropolis breaks in Spain, e-book your seaside break at the moment!
Weekend Break in Spain Quicklist
- Barcelona
- Madrid
- Seville
- Valencia
- Granada
- Malaga
- San Sebastian
What’s the least expensive vacation spot in Spain?
The most cost effective vacation spot in Spain is commonly thought of to be Granada. This stunning metropolis in Andalusia gives a wealthy historic expertise with its gorgeous Alhambra palace and Generalife gardens. Granada is understood for its reasonably priced lodging choices and the distinctive tradition of free tapas with drinks, making it a budget-friendly selection for travellers.
What’s the least expensive month to go to Spain?
The most cost effective month to journey to Spain is often November. Throughout this time, the vacationer crowds have considerably diminished, resulting in decrease costs in flights and lodging. The climate is cooler however nonetheless nice, making it excellent for exploring cities and cultural websites with out the summer time warmth or the excessive prices related to peak vacationer season.
The place are the most effective Spanish metropolis breaks with seashores?
Barcelona is without doubt one of the greatest Spanish cities for a break that mixes city exploration with seaside rest. Town boasts well-known architectural landmarks by Gaudí, vibrant cultural scenes, and the favored Barceloneta Seashore. One other nice possibility is Valencia, identified for its Metropolis of Arts and Sciences, scrumptious paella, and delightful seashores like La Malvarrosa and El Saler.
