Finding Spain’s Enchanting Beauty: Where to Stay For a Memorable Time

It’s impossible not to be captivated by Spain. Its colourful festivals, splendid architecture, delicious cuisine and sublime natural beauty offer visitors a unique experience that you won’t get anywhere else. There’s something different to find in every corner of the country, which makes choosing a place to stay rather tricky. Luckily for you, our travel gurus at Plum Guide have spent plenty of time here sipping on wine and eating copious amounts of paella. To help you plan the perfect trip, let us show you our top picks on where to stay in Spain.

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Located in Andalusia, the province of Malaga is a dream destination for those seeking an outdoorsy type of holiday. Along its south coast is the Costa del Sol, where stunning beaches like Playa del Cristo, Playa Burriana and Playa de la Viborilla are kissed by glittering blue waters. Stretching for over 150 kilometres, the ‘Coast of the Sun’ is home to a fantastic selection of vibrant cities and towns to stay in. Rub shoulders with A-listers in Marbella, experience a slower pace of life in Nerja or hang out with the family in Benalmadena. Its capital, Malaga city, is a fascinating mix of historical attractions, nightlife and beaches, and is a great choice for those looking to be at the heart of the action. For an escape amongst nature, Axarquia is often thought of as the ‘real’ Andalusia, where whitewashed villages are surrounded by lush valleys and excellent wineries.

Moving inland, the landscape transforms into rugged mountain ranges like the Sierra Blanca and Sierra de Mijas, which offer numerous hiking and mountain biking trails through incredible scenery. Various nature reserves provide opportunities for walking and wildlife watching. We highly recommend Sierra de Grazalema Natural Park, known for its limestone formations, deep gorges and rivers. Laguna de Fuente de Piedra Natural Reserve is another beautiful spot, home to a large saltwater lagoon which serves as a breeding ground for pink flamingos.

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Partygoers looking for somewhere to stay in Spain will no doubt have heard of Ibiza, the magical island where world-famous DJs perform at superclubs until the early hours of the morning. While it’s true that the parties here are out of this world (just head to Playa d’en Bossa or Ibiza Town and you’ll see what we mean), Ibiza is a lot more than its reputable nightlife. In fact, you may be surprised to hear that the island’s laid-back daytime vibe attracts health-conscious travellers who come for the many yoga retreats and wellness centres.

If the party scene is something you’re looking to avoid, head to the north of the island, where pristine beaches and peaceful villages like Puerto de San Miguel offer you a more relaxed experience. The waters surrounding Ibiza are teeming with marine life, and we recommend snorkelling or scuba diving around the Cala d’Hort Marina Nature Reserve for magical underwater views. Back up top, Ses Salines, at the southern tip of the island, is a bird-watching paradise home to protected beaches, vast salt beds and wetlands.

Ibiza is also rich in human history, with evidence of human settlement dating back to the Bronze Age (although there were no DJs back then). It’s been inhabited by various civilizations, including the Phoenicians, Carthaginians, Romans and Moors, and its cultural heritage can be seen in the island’s architecture and historical remains.

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Just across the water from Ibiza is Mallorca, the largest of the Balearic Islands and the best choice for a relaxing getaway. There’s a large selection of things to do and see here, whether you want to spend your days sightseeing around the island or taking it easy on the many picturesque beaches. And by many, we really mean it – there are over 260 to choose from, so you could devote each day of your holiday exploring a different one, whether it’s the family-friendly Platja de Alcudia, the Caribbean-like Cala Llombards, or the untouched Platja d’es Carbo which is surrounded by nothing but sand dunes and pine trees.

If you’re itching to get out and about, Mallorca has a wealth of historical sites, such as the 14th-century Bellver Castle and the 13th-century Basílica de San Francisco. Talaiotic culture describes the society of the Balearics during prehistoric times, and Mallorca is known for its many remains and archaeological sites to discover, like Ses Païsses. Why not combine your sightseeing with land-based adventures like horse riding, cycling, hiking and canyoning through epic gorges?

When it comes to places to stay, Mallorca has a large choice of towns and resorts, from the lively capital of Palma with its attractions, green spaces and beaches, to the elegant town of Port de Soller with its dramatic mountain views.

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Located in the wonderful Basque Country, San Sebastian’s allure comes from its golden beaches, verdant hillsides and grand architecture. Known as Donostia in Basque, there’s a strong sense of local identity here, and you’ll find a great choice of cultural events such as the Tamborrada drum festival, where various drumming groups parade through the streets for 24 hours, the Semana Grande festival where a variety of music, performances and floats take over the streets, and the International Film Festival which takes place every September.

San Sebastian is famous for its food scene, so gourmands searching for somewhere to stay in Spain shouldn’t miss out on sampling the city’s culinary offerings. It’s known for pintxos, the Basque version of tapas, where small pieces of bread are topped with various ingredients like chorizo, Spanish ham, anchovies, prawns and cheese. Usually served at the bar with a glass of wine or beer, pintxos can also include local specialities like slow-cooked veal cheeks, pimientos de padrón (fried long green peppers) and bacalao (salt cod). Treat it like a pintxos pub crawl, only ordering one or two dishes at each place before moving on to the next.

Need a break from all that food? Wander around Plaza de la Constitución, a lovely open-air space amid the jumble of narrow alleyways of the Old Town. La Concha Beach is another great place to chill out, often considered one of the very best urban beaches in Europe, where you can swim, sunbathe and kayak. For even more stunning views, ride a vintage funicular to the top of Mount Igueldo for breathtaking panoramas of the beach and the city.

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Often overlooked in favour of other cities such as Barcelona and Seville, the Spanish capital has a lot to offer if you’re looking for a more authentic travel experience without the tourist crowds. It’s a safe, friendly city with a relaxed and unpretentious atmosphere. One of the best ways to get around is on foot, where you can wander the wide, tree-lined streets like Paseo del Prado, and chill out in the many charming plazas like Plaza España or the 16th-century Plaza Mayor – you can even catch a Christmas market here if you’re visiting around the holidays.

The city’s food scene is unrivalled, with everything from street food to tapas bars and Michelin-starred restaurants. Our favourite spot is Mercado San Miguel, where you can browse the various stalls selling an array of cheeses, seafood, meats, olives and other specialities. If you have a sweet tooth, you’ll be pleased to hear that churros and hot chocolate are considered breakfast items here.

Need to let all that food go down? Stroll through Retiro Park, where you can rent a rowboat on the lake or check out the art exhibits in the Victorian-style Palacio de Cristal. Alternatively, treat yourself to a spa day at Hammam Al Andalus, a traditional Arab bath where you can enjoy a massage before heading to the ancient Egyptian Templo de Debod for incredible sunset views.

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Up in northeastern Spain, the ancient port city of Tarragona is one of Catalonia’s gems. Its biggest draw is its wealth of ruins, from UNESCO-listed Roman remains to medieval cobblestone streets and the Romanesque-Gothic cathedral. The National Archaeological Museum of Tarragona is the best place for ancient Roman art, with artefacts such as sculptures, pottery, mosaics, sarcophagi and amphora from the town’s archaeological sites.

While your entire holiday could be spent delving into the city’s history, it’s important to take a breather and just soak up the atmosphere. Take a walk down the broad, tree-lined Rambla Nova to Balcón del Mediterráneo. From this spacious terrace, admire superb views of the Mediterranean Sea and the city’s 15-kilometre coastline. Head down from the Balcón del Mediterráneo onto promenades leading to the beaches, including the main Playa del Milagro (also known as Playa El Miracle).

For more coastal charm, be sure to visit El Serrallo, the old fishing village that was once the original Tarragona before it grew into the city it is today. Its old-world charm still exists with its colourful houses and scenic promenade. Many people visit for the fresh seafood served at the restaurants along the waterfront, from fresh cod dumplings to pataco, a hearty Catalonian stew of potatoes, tuna, garlic and almonds.

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