Pineapple's Diy Holiday Ideas
Breaks in Spain
Spanish cities, the countryside and coasts - short breaks or stay a while longer on Spain's mainland.
Valencia
Valencia is the gateway to the Orange Blossom coast. The town of Gandia is situated here. Experience nature and the city simultaneously. Visit the City of Arts and Science Park, which combines science, arts and nature in a modern, futuristic setting. Ryanair, Easyjet and BA fly to Valencia from the UK.
Alicante
Alicante, the gateway to the Costa Blanca and to the well known resort of Benidorm. Benidorm is split into two parts, the old town and the new. The old town is quite traditional and frequented by Spanish tourists as well as British and others. The new town of Benidorm tends to be favoured by British tourists and there is plenty of entertainment! Further away from Benidorm are resorts such as Albir and Altea, Denia and Calpe. These tend to be quieter, but are still within travelling distance to Benidorm for a day or night out. South of Alicante lies the town of Torrevieja and resorts and villages along the Orihuela Costa. Plenty British and others have made the Orihuela Costa home.
Barcelona
Visit vibrant Barcelona. Staying in resorts such as Blanes or in Calella De La Costa, north of Barcelona or in a resort such as Salou on the Costa Dorada, south of Barcelona are convenient for the train to Barcelona. Outside of the peak summer months, coastal hotels tend to be cheaper than hotels in Barcelona centre. Famous city sights include The Rambla, Barcelona Cathedral, Poble Espanyol, The Gothic Quarter, but don't miss going up into Barcelona's mountains, Montjuïc and Tibidabo for breathtaking views of the city. Easyjet flies into Barcelona airport, which is convenient for the city centre. Ryanair flies to Girona on the Costa Brava and Reus on the Costa Dorada, and there are bus services into Barcelona city centre from both airports.
Girona and the Costa Brava
Girona is also the gateway to the Costa Brava. Well known resorts such as Lloret De Mar and Tossa De Mar are less than an hour away from Girona airport and there are buses which serve the airport, neighbouring coastal resorts and the cities of Girona and Barcelona. Time permitting, explore the countryside surrounding Girona (car hire recommended), swim or play a round or two of golf.
Salou and the Costa Dorada
Popular resorts of the Costa Dorada are convenient for Reus airport, served by Ryanair. Salou is probably the most well known and is in fact a small city. Salou is situated south of Barcelona and is less than two hours away by train from Barcelona centre. In summer Salou is very much a party place, but changes in winter. Families and theme park fans shouldn't miss Universal Mediterranea - Port Aventura, a huge theme park with hotels on site. Check opening dates as the park closes during very low season in winter.
Murcia and Eastern Almeria
Murcia is the capital city of the province of Murcia. Murcia airport is convenient for Torrevieja in the south of Alicante province. Both Easyjet and Ryanair fly to Murcia from the UK all year round. Visit the large town of Cartegena and neighbouring Murcian villages. Further afield lies the province of Almeria and it is possible to drive from Murcia airport to eastern Almeria in less than two hours. Car hire essential for exploring Almeria's desert-like countryside and coast. Don't miss the white village of Mojacar, popular with British expats and very close to Mojacar's beaches and golf courses. One of the beaches in Mojacar is for naturists, whereas the main beach is frequented by families.
Almeria - Velez
Andalucia - Seville, Jerez and the Costa De La Luz
Seville, the capital of Andalucia is a wonderful, friendly city and well worth visiting, even if you can only spare a day! Visit the Jewish quarter, the cathedral and the Alcázar. Ryanair offers flights from the UK to Seville.
Visit Jerez in Andalucia in May to experience a famous Spanish fiesta - the May Horse Fair. Flamenco and horses, just brilliant and very Spanish. Sample the sherry and bodegas.
Relax on the beaches of the Costa De La Luz by the Atlantic Ocean, rather than the Mediterranean Sea. The Costa De La Luz can be windy so can be ideal for windsurfing. The warm winds are welcome in summer, but be careful not to burn in the heat of the sun without realising! Fly to Jerez or if unavailable, fly to Gibraltar.
Andalucia - Malaga, the Costa Del Sol and the Costa Tropical
The Costa Del Sol lies to the west of Malaga. The coastal resort of Torremolinos is very close to Malaga airport so take a taxi from the airport or a train. The neighbouring resort of Benalmadena is popular with tourists, as is Fuengirola and the white village of Mijas. Go east of Malaga for the resorts of Nerja and Almunecar on the Costa Tropical. Stay here in winter and go skiing in the Sierra Nevada mountains or visit the city of Granada. The Costa Tropical - where it's possible to swim in the Mediterranean Sea and go skiing in the mountains on the same day! Visit the famous Alhambra in Granada - a short ride away from the Costa Tropical. There are frequent flights to Malaga from the UK all year round and a good choice to airlines to travel with.
Bilbao, Santander and NW Spain
Bilbao is the home of the famous Guggenheim museum. Best not to visit on a Monday when museums are likely to be closed for the day. Easyjet flies to Bilbao from the UK.
If you have time for the ferry from the UK to Santander, take your car and tour Asturias in "Green Spain". Home of cider, cheese making and bagpipes! Or visit Santander for a few hours by booking a mini-cruise with PO Ferries. Mini-cruises departures from southern England and allow a few hours ashore in Santander. If you have longer than a couple of days, don't miss San Sebastian - a sophisticated sea port in the Basque Country.
San Sebastian
For help, more information or to exchange your ideas and recommendations, please visit Pineapple's Spain forum where you'll be very welcome should you decide to join.