Now that Spain no longer requires proof of vaccination for children aged 17 and under, plans for an Easter break to this European holiday favourite have become a whole lot more straightforward. On top of this, fully vaccinated adults can enter the country without testing.
The only thing left for you to choose is where you should visit.
The largest of the four main Balearics is packed with safe sandy beaches and stunning scenery. Fun on or by the water includes sailing, paragliding, waterskiing, bodysurfing, and glass-bottomed boat rides, and there are wonderful regattas to watch. When you’re not building your own sandcastles, head to Puerto Pollenca for the epic displays by professionals – everything from crocodiles to castles.
Mallorca’s historic capital Palma has labyrinthine alleys to explore and vintage trains to Sóller. Other ideas are horse-riding tours from the Rancho Grande working ranch, hot-air balloon rides and days out at water parks.
You’ll find no shortage of pristine natural settings in Tenerife; 48% of the island is protected territory. A must-see during your visit is the otherworldly spectacle of Teide National Park. Declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2007, the park is home to Spain’s highest peak which towers over the island at 3,718m elevation. The island's rugged terrain is a major draw for cyclists, who flock there to test their endurance against its testing inclines, and hikers looking to explore the 1,500km of trails that wind through ancient forests, along dramatic coastlines and across lunar-like landscapes.
The vast area the Teide National Park occupies has a clear atmosphere and very little light pollution, resulting in beautifully clear night skies. The entire park has been declared a Starlight destination as one of the best places in the world for stargazing.
Have you always wanted to visit Barcelona but have held off because you are worried about your children not being entertained? In fact, children are very much a part of this fantastic city’s way of life, which seamlessly combines traditional and modern Spanish culture. With everything from parks, shops, monuments and sightseeing attractions, everyone is catered for. You can even spend a day on the beach!
Possibly the most famous landmark in the city and home of the Christopher Columbus monument, this vibrant pedestrianised street in the heart of Barcelona will entertain the whole family. Live performances, human statues, street artists, shops, restaurants and cafés can be found all the way along this 1.2 km tree-lined stretch.
Located in the south of Andalusia, the breath-taking Costa del Sol is also home to gorgeous gastronomy, superb shopping, fascinating museums and some incredible inland landscapes; all of which combine to create a fantastic holiday destination for those looking for guaranteed sunshine, whilst being able to do something that little bit different too.
Head to the Costa del Sol’s capital of Malaga and you’ll find some of the most fascinating museums in all of Spain. The birthplace of the great painter, Pablo Picasso, there are museums dedicated to not only art here, but also archaeology, wine, cars, glass and crystal, and much more.
If you can prise yourself away from sipping Sangria on your sun lounger, you’ll find a stunning hinterland that’s home to breathtaking rural landscapes and picture-perfect Pueblos Blancos – the traditional white-washed villages that spill down from the Costa del Sol’s rugged hillsides.
There are so many great reasons to experience certain destinations in the shoulder seasons – that sweet spot between a region’s peak season and off-season. Think fewer crowds and queues for major attractions, better-value flights and other travel, and a more authentic experience of the destination. We’ve put our heads together to share a few of our favourite places that can be just as good or even better outside of high season.
Seeing the world, or parts of it, by cruise is more popular than ever as people realise just how fantastic it can be to float from place to place, discovering more than one destination in a single trip. Our Travel Counsellors say, ‘There’s a cruise ship to suit everyone, and yes you can get off at every port, as many times as you like!” If you’re in any doubt over whether a cruise is right for you, there are mini cruises of just a couple of nights that will help persuade you.
