Coach holidays to Spain
Language: The official language is Spanish (Castilian). Other languages spoken in the first language in Spain include Euskera (in Basque Country, north eastern Spain), Catalan (in eastern Spain, with variations spoken in Valencia and the Balearics) and Galician (in the north west)
Currency: Euro
Time Zone: Central European Standard Time = GMT+1, Central European Summer Time = GMT+2
Tipping: The law requires menu prices to include a service charge; tipping is a matter of choice. Most people leave some small change if they're satisfied, usually around 10%
Eternal sunshine and endless stretches of golden beaches are certainly all part of the appeal of holidays to Spain which is why 1000s upon 1000s of people head to this sun-kissed destination. If the idea of experiencing siestas and fiestas (think La Tomatina and the Pamplona Bull Run) like nowhere else in the world is your cup of Sangria, look no further than a coach holiday to Spain this year.
Spain is as diverse as they come from the sun-blessed beaches adorning the Costa del Sol's sunshine coast to the architectural splendour of Gaudi in Barcelona, the stunning alpine landscapes of The Pyrenees to the rugged beauty of The Balearics. Add to that the highest concentration of Blue Flag beaches in the Med (Costa Brava), and a coach holiday to Spain is likely to make you want to return quicker than you can click a pair of castanets.
There are very few places in the world where futuristic buildings stand next to ancient Roman cathedrals but you'll find them here in Spain. If you enjoy discovering the culture of a destination, you'll want to visit the medieval towns of Catalonia or Valencia. You'll also enjoy a visit to Bilbao including the Guggenheim Museum and Euskalduna Palace.
Alicante is the place to be if you're looking for a mild but pleasant climate combined with sandy beaches that appear to go on forever. This fine city is thoroughly Spanish with its wide esplanades and seafront promenades but there is also an air of Africa about it. Head into Alicante's centre and you'll find it brimming over with baroque buildings which are testament to the city's past as a major seaport.
No coach holiday to Spain would be the same without visiting the nation's capital Madrid, home to the Royal Family and the cultural riches of the Golden Triangle. Travel deep into the Medieval Quarter and you'll come across a multitude of labyrinthine streets to explore and grand boulevards to admire.
Whatever you are looking for when on a holiday to Spain, one things for certain, with the beautiful scenery and warm temperatures, it'll be love at first sight!
Coach holidays to Spain typically include; return flights or coach travel, transportation whilst in the resort, accommodation in good standard hotels, meals and a variety of included or optional excursions so you can really get a taste of what life is like in this fabulous sunshine paradise.
Weather
Thinking of travelling to Spain? Check out the average temperatures for when you plan to visit courtesy of BBC Weather
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Jan |
Feb |
Mar |
Apr |
May |
Jun |
Jul |
Aug |
Sep |
Oct |
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Madrid |
5.5°C |
6.5°C |
10°C |
12.5°C |
15.5°C |
21°C |
24°C |
23.5°C |
19.5°C |
14.5°C |
8.5°C |
5.5°C |
Tourist office
For further information about visiting Spain you can visit the tourist board website at spain.info
Spain isn't just a hot spot for sun seekers from the UK, steeped in heritage and history the cities are well worth exploring and discovering. Here is just a selection of the places you can visit during your holiday:
Barcelona
Explore this city by wandering through the narrow alleys, be sure to stop and browse in the boutique shops and tapas bars whilst in the Gothic Quarter. Whilst in Barcelona, you cannot miss the Parc Guell and the Church of Sagrada Familia, designed by the visionary architect Antoni Gaudi. You can also catch the cross-harbour cable car to the old port district of Barceloneta.
Benidorm
A coastal town located in the south east of the country, Benidorm, has thousands of holiday makers flocking to catch some sun here every year. The town is very popular with families as it has three beautiful beaches that are perfect for lazing about and watching the world go by such as Playa del Mal Pas, Playa de Levante and Playa de Poniente.
Madrid
The Capital City of Spain, Madrid is located in the heart of the country. To see this city from a different angle, take the Teleferico Madrid Cable Car – it travels 2.5km over Casa de Campo and Parque del Oeste. If heights are not your cup of tea, explore the Real Palacio de El Pardo instead. The Palace is partially opened to the public where you can see the gaudy interior and some beautiful tapestries.
Rioja
Located in the northern part of Spain, Rioja is an area steeped in Spanish heritage and tradition. Be sure to visit the winery and museum of the Museo del Vino Dinastia Vivanco. If you prefer to admire classic Spanish architecture, visit San Millan Yuso Monastry, where you can enjoy a guided tour that will explain the local heritage. Please note that there may be a long wait for English speaking guide so be prepared!
To help you have an enjoyable holiday in Spain, take a look at these useful tips and advice provided by the Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO):
Health and Travel Insurance
You should apply for a free UK Global Health Insurance Card (GHIC) before leaving the UK when you are visiting Belgium. Please note this card is not a substitute for travel insurance or medical cover, however, you will be entitled to state provided medical treatment at a reduced cost or sometimes for free if this is required during your stay
Local Laws and Customs
You must always be able to provide ID (your passport) if requested to by a Police Officer. The Police do have the right to hold you at a local Police station until your identity can be confirmed.
Entry Requirements
If you are planning to visit Spain, you must meet the following passport requirements.
Your passport must be:
- Issued less than 10 years before the date you enter the country (check the ‘date of issue’)
- Valid for at least 3 months after the day you plan to leave (check the ‘expiry date’)
Please note: If your passport was issued before 1 October 2018, extra months may have been added to its expiry date. These extra months do not count towards your passport validity.
Visas
You can travel to Spain for up to 90 days in any 180-day period without a visa.
Please note that any previous visits you have made to the Schengen countries within the last 180 days will count towards your 90-day limit.
Passport stamping
Your passport will be stamped if you enter or exit the Schengen area through Spain as a visitor. These passport stamps are used to check you’re complying with the 90-day visa-free limit in the Schengen area.
Any other nationality looking to visit Spain must contact the local embassy to check visa requirements.