Spain is the second most visited country in the world, offering an excellent Mediterranean climate, fascinating culture and spectacular beaches, not to mention a cuisine regarded as among the best in the world. Choosing to visit Spain is the easy part – the difficult decision is deciding which part of this wonderfully vibrant, sun-kissed country you should visit.
Villanovo’s guide to the diverse regions of Spain is here to help you to decide where to book your luxury villa in Spain.
Extravagant Ibiza’s reputation as the ultimate summer party destination is well deserved, but the white island is so much more than that. Away from the endless raves of the south, the delightful secluded coves of the north of the island are infused with a laid-back hippie vibe, perfect for unwinding in. Inland its rugged green spaces and hiking options are an unexpected delight. The Ses Salines nature park, with its pinkish salt marshes, is one of Ibiza's great natural wonders and is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
With some of the clearest and cleanest waters in the Mediterranean and an abundance of marine life, the island of Mallorca has some wonderful diving spots that will enchant all underwater enthusiasts. Its beaches are also second to none, and the view from across the marina to the cathedral of its capital, Palma de Mallorca, lit up at night is truly unforgettable.
The gentle charms of its quieter younger sister, Menorca, are revealed over time to those who opt to rent a luxury villa there. Its turquoise waters and untamed natural beauty provide the prime holiday destination for those who want to enjoy the best of the Balearics, without the raucous summer crowds. A great choice for a family holiday.
Then there’s rustic Formentera, whose crystalline waters and soft white sands have to be seen to be believed, while its charming, whitewashed villages will leave you feeling you might have taken a wrong turn and arrived on a Greek paradise.
Spain’s sultry southernmost region is home to many of the country’s defining cultural touchstones, as well as its finest beaches and some of its most stunning natural landscapes.
From the chic beaches of Marbella to the gorgeous pueblos blancos of its hills, from days spent exploring the architectural delights of Seville and Cordoba to nights soaked in the sound of flamenco and the aroma of fresh tapas in Granada, there is so much to see and do that it might be difficult to know where to start!
Its summers can get very hot, but the hills close to Marbella overflow with greenery in Spring, as well as some excellent golfing, while the sublime white-sand beaches between Tarifa and Cádiz afford you awe-inspiring views of the mighty hills of Africa.
The Costa Brava remains one of the most beautiful seaside destinations in the Mediterranean, and one to which people never fail to return. This marvellous land of rugged, half-hidden coves framed by hills of pine trees and the view of splendid, whitewashed houses gently cascading over quaint fishing villages offer the perfect combination of authenticity and trendy addresses, Dalinian eccentricities and Catalan traditions.
The sumptuous beaches near the towns of Begur, the leafy luxury of Palafrugell, and the chic bars and restaurants of class Cadaques provide the backdrop for the ideal holiday, in family or with your partner. Unmissable.
The achingly beautiful and endlessly charming city of Barcelona is a tourist’s dream. The architecture of Gaudi alone is reason enough to visit, but the winding tavern-lined streets of its Gothic centre, the buzz of its seafront and the spectacular views from Tibidabo and Montjuic will leave you with memories to last a lifetime. It can get humid in the summer, but any mild discomfort is long forgotten by the time you’re lost in one of the city’s numerous neighbourhood fiestas, dancing the syrupy night away with the beautiful locals. Meanwhile, its myriad museums and art galleries, not to mention bars and world-class culinary scene can’t fail to keep you coming back for more.
And for those who are looking for something a little more laid back, the number of charming traditional towns and hiking trails within easy reach of Barcelona make it an excellent base for any type of holiday you can imagine.
A little down the coast from Barcelona lies the Costa Daurada, within which sits the charming gay-friendly mecca of Sitges. Open to all, this picturesque historical town is sure to charm you with its friendly vibe and fantastic seafront restaurants. It is the ideal place to relax by day and party the evening away.
Further south you will find Tarragona, a city offering some top-notch beaches and magnificent Roman ruins just begging to be photographed.
The year-round warmth of the Canary Islands makes them the perfect winter escape. Tenerife is one of Spain’s - and indeed Europe’s - top holiday destinations. And for good reason! The volcanic black sands of its beaches offer a truly unique experience, while the emerald-green waters that surround the islands provide the perfect backdrop to any holiday snap, not to mention spectacular snorkelling opportunities. For diving enthusiasts, Lanzarote’s gorgeous Playa Blanca is a must-see.
Any fan of Game of Thrones will be familiar with the Cathedral of Girona, as well as much of its surrounding Old Town. But you don’t need to be fan of series to enjoy the quaint charms on offer in this beautiful regional capital. The surrounding countryside, meanwhile, is among the lushest and most picturesque in all of Spain, reminiscent of the best of the South of France in places. Set near the foot of the Pyrenees the hillier landscapes of the La Garrotxa nature reserve are perfect for hiking.
