Spain Highlights
- Explore the Alhambra, Córdoba's Mezquita and Seville's Alcázar, where Moorish courtyards, carved arches and tiled halls reveal Spain's layered history.
- Discover Madrid's great galleries and neighbourhood tapas bars, or combine Barcelona's Gaudí landmarks with time beside the Mediterranean.
- Stay in a private villa on Mallorca or Menorca, with sheltered beaches, harbour towns and family adventures close at hand.
- Follow Spain's food and wine from San Sebastián's pintxos bars to Rioja vineyards and the sherry cellars of Jerez.
- Hike volcanic trails on Lanzarote, follow foothill paths beneath the Sierra Nevada or play championship golf beside the Mediterranean.
- Experience flamenco in Seville or Granada, or time your visit with one of Spain's local festivals and street celebrations.
- Choose between winter skiing in the Pyrenees or Sierra Nevada and mild sunshine in the Canary Islands.
Discover Spain
Spain stretches from the green hills and food-loving cities of the north to sun-baked Andalucía, with Madrid at its centre and two very different island groups beyond the mainland. Across the country are grand cities, medieval towns, vineyard-covered valleys, mountains, beaches and volcanic landscapes. Fast rail links also make it surprisingly easy to combine several different sides of Spain within one holiday.
For families, that variety makes it easy to balance exploring with time beside the sea. In Mallorca, mornings on a quiet beach can be followed by the hill villages of the Serra de Tramuntana and dinner beside the harbour. Barcelona combines Gaudí's architecture with markets, parks and afternoons on the sand, while the Canaries offer beaches, boat trips and volcanic adventures throughout the year.
For couples, Spain can be as relaxed or as experience-filled as you want it to be. Link Madrid with the historic cities of Andalucía, plan a food-led journey through Rioja and the Basque Country, or combine championship golf near the Costa del Sol with a few slower days beside the Mediterranean. Return to a different region or season and the country can feel entirely new.
Art and Architecture
Explore centuries of art and architecture, from the Alhambra and Córdoba's Mezquita to Gaudí's Barcelona and Madrid's Prado and Reina Sofía.
Coasts and Islands
Choose from the Balearics' sandy coves, the Costa Brava's rocky inlets, Marbella's beach clubs and the Canary Islands' volcanic shores.
Food and Wine
Follow Spain's flavours from Basque pintxos bars to Andalucían tapas, with vineyard lunches in Rioja and sherry tastings in Jerez along the way.
Feeling inspired?
Start Planning Your Luxury
Spain Holiday
Tell me who's travelling and what you would love to experience, from a family city-and-coast adventure to a private wine and tapas journey through Andalucía, island-hopping across the Balearics or a slower, food-led escape along the Basque coast. I'll create a Spain holiday around you and take care of every detail from the first idea until you are home.
When to Visit Spain
May, June, September and early October are ideal for mainland Spain and the Balearic Islands, with warm weather and fewer crowds. July and August bring the warmest seas and suit the coast, islands and cooler north, although Andalucía and the central cities can exceed 35°C. Spring and autumn are particularly good for golf in Andalucía and along the Mediterranean coast. The Canary Islands are a year-round destination, with mild winter sunshine and warm summer days, and winter is also ski season in the Pyrenees and Sierra Nevada.
Spain Regions
Southern Spain
Andalucía is home to some of Spain's most important Moorish buildings, including Córdoba's Mezquita, Granada's Alhambra and Seville's Alcázar. Along the Costa del Sol, Marbella and Casares combine sandy beaches and beautiful hotels with some of Spain's leading golf courses.
Eastern Spain
Eastern Spain runs from Barcelona and the coves of the Costa Brava to Valencia, the birthplace of paella, and the beach towns of the Costa Blanca. It works particularly well for a two-part holiday, combining architecture, food and culture in the city with a few slower days beside the sea.
Northern Spain
Northern Spain is cooler and quieter than the south, with green landscapes and a dramatic Atlantic coastline. San Sebastián is known for its pintxos bars and restaurants, Bilbao for the Guggenheim, while the Picos de Europa offer mountain walks, traditional villages and some of the country's most impressive scenery.
The Balearic Islands
Each Balearic island feels different. Mallorca combines Palma's Gothic cathedral with mountain villages and a varied coastline, Menorca is quieter with small beaches and harbour towns, while Formentera is known for its clear water, laid-back atmosphere and beautiful places to stay.
The Canary Islands
The Canary Islands offer warm weather throughout the year, making them a particularly good choice during the UK winter. Tenerife combines beaches with Mount Teide, Lanzarote is known for its volcanic landscape, while Gran Canaria has everything from sandy dunes to mountain villages and pine forests.
Madrid
Spain's capital works well as a city break in its own right. The Prado and Reina Sofía house two of Europe's great art collections, while Retiro Park, grand boulevards, neighbourhood tapas bars and Madrid's famously late evenings give you plenty to explore over a few full days.
Where to Stay
A glimpse of Spain's places to stay, from an Andalusian country estate to a barefoot island retreat. Many more are available.
Andalusian Country Estate
Finca Cortesin, Casares
Set in the hills near Casares, Finca Cortesin is a handsome estate of whitewashed walls, terracotta roofs, courtyards and gardens, with 67 spacious suites and a small collection of private residences. Two outdoor pools, an elegant beach club, extensive spa and the championship golf course that hosted the 2023 Solheim Cup make it a wonderfully peaceful alternative to the busier Costa del Sol resorts.
Historic City Landmark
Grand Hotel Central, Barcelona
Set within a landmark 1920s Noucentista building, Grand Hotel Central combines historic character with contemporary rooms, an urban spa and relaxed Catalan dining. The rooftop infinity pool looks across Barcelona's old town, while the Gothic Quarter, El Born and many of the city's restaurants and cultural sights are close by.
Championship Golf and Wellness
Camiral Golf & Wellness, Girona
Set within 500 acres of Catalan countryside near Girona, Camiral combines 138 contemporary rooms with two championship golf courses, including the Stadium Course chosen to host the 2031 Ryder Cup. Its wellness centre, infinity pool, tennis courts, cycling trails and family activities offer plenty beyond golf, while the beaches of the Costa Brava are around half an hour away.
Mediterranean Resort Life
Puente Romano, Marbella
Designed like a whitewashed Andalusian village, Puente Romano offers spacious suites and private villas among botanical gardens beside Marbella's Golden Mile. With more than twenty restaurants and bars, a Six Senses Spa, beach clubs, tennis and extensive fitness facilities, it works particularly well for travellers who want plenty happening without leaving the resort.
Barefoot Island Retreat
Teranka, Formentera
Close to Playa des Arenals on Formentera's south coast, Teranka has 35 light-filled rooms and suites divided between settings inspired by the sea, land and sky. The pool, rooftop dining and quiet natural surroundings create an unhurried island stay, with the beach only a short walk from the hotel.
Volcanic Design Hideaway
César Lanzarote, Lanzarote
Set within the former Manrique family estate near La Asomada, César Lanzarote is an intimate adults-only hotel surrounded by the island's volcanic landscape. Its 20 individually designed rooms, peaceful pool and strong sense of place make it a stylish base for exploring Lanzarote's vineyards, trails and coastline.
Why Plan Your Holiday With Me?
I'm Rachael. I plan tailor-made holidays for people who want more than a beautiful hotel. The right journey, thoughtful details and someone making sure it all comes together.
Design
I listen first. How you travel, what you have loved before and what you would rather avoid. Then I design the holiday around you, from the pace and route to the room you wake up in.
Discover
I work with a trusted network of specialist partners and destination experts. Together, we find distinctive places to stay, memorable experiences and the people who can make your holiday feel genuinely special.
Travel well
Before you arrive, I make sure the people looking after you know what matters, from special occasions and room preferences to the smaller details you may not have considered. I seek out upgrades and thoughtful extras where available, and you have my support until you are safely home.
Luxury Spain Tailor-Made Itineraries
These itineraries are just a few examples of what is possible. I can tailor any of them to suit you or create something completely from scratch around the Spain holiday you have in mind.
Volcanic Isles, Atlantic Shores
2 nights · Gran Canaria
Begin in Las Palmas, exploring its colonial old town before travelling into Gran Canaria's volcanic interior. Visit traditional towns, discover the Bandama Caldera and enjoy your first taste of Canarian food and wine.
10 nights · Crystal Symphony
Sail first to La Gomera's cloud forests and Lanzarote's extraordinary volcanic landscapes before continuing to Madeira. Cross to Morocco for the markets and palaces of Marrakech or the coast of Agadir, followed by Casablanca. Return to Spain through Cádiz, with a choice of Seville, Jerez or Andalucía's white villages, before exploring the Algarve and finishing in Lisbon.
A Romantic Journey Through Spain
3 nights · Barcelona
Begin among Barcelona's Gothic lanes and Modernist landmarks, from Gaudí's Sagrada Família and Park Güell to the galleries, restaurants and lively squares of El Born. Evenings can be spent over tapas or walking beside the Mediterranean.
2 nights · Madrid
Travel to Madrid by high-speed train. Discover the Prado, Royal Palace and elegant boulevards before slowing down in Retiro Park or exploring the tapas bars and neighbourhood restaurants of the capital.
2 nights · Granada
Continue by train to Granada, where the Alhambra rises above the city beneath the Sierra Nevada. Explore its Moorish palaces and gardens, wander through the lanes of the Albaicín and spend an evening among the teahouses and flamenco venues of the old quarter.
3 nights · Seville
Take the train to Seville for the Alcázar, cathedral and flower-filled streets of Santa Cruz. Enjoy relaxed days exploring tiled courtyards and riverside neighbourhoods, followed by tapas and flamenco as the city comes alive in the evening.
Spanish Cities and Island Shores
3 nights · Madrid
Begin in Madrid with the Royal Collections Gallery, a tapas lunch and time to explore the capital's grand avenues and neighbourhoods. Travel into the Castilian countryside to visit El Escorial before returning for dinner and flamenco.
3 nights · Valencia
Journey east by road, stopping in the clifftop city of Cuenca before continuing to Valencia. Explore the cathedral, Silk Exchange and Central Market, then cross the Albufera Lagoon to a traditional rice farm for a hands-on paella experience.
3 nights · Mallorca
Fly to Mallorca and discover Palma's cathedral, historic centre and former Jewish Quarter. Ride the vintage tram from Sóller to the coast, visit an island winery and enjoy time to relax or choose between a cooking class, kayaking and a visit to Valldemossa.
This hosted small-group journey includes luxury hotels, expert guides, selected meals and the flight between Valencia and Mallorca. Departures are limited to 18 guests, with a minimum age of ten.
Family Coast and Culture in Spain
3 nights · Barcelona
Begin with Barcelona's Gothic Quarter, colourful markets and Gaudí's unmistakable Sagrada Família. A family hot-air balloon flight offers a completely different view of the city and surrounding Catalan countryside.
4 nights · Marbella
Fly to Málaga and transfer to Marbella Club for four relaxed nights beside the Mediterranean. Spend your days between the beach, pools and family activities, with the option to explore Marbella's old town or venture farther into Andalucía.
Your Spain, Designed
Around You
Your Spain holiday might link Madrid, Seville and Granada by rail, pair Barcelona with a few days on the Costa Brava, or combine an island villa with time in Palma. A food-led journey could take you from Rioja to San Sebastián, while golfers might spend a few days near Casares before slowing down beside the Mediterranean.
I'll help you decide which regions work well together, how long to spend in each place and whether travelling by train, car or internal flight makes the most sense. I'll also advise where an exceptional hotel, private guide, championship course or special experience is worth the investment, then bring your flights, accommodation, transport and experiences together into one carefully planned journey.
Start Planning Your Spain HolidayFrequently Asked Questions
British passport holders can visit Spain without a visa for up to 90 days in any 180-day period. This allowance covers the whole Schengen area, so time spent in other Schengen countries counts towards the same limit. Entry requirements can change, so I recommend checking the latest Spain travel advice on GOV.UK before travelling.
Your passport must have been issued less than ten years before the date you arrive in Spain and must remain valid for at least three months after the day you plan to leave the Schengen area. The issue date is easily overlooked, particularly on passports renewed before October 2018, so it is worth checking both dates before booking your flights. Check the current passport requirements.
Yes. You can use a UK driving licence for a holiday in mainland Spain, the Balearic Islands and the Canary Islands, and you do not usually need an International Driving Permit. Individual car hire companies can have their own requirements, so I will check what documents you need for the particular vehicle and provider included in your holiday. Read the current driving guidance.
Yes, I always recommend travelling with both. A valid GHIC gives you access to medically necessary state healthcare, but it does not cover everything. Private treatment, changes to your travel plans and medical repatriation to the UK may not be included, which is why a GHIC should never replace comprehensive travel insurance. Read the latest healthcare guidance for Spain.
Absolutely, particularly if you are drawn to architecture and history. Granada makes a wonderful short stay, but I would not automatically choose it over Seville or Córdoba for everyone. Seville offers a broader city experience, while Córdoba can work beautifully as part of a slower journey through Andalucía. I will help you decide which best suits your interests and secure timed Alhambra tickets well in advance if Granada is included.
It depends on when you want to travel. Mallorca and Menorca are particularly lovely from late spring to early autumn, when the sea is warm and family villas, beaches and boat days come into their own. The Canary Islands are the stronger choice for winter warmth, with mild weather and family-friendly resorts throughout the year. I will also consider flight times, transfer length and the atmosphere of each resort before recommending the right island.
A good flamenco performance is absolutely worth building an evening around. The key is choosing the right venue rather than simply booking the most heavily advertised show. Seville, Granada and Jerez all have excellent options, from intimate tablaos to more polished performances, and I will help you find one that feels authentic and suits the rest of your evening.
Often, yes. Bristol usually offers the widest choice of direct routes, while Exeter has a smaller seasonal programme that can work very well for certain coastal and island holidays. For less obvious regions or travel outside the main summer season, a London airport may offer better timings or a more convenient route. I will compare the sensible options for your dates rather than automatically sending you further from home.