How to choose a Mainland Spain holiday resort

Want to go to Mainland Spain but not sure which resort is best for you? We’ve pulled together a list of our favourites to help you choose. Northern Spain is home to the rugged coastlines and honey-hued sands of Costa Brava and Costa Dorada, while further down the coast, you’ll find long-time favourite, Costa Blanca. Or, pick the sun-kissed regions of Costa de Almeria, Costa del Sol and Costa de la Luz and you’ll get beaches by the bucketload. So, whether you’re after a laidback escape or a culture-packed getaway, we’ve got the perfect resort for you.

Once you’ve decided which one suits you best, take a look at our Spain deals

The secluded coves, fishing villages and seaside towns of Spain’s Costa Brava have been attracting holidaymakers since the fifties, so it’s not surprising it’s still a holiday hit today. Looking for lively? The resort of Lloret de Mar boasts the perfect mix of Blue Flag beaches, buzzing clubs and old-town charm. Plus, it’s home to one of Europe’s biggest waterparks.

If a fly and flop break is your style instead, then the slower pace of Pineda de Mar will suit you. The main beach here is three kilometres long, so you’ve got lots of sandy spots to lay your towel. There are also plenty of cafes and bars to refuel at after a day of chilling by the sea.

Culture vulture? Head to Santa Susanna with its cobbled old town, palm-lined promenade and seafood eateries – it just oozes classic Spanish charm. The beaches are a hit here with the whole family, too. You’ve got Platja de les Dunes – ideal for watersports enthusiasts – or Platja de Llevant, which has a floating inflatable play area. Platja de les Caletes on the other hand ticks the box if a quiet day by the sea is what you’re after.

Find out more about our Costa Brava holidays

Costa Dorada flaunts 81 kilometres of sandy coastline, year-round sunshine and every type of resort you could think of, making it a great choice for a getaway, any time of the year. Resorts like Salou are a hit with the whole family thanks to its Blue Flag beaches and seafront fairground.

Around a 10-minute drive from Salou is another family favourite, PortAventura. It’s home to the biggest theme park in Spain. The tall and fast rides here, plus the tropical-themed waterpark, are sure to put a smile on the faces of the thrill-seekers in your group. And don’t forget, Barcelona is only an hour and a half drive from PortAventura, too. Make a day out of it and sightsee some of the city’s hotspots, such as the UNESCO-listed La Sagrada Familia church. Then, finish off the day with some tasty tapas along Las Ramblas street where performers entertain diners.

If you want to see an authentic side of Spain, the quieter village of Cambrils will be right up your street. This traditional fishing port has a market-packed old town and a promenade that comes alive at night. It’s also home to two Michelin-starred restaurants, so it’s perfect for foodies that’re on the hunt for tasty treats. Beaches aren’t in short supply here either. There’s a seven-kilometre sandy stretch, which is made up of nine Blue Flag beaches.

Find out more about our Costa Dorada holidays

Costa Blanca is home to the big-hit-with-Brits resort Benidorm, which is perfect if you’re after a good-value getaway to burn the midnight oil. Here, you’ll find a bustling nightlife scene with everything from bars and bingo to foam parties and tribute bands. It’s not all about the nightlife, though. During the day, you can laze on one of the three big beaches Benidorm has to offer. Or, jump on a jet-ski and ride the waves. For a slower pace, the city of Alicante is a top choice. With its 9th-century hilltop castle and chic shops, it oozes traditional Spanish charm.

Find out more about our Costa Blanca holidays

After missing out on the tourist boom of the 1960s, Costa de Almeria is still one of Spain’s best-kept secrets. The main resort here is Roquetas de Mar, a seaside town with plenty of sandy beaches. You’ll find fancy shopping malls, tapas bars and British-style pubs here, too. Or, just up the coast from Roquetas de Mar is the pretty port city of Almerimar. Sports fan? This one is for you. Almerimar boasts a 27-hole golf course, a canoeing lake and horse stables.

If you’re a history buff, why not try the resort of Vera instead? This Spanish town dates back to the Middle Ages and is brimming with history. Here, you’ll find the Ethnographic and Archaeological Museum. Plus, a 6th-century fortress and a Baroque-style church.

Find out more about our Costa de Almeria holidays

Costa del Sol boasts some of Spain’s best-loved resorts. It’s known as ‘The Sunshine Coast’ for good reason thanks to its year-round sun. If you’re looking for fun-filled days and non-stop nights, then Costa del Sol’s Marbella is the place for you. There’s a whopping 24 beaches here, plus a charming old town that’s dotted with fountains and cafes. If you fancy cranking your party experience up a notch, head to Marbella’s port of Puerto Banus. While away the days here celebrity-spotting in glam restaurants before dancing the night away in glitzy clubs. But, partying isn’t the only thing Marbella has going for it. Spots like Frigiliana, Vinuela and Torrox are packed with peaceful beaches, plus some of the region’s best wine tasting spots.

Find out more about our Costa del Sol holidays

A world away from the rest of the Costas, Costa de la Luz offers up authentic Spain with its sleepy villages, low-key beaches and flamenco bars. An hour and 20 minutes’ car ride will get you to the UNESCO Biosphere reserve of Parque Natural Sierra de Grazalema. Here, you’ll be met by a cloud-piercing mountain range, ancient limestone cliffs and a botanical paradise.

If you fancy a slice of Southern Spain instead, pick El Rompido. This fishing village has secluded beaches and protected marshlands under its belt. You can look out for birds on the banks of the Piedras River or spy Seville’s ornate castle and cathedral, which is only a 10-minute’ drive away. Or, head over to Zahara de los Atunes for your wildlife fix. The place is surrounded by some of the best nature reserves that are brimming with birds of all kinds. Plus, exciting news for foodies – there’s a big bundle of top-notch fish restaurants to eat at here, too.

Find out more about our Costa de la Luz holidays

Ready to book your Mainland Spain holiday?

Check out all our holidays to Spain. Plus, check out more top things to do in Spain, and get clued up on which Balearic and Canary Island is best for you.

Pssst. Head to the Discover homepage for our latest articles.

Author: Carla Fabian

Last updated: 06.08.2021