Posted on Friday, 15 May 2020

Since 1994 Spain has been the most popular destination for UK holidaymakers. And with its perfect combination of sunny weather, affordable prices, delicious food and incredible history (they have the third highest number of UNESCO World heritage Sites on the planet) - it's easy to see why. Here are five of the most beguiling Spanish destinations - ideal, when the time comes, for a post-lockdown adventure...

Cadiz

This proud seafaring city developed over 3,000 years - so expect plenty of history. Moorish, neo-classical and renaissance architecture vie for position, flanked by mighty fortresses (Castillo de Santa Catalina and Castillo de San Sebastián). Cadiz boasts a cinematic grandeur (it doubled as Havana in the James Bond film Die Another Day, the one where Halle berry emerges from the gas-blue sea) but is also a place well-loved for its affable, good-humoured locals. Visit the restored Mercado Central de Abastos for some fried fish (among many other fishy treats and foodstuffs), then enjoy sunset on Playa de La Caleta in the heart of the old town. For tapas and wine, jostle for position in the Taberna Casa Manteca for thinly sliced pork belly with lemon and herbs (chicharrones) or goat's cheese, washed down with some tasty local vino.

Seville

The birthplace of painter Diego Velázquez is also home to the world's biggest Gothic cathedral, numerous Mudéjar palaces and a labyrinthe of beguiling alleyways. It may take a few days to be fully seduced by this history-steeped city, but it's worth the effort. Explore the cobbled back streets and stumble upon a bar playing traditional flamenco music and serving tapas, or stroll The Guadalquivir riverside, where you can enjoy walking, cycling or kayaking among the locals. If festivals are your thing, visit in spring for Semana Santa and Feria de Abril.

Granada

The colossal Alhambra Palace rightly takes centre stage of any visit to Granada, but make sure you leave time to explore the city's many other historic attractions. Alongside the Moors, the Iberians, Romans and Visigoths all took up residence in the verdant Granada valley at one time or another. But it's not all history - there's a vibrant bar scene, while graffiti art adorns crumbling walls in counterpoint to the city's more elegant art forms. And as you might expect, flamenco venues are common here - but it's best to seek out less touristy places for an authentic experience (ones that don't hand out leaflets on the main drags).

Ibiza

For clubbers, Ibiza remains one of Europe's top destinations. Sun worshippers are equally rewarded - with a diverse range of sandy stretches for swimming, snorkelling or tanning. But you don't have to lie down like a sausage among sausages - there are plenty of quiet coves to enjoy, such as the bucolic Cala Mastella, Santa Eulalia, on the island's northeast; or Cala Xarraca, Sant Joan de Labritja, a rough sandy beach where you can enjoy kayaking and swimming in the azure-blue bay. Add fabulous seafood paella and other tasty delights from the sea, and you'll understand why Ibiza remains one of Spain's most popular destinations.

Barcelona

Visiting the Catalonian capital is hardly breaking the mould when it comes to Spanish holidays, but this sprawling metropolis is anything but dull. From the splendours of the Gaudi cathedral (and many other of his masterpieces) to the local food markets, Barca is a delight for the senses. Give the touristy La Boqueria (on La Ramblas) a miss, in favour of markets further afield. Barca has its own beach too, although the 'sand' is shipped in annually after the winter storms; head up the coast and enjoy the rocky grandeur of the Costa Brava, where excellent snorkelling and beautiful natural beaches await.

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