21 Unique Weekend Breaks In Spain

Spain is one of the most popular sun destinations in Europe and counts numerous, cute villages, historic cities and white-sanded beaches. It is therefore one of the best countries to visit for a weekend break!

Whether you’re looking for a relaxing beach holiday or an adventurous trip in the mountains, Spain has it all. This blog post covers some of the most amazing weekend break destinations in Spain recommended by seasoned travel bloggers who visited these places themselves and are willing to give you some inside tips!

So, let this be your inspiration to plan your weekend in Spain and hopefully one of these destinations is able to blow your mind!

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Best weekend break destinations in Spain

Malaga

One of the top destinations for a weekend in Spain is Malaga. This historic city is home to ancient castles, Roman ruins, wonderful churches, and so much more!

Some highlights of this city include Catedral de la Encarnación de Málaga. This large cathedral is one of the most impressive buildings in Malaga and was previously a mosque. In addition, you should definitely climb the Gibralfaro Castle. On top of the hill where this castle is located, you have the most magnificent view of the city and its surrounding region. However, the climb is not for the faint of heart and you’ll want to avoid direct sunlight at noon!

Other places you can’t miss are the botanic garden of Malaga, which can be reached by public transport and allows for a fun day trip walking through nature, and Alcazaba, a palace you’ll find while climbing your way to Gibralfaro Castle.

In short, Malaga is the place to be if you love a good bit of history and culture, but of course, it is also home to beaches you can only find at the Costa del Sol! Most tourists will visit Malaga in summer, but that time of the year is also characterized by its (sometimes extremely) hot weather. Therefore, it might be more pleasant to visit in spring or fall.

Related: One day in Malaga: all you need to know!

Cordoba

Recommended by Sam of My Flying Leap

Córdoba is a historic city nestled between the famous cities of Madrid and Seville in Spain. Though it once had a position in prominence in the country, it is now more of a hidden gem worthy of visiting.

Córdoba was founded as a Roman colony in the 2nd century BC. It fell to the Muslims in the 8th century and continued to flourish as a city where Jews, Muslims, and Christians coexisted peacefully. In fact, it’s a UNESCO World Heritage Site recognizing the architectural and historical influences of these three cultures.

In the 10th century, Córdoba was the largest city in western Europe. It was later captured by the Kingdom of Spain and annexed into the country, where it belongs today.

It’s incredible walking through the historic city center of Córdoba knowing that it reflects thousands of years of the past. You can see a lot of the incredibly beautiful city of Córdoba in just one day as the city center is quite compact.

Popular places to visit include the Mosque-Cathedral of Córdoba, also known as the Mezquita, the Jewish Quarter, and the Alcázar of Córdoba with its beautiful gardens. This is where Christopher Columbus set sail from on his voyage where he discovered the New World.

In addition to its cultural history and architecture, Córdoba is also known for its skilled artisans and their works in silver, leather, textiles, and tile. When you visit, grab tapas at Bar Santa Maria or Bodegas Campos and be sure to try a local favorite, salmorejo.

Stay in the historic district when you visit. NH Collection Amistad Córdoba is a great mid-range hotel or Hotel Madinat is a beautiful splurge with views of the Mezquita. Tourist season is typically in the summer, though it’s hot and humid then. For better weather, try spring or fall. It’ll be a trip you’ll never forget.

Fuerteventura

Recommended by Paulina of UK Everyday

The best way to unwind during your weekend is to relax at a beautiful beach. If you are looking for a weekend destination in Spain, there is no better place than Fuerteventura. It has the most incredible beaches that I have ever seen in Europe. Yes, it might be windy, but the views of Fuerteventura are worth the visit.

One of the top 10 beaches to see in Fuerteventura is Sotavento. If you like windsurfing, you will fall in love with this place. It is also worth to visit other amazing beaches that are nearby such as as Playa Esquinzo-Butihondom or Playa Esmeralda.

The most popular spot in Fuerteventura is Corralejo. Rent a car for a weekend to drive through incredible Sand Dunes. Stop for a pictures or swim at one of the beaches in Parque Natural Dunas de Corralejo. 

Follow FV-2 road to see other amazing places on the island such as Costa Calma or Morro Jable. It takes less than 2 hours drive to get from the northern part of the island to the south so you can explore all of those amazing places during one day trip. 

Don’t forget to visit El Cotillo beach to admire the most beautiful sunsets on the island. It is one of the most magnificent spots in Fuerteventura when the sun goes down. Beautiful bays with volcanic rocks attracts many tourists every year. There are also plenty of great restaurants where you can stop for dinner such as Tsunami, La Azotea del Cotillo or El Goloso de Cotillo.

Nerja

Recommended by Christina Román of Explore Now Or Never

One of the very best places for a weekend break in southern Spain is beautiful little Nerja, a gem of an off-the-beaten path beach town not far from Málaga on the Costa del Sol. Unlike Málaga, however, this seaside village hasn’t yet been consumed by skyscrapers.

You’ll find 10 miles of soft sandy beaches here with panoramic ocean views. It’s the perfect base for water sports like kayaking and sailing! In short, it’s one of the most beautiful places to see in Spain. You’ll be able to appreciate it best standing on the Balcony of Europe, a beautiful seaside focal point of the plaza that stretches along the beach here.

The best place to eat? Look for the man on the beach stirring a giant seafood paella. Otherwise, it’s easy to move between a beach lounge chair and any of the restaurants practically on the sand here. We loved our stay at our Airbnb in walking distance to the beach.

While you’re here, be sure to vist Cueva de Nerja, an ancient cave that’s been used as a burial site and cultural expression from hunters, gatherers, and fisherman who lived here 30,000 years ago. Plan on about 45 minutes to explore the various cave chambers.

Hikers will also enjoy walking the Rio Chillar from Nerja. Plan on a one hour walk through a stunning gorge to reach the waterfall. (Wear water shoes and bring hiking poles.)

Nerja makes a refreshing break any time of year, but travelers especially love spring and fall due to fewer crowds and the more temperate climate.

Picos de Europa

Recommended by Cynthia & Alexander of Travel Your Memories

Picos de Europa is located in the north of Spain between the cities of Oviedo, Santander, Leon, and Burgos. This park is perfect if you are in the north of Spain and want to have a great weekend break. You can make beautiful hikes in Picos de Europa, visit the Covadonga lakes and admire Roman remains.

If you like walking and you want to make the most beautiful walks in Picos de Europa, it is best to stay in Arenas de Cabrales at Hotel La Rivera. Arenas de Cabralas is the most central village from which to start various walks in the area.

Hotel La Rivera is run by a family that welcomes you with open arms. When you’re here, the best place to eat is at Sidreria Calluenga. This is a small local restaurant where they serve the best fabadas in the province, this is a bean dish typical of the area.

If you want something less extreme and want to discover the region in a relaxed way, it is best to stay in the west of the Picos de Europa. Here you can admire the Covadonga Lakes and Roman remains. From Cangas de Onis you can visit the Covadonga Lakes, a Roman temple and cathedral.

The best time to travel to Picos de Europa is during the spring and summer periods. Temperatures are then the best to be active in this nature reserve.

Marbella

Recommended by Becki of Andalucia Explored

If you’re looking for a great weekend break in Andalucia, then you should certainly consider Marbella. Situated on the Costa del Sol, Marbella offers a balance of historical centre & culture, twinned with leisurely activities.  

The heart of the old town is called Plaza de los Naranjos, the cobbled square is adorned with orange trees, it dates back to the 15th century and like many Spanish cities, was once the hub of the city where EVERYTHING happened. Some of the notable buildings here are the Casa del Corregidor, Town Hall, and the Hermitage of Santiago. Today, it’s a much more leisurely affair with an abundance of bars and restaurants to choose from.

Allow a good amount of time to explore the old town. The pretty cobbled lanes in their web-like formation feature adorable boutique shops and flower clad walls and courtyards. The historical centre still has plenty of remains from the fortress walls that surrounded the city during the Moorish period. If you like ancient monuments, then certainly explore the Moorish castle to climb the towers and get an idea of what the city once looked like. 

Once you’ve finished exploring the old town, head to the beaches. Marbella has an extensive promenade where you’ll find an abundance of both low-key and high-end waterfront bars. Marbella also boasts some of the best water activities in the area if you’re looking for something more active than just laying on the sandy beach.

The peak season for Marbella coincides with school holidays, namely July and August. This is also the hottest time of the year. If possible visit Marbella in shoulder season May/June or September/October where you’ll still be able to take advantage of good weather but with fewer crowds.

There’s no shortage of accommodation in Marbella, you’ll see two distinctive styles; the highrise, large-chain, hotel blocks outside the old city, or the more traditional smaller boutique hotels inside the old city. Hint: Opt for the small boutique accommodation which features rooms with more character and also are owned and run by locals.

 Alicante

Recommended by Anya Kay of Road Is Calling

Alicante, the main resort town of Costa Blanca, is a wonderful destination for any season. The sun shines there for over 300 days a year, creating favorable conditions for life and recreation. But spring is particularly a wonderful time of the year to visit thanks to the nice weather that is getting warmer each day and the number of activities available to a traveler.  

Spring in Alicante comes early. However, the best months to plan a trip are April and May when there is very little rain and when flower carpets are blooming, filling the air with a wondrous scent. The air begins to warm up to higher temperatures, which leads to the greater popularity of beaches and vineyards in this part of Spain.

When visiting Alicante on a spring break, be sure to check out the building of the Basilica of Santa Maria, originally built in the Gothic style and later complemented by a Baroque facade. Opposite from it is the La Asegurada Museum, which displays works by the Spanish masters of the 20th century.

The main and most popular attraction of the city is the fortress of St. Barbara. It stands on the Benacantil cliff (166 m above sea level), from where an amazingly beautiful view of Alicante and neighboring settlements opens up. On a hill on the other side of the city, there is another castle – San Fernando, built during the years of the War of Independence (1808-1814).

At 11 nautical miles from Alicante, there is the small island of Tabarca with coastal waters that have been declared a nature reserve for their crystal clearness.

For walking, go to the Explanada de Espaça boulevard made in the form of a mosaic, consisting of 6 million pebbles. Not far from the boulevard is the Elch Gate Square which leads directly into the Old Town with narrow streets.

And when you get hungry, try an undisputed favorite of the local cuisine paella, fideua, and cold thick soup gazpacho made from mashed tomatoes. 

For a budget but chic place to stay look into Dormirdcine Alicante or Casa Alberola hotels.

Madrid

Recommended by Martha of May Cause Wanderlust 

Madrid is perfect for a weekend break in Spain if you love food! 

Madrid has a reputation for its vibrant tapas scene and there’s a huge amount of choice for places to eat and drink in the capital of Spain. The old neighbourhood of Barrio de la Latina has good tapas options, as does Barrio de Las Letras and the nearby streets of Calle de Cadiz and Calle Barcelona are thronging with them. 

Choose from tapas at the historical covered market Mercado de San Miguel, many traditional tapas bars like Taverna la descubierta, trendy joints like Revoltosa and full-on whimsical escapism, which you’ll find at Rosi La Loca.

And other than the great good and drink options, there are lots of . At the top of the list is the Royal Palace of Madrid, the grand white fortress and official home of the Spanish royal family. You can also admire plenty of other ornate architecture around Madrid, especially on Calle de Gran Via and at Plaza de Cibeles.

And you must visit the huge city park, El Retiro, which offers a peaceful retreat from the busy city. Here you can row boats on the Estanque Grande de El Retiro lake, wander amongst rose gardens and trees and admire a stunning crystal palace that overlooks a lake.

You can visit Madrid all year round, but the shoulder seasons of Spring and Autumn offer the most comfortable temperatures for exploring the city. For a place to stay, check out Hotel Preciados, which is smart and centrally located. 

Tarragona

Recommended by Una of Wandernity

Just an hour’s drive away from Barcelona, Tarragona is a great weekend break destination. The city is a little bit lesser known thus you will see fewer tourists in the attractions and the prices for food and accommodation will be cheaper.

The best time to visit Tarragona is in early September and October. This is just after the high season when the weather is perfect to truly enjoy a walking tour in the city and maybe even go for a swim in the sea. And after the high season, you may save on accommodation and other expenses that come with travel.

The best things to do in Tarragona mainly are about exploring the history of the city. There is Amfiteatre de Tarragona where the gladiator fights were happening in Roman times. Another impressive monument you can visit is the Roman Wall of Tarragona. There are nice gardens and a panoramic view of the surrounding city from the walls.

Tarragona is a walkable city so you just need to add the points of interest to a map and this way you can easily create your own walking tour of the central part of Tarragona.

One of the best places to stay in Tarragona is H10 Imperial Tarraco 4* Sup. It’s located near the city center and beach and has a rooftop pool with amazing views.

If you wish to enjoy Spanish food, there are a lot of options in the city center to choose from. But there is one thing that you must eat when you are in Tarragona – and that is tapas. It’s a kind of appetizer – small bites of food usually made of bread, meat, fish, and some vegetables. Just search “tapas bar” on Google maps and choose the most appealing pictures from the nearby bars.

Valencia

Recommended by Martina of PlacesofJuma

Valencia is a wonderful choice for a city break in Spain. As the third-largest city in the country and thanks to its own international airport, numerous tourists from all over the world come here every year for a city trip. Especially young people, but also couples and families are enthusiastic about this amazing city by the sea. Tourists love the enchanting flair of the old town and the beautiful beaches of Valencia, which makes this place a real insider tip!

You can visit Valencia all year round, and even in winter the temperatures are very pleasant. Really great is a trip in spring, when there is not yet so much going on and yet the sun guarantees wonderful vacation flair. Life in this city takes place outdoors, which gives the metropolis an extraordinarily charming ambience. There are numerous cafes and wonderful restaurants to enjoy!

The city can be easily explored on foot. Strolling through the old town, you will discover many beautiful attractions. Absolutely worth seeing is the futuristic City of Arts and Sciences, also called Ciutat de les Arts i les Ciències. Here visitors can not only visit interesting museums, in the huge complex you can even take a romantic ride on a paddle boat.

Beautiful and a must-see is the Plaza de la Virgen and the cathedral, which should not be missed. As a real insider tip, we can tell you the little cat house that hides in the alleys of the old town.

The fantastic range of hotels makes a city break to Valencia an unforgettable experience. We recommend the amazing Only YOU Hotel Valencia in the best location!

Tenerife

Recommended by Greta of Greta’s Travels

If you’re looking for the best weekend breaks in Spain, then you have to add Tenerife to your bucket list. The Canary Islands are blessed with year-round sunshine and warm weather, thanks to their position just 100km from the coast of Africa.

Tenerife is the largest amongst the Canary Islands, and concentrated in its 2,034 square kilometres, you will find a huge variety of landscapes and activities. You could spend the morning surfing in Las Americas, and then in the afternoon drive up the 3,715m of Mount Teide, the highest peak in Spain.

While most travellers come to Tenerife for a beach break, it doesn’t have to be just that. Tenerife offers loads of hiking opportunities, both in the unique lunar landscape of Mount Teide as well as the distinctive jagged green mountains of Anaga Rural Park. You can also do lots of adventurous activities like paragliding or going on a whale watching boat tour.

The best time to visit Tenerife, in my opinion, is spring since it’s considered low season. Summer is high season due to the school holidays, and winter is also high season since everyone escapes from Europe to the Canary Islands in search of winter sun. However the weather is warm and dry all year round, so even if you can’t make it in spring, you’ll still enjoy pleasant weather in Tenerife, if maybe with a few additional tourist crowds.

The most popular areas to stay in Tenerife are in the south, on the coastline from Costa Adeje to Los Cristianos, as it’s the warmest and sunniest. This however is also the most touristy and expensive part of the island, some more local places to stay are El Medano or Los Gigantes, also in the south and therefore still warm.

While the flight to Tenerife might be considered a bit long for a weekend break, don’t let it deter you. From surfing to hiking, or from chilling to the beach to paragliding, in just one weekend you can do lots of amazing things on this Spanish island.

Ronda

Recommended by Dhara of It’s Not About the Miles

The mountaintop white village of Ronda makes the perfect weekend getaway in Southern Spain. The historic core offers beautiful architecture and absolutely sensational views over the surrounding countryside.

One of the best things to do in Ronda is simply to walk the perimeter of the old town, to enjoy the views. There is even a gazebo in a park as you enter the town, the ideal spot for taking photos of the vistas spread out below.

Ronda is built over a deep gorge, called El Tajo, and Puente Nuevo, one of three bridges over the gorge, is Ronda’s most popular sight. While you can view it from street level, and walk over it, you must also walk down the gorge a little to look at the bridge from below, to truly appreciate its size and majesty.

Ronda has many beautiful old buildings and gardens you can tour. Many buildings feature the famous tile work for which this part of the world is famous. There are also remnants of the old city walls and gates you can admire. One of the relaxing things to do in Ronda is to get an outside table at one of the squares and sit and enjoy some people watching while you have a drink. Ronda produces many fine wines you can try.

The Parador de Ronda is a great place to stay on your weekend break. Many rooms have balconies that look out over the countryside. Enjoy local cuisine at Casa Maria.

Visit Ronda in the spring or fall for the best weather and fewer crowds.

Almeria

Recommended by Dan of Urban Abroad

When looking for a weekend break in Spain that allows you to escape the city, Almeria makes an ideal getaway and road trip for travelers who want to connect with one of Spain’s natural parks. In the south of Andalucia, you can find this park called Cabo de Gata which is lined with water pool-filled volcanic rock situated on the coastline.

The climate in this part of Andalucia is one of the driest in the whole of Europe and some parts are so arid and dry it feels as if you were on a Wild West-style film set. Not only does this natural park have a desert-like terrain that is home to thousands of plants that are able to thrive there is a ton of secluded beaches on offer with Mónsul beach being a favorite with many tourists.

Aside from being home to Cabo de Gata, Almeira also has many small villages and towns with which you can connect with the Andalucian way of life. The weather is great all year round and most visitors to this region already have an idea of what Spain is famous for and its food leaves nothing to the imagination.

In the nearby town of Níjar, you can find restaurants such as El Cinto which are specialists in quality local Mediterranean cuisine and tapas. Also, Las Negras is another tourist town where you’ll find some great restaurants and a network of footpaths and beaches that connect everything together.

As well as being a great weekend break, Almeira makes a great addition to any extended trip that you may want to do in this interesting southeastern corner of Spain.

Santander

Recommended by Lavina Dsouza of Continent Hop

There’s no shortage of places you can go to in Spain, yet many tend to be crowded as a few spots like Barcelona etc. are pretty popular and rightfully so!

Yet there are other places like Santander that few think of right away yet have so much to offer! Santander, the capital of Cantabria in Northern Spain, is a good option if you prefer city breaks and would like a variety of options on what to do. The best time to visit is during the end of summer, so from July to September.

What makes Santander interesting is its location by the beach, its food scene and its proximity to the Picos De Europa. Picos De Europa is located about 3 hours from Santander, and other than hiking, sightseeing options also offer skiing options if you visit in winter.

Other attractions include numerous museums, tapas bars that provide some of the best tapas in the country on a budget. If you have time to spare, the Monte Castillo caves are pretty stunning to pay a visit to as they contain prehistoric paintings!

What also makes Santander popular is its beaches as they are the best in the country for surfing. The waves and weather make it a surfer’s paradise!

Since the city is located quite a way off from Barcelona, the best way to get here is by ferry or flight from Barcelona. The city isn’t too vast so pick any of the spots in the city to stay; however, places by the beach are good as the sunsets here are stunning!

Mallorca

Recommended by Krisztina Harsanyi of She Wanders Abroad

Are you looking for the best weekend breaks in Spain? Look no further than Mallorca!

Situated on the Mediterranean Sea, Mallorca is definitely one of the best places to spend a weekend. Despite being the largest island of the Balearic Islands, Mallorca is still pretty small so you can visit all the highlights in just a few days.

If you can, try to avoid the summer months as this is when Mallorca is the busiest and also the hottest. The best time to visit is late spring when you can take advantage of the warm weather and fewer crowds.

Renting a car is the best way to get around Mallorca as it gives you the freedom to road trip around the island at your own pace. It’s worth spending at least half a day in Palma de Mallorca, and visiting the highlights of the city such as the Cathedral of Santa Maria of Palma, Castell de Belver, and the Royal Palace of La Almudaina.

For beach lovers, spending time on the gorgeous coastline is a must. One of the best beaches on Mallorca is Es Trenc, which looks like a Caribbean beach with soft white sand and turquoise water. Other great places to visit are the calas, especially Cala d’Or and Cala Pi.

If you’re looking for a little adventure, you can drive up to the northernmost point of the island and visit Cap de Formentor. It makes a great place for sunset! Also, you shouldn’t miss the beautiful villages in Mallorca, such as Valldemossa, Deia, and Soller.

In terms of where to stay in Mallorca, try to book accommodation either in Palma or in the surrounding towns. This is the most central part of the island and it’s also close to the airport, so it’s convenient for a weekend break.

Cabo de Gata

Recommended by Paulina of Paulina On The Road

Cabo de Gata is one of the well-reserved secrets of Spain. It is known to be one of the most picturesque places to visit in the country.

There are beautiful landscapes and wonderful scenery that can make it tough to decide where to start. If you are looking for weekend breaks in Spain, Cabo de Gata is the right place. The best time to visit this gem is between June and October. The months are warm, which makes it perfect for swimming.

There is a lot to explore at this mini getaway. The Castle of Macenas is a great start to begin your day. It is a defensive construction from the 18the century. After a few years, the construction was used by the civil guard. The castle is situated in Macenas Beach, which is in close proximity to Pilurico Tower.

You can head next to Pilurico which is even older than Nacenas castle. It was used to watch the coast. The reach to the top of the tower is still accessible, so you can climb up and enjoy the view.

Up next, you can head to Granatilla’s Viewpoint. It gives you incredible views of Sierra de Cabrera and Algarrobico beach. You can also see the half-built horror hotel that has made this beach a topic of talk. After that, the lighthouse of Mesa Roldan is also a good spot to witness the coastline of Cabo de Gata.

One of the top places to stay in Cabo de Gata is Hotel Ch Cabo De Gata. If you want to treat yourself to good food, Restaurante Goleta Cabo de Gata is one of the best choices. The restaurants serve popular Picadillo soup from Spain that you must try. Also, if you want to visit a top bar, you will need a reservation.

Segovia

Recommended by Paulina of Paulina On The Road

Segovia is an incredible city amidst the Autonomous Community of Castilla y Leon in Spain. Situated just a few kilometers from Madrid, it is one of the cities that attracts most tourists. It is a nice destination for a weekend break due to its proximity to major cities and magnificent gastronomy and monuments. One of the major architectures to attract tourists is its wonderful Aqueduct.

The best time to visit this beautiful city is from March to September. It is because the temperature during these months is moderate and very pleasant.

The city offers a lot of things to do and see. While its Aqueduct comes on top, tourists also go in awe of The Alcazar of Segovia. It is the castle that inspired Walt Disney. Located in the old city, it is a fortress with a lot of rooms inside. There is a large collection of armors. You must visit this UNESCO World Heritage site. After that, another magnificent stop to experience the beauty of this city is the Majestic Cathedral De Nuestra Señora De La Asunción.

The Gastronomy of Segovia is another must-experience thing in the city. It is very popular among tourists and the way they cook and roast them is widely talked about.

Tourists can visit a lot of convents and churches located in the heart of the city. They are decorated with pretty arches, portico, columns, and a tower.

Apart from all of it, the food at Mason de Jimeno is cherry-on-top. If you are wondering where to stay in Madrid, consider a stay in Segovia’s top hotels like Hotel ELE Acueducto as it is a short drive away from Madrid.

Granada

Recommended by Milijana Gabrić of World Travel Connector 

Do you know what the most visited site in Spain is? Alhambra Palace in Granada, of course. 

But Granada is not only about Alhambra. Above all, Granada is one of the most beautiful cities in Spain. Beautiful Granada in the foothills of the iconic Sierra Nevada in the valley of the River Darro is one of the most picturesque and best cities in Spain for visiting.

Besides magnificent Alhambra Palace, old Granada holds some of the most beautiful sites in Spain, like the famous medieval Moorish quarter of Albayzin and the gipsy quarter of Sacromonte. In addition, the marvelous Granada Cathedral and the Royal Chapel where Spanish Catholic Monarchs, Queen Isabelle, and King Ferdinand were buried are some of the tops sites to see in Granada.

But, let’s not talk only about historic sites in Granada. Foodies love Granada and its tapas. Granada is well-known as the only city in Spain where with drinks you get tapas for free. So, crawling tapas bars in Granada is a must. Along with it, sipping aromatic Moorish tea in Granada’s teterías (teahouses) is another must-do.

But, visiting southern Spain without watching an authentic flamenco show should not be an option for a true cultural enthusiast. So, head to the gipsy quarter of Sacromonte and enjoy an outstanding flamenco performance and have one of the best unique cultural experiences in southern Spain.

However, for a great city break, and if you want to treat yourself to a royal-like spa treatment, head to the famous Hammam Al Andalus in Granada. Apart from that, book a room in a 5-star Alhambra palace hotel in the heart of Granada with the most spectacular views of Granada for the most memorable stay in this city. 

The best time to visit Granada and southern Spain is spring and autumn for the pleasant temperatures. The air temperatures in Granada in summer go above 86°F (30°C), while the temperatures in winter mornings are around chilly 32°F (0°C). So stay away from summer’s heat and winter colds in Granada, and plan your perfect city break to Granada for spring or autumn.

 Menorca

Recommended by Nadine of Le Long Weekend

The Spanish island of Menorca is unlike its neighboring Balearics, as it’s completely devoid of overdevelopment and bustling resort towns. In essence, it’s the perfect weekend break in Spain when you want to get away from it all. Land in the island’s capital, Mahon, and you can be on the beach within the hour.

Nature lovers will love the endless walking trails that can be found crisscrossing the countryside, the Natural Parks, and the ancient cami de cavalls walkway which circumnavigates the island. Those wanting sun and sand, have an endless supply of picture-perfect coves to cosy up on.

And those wanting to delve into history and culture could do much worse than spending a weekend in the historical capital of Ciutadella de Menorca, perusing the old town, museums and markets.

The best time to visit Menorca is in the shoulder seasons of Spring or Autumn, as you’ll experience stunning weather, but far fewer crowds than in the peak summer months. Do note that the months of June & September are still fairly busy, while May and October will deliver quieter coastlines if that’s what you seek.

While many of the island’s eateries cater to the tourist crowd, there are still beautiful local restaurants where you can sample local delicacies, such as Cafe Balear in Ciutadella. And don’t miss a sunset drink at the iconic Cova d’En Xoroi, set within a sea cave.

As you may have guessed, one of the best places to stay in Menorca is Ciutadella, as it’s easily reachable from Mahon, and has a little bit of everything you need for a weekend break in Spain – beaches, nature walks, history, and great food! Try the sustainable Hotel Nou Sant Antoni, or the Sodium Boutique Hotel, both in the old town.

Barcelona

Recommended by Cristina of My Little World of Travelling

One of the best weekend city breaks in Spain is Barcelona because of the variety of activities and things to see in the city – from visiting Gaudí’s masterpiece, Sagrada Familia, to tasting authentic Catalan cuisine in the markets.

Barcelona is very popular during the summer months, however, it is a city that you can visit all year round. But if you are wondering which months are less busy and warm, May to June and September to mid-October are the best months to visit Barcelona.

When you visit Barcelona, you cannot miss visiting Sagrada Familia, the most iconic building in the city that was built by Gaudí, and many other architectures that followed his work. This UNESCO World Heritage Site building facade and interior will amaze you.

Another Gaudí work you need to add to your itinerary is Parc Güell, a beautiful park where you can find some of the best panoramic views of Barcelona and outstanding mosaic work and sculptures.

Other must-see attractions in Barcelona include Barcelona Cathedral located in the beautiful Gothic Quarter, Casa Batlló and Casa Miró, and Las Ramblas, one of the liveliest places in the city.

Barcelona gastronomy is also worth mentioning. You can try traditional dishes such as Pa amb Tomàquet (bread spread with tomatoes and olive oil), Paella and Crema Catalana (a creme brulee style dessert).

No matter how many days you stay in Barcelona, H10 Metropolitan is the place to go. The hotel is located a few minutes walk from Las Ramblas and it has stylish and comfortable rooms. Some of them have a cute balcony where you can enjoy watching the sunrise or sunset.

My biggest piece of advice is to visit the main attractions early in the morning and on weekdays if possible. This way you will avoid big crowds and you will have more opportunities to take incredible photos in the picturesque spots in Barcelona.

Seville

Recommended by Bec of Wyld Family Travel

For the perfect weekend break in Spain look no further than the enchanting Seville. The people are welcoming, friendly and fiercely proud of their gorgeous city and for good reason too. Seville has it all. It’s an easy walking city full of culture, history, art and some of the best tasting food Spain has to offer. 

Many visitors to Seville marvel at the architecture that is all around the city. Plaza de’ Espana is one of the top places to spend some time wandering admiring the pure magnificence of it. You can easily get lost in the Royal Alcazar for hours with all that was once hidden behind the large walls or get amazing views over the city from the Giralda Bell Tower in the Seville Cathedral.

If you have had your fill of architecture on your weekend break in Seville then a food tour of the city is a must. Many places have exquisite, locally made delights that are tucked away in tiny streets that only locals know about. It is here you can connect through food with this stunning city.

The restaurant owners are more than happy to tell you their heritage, how their recipes and shops have been passed down from generation to generation. The local Orange wine and the Secreto Iberico (thinly sliced ham) are two of the most popular items people have when they visit Seville but there are so many more tapas options for you to try.

One extra place that is just out of Seville that is a must-visit is the old Roman town of Italica. Founded in 206BC this once bustling city is now in ruins but it is magnificent to see. At its height in the 2nd to the 9th BC the town was the birthplace of 2 Roman Emperors and has the 3rd largest amphitheatre in the Roman Empire holding 25,000 spectators.

While many people love to visit Seville in the summer you will find that any season is wonderful in Seville with many of the activities being open in the winter months. Being a large Catholic city around Easter is the busiest time of year. Holy Week sees the city swell with people both locals and tourists alike to take part in the celebrations.

Conclusion

I really hope that you found your ideal weekend break destination in Spain in between all the options provided to you above!

Spain is for sure an amazing country to visit, whichever destination you’ll choose! I must say that I’ve visited Spain multiple times and I keep coming back for more!

I fell in love with this country and culture so much that I even decided to take Spanish classes to be able to have conversations with locals when I return!

Anyways, I’m curious to know what your favourite weekend destination in Spain is. Let me know in the comments!