Top holiday destinations in Spain

Spain has been a popular destination for UK tourists for many reasons. Not only does the balmy climate attract Brits abroad, but it offers the best of all worlds. Whether you’re looking for an adventurous walking holiday in Spain or a relaxing hotel experience, our Spanish friends across the Mediterranean Sea have much to offer. But when it comes to making a shortlist of holiday destinations in Spain, therein lies the tricky part. Here’s the Ramble Worldwide guide to the top holiday destinations in Spain.

The Canary Islands are perfect for walking holidays, offering a unique blend of volcanic landscapes, lush forests, dramatic cliffs, and coastal trails, all enhanced by year-round mild weather and stunning ocean views.

La Gomera in particular is a walker’s paradise, with its dramatic terrain of deep ravines, laurel forests, and mist-covered peaks. The island is less developed than others in the archipelago, offering a more serene and natural experience. The Garajonay National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage site, is a highlight, with its ancient forests and panoramic viewpoints like Alto de Garajonay.

Majorca (or Mallorca) is perfect for walking holidays due to its diverse landscapes, offering everything from rugged mountain trails to scenic coastal paths and charming villages. The UNESCO-listed Tramuntana mountain range offers a stunning contrast between rugged peaks and the turquoise waters of the Mediterranean.

The landscape is dotted with ancient olive groves, stone villages, and hidden coves. The GR221 "Ruta de Pedra en Sec" (Dry Stone Route) is a popular trail that takes walkers through the heart of the Tramuntana, offering panoramic views and the chance to visit the historic town of Sóller. 

Menorca's combination of stunning coastal scenery, serene countryside, and well-preserved natural areas make it an ideal destination for premium walking holidays. The stretch of coastline within the S’Albufera des Grau Natural Park is one of the most untouched and pristine parts of Menorca.

The walk offers stunning views over the azure waters, with opportunities to spot rare birds and other wildlife. The trail from Es Grau to Cala Tortuga is part of the Cami de Cavalls, but it feels more remote and wild. It passes through wetlands, along rocky shores, and past the secluded Cala Tortuga, a perfect spot for a quiet swim.

The Spanish side of the Pyrenees is home to some of the most stunning and diverse landscapes in the country, perfect for exploring on foot. The Vall de Boí Valley is one of the Ramble Worldwide teams’ favourites. It’s surrounded by towering peaks, lush meadows, and crystal-clear rivers, and is also home to a remarkable collection of Romanesque churches, designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

The traditional stone villages, set against the dramatic backdrop of the Pyrenees, add to its charm. The valley offers diverse trails, including routes through the Aigüestortes i Estany de Sant Maurici National Park, where you can explore pristine alpine landscapes and serene lakes.

Catalonia is a key destination in Spain due to its unique blend of cultural richness, diverse landscapes, and vibrant cities. In particular, the countryside beyond the bustling cities really is among the best in the world.

This lesser-known region of Garrotxa Volcanic Zone Natural Park is a lush, green landscape dotted with extinct volcanic cones and covered in dense forests. It’s a unique environment in Spain, with picturesque medieval villages like Besalú and Santa Pau adding to its charm. The park offers a network of well-marked trails, such as the Sant Aniol d’Aguja route, which leads to waterfalls and the Sant Aniol hermitage, showcasing the area's natural beauty.

Andalucia is perfect for walking holidays with its rich variety of landscapes, from the dramatic peaks of the Sierra Nevada to the picturesque white villages, sun-soaked coastlines, and historic paths winding through olive groves and ancient forests.

Ronda is famous for its dramatic setting atop a deep gorge, with a stunning bridge connecting its two halves. Surrounding it, the Sierra de Grazalema is one of Spain’s most beautiful natural parks, known for its rugged limestone landscape, deep gorges, and dense forests. Trails such as the one leading to the white village of Grazalema or the route through the Pinsapar, a unique forest of Spanish firs, offer breathtaking views and rich biodiversity.