Travelling to Spain and Portugal

With millions of holidaymakers across the UK making the trip each year, Spain and Portugal have become two of the most popular destinations for a European getaway. With stunning beaches, amazing food and a wealth of beautiful architecture it is no surprise. Learn more about our top picks for these European neighbours.

Barcelona

Take everything that's best about Mediterranean cities - a wonderful beach, a relaxed vibe, months of endless sunshine - then add world-class art and culture, amazing architecture, superb food and boundary-breaking design, and you've got Barcelona. A walk through its wonderland streets has a magical, almost dream-like quality, punctuated with extraordinary buildings around every turn, from Gothic facades to Gaudi's incredible modernist creations; while a stroll around the narrow cobblestoned streets of the Ramblas, popping into little shops and tapas restaurants, provides an unforgettable city break.

Foodies will love trying out one of the many Michelin-starred restaurants at the heart of Barcelona's gastronomic food scene; architecture fans can marvel at Gaudi's astonishing La Sagrada Familia cathedral and the fantastical creations of Park Guell; while football fans shouldn't miss the chance to visit the Nou Camp.

There's plenty to tempt shoppers here too, with some of Europe's coolest art, design and fashion emporia spread across the city; it's also worth a trip up Mount Tibidabo for a spell-binding view over the city, watching its elegant avenues and narrow streets come to life as the sun sets.

Cáceres

Despite its UNESCO World Heritage centre, cobbled streets and numerous tapas restaurants, Cáceres is off the tourist radar.

Just 3 hours from Madrid, Cáceres is one of Europe's foodie hotspots. With a host of food-themed events happening throughout the year, visitors can try local specialities such as torta del casar, a famous local sheep's cheese. The jewel in the city's gastro crown is Atrio, a Michelin starred restaurant (and hotel) with a stunning menu and contemporary design.

Costa Blanca

Although this 200 kilometre stretch of Mediterranean coastline may be most famous for the high-rise hotels that overlook Benidorm's beaches, that's just one aspect of Costa Blanca. The glorious weather and stretches of beautiful beach that made this area a popular holiday spot in the first place are still there too.

The busy tourist scenes of Benidorm and Alicante are perfect if you want the busy hustle and bustle, but you don't have to go far for a more authentic Spanish holiday. Popular Xàbia, for example, a slow-paced and family-orientated town or Elche, a UNESCO World Heritage site for its extensive palm groves, Europe's largest. The palms, churches and the desert-coloured stone of the buildings give the town a North African feel, a nod to the area's Moorish roots.

Have a sweet tooth? You're in the right place - local sweet treats include the nougat-like turrón and bunyols - fried doughnuts dipped in chocolate.

Costa Del Sol

Poor old Costa del Sol got tarred with the nickname "Costa del Crime" back in the 1970s, a reference to the number of UK criminals on the run there, and has found it hard to shift it ever since. But to dismiss the region in three words would be to overlook its many charms.

Marbella, is where you'll find holidaying celebrities, and the glitzy, yacht-packed marina Puerto Banús. People- watching doesn't come much better and you could while away hours on the waterfront. Away from the gloss of Marbella, there are hundreds of family-friendly resorts in Fuengirola, home to 7 kilometres of sandy beach, and Estepona with its excellent water sports.

As Malaga is so easy to get to and it's often shorts-and-tee weather even during the winter months, it's the smart choice for an out-of-season mini-break or golfing trip (the area is famed for its courses). If you are holidaying with kids a visit to Bioparc in Fuengirola is a must. A zoo where animals are kept without cages and bars with the aim that they recreate their natural habitat - is a fascinating family day out.

Madrid

The Spanish capital may not be as famous for monuments or historical buildings as some of its European counterparts, but that doesn't make it any less beautiful than Paris or Rome.

With its wide boulevards, manicured parks and the elaborate Royal Palace, it's a delight to wander around, taking in the atmosphere and sights. Art lovers will find some of the best European art in Madrid, most notably in the world renowned Museo Nacional del Prado, which has one of the most extensive collections in the world, including works by Goya, Velázquez and Titian.

Away from art and architecture, Madrid's other favourite pastime is shopping. The Sunday flea market at El Rastro is the largest and most popular in Madrid, and for foodies there's anything from laidback tapas to Michelin-starred dining.

Majorca

The beautiful beaches and azure seas of this Balearic island have been enticing holidaymakers to Majorca for decades - with good reason.

If you want tranquillity, you can while away lazy summer days in one of the many secluded coves. If you can drag yourself away from the coast, explore the rural retreats among the olive, carob and almond groves. Or drive through the Tramuntana mountain range if dramatic views and social media worthy scenery are your thing.

Meanwhile, a day trip to the capital, Palma, is worth it for a glimpse of the spectacular 13th century gothic Cathedral of Santa Maria. Despite the huge influx of foreign visitors and many busy tourist areas, Majorca has retained plenty of island traditions too. Not least the village festivals that run throughout the summer and offer an insight into island life.

Ibiza

One of the most stylish islands in the Med, Ibiza is a destination that rewards adventure and a desire to get off the beaten track. For a traditional Spanish island break it has served British travellers perfectly well for a number of decades, with the best family friendly spot being Santa Eulalia. But if you are willing to get away from the main tourist trail, you will find beautiful unspoilt beaches, like the Benirras to the north of the island, boutique rural eco-hotels and restaurants that pack a punch.

To immerse yourself in the island's Balearic history head for the UNESCO World Heritage rated Dalt Vila, Ibiza's fortified old town; walk up to the top of Ibiza Town's oldest area to find the 14th century cathedral and then back down to the harbour where a fleet of super yachts are moored next to the world-famous Pacha nightclub. Oh yes - the famed Ibiza nightlife still exists, but the island has so much more to offer. Consider going out of season for a different flavour of Ibiza and a more relaxed experience.

Seville

Flamboyant, charismatic and peppered with spectacular architecture from its Moorish, Renaissance and Baroque past, a trip to Seville would not be complete without a visit to its UNESCO-listed cathedral or a stroll around the ancient city walls and the palm-tree-filled gardens of the Real Alcazar.

Or explore the more modern delights with a potter around the tightly packed cobbled streets and shops of Barrio Santa Cruz, the city's central quarter, or a horse-drawn carriage trip to see its elegant houses. Tapas, it is said, was invented here, and there are some 4,000 tapas restaurants across the city serving up small portions of local specialities like salt cod and melt-in-the-mouth Iberico ham.

Menorca

Smaller and quieter than its boisterous Balearic neighbours, Majorca and Ibiza, Menorca is a delightfully mellow island. White sand bays and small rocky coves pepper the 216 kilometres of coastline, many of which are undeveloped so it's easy to find a private, peaceful spot.

Menorca is most famous for having the largest number of sites of archaeological interest than any other Mediterranean island. Over 2,000 megalithic monuments, believed to have been erected by early settlers in the Bronze Age, can be found dotted all over the island, either standing alone or as part of larger settlements or burial sites.

At either end of the island are the two cities of Menorca - in the east Mahón (or Maó to the locals) spills down the hills to a stunning harbour; in the west is pretty Ciutadella, where the old town is a maze of narrow streets with a 14th century cathedral at the heart.