Vacation in Spain: Popular destinations, romantic cities and road trips to the sea

Vacations in Spain – Hot summers, mild winters and miles of sandy beaches: this is how we know and love Spain.
The southern country is one of the most popular travel destinations for Germans, and not without reason.
A large part of the country’s border lies by the sea, meaning that Spain has around 3,900 km of coastline on the mainland alone.
In addition, there are around 1,060 km of coastline stretching across various Spanish islands such as Mallorca, Formentera and Ibiza.
Where exactly Spain is located in Europe, which regions are the most popular and what you can experience and discover as a holidaymaker in Spain is revealed here.
Use our tips to plan your next trip to Spain, preferably in a rooftop tent!

Spain: Big cities, mountains, sea & water sports

Spain not only has the Germans’ favorite island – Mallorca – to offer!
With an area of over 505,000 km², Spain not only offers beautiful islands such as Formentera, Menorca and Mallorca, but also a large mainland with picturesque mountain regions, wild coastlines, numerous beaches and major international cities such as Madrid and Barcelona.
If you want, you can travel around Spain for months and always discover something new.
Not to mention the warm, spirited culture and delicious Mediterranean food!

Map: Where exactly is Spain in Europe?

Spain is located in the southwest of Europe and only has direct borders with two countries: France and Portugal.
With its extremely long coastline, Spain borders the North Atlantic Ocean to the north and the Mediterranean Sea, Balearic Sea and Alborán Sea to the south.
With its proximity to the North African border, Spain has a hot, rather dry climate, which can lead to very high temperatures in summer, especially in the south of the country.
Spanish islands are only located on the south-eastern coast of Spain in the Mediterranean Sea.
Here you can find Spain on the map of Europe: And here you can take a closer look at Spain:

  Blue sea, exciting mountains and white cities – Spain’s vast landscape is beautiful.
Whether by boat across the water, a hike through the mountains or a walk through the city – before you can experience it all, get a first impression of the Spanish countryside in this video.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YGAsG6_JgAI

Top 5 vacation regions in Spain: Island to city trip

Spain promises high temperatures, sunny days, Spanish temperament and above all a fantastic landscape.
The country has a lot to offer holidaymakers on the extensive mainland and other Spanish islands!
For example, if you want to go on a camping vacation with surfing lessons, the possibilities are endless.
We have searched for the 5 top vacation regions and Spain for you and have summarized them for you below.
Find your ideal next destination in Spain!
We would like to introduce you to 5 popular vacation regions and make it easier for you to plan your next vacation in Spain!

• Spanish islands
• North coast
• Costa Brava
• Andalusia
• Large cities

Islands: Balearic & Canary Islands – Mallorca, Ibiza & Formentera

Who hasn’t heard of the Spanish island of Mallorca!
However, the prejudices that many people now have about the island, which has become infamous as a party mecca, completely overlook the actual quality of the Balearic island.
Mallorca, as well as Ibiza and Formentera, have so much to offer in terms of landscape and culture: Mediterranean old towns, rugged coastal landscapes, dreamy bays and, above all, enchanting beaches. Road trips across the island, hiking tours or beach vacations – it’s all possible here!
What many people don’t know: The Canary Islands, such as Tenerife.
Tenerife are actually part of Spain.
Although they are geographically part of North Africa, they are politically part of Spain and therefore part of the EU.
A fantastic, warm climate and the location on the Atlantic or Mediterranean make the Spanish islands all dream destinations!
If you are looking for peace and quiet, Formentera is the place for you.
However, if you want to stroll through pedestrian zones, you should look for a campsite on larger islands such as Mallorca.
A brief summary of the Spanish islands for you:

• Mallorca, Ibiza & Formentera: More than just party islands
• Mediterranean old towns, beautiful coasts & bays
• Enchanting beaches with a variety of activities
• Formentera for peace and quiet & Mallorca for a livelier vacation
• Canary Islands as part of Spain: a wonderful excursion destination

No nature on Mallorca?
Yes there is! Although the Canary Islands are geographically part of North Africa, they are under Spanish rule.
The islands are located off the North African coast, far from the Spanish mainland.
They can only be reached by boat, but are definitely worth a trip.

Northeast coast of Spain: Pyrenees & Santiago de Compostela

In addition to the north coast on the Atlantic, the “green north” of Spain also offers other highlights such as the picturesque mountains of the Pyrenees or, as a cultural treat, Santiago de Compostela, as well as cities such as Bilbao or Santander.
The destinations on the north coast therefore offer varied landscapes, beautiful beaches, some of which stretch for miles, as well as charming small towns and fishing villages.
You can go hiking here, lie on the beach and even enjoy water sports!
The north coast of Spain stretches along the Bay of Biscay and is a hotspot for surfers in particular!
A number of surf camps with opportunities for camping with surf lessons have set up here over the years.
So you don’t have to go to Australia or America to experience the hang-loose lifestyle!
The best way to learn to surf is at a surf school, but to help you prepare, you can find lots of tips for getting started here: Learn to surf.
You can experience these things on the north coast of Spain:

• Picturesque Pyrenees: mountains as a highlight
• Cultural experience: Santiago de Compostela
• Visit cities like Bilbao & Santander
• Kilometers of beaches & fishing villages
• Hiking, beach vacation & water sports
• Bay of Biscay: hotspot for surfers

The mountains of the Pyrenees are beautiful and breathtaking:

Insider tip: pristine beaches & lots of nature

Insider tip!
The Cíes Islands are also definitely worth a visit!
Unspoiled beaches and a wealth of flora and fauna enchant visitors here.
Rodas beach was even voted the most beautiful beach in the world in 2007.
The limited number of daily visitors makes a trip to the island particularly intimate.
If you are looking for idyll and closeness to nature, this is the place for you.
The Cíes Islands are located off the north-eastern coast of Spain:

Costa Brava: rocky coast, sandy beaches & party trip

The Costa Brava is located in the north of the Spanish east coast, bordering France.
Especially in the north of the Costa Brava, the landscape is characterized by the imposing rock massifs of the Spanish foothills of the Pyrenees.
The beaches on this stretch of coast between the French border and the mouth of the River Tordera are therefore particularly impressive.
Those who enjoy hiking or cycling will love the rugged hinterland, while windsurfers will also find good conditions in the resorts on the Costa Brava.
The cultural center of the Costa Brava is Girona.
In the south of the region, the rugged coastline shows a friendlier face with flat, wide sandy beaches.
Lloret de Mar is quite literally one of the most popular strongholds for young party tourists in Spain.
Whether in the morning after the party or when camping in the heat, you need plenty of water.
To transport this quickly and easily at the campsite, it’s worth thinking about this in advance.
Particularly practical: 👉 Water taxi These are the things you can look forward to on a trip to the Costa Brava:

• Impressive sandy beaches
• Good conditions for windsurfers
• Imposing rock massifs in the north
• Ideal for hikers & cyclists
• Cultural center: Girona
• Lloret de Mar as a party stronghold

You can look forward to such beautiful sandy beaches on the Costa Brava:

Andalusia: Costa del Sol, Málaga, Costa de la Luz & Seville

If you don’t just want to go on vacation, but also want to get to know the Spanish soul better, you should travel to Andalusia.
One of the most popular stretches of coastline is the Costa del Sol with its many vacation resorts, as well as Málaga, a city where you can marvel at many historic buildings.
Further west, you will find miles of wide Atlantic beaches on the Costa de la Luz, as well as many Spanish tourists, kite surfers and surfers.
Bullfighting, flamenco, tapas – all these Spanish traditions are of Andalusian origin, and the influence of past rulers has left behind spectacular buildings such as the Alhambra in Granada, the Mezquita cathedral in Córdoba and the Alcázar royal palace in Seville.
In spring, the orange trees bloom here and give the cities a very special charm.
“White villages” such as Ronda, with its spectacular bridges and bullring, or Grazalema, idyllically situated in the mountains, are more peaceful places.
You should definitely visit these places in Andalusia:

• Beaches of the Costa del Sol
• Historic city of Málaga
• Atlantic beaches of the Costa de la Luz
• Alhambra in Granada
• Mezquita Cathedral of Córdoba
• Alcázar of Seville
• “White villages” such as Ronda & Grazalema

To get an overview of the region, you can view a map here:

Major cities: excursion to Madrid, Valencia & Barcelona

In addition to enchanting landscapes, Spain also has a wide range of large cities with historic centers.
The capital Madrid in particular is famous for its size and importance in soccer, as is Barcelona.
And if you walk through the streets, you will notice that pedestrian zones and lively squares run through both cities.
Madrid and Barcelona are like siblings – common roots, but each with its own style.
Valencia is considered one of the cities with the most beautiful old towns in Europe and is therefore always worth a trip.
Whether you stroll through the old town on mild evenings, explore the coast and the beach, embark on historical explorations, take in the cultural offerings of museums or browse the pedestrian zones on a shopping trip: Spanish cities have something for every vacationer’s heart.
That’s why a road trip through the interior is worth a visit!
We recommend these three cities for an exciting trip:

• Madrid: capital city, soccer & lively streets
• Barcelona: pedestrian zones, lively squares & its own style
• Valencia: One of the most beautiful old towns in Europe

You can look forward to experiences like this in Madrid:

Road trip through Spain’s major cities

Of course, you can also visit them all.
You can plan a road trip through Madrid, Barcelona and Valencia.
A rooftop tent is particularly practical, as you can easily drive to different campsites for a stopover along the way.
You can find a compact roof tent that can be opened and closed quickly for a comfortable place to sleep here: 👉 Rooftop tent BDV And here you can see the route on the map:

Weather map & temperatures: Spain’s summer heat

In summer, the average temperature in Spain is over 30 °C.
If that’s too hot for you, think about the low season – the temperatures are more pleasant there.
The coldest average temperature is 15.7 °C, usually a little warmer in the low season.
The water varies in temperature depending on the coast, but you can expect an average of 21 °C in August.
In the south it’s even 23 °C!

• Warmest Ø temperature: over 30 °C
• Ø water temperature: 21 °C in August

On this map you can see what the temperatures are like in Spain at the moment and over the next three days:

Camping in Spain: Top 3 campsites

If you are traveling to Spain, you also need to find a suitable place to sleep.

Camping L’amfora in Girona

4.4 / 5 (2,649 ratings)

• Address: Carrer de Josep Tarradellas 2, 17470 Sant Pere Pescador, Girona
• Phone: +34 972 520540
• E-mail: info@campingamfora.com
• Website: Camping L’amfora

Playa Montroig in Tarragona

4.3 / 5 (4,799 ratings)

• Address: Carretera N-340 Km 1.136, E-43300 Montroig del Camp, Tarragona
• Phone: +34 977 810637
• E-mail: info@playamontroig.com
• Website: Playa Montroig

Camping Las Dunas in Girona

4.4 / 5 (2,942 ratings)

• Address: Carretera Sant Martí d’Empúries, 17470 Sant Pere Pescador, Girona
• Phone: +34 972 521717
• E-mail: info@campinglasdunas.com
• Website: Camping Las Dunas

Stopover?
Destination France!

If you are driving from Germany to Spain, you will usually pass through France.
As this is a long journey, you should make a stopover.
However, France offers many great excursion destinations that you can use for a break as you pass by.

• Camping in France