Sun, sangria and siestas
Spain lands you in one of Europe’s most vibrant countries with something to captivate every traveller. Couples will love the vibrant street life and exciting culture, while those of a more adventurous bent can explore some of the world’s most dramatic mountain ranges. The focus is on family here - and children are assured a warm welcome everywhere they go.
If you’re considering a holiday in Spain, food is likely to be at the forefront of your mind. In every city, town and village you’ll find tapas - small plates of perfectly seasoned local meats, seafood and vegetables. Each region has its own speciality; from Asturias’ salmon in cider to Cantabria’s delectable venison stew.
The variation in landscape and culture means you can move from desert plain to mountain village to bustling coastal city in just a few hours. There’s so much to see, you’ll need a lifetime to experience it all.
Luxury holidays in Spain offer the best of everything. In the ancient cities you can shop for international brands and exquisite local handicrafts or spend an afternoon relaxing in a street side restaurant. This is a nation with a well deserved reputation for food and wine. Seven of the world’s 50 best restaurants are located in Spain.
Here at Sovereign, we understand your holiday begins long before you head off to the airport. The anticipation is part of the fun, so our Personal Travel Planners are always available to give tips on how to get the most from your destination.
Both our top picks are located in Marbella on the Costa del Sol. On the outskirts of the city is Puente Romano Beach Resort and Spa – a chic, modern resort set in verdant grounds, with tennis courts, a gym and a spa. There are several onsite restaurants, including the two Michelin-starred Dani Garcia Restaurante.
Mainland Greece is bursting with idyllic hidden gems waiting to be discovered. Venture through towns of pure white buildings before heading to expansive olive groves, set against a backdrop of undulating peaks with small villages tucked away on the hillsides. Choose to stay along the coast and soak up the incomparable views of the Aegean Sea as you languidly laze upon the cream sands. Dive into Greece’s rich history through an exploration of its ancient ruins and finish off with delectable Mediterranean cuisine at a world class seaside restaurant.
Search for undiscovered spots along Halkidiki’s 300 miles of coastline; amble through marinas or frolic in the azure waters of the Aegean Sea. Head inland for nature trails and immerse yourself in Greece’s glorious flora and fauna. Choose to holiday in the south west of Greece, where the Peloponnese is home to rugged coastlines and lush green countryside. A short trip from Olympia, take the time to visit the town where the first Olympic games were held.
Holidays in Mainland Greece offer an unforgettable experience, thanks to its picture perfect beaches and sprawling countryside, which are soaked in glorious sunshine and temperate warmth. With incredible resorts and hotels, escaping to Greece ensures ultimate tranquil luxury.
Here at Sovereign we know the importance of luxury and thanks to over 50 years of experience, we know how to tailor-make holidays to add a touch of luxury. We’ve handpicked some of the best hotels in Mainland Greece that will ensure a seamless blend of serenity and luxury. Sani Beach is set upon the seafront and boasts views of the Adriatic Sea and Mount Olympus, providing the perfect backdrop for couples. For a resort that has it all, visit The Westin Resort Costa Navarino. Moments from the beach, an array of adventurous activities and incredible UNESCO sites sit nearby.
Enjoy the best of Spain with our mini destination guide. Find out more about Spain and our favourite hotels by clicking here.
One thing’s for sure – Spanish summers are hot. On mainland Spain, summers are long and the rest of the year is pretty sunny too, peaking at 30°C in July and August. The Canaries are a good winter sun destination, with steady mid 20s sunshine for as many as 10 months a year. Over on the Balearics there’s more good news, with similarly hot average temperatures and around 11 hours of sunshine per day.
Currently visas are not required for UK citizens travelling to Spain.
Restaurant bills include a service charge by law in Spain, so whether you choose to tip further is up to you. If you enjoyed the meal and service, it is customary to leave 5-10%. Hotel porters and maids will appreciate a small tip, and while taxi drivers don’t require a tip, it’s common to round up the fare.
The official language of Spain is Spanish. English is widely spoken too, so getting by is easy.