Spain - Cheap Flights & Tourist Guides

Where are Spain's Mainland Costas: Spain is a highly popular tourist destination, with the majority of visitors opting for the mainland Costas. Some of the most popular coastal beach resorts can be found in Catalonia, located northeast of the country. This region is known for lively beach resorts, the rugged coastlines of Costa Brava and Costa Dorada, and the cosmopolitan Catalan capital, Barcelona.

As you journey further south along the Mediterranean coastline, you'll come across the beautiful white-sand beaches of Costa Blanca in the Alicante province. Continue heading south past Spain's southern edge, you'll discover the sunny regions of Costa de Almeria, Costa del Sol, and Costa de la Luz on the Andalusian coast.

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When is the best time of year to visit Spain: To avoid the high mid-year temperatures, early summer and the beginning of autumn are pleasant times to visit most regions. The coastal south enjoys a Mediterranean climate with very warm and dry summers and mild, wettish winters. Central Spain (including Madrid) has a more extreme climate with hotter summers and cooler winters. The mountainous regions have the most rain and snow mid-winter, with the Basque country to the north being generally cooler and wetter.

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(1). Torremolinos: Torremolinos is a municipality in Andalusia and is the region's most popular tourist destination, a classic beach resort on Costa del Sol's most picturesque coastline. Torremolinos is the gateway to some of the best holiday beach resorts in the region, including the lively bars and attractive old town of Benalmadena, just a short distance west of Torremolinos.

Torremolinos has evolved into a mature and exciting resort, renowned 'especially' for its pristine sandy beaches, great choice of hotels, numerous bars and restaurants - plus a variety of entertainment. The resort's main attribute is its 7km stretch of pristine sun-bleached beaches, perfect for topping up your tan or having fun in the warm Mediterranean waters.

The beach offers a wide range of amenities, including sun loungers, watersports facilities, cafes, and a newly renovated promenade that boasts breathtaking views. Families can enjoy nearby attractions like a waterpark and Crocodile Park.

Take a relaxing stroll along the promenade, which stretches all the way to the charming fishing village of La Carihuela, then onto the marina at Benalmadena. Don't forget to stop at one of the many beach bars, known as chiringuitos, which serve delicious fresh seafood and offer a taste of traditional Spanish cuisine.

During the peak summer months the resort is favoured by the younger set with the resort providing an intense and lively nightlife. The town centre never sleeps and buzzes with bars and clubs, if your looking for good music you'll find clubs catering for most music tastes, with plenty of live sets on offer from world renowned DJs. Most of the resorts liveliest bars and clubs are dotted along the main street 'Calle San Miguel' which runs through the resort, alternatively head to the Beach Clubs at Los Alamos Promenade.

Restaurants are plenty in Torremolinos, with the (mostly car-free) high street 'Calle San Miguel' offering a good mix of eateries, including Chinese & Indian, high-end restaurants and traditional tapas bars. Alternatively, try the laid-back old fishing district, called El Bajondillo - here you'll find a quieter atmosphere, with traditional seafood restaurants and local souvenir shops.

There are plenty of shops and boutiques to keep you happy; the pedestrianised high street 'Calle San Miguel' has plenty of trendy boutiques, jewellery shops and souvenir stalls.

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(2). Marbella: Marbella is situated in southern Andalusia, within the province of Malaga, and is a part of the picturesque Costa del Sol region. It boasts a lively and opulent atmosphere, complete with a delightful old town, a breathtaking coastline, numerous trendy sandy beaches, a plethora of recreational activities, and a renowned and thrilling nightlife.

Marbella is a popular coastal resort located at the base of the stunning Sierra Blanca Mountains. The mountains provide a beautiful setting for the Golden Mile, which is a 10km stretch of coastline that runs from the western border of Marbella to the luxurious Puerto Banus marina. Puerto Banus is known as a playground for the wealthy and famous.

Marbella is renowned for its fashionable beaches that offer a diverse range of options. While some beaches may have darker sands and a coarser texture, they are still beautiful. The waterfront area boasts the famous Paseo Maritimo or Marbella boardwalk, which runs along many stretches. The boardwalk features several chic cafes, restaurants, and shops. It is also an ideal spot for a leisurely stroll with breathtaking coastal views and stunning seascapes.

Marbella boasts over 16 miles of stunning, golden sandy beaches that slope gently into the serene Mediterranean Sea. The main beaches run from Marbella to the nearby luxury resort of Puerto Banus, which is home to high-end designer boutiques, Michelin-star restaurants, and international luxury shopping brands. During the summer months, the beaches can become quite crowded, especially those closest to Marbella's Old Town. Playa de Venus, Playa del Faro, and Cabopino beaches are particularly popular. These beaches are perfect for family outings as the Mediterranean waters are calm and there are plenty of facilities nearby.

If you head east of Marbella, you'll come across the renowned Nikki Beach. Although the beach itself is free, you'll need to pay up to 100 euros for a sun lounger at the beach club. Nikki Beach is famous for its dance music events, which are hosted by globally recognized resident DJs. Additionally, most beaches in the area offer a variety of water sports, such as paddleboarding, windsurfing, water skiing, and jet skiing.

Marbella is a picturesque blend of old and new, offering a unique charm and cosmopolitan atmosphere. The Old Town, also called Casco Antiguo, is particularly charming, with its labyrinth of tiny cobbled streets and alleys. At the heart of the Old Town lies the beautiful Plaza de los Naranjos, a fifteenth-century Castilian square surrounded by historic buildings. The Ermita de Santiago church, dating back to the fifteenth century, is also located nearby.

The charming Old Town is composed of mostly Moorish-style whitewashed buildings, some of which date back to the Renaissance era. One of its impressive landmarks is the town hall (Ayuntamiento de Marbella). The Old Town's main highlights are its picturesque streets adorned with flowers, affordable boutiques, and delightful little shops that offer various trinkets, fashion items, and souvenirs. Along the narrow cobblestone streets are several plazas filled with open-air restaurants, affordable bars, and cozy eateries that serve traditional local dishes.

If you want a relaxing walk, Casco Antiguo (old town) is an excellent spot to spend a couple of hours. Then, you can make your way to the Paseo Maritimo (Promenade) by following the Avenida del Marto. Along the way, you'll discover a stunning collection of permanent Dali sculptures. When you reach the boulevard, you can have a refreshing cocktail with the chic and lively crowd. Alternatively, you can choose from numerous restaurants and bars that offer terraces with stunning views of the tranquil and warm Mediterranean Sea.

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Accommodation. Marbella is a popular destination for wealthy Spanish and northern European vacationers. The area offers a diverse selection of accommodation options that range from budget-friendly to luxurious beachfront properties and 5-star spa resorts. Many high-end accommodations can be found to the east and west of Marbella, as well as in areas close to Puerto Banus.

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Top Tips:
(1) Andalusia is a very diverse and unique part of Spain, so if you fancy a break from the beach, you'll find Marbella is located close to several interesting and historical towns. Some recommended towns to visit include Malaga, Cadiz, and Seville. Each of these towns offers a wealth of historical and cultural sites to explore.

(2) Seville is a charming historical city full of Spanish culture - it's an underrated gem of a city - that should be near the top of your 'must visit & explore' list.

(1). Salou - Costa Dorada:
Salou is a very popular holiday destination located on the Costa Dorada. The Costa Daurada is a strip of Mediterranean coastline in Spain's Catalonia region. If you plan to holiday in Salou, you'll be pleased to know it's just a short 20-minute drive from Reus Airport (REU). Reus is primarily used by low-cost, holiday and charter airlines.

Enjoy the lively atmosphere and beautiful tree-lined promenade of the resort, which boasts a variety of bars, relaxing terraces, and restaurants. The promenade stretches along Platja de Llevant, Salou's main beach which has safe, golden sands, with showers and plenty of watersport facilities on offer. You will find many dining options within the resort, as well as numerous family-friendly restaurants, bars, and shops to explore.

In addition, you can explore the charming old town or visit nearby PortAventura World, Europe's largest theme park, just 10 minutes away by car. A day excursion to Barcelona is a must and is within easy reach by car - just 90 minutes north on the main coastal road.

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(2). Lloret de Mar - Costa Brava:
Located on the coast of the Catalonia region, Lloret de Mar is a vibrant and budget-friendly holiday destination that is often considered the heart of Costa Brava. The town is renowned for its pristine Blue Flag beaches, which are the main attraction for visitors. However, nighttime entertainment is equally enjoyable with a variety of clubs, bars, and restaurants to choose from. Many of the lively bars are run by ex-pats who offer a warm welcome and a refreshing pint to visitors. Plus, Lloret de Mar is conveniently situated just a short distance from the cosmopolitan city of Barcelona.

In the center of the town, there is a blend of old and new structures, consisting of charming historic buildings and contemporary neon-lit bars and fast-food restaurants. This area is rich in history, dating back to Roman times, and features narrow cobblestone streets, 11th-century castles, and stunning Catalan and Gothic-style architecture.

Lloret is a great destination for watersport enthusiasts. The beaches and tranquil waters create an ideal environment for activities such as snorkelling, scuba diving, windsurfing, and kayaking. You can also enjoy thrilling experiences like parasailing and speedboat rides. Additionally, there is an artificial reef (Biotope) that provides an excellent location for scuba diving.

Attractions near Lloret. Lloret and the surrounding Costa Brava region offer a wide range of activities and attractions. You can easily take a bus to Barcelona, which is just an hour away, or visit the popular water park 'Water World' located nearby. For those interested in maritime history, the Museum del Mar in Lloret is a must-visit, as is the bronze monument to the Fisherman's Wife. The Santa Clotilde Gardens, situated in a serene and picturesque location overlooking the resort, are perfect for a relaxing stroll. Afterward, take some time to unwind on the beautiful beaches that northeast Spain has to offer.

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Gerona Airport GRO: Gerona Airport is situated 13 kilometres southwest of the city of Girona (Catalan), Gerona (Spanish). Gerona can be used as an alternative airport to Barcelona (BCN) and is located just 74km (46 mi) north of the centre of Barcelona. The airport offers convenient transportation options to popular beach resorts, including Lloret de Mar (24 minutes), Blanes (31 minutes), Santa Susanna (32 minutes), Tossa de Mar (33 minutes), and Palamos (40 minutes). You can easily access the airport by coach, car, or taxi. Private and shared shuttle bus transfers are also available for Costa Brava's main holiday resorts, resort shuttle bus transfers should be booked in advance of your arrival at GRO airport.

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(3). Benidorm - Costa Blanca:
Benidorm, the busiest holiday resort in Costa Blanca, is often referred to as the ‘Manhattan of Spain’ due to its towering and continually expanding skyline. Benidorm is located in the Alicante province of the Valencia and Murcia region and offers visitors a spectacular coastline, 300 days of sunshine annually, and average temperatures of 21 °C (70 °F). With white sandy beaches, secluded sandy coves, and warm Mediterranean waters, Benidorm is an ideal location for an exciting and memorable holiday.

Benidorm's biggest draw are its two main and immaculately kept sandy beaches, Levante and Poniente. Both beaches are backed by palm-lined promenades, restaurants, bars and rows of skyscraper hotels and apartments, with accommodation grades ranging from budget to luxury.

Levante beach: The centrally located Levante Beach (known as 'the sunrise beach') is the largest and most lively, with around 5,000 sunbeds for hire and plenty of watersports on offer. Watersport facilities include scuba diving, water skiing and windsurfing, plus plenty of jet skis lined up on the beach 'ready for action'. There are playgrounds for the youngsters, lifeguards keeping swimmers safe and family-friendly restaurants. There are also plenty of sports bars and cafes lining the shoreline, so you shouldn't want for much more.

Poniente Beach: Poniente Beach is slightly less crowded, positioned just beyond the Old Town (to the west of Levante), and has a more relaxed feel. The beach is crescent-shaped with excellent 'well-looked-after' golden sand, perfect for sunbathing. The pristine beach is three kilometres long and has a new modern promenade and boardwalk to enjoy, with plenty of facilities nearby if required.

Benidorm Nightlife: If you're looking for a vibrant nightlife experience, Benidorm is the place to be. The old town boasts numerous pubs and tapas bars with the delicious scent of sizzling chorizo filling the air. The Levante and Rincon de Loix neighborhoods are known for their lively party atmosphere, with bars and clubs hosting tribute bands, comedy acts, karaoke competitions, and even the occasional drag queen show. For a big night out, check out the Casino Mediterráneo or the Benidorm Palace, which offer exciting cabaret-style entertainment.

Also - if you've been enjoying the stay-up-late nightlife and you’re hankering for a nice cuppa tea and a traditional full English breakfast, you won't go hungry or thirsty.

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What to do in Benidorm. Explore the busy medieval part of the old town. Benidorm dates back to 1325, and you'll find plenty of narrow winding cobbled streets and authentic Baroque domed churches to keep you occupied. You'll also find traditional whitewashed buildings rising up to the castle ruins, with great views across Benidorm from the Balcó del Mediterrani. There are plenty of friendly cafes and shop-lined streets to explore, all of which provide a quick glimpse of the traditional side of Benidorm.

While some may view the coastal resorts in the area as being excessively developed, there are numerous resorts and towns in the region that have managed to maintain their unique character and charm. For instance, places like Dénia and Xàbia are only 50km (40 minutes by car) up the coast and have successfully conserved their distinctive appeal.

Day Trips away from Benidorm. If you're looking for a break from the busy atmosphere of Benidorm, there are many smaller traditional towns and villages nearby just waiting to be explored. Some other towns worth checking out in the area are the stunning Moorish town of Guadalest and the charming hilltop town of Altea, located just 11 kilometers north of Benidorm. Altea's old town offers breathtaking views from high up.

Additionally, Valencia and Alicante, which are both upscale cities and definitely worth a visit. Alicante is just a 40-minute drive away and Valencia 90-minutes.

If you enjoy playing golf, you'll be pleased to know there are plenty of championship courses within a two-hour drive of Benidorm. These courses provide a great challenge for both avid and occasional golfers alike.

Madrid: Madrid Airport Information.
Barcelona: Barcelona Airport Information.

Distances between Malaga Airport - Torremolinos & Malaga City:
Malaga airport is 10 km (6 miles) 16 minutes southwest of Malaga City.
Malaga airport is 15 km (9 miles) 15 minutes north of Torremolinos.

Malaga airport Facts:
Malaga Airport is a hub for Easyjet, Ryanair and Vueling. The airport is connected by road via the A7 coastal motorway. The A7 runs east and west of the Costa del Sol - from Algeciras to Almeria.

Malaga is the fourth busiest airport in Spain; it's also the main airport for all towns and beach resorts along the Costa Del Sol.

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Travel times from Malaga Airport to main holiday resorts:

• Torremolinos - distance 7km (10 minutes by road).
• Fuengirola - distance 24km (20 minutes by road).
• Calahonda - distance 36km (26 minutes by road).
• Benalmadena - diatance 14km (18 minutes by road).
• Marbella - distance 51km (35 minutes by road).
• Puerto Banus - distance 60km (40 minutes by road).
• Estepona - distance 80km (60 minutes by road).

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Airport Transport and Shuttle Services:

Bus Services. Airport Express Bus services run between the airport and Malaga city centre every 20 minutes, between 07.00 hrs and midnight. Services operate seven days a week with a journey time of 25 minutes.

The Avanza Bus Company. Avanza offers a reliable air-conditioned coach service to Marbella and other holiday resorts across the Costa del Sol.

Flybus. Flybus operate a coach and minibus 'airport to resort' service across the Costa del Sol, see the Flybus website for further details.

Airport Train Services to the city and Torremolinos. Train services from Malaga Airport (airport station below T3) to the city centre operate on the Malaga Cercanias Line (C1 & C2 lines), with a journey time of 11 minutes. Trains operate every 20 minutes from early morning until midnight, seven days a week.

Trains also operate directly from Malaga Airport to holiday resorts on the Costa del Sol (south on the C1 line), resorts include Benalmadena, Torremolinos and the last stop Fuengirola.

Taxi. Metered taxis (white with a blue line on the side) are available outside the main terminal building.