Vacation Rentals in Spain

Spain is a superb vacation destination, and also home to some fantastic places to stay. For instance, the southern coast is studded with resorts like Marbella or Lloret de Mar, where you can stay in modern villas near bars, marinas and beaches. With town center and secluded options as well, you can enjoy as much privacy as you need.

Then again, you don’t have to stay in resorts or find remote rental homes in Spain. The country also has some vibrant cities which offer weeks worth of sightseeing opportunities. Stay in 19th century apartment buildings in Madrid, Barcelona, Bilbao or Seville and soak up the sun and the atmosphere of some of the world’s most laid-back, welcoming cities.

Spain is located on the Iberian peninsular, in the west of continental Europe, and has both an Atlantic and a Mediterranean coastline. Most of the country consists of the mainland, which blends beaches, mountains and forests, but there are also plenty of Spanish islands to discover, such as the Canaries and the Balearics.

If you’d like to explore what Spain has to offer, getting there is very easy. You can fly into Madrid or Barcelona from American cities like New York, Miami, Boston, Atlanta, Chicago or Los Angeles, or take connecting flights to smaller Spanish destinations if need be. In any case, you can be there in under 10 hours from most parts of the USA.

Getting around Spain shouldn’t pose many problems. All of the major car rental companies are represented, and the highways are excellent. Alsa buses and Renfe trains run between every major city, and there are ferry links to islands like Majorca and Ibiza from the mainland too.

Spain is one of the finest beach destinations in the world. Areas like Andalucia, the Costa Brava, Valencia and the Balearics offer beautiful coastlines, developed resorts and secluded accommodation, with every kind of ocean activity available to enjoy.

If you love red wine, sampling Spanish varieties like Rioja is a must, while the country’s tapas-based food culture is world famous. Dining on Mediterranean seafood, spicy chorizo sausages and decadent churros with chocolate are just a few of the nation’s gastronomic attractions.

Spain attracts all kinds of sports fans. Real Madrid and Barcelona offer incredible soccer action, while there are plenty of championship level golf courses, cycling routes and hiking opportunities too (and don’t forget the chance to watch an authentic bull fight, as well).

If you have any interest in soccer at all, Spain is a must-visit destination. During the regular season, catch games at the Camp Nou or the Bernabeu stadiums to sample an amazing atmosphere and see some of the game’s greatest players.

The Prado is a jewel of a museum. Located in Madrid, it houses one of the world’s greatest art collections, including works by Goya, Picasso, Velazquez and Rembrandt, and it’s easy to get lose in its endless corridors and galleries.

One of Europe’s legendary nightlife destinations, Ibiza blends massive all-night dance clubs with a cosmopolitan, bohemian vibe which makes it unique. Enjoy great food in San Antonio, or just zone out on one of the island’s idyllic beaches.

If you have a taste for adrenaline rushes, Pamplona is the place to go. Every year, the streets of this ancient city become the venue for a thrilling spectacle, as local daredevils try to outpace a crowds of bulls. There’s nothing like it anywhere.

Located in Granada, the Alhambra is one of the most breathtaking architectural and artistic masterpieces in the world. Initially the political center of Moorish Spain, nowadays its halls and gardens are a sheer delight for everyone who visits.

When to visit Spain depends on where you are going and what you intend to see or do. If you are heading to a vacation rental on the coast and want some extra beach space to stretch out, consider scheduling an out of season break to dodge the crowds. Some time around May or early June works well, as does late September. If all you want is blazing heat and warm ocean temperatures, visit in July and August, and Spain will deliver.

If you are planning an urban escape to cities like Barcelona or Valencia, any time is good – but remember that they become much busier when special events are taking place. The soccer season runs from September through May – so that could be a factor. In Barcelona, music festivals like Primavera or Sonar kick off in May, which is a fine time to blend cultural events with sightseeing.