Discover Spain

Discover the best of Spain with Mercury Holidays Ireland on one of our holidays to Benidorm or the Costa del Sol, our Spain tours or our Spain River Cruises.

Spain offers far more than sunshine and beaches. Its varied landscapes, distinctive regional cultures, celebrated cuisine and relaxed approach to everyday life make it a rewarding destination for UK travellers. From Mediterranean shores and Atlantic islands to green countryside and mountain scenery, Spain offers plenty of variety within easy reach of the UK.

Whether you prefer a relaxing coastal holiday, an island escape or time immersed in Spanish culture, Spain is a destination that can suit many different styles of travel.

Why visit Spain?

Spain's diversity is one of its greatest appeals. The Mediterranean coastline has a very different character from the greener north, while the Canary and Balearic Islands each have their own identity, landscape and traditions.

For British holidaymakers, Spain is also conveniently located, with relatively short flight times from the UK and a well-established tourism infrastructure.

Culture and character

Spain's regional identities are an important part of its character. Alongside Spanish, languages including Catalan, Galician and Basque are spoken in different parts of the country, while local traditions, architecture and cuisine vary considerably between regions.

Daily life also follows a different rhythm from the UK. Meals are typically enjoyed later, particularly dinner, and evenings are an important time for meeting friends and family.

Spain's long history has left a rich cultural legacy, shaped by Roman, Moorish, Jewish and Christian influences. These can be seen in everything from architecture and historic neighbourhoods to music, festivals and regional traditions.

Food and drink

Food is an integral part of Spanish culture. Familiar favourites include tortilla española, jamón, croquetas and an enormous variety of seafood, while many dishes are strongly associated with individual regions.

Paella has its roots in Valencia, gazpacho is closely linked with Andalusia, and the Basque Country is known for pintxos. Tapas offers an informal way to sample a selection of smaller dishes.

Spain also has a well-established winemaking tradition. Rioja and Ribera del Duero are particularly associated with red wine, while Catalonia is the principal producing region for cava.

When to visit Spain

Spain can be enjoyed throughout the year, although the best time to visit depends on the region and type of holiday.

Spring and autumn are particularly appealing for sightseeing and exploring, with milder temperatures than during the height of summer. July and August are popular for Mediterranean beach holidays but can be extremely hot inland.

The Canary Islands have a mild climate throughout much of the year, making them an appealing choice for escaping the British winter.

Practical information

Spain uses the euro. Mainland Spain and the Balearic Islands are normally one hour ahead of the UK, while the Canary Islands follow the same time as the UK.

UK visitors should check current passport and entry requirements before travelling and arrange appropriate travel insurance.

Why visit Spain with Mercury Holidays Ireland?

Mercury Holidays Ireland makes it easy to discover the side of Spain that suits you. From relaxing coastal stays to island holidays, our range gives you the flexibility to choose the destination, hotel and holiday style that works for you.

With decades of experience arranging holidays for British travellers, we can help make planning your Spanish getaway simple from the start.