While it’s true that Spain is more expensive than regions like Southeast Asia and Latin America, there are plenty of ways to save a few bucks.

Outside of airfare, accommodations are typically second on the list of expenses while on the road. Many assume that hotels and hostels are the only options. Those out there who aren’t really into the hostel scene anymore might feel stuck. If you are one of these people, have you ever looked into rental options for your next trip?

Benefits of renting

Not only can you find rentals that are cheaper than most hotels, you can also save plenty of money by having your own kitchen to cook in.  If you are traveling long-term, many rentals have washers and dryers, saving on laundry expenses as well.  While saving money is always important, there are plenty of other benefits to renting instead of staying in a hotel or hostel.

When you rent, you are typically doing so from a resident of the particular city you are visiting.  If that rental is in an apartment building or condo, then you will most likely have locals as neighbors.  Many rentals are outside of the normal tourist ghettos and give travelers the opportunity to truly live like a local and have an authentic experience.  The owner is almost always willing to give you some insider tips to make your stay even better.  You will also be able to do things like find your “local” bar and restaurant and shop at your “local” markets.  Rentals give you the opportunity to really dig into the culture you are visiting.

Where to go

Barcelona

If you enjoy food, architecture, and friendly people during your travels, then you may not want to actually leave Barcelona once you arrive. With one of the best gastronomic scenes in the world, foodies are in Heaven in Barcelona. While Gaudi gets the headlines when it comes to architecture in Barcelona, there are plenty of others who impress – like Lluís Domènech i Montaner and Josep Puig i Cadafalch, among others.

What to do:  Barcelona is one of those cities where your own two feet come in handy.  The three most popular areas to stay -Barceloneta (near the beach), El Born, and Barri Gotic – are all walker-friendly and close to each other.  Simply wandering around the city, checking out (and photographing if you are into that sort of thing) the architecture, and popping in and out of the plethora of restaurants and bars can take up days.

If you are taking advantage of a rental, then head to one of the many markets scattered about (La Boqueria is located off Las Ramblas and is most popular, but there are smaller markets everywhere) and get some provisions for meals.  Sample the many jamons (ham) on offer, and grab some delicious cheese, olives, a loaf of bread, and some cava to make your own tapas lunch or dinner.    If you’re a beach person, Barceloneta is a great place to throw down a towel or rent a chair and just relax.

Price:  It’s possible to find a rental in Barcelona outside of the high season (June – August) for as little as $35USD/night.  During high and shoulder season; however, expect to pay closer to $100USD per night.  There are plenty of villas and penthouses in Barcelona for rent if you have a higher budget, so the sky’s the limit!

Madrid

Spain’s capital is ripe with culture, art, and a nightlife that is sure to impress.  Madrid is kind of like the Denver of Spain – not many residents are actually born and raised there.  But that’s part of what makes Madrid unique.  Like Barcelona, and pretty much anywhere in Spain for that matter, food is going to be an important part of your visit.  From the myriad tapas bars and find restaurants, Madrid is great for those who travel for the food.

What to do:   One of my favorite things about Europe is the abundance of squares and parks on offer.  Retiro Park is a top destination for those traveling to Madrid.  You can take a leisurely stroll around the park, go for a morning jog to start your day, or bring the family out for a day of relaxation.  Puerta del Sol is the heart of the city (and thus one of the most crowded).  Plaza Mayor is probably the most well-known plaza in the city, with Mercado de San Miguel nearby for all your food shopping (or people watching) needs.

If you like to travel for culture and museums, then you’ve come to the right place.  The Prado Museum houses some of Spain’s (and the world’s) best art, while the Reina Sofia National Museum and Art Center is the place to go for modern art.  If nightlife if what you crave, I hope you’re prepared to go all night long because Madrilenos don’t mess around, often partying until it’s light out.

Price:  Like Barcelona, if you come in the offseason (winter months), you can rent a small apartment or condo in Madrid for a great price – as low as $25USD/night.  Even if you decide to come in the summer months, though, it’s possible to find a nice place for a little under $100USD, or cheaper than most basic hotels, especially if you’re traveling with someone else.  There aren’t as many super fancy, posh places to rent in Madrid like there are in Barcelona, but those with a higher budget can still splurge on a nice place – you just have to be on the lookout ahead of time.

Granada

Granada is a popular stop on a trip to Spain, and with good reason.  Visiting in the summer will offer a respite from the heat, and the culture and and history of a city that’s been inhabited for literally thousands of years is certainly intriguing.  A short trip from Granada has travelers in the Sierra Nevada mountains, where trekking and skiing/snowboarding await, depending on the season.

What to do

If you enjoy walking, then staying in central Granada is the way to go, as most popular attractions are within walking distance.  The Alhambra is arguably the most popular attraction, and it’s a good idea to book your tickets in advance as they tend to sell out.  It is a massive complex, and if for some reason you aren’t able to procure a ticket, the grounds surrounding are well worth exploring, and it’s free to do so.

The Muslim history of Granada is evident in many areas of the city, but none more than Albayzin, an ancient Muslim neighborhood that is a photographer’s dream.  Even if you aren’t handy with the camera, wandering around this area, taking in the white-washed buildings, manicured gardens, great views, and popping in and out of the various shops and restaurants, is certainly a great way to spend a day.

If you dig the outdoors, then head just south of Granada to the Sierra Nevada mountain range.  In addition to the usual activities like hiking, rocking climbing, horseback riding, and skiing, travelers can go paragliding and canyoning with various adventure companies.  The tallest mountains in the Sierras reach over 10,000 feet (3000+ meters), with the highest peak, Mulhacen, reaching 11,400 feet (3479 meters).

Price: Granada tends to be a bit less expensive than visiting Spain’s larger cities like Barcelona, Madrid, or Cordoba.  Travelers can find studio apartments for as low as $25/night, with a lot of options in the $50-$100USD/night range.  If you have a family or larger group, it’s possible to find a 3 bedroom place for around $150-$200USD/night, a great price if you compare to hotels in the area.

Flipkey is a great resource for finding rentals around the world. With over 5,000 properties in Spain, FlipKey has great local options for indie travelers. FlipKey puts you in touch with vacation rental owners who can provide excellent local information and tips – not to mention good deals on lodging. They also provide travel tips and news on the FlipKey Blog.

Photo credits: Adam Seper, DennDergic, Alejandro Mantecon-Guillen

Spain, is a country renowned for its friendly people, rich history, great food and world class night life but where do you go? Do you go clubbing in Barcelona? Sightseeing in Madrid? Or soak up some local history and culture in Seville? To help you decide here we will be looking into some of the most popular city breaks available and offering a taster of what you can expect.

Madrid

Madrid is the capital and largest city in Spain and situated in the heart of the country. As with all capital cities Madrid has many famous landmarks to visit; such as the Royal Palace and the Muralla Arabe or ‘Arab wall’ – which is the oldest standing structure in the city. As well as interesting sights Madrid also boasts a large collection of museums including the popular archaeological museum and the sprawling Reina Sofia, Spain’s most famous modern art museum. Madrid is a beautiful city with incredible nightlife and typical Spanish street culture with its museums, architecture and art.

Barcelona

Barcelona is Spain’s second largest city and lies by a beautiful beach on the Mediterranean. This city has something for everyone; from relaxing on the sun kissed beaches, to exploring the sites of the ancient Gothic quarter or taking a leisurely walk through beautiful parkland and a visit to the famous Picasso museum. The architecture and style of the city is wonderful and there are beautiful surroundings in the foothills of the Pyrenees, world famous clubs and a beach to die for.

Seville

Seville in the south of Spain might not offer quite as much diversity in a holiday as some of the other Spanish cities but it is one of the best choices for anyone who wants to explore the culture and history of Spain or have a romantic getaway. The old town is the highlight with its beautiful medieval architecture and stunning Seville cathedral. It boasts the Alcazar palace complex and a plethora of incredible sights, art galleries and museums to explore.

San Sebastian

San Sebastian on the north coast of Spain is often overlooked by people heading to the south coast and the Costa del Sol. It lies right next to the French border and has an incredible beach. It boasts Michelin starred restaurants, great surf and incredible sights including Constitution Square the medieval city hall and beautiful street cafes and architecture. The surrounding countryside is immaculate with Guajataca Lake and the foothills of the Pyrenees being highlights. It’s a truly gorgeous city at any time of year and well worth visiting – even if only for a short break.

Valencia

Valencia sprawls on the banks of the Turia along the Mediterranean and is world famous as the birthplace of Paella! It has beautiful Gothic architecture, medieval streets and typical Spanish street café culture. It’s also home to some of the most fun and interesting events in Spain including the grand prix and the Tomatina. The Tomatina tomato fight if one of the most fun events in Europe each summer and well worth visiting for even if you don’t want to get involved.

Spain has a huge amount to offer visitors and, as you might expect, this is just the tip of the iceberg. Every city has a huge amount to offer and Spanish culture, history, art and architecture are exciting wherever you happen to be!

Visit Columbus Direct for great deals on travel insurance in and around Spain.

Photo credits in order of appearance: Madrid by Chris Yunker, Catedral de Santa María de la Sede by asw909

You’ve wandered along La Rambla, explored La Sagrada Familia and had a drink (or three) in one of the trendy underground bars, but a holiday in Barcelona doesn’t have to mean staying in the city. Those looking for a little break from the hustle and bustle will find a range of places nearby all within day-tripping distance. So if exploring gothic churches and drifting through winding medieval streets floats your boat, hire a car and read on – we’ve got a few suggestions you might like.

Tarragona

Distance from Barcelona: 100km

Considered to be one of the most important Roman towns in Spain, Tarragona is a great option for a day away from Barcelona. With various museums and monuments, this small town is an interesting place to explore, and also boasts some great beaches for anyone who just wants to chill out in the sun. The Roman remains include an amphitheatre and old city walls that are well-worth exploring, and the winding alleyways of the old city are packed with quaint little cafes, tasty tapas bars and restaurants famous for their traditional seafood dishes.

Montserrat Monastery

Distance from Barcelona: 40km

As one of Spain’s most important religious retreats, Montserrat Monastery offers a mixture of culture, architecture and breathtaking sights. After travelling through charming villages, you’ll reach the mountain of Montserrat, which stands at over 4,000 feet and offers incredible 360˚ views of the villages below. The Monastery is home to the famous Virgin of Montserrat, known as the Black Virgin, which is Catalonia’s favourite saint. On most weekdays at 1pm there is also the chance to listen to one of the oldest children’s choirs in Europe – La Escolania de Montserrat.

Illa Fantasia Water Park

Distance from Barcelona: 25km

Sightseeing can sometimes get pretty tiring, especially when travelling with kids, so a trip to the Illa Fantasia Water Park makes for a refreshing change. Open throughout the summer months, the park is jam-packed with various slides, flumes and a wave pool, including the 18 metre high ‘Kamikazes’. Once you’ve race along the ‘Rapids’ and got dizzy on the ‘Espiral’, there are hundreds of picnic tables scattered around the park, as well as cafes and burger bars, meaning there’s always somewhere to sit and have a bite to eat.

Figueres

Distance from Barcelona: 100km

Although it’s slightly further away from Barcelona, a trip to Figueres never disappoints. This small city with a population of around 40,000 is home to the famous Dali Theatre and Museum – one of the most visited museums in Spain. The surrealist painter, Salvador Dali was born in the city and helped to create the museum himself. The most diverse collection of Dali’s works anywhere in the world is on display here, as well as sculptures, collages and mechanical devices.

Andorra

Distance from Barcelona: 210km

Anyone who doesn’t mind travelling the six-hour round journey can actually visit another country entirely. Nestled among the Pyrenees, Andorra is mainly known for its winter activities, but it’s also incredibly pleasant during the summer months with an array of multi-coloured flowers popping up around the valleys there. Andorra is also tax free so many people visit there to get discount on items like alcohol, tobacco and perfume.

Visit Hotels4u for brilliant deals on hotels in and around Barcelona.

Photo credits:Roman Amphitheatre in Tarragona, by Kunal Mukherjee, Montserrat Monastery, by trioptikmal, Illa Fantasia Water Park, by Olivier Bruchez, Salvador Dali Museum in Figueres, by Jerry John, Encamp Valley in Andorra, by Fran Ontanaya

Getting your bearings

Upon arrival at Ibiza’s international airport you’ll immediately see just how important a part of Ibiza’s tourist industry the club scene plays. Promoters will try to sell you club tickets at the airport, every billboard on the drive to your resort will be advertising one club night or another – the island really thrives in the summer months from the tourist trade and the islands are alive with excitement. You can fly from Madrid or Barcelona to Ibiza.

For first timers, if you’ve opted for a hotel package chances are you’ll be in one of the larger resort towns of Playa d’en Bossa or San Antonio. Bossa is on the east coast, a short hop in a cab from the airport and home to the longest beach on the island and the infamous Space nightclub. San Antonio is on the opposite side of the island and houses the main bar area.

Most holiday villas in Ibiza are located just outside of these resorts in small villages so if you’re going to need taxis to get to the clubs it’s a good idea to get a driver’s number the first time they drop you off as many villas are tricky to find. Although not as glamorous sounding, you can still stay in a hotel in Ibiza.

The club scene

Ok let’s get into this shall we, you came here to party, you’ve got 7 nights, what do you do?

First things first, a bit of preparation goes a long way when it comes to planning a successful Ibiza clubbing holiday. Research the parties happening while you’re out there before you leave and take a print out of the clubbing calendar with you. Despite all the promotion going on for club nights it’s often hard to find an up to date club listing once you’ve touched down.

If you’re interested in a certain type of music you might already have an idea of what nights you want to go to. Otherwise you’ll probably have most fun bouncing between some of the most popular nights at a mix of clubs. Each club plays different music each night so you can really take in a range of music (albeit to the untrained ear it may all sound like the same electronic loop!)

Resist the temptation to stick with the clubs local to your resort. The opposite side of the island might sound like a mission but in reality it’s only ever a taxi ride away or better still jump on the nightly party buses which shuttle clubbers from playa d’en bossa and Ibiza town to the San Antonio clubs each night during the season.

If it’s your first time in Ibiza there’s a few clubs which you have to visit. Space is the most iconic of Ibiza’s superclubs, specializing in balearic house and electro the best night to hit space is a Sunday. Privilege is the world’s biggest nightclub, located in an awe-inspiring complex in the middle of the island between San Antonio and Ibiza Town. Monday nights have been the biggest parties at Privilege in recent years with Tiesto; arguably the world’s most popular DJ playing a summer residency there.

Pacha, in Ibiza Town and Amnesia, on the main road out of San Antonio are also notable mentions, well worth a visit for first timers.

Inside the clubs

If it’s your first time in an Ibiza club, especially if it’s one of the really big ones like privilege, be prepared to be blown away by the scale of everything. It’s very easy to get lost in these places and find yourself in a totally new area or side room. It doesn’t sound very cool but you might want to make a plan to meet up with your mates later if you lose them or at least take your mobile with you. You’ve probably already heard about the astronomical prices of Ibiza clubs. Actually these haven’t changed all that much in the last few years but they’re still very expensive! Expect to pay around 40-50 euros to get into one of the big nights and soft drinks including water to start from 8 euros.

You’ll need to build these costs into the price of your holiday if you want to be sure to have the best possible Ibiza clubbing experience. There are a few tricks which holidaymakers have developed over the years to minimize the financial damage though. Doing your drinking before you get into the clubs is a popular idea if not necessarily a good one! San Antonio’s west end area is the place to go for cheap cocktails, 3 for 1 beers and pints or vodka red bull. You’ll probably want to arrive at the clubs a bit later than you would at home, even on popular nights things don’t really get warmed up until about 2am so the shorter the time you’re out for the less you should spend.

After parties

After parties used to be as much a part of the Ibiza club scene as the parties themselves but in 2008 the council of Ibiza passed a law banning parties starting before 4pm or going on after 6am. The after parties still happen, they’ve just gone underground, if it’s your first time in Ibiza chat up one of the season workers you’ll find flyering for bars in San Antonio or Playa D’en Bossa- they’re sure to have the lowdown on the best places to go when the clubs kick out. Alternatively, if you choose to rent a villa in Ibiza for your holiday accommodation you could always host your own after party. Just keep it to close friends and get the owner’s permission.

Have you been to Ibiza?

Photo by: Federico Capoano

Lazing around on the beach with a cocktail in your hand is what holidays are all about, and Lanzarote in the Canaries is famed for providing just that. However, it’s important to get away from the beach or poolside every now and then and head off on an excursion, so that you can get to grips with the culture, attractions and activities that the island has to offer. Lanzarote has plenty of exciting day trips to choose from that will keep the whole family entertained, and here are just a few of them.

Meet the wildlife at Rancho Texas Park

Located in the Puerto del Carmen part of the island, Rancho Texas Park is a must for any animal-lovers. The park, stylised as a south-western ‘dude ranch’ from the States, primarily features reptiles and birds, including a bird show, crocodiles, alligators, and enormous Komodo dragons. The fun doesn’t end at sundown, either; the ranch offers country and western themed nights – an all-inclusive evening with an all-you-can-eat Texas barbeque, horse riding, line dancing competitions, and a bouncy castle for the kids.

Zoom around the island with Mega Fun

Mega Fun is an excursion that gives you the opportunity to zoom around the island on a quad bike. The three-hour journey takes in all of the main sights of Lanzarote, partly on-road but 80% off-road. Drivers must have a valid driving licence to take part, and children over the age of 7 are permitted to ride on the back of a quad bike driven by an adult. Beware; this one isn’t for the faint hearted, as the off-road course over volcanic terrain makes for a very bumpy ride.

Submarine Safaris

An excursion unlike many others, Submarine Safaris offers visitors the chance to get on-board a specially-modified submarine unit, which then carries them down into the briny depths of the ocean. A scuba diver accompanies the vehicle underwater, dispensing fish feed so that various marine life cluster around the portholes, providing some fantastic photo opportunities for the everyone aboard. The underwater excursion lasts around an hour, and it’s worth mentioning that the submarine is a small craft, and it does go rather deep under the surface (up to 100 feet); this isn’t one for sufferers of claustrophobia – once the submarine has begun its submersion there’s no changing your mind!

Splash and slide at Aquapark

The perfect antidote to a roasting hot day, the Costa Teguise water-park of Aquapark offers dozens of different slides, rides and pools for you to cool off and experience some adventure at the same time. Rides range from white-knuckle vertical drops to the more sedate rubber ring rides and wave pools, and free shuttle buses operate between the park’s entrance and many of the major tourist resorts and hotels in Lanzarote. Trained lifeguards patrol every pool, so you can let your kids go nuts on the slides safe in the knowledge that they’re being looked after.

So with all those activities to choose from, if you’re planning to spend your summer holidays in Lanzarote, all that remains is to find some time for dozing on the beach.

photo by peteoshea

But what if you are planning a round the world trip? Should you add Barcelona to a round the world itinerary? There are both pros and cons to adding a city like this to your trip. If you are from Europe, it might not make much sense as it’s easy to get to Barcelona any other time, and most RTW travelers have a pretty tight budget, so spending time in an expensive western European city might not be the best idea.

If you are not from Europe, though, you may think about adding Barcelona despite the high costs and number of tourists who visit. There are plenty of ways to get a true indie travel experience in Barcelona, you just have to try a little harder. Sometimes travelers get the most authentic experience by simply wandering around a new city and taking in the different neighborhoods, cafes, restaurants, and bars. There aren’t many better cities to wander than Barcelona, with the amazing architecture, friendly locals, small, windy streets, and fantastic tapas bars and restaurants. Getting lost in Barcelona doesn’t cost a dime, so you may want to think twice about nixing it from your round the world itinerary.

In preparation for the festive season, I’ve complied a wide range of things any Spain lover would love to have –from a bottle of La Rioja wine to movies set in Spain. With so many excellent products coming from Spain, it’ll be hard not want at least a few of the items on this list.

To cater to various types of Spain fans, here are some specific Christmas gift ideas:

For Wine Lovers: A Bottle of La Rioja

Spanish wines are known to be some of the best in Europe, with the finest coming from the La Rioja region in the western part of the country. For wine connoisseurs, nothing beats bringing them an original bottle of La Rioja wine from Spain. Sweet, fragrant with a tinge of spice, it’s all the flavors of Spain blended into one.

>> Buy ‘The Finest Wines of Rioja and Northwest Spain: A Regional Guide’ on Amazon

For Food Lovers: Local Food Produce

For most Spain lovers, the thing they often miss most about the country is Spanish food and drinks. What other foods say Spain more than olives and the accompanying olive oil? Produced locally from the finest seasonal products, olives found in Spain are of the best caliber. Next to olives, the Spanish cured ham, jamon, is one of heavenly status. These produce can easily be found in airtight packs to be carried in your suitcase. For a foodie, you can’t go wrong with such gifts.

For Sports Lovers: A Real Madrid Football Jersey

A Real Madrid football fan or not, any sports fan would be proud and happy to adorn a Real Madrid football jersey. Especially with the Spanish football team’s World Cup win in 2010, football fever has swept through the country and doesn’t look like it’s about to end. Head to the Real Madrid F.C. original store in Puerta del Sol to stock up on the football team’s souvenirs.

>> Buy a Real Madrid football jersey on Amazon

For Music Lovers: Flamenco Music CD

While a Spanish guitar might be too costly as a Christmas gift, you might like to consider buying a CD of traditional flamenco music for music-lover friends. These CDs are compilations of the best pieces from veteran flamenco singers, and showcase the country’s style in music and performing arts.

>> Buy ‘The Best of New Flamenco’ on Amazon

For Movie Lovers: Films Set in Spain

Any Spain fan would love to indulge in a movie with Spain as the beautiful backdrop. There is no shortage of Hollywood movies set in Spain, with probably ‘Vicky Cristina Barcelona’ as the biggest blockbuster till this date. Set in various parts of Spain (majority of it filmed in Barcelona), the Woody Allen hit is a romantic comedy injected with plenty of Spanish flavor. Other popular movies set in Spain include Pedro Almodovar´s Volver, The Spanish Apartment and Javier Bardem’s, The Sea Inside.

>> Buy ‘Vicky Cristina Barcelona’ DVD on Amazon
>> Buy ‘Volver’ DVD on Amazon
>> Buy ‘The Sea Inside’ on Amazon

For Book Lovers: Novels Set in Spain

Most literary fans would know that a plethora of novels and non-fiction books set in Spain have been published to date. Depending on which type of books your friend enjoys (be it non-fiction, romance or thriller), you might like to look through your local bookstore for a list of them. Famous books worth checking out include the ‘Driving Over Lemons´ by Chris Stewart, ‘The Sun Also Rises’ by Ernest Hemingway and ‘Tales of the Alhambra’ by Washington Irving.

>> Buy ‘Driving Over Lemons’ on Amazon
>> Buy ‘The Sun Also Rises’ on Amazon
>> Buy ‘Tales of the Alhambra’ on Amazon

For Fashion Lovers: A Traditional Scarf

During traditional festivals, Spanish ladies like to put on mantillas, black silk scarves with beautiful flower embroidery on them. Although most of these scarves are made in the Philippines, they are still part of the Spanish culture and make for excellent souvenir for your lady friends. They can be found in old boutiques in Plaza Mayor, Madrid.

>> Buy a mantilla on Amazon

Drawing inspiration from famous journeys can also upon up new horizons for our vacations. I plan to do the Camingo de Santiago one day , especially because it involves walking the entire paths.

The benefits to traveling by foot , aside from the obvious fact that you get to work out and keep fit in a very nice way, also include: avoiding the crowds, getting to know the locals, enjoying nature in a more personal way and feeling like you belong there.

There is no set route for Camino de Santiago. Pilgrims just set off from their homes – wherever it may be – and walk to the tomb of St. James, which is located in the cathedral of Santiago in Santiago de Compostela. Traditionally though, the route starts on the French side of the Pyrenees in St. Jean Pied de Port and finishes in Spain, after the pilgrims have walked for about 800 km.

There are many refugios (hostels with basic facilities) available along the route, especially in churches and monasteries. But you can also look for hostels across Spain if you still want to keep the costs down but want a bit more privacy.

If you are looking for a less challenging approach, you can bike the entire route.

Photo credit

Sponsored by PETA, the event sees hundreds of naked – and scantily clothes – participants run through the streets of Pamplona. While at one time, this side event was less than welcome, over time city officials have warmed to the idea. After all, more people means more money for restaurants and hotels in Pamplona.

Though the Running of the Nudes is known as one of the biggest  nude events around the world, it’s not just a party. Though the participants all seem to have a good time with the run, there’s a more serious side to the event as well. Runners and spectators are generally there because they oppose the practice of the Running of the Bulls and bullfights in general, and are hoping to raise awareness, secure donations, and encourage others to take action to bring the tradition to an end.

Whether you are headed to Pamplona for the Running of the Bulls, or the Running of the Nudes, you’ll need to buy your tickets to Barcelona in advance. The event is held in July and in Spain, like much of the rest of Europe, that’s high season in Spain. Flights and hotels will be more expensive, cities will be more crowded, and when there’s a huge festival or event like the Running of the Bulls, you’ll find that to be even more true.

Photo by mikebricephotography

Seven islands make up the group of the Canaries, each unique and each offering various things to do. Fuerteventura is the oldest in the group and is known for its superb beaches. Gran Canaria is a mini continent and where you’ll most like land as airfare to Las Palmas is affordable thanks to the many low cost airlines and charter airlines flying here.

Tenerife also boasts a diverse landscape and La Gomera is the mountainous island. La Palma is a heaven for those wanting to experience ecotourism, while El Hierro is not very known among travelers.

When planning a vacation on any of these islands you need to consider the budget. The bulk of it will be the airfare and accommodation. Avoid flying during the high season and choose September or even October for your vacation. You can get away with €170 per person RT from London into Las Palmas. As for the Spanish hotels , even on such popular islands they range from budget to luxury. Book ahead and look for deals on line. You can easily find double rooms from €68 per night in Fuerteventura.

To travel between the islands you can choose the ferries. They are the cheap option and you get to see the super scenery as you move from one island to another.

Photo credit