What could be more romantic than traveling with your significant other? Discovering new places, trying different flavors, exploring cultures, and making memories. It might just be time for you to book your next couple’s getaway and we think Spain is the best place for it.
Whether you’re after three days in the mountains, a weekend in the city, or a week on the beach, you’ll find it all over this rich country. With diverse landscapes, picturesque coastline, vibrant culture, and sumptuous cuisine, southern Europe’s largest country is varied in experiences and there’s something for every pair.
This country has a neverending list of perfect romantic destinations but we’ve lined up nine of the best Spanish holiday destinations for couples that we think deserve exploring. From the twinkling lights of the Basque Country to the volcanic scenery of the Canaries, we’ve got the getaway for you. So let’s get into it.
Tenerife
The rugged landscape and black sand beaches of the largest isle in the Canary’s are popular with all crowds, but Tenerife is especially good for couples with plenty of romantic hotels and honeymoon adventures to be had. It’s not dubbed the island of a thousand experiences for nothing.
Dominated by Mount Teide, the majestic dormant volcano that sits in the center of the island as Spain’s tallest peak, Tenerife is one for nature lovers and hiking escapes. Still, there’s also no shortage of adults-only hotels and all-inclusive resorts. Better yet, Tenerife is one of the hottest places in Spain and you can expect blue skies and warm days, even in the middle of winter. With the unique location of the Canary Islands, just off the west coast of Africa, Tenerife is closer to Morocco than Madrid and temperatures rarely drop below 50 degrees Fahrenheit.
The upmarket resort town of Costa Adeje is one of the best holiday destinations for couples. Purpose-built with all the amenities you could need lining the Blue Fag status beaches, if accessibility and entertainment with a hint of luxury are what you’re after, Costa Adeje gets our vote. Yet, to escape the crowds, head to Garachico on the northern coast. This town is nestled atop a 500m cliff, offering spectacular views of the sparkling Atlantic Ocean and quaint village charm.
San Sebastián
San Sebastián is a food-obsessed city in the Basque Country with strong regional character and an upscale feel. It’s the closest you can get to the French Riviera in Spain, but the unique culture shines through with a great choice of events and celebrations all year-round.
The jewel, and capital, of the Gipuzkoa province in northern Spain, San Sebastián is nestled in the Bay of Biscay, fringed by the Aralar mountains and golden beaches. The urban beach of La Concha is one of the city’s most popular icons. Featured in magazines and often dubbed the best beach in Europe, La Concha is a picture of city beach life and hopelessly romantic. A stroll along the white-fenced promenade is a must-do for all couples, but there are magical settings at every turn in the city.
The Old Town, or Parte Vieja, is shrouded in narrow walking streets, fascinating architecture, and more Michelin star restaurants per square meter than any other city in the world. You might need slightly deeper pockets for a trip to San Sebastián than southern Spain’s coastal villages, but it will be worth it. Avoid the Michelin eateries and you can get by on a reasonable budget.
Cádiz
Located in southwestern Spain, Cádiz is a port city with a fascinating history and naval importance to the country. Jutting out on a peninsula and almost entirely surrounded by water, Cádiz boomed in the 16th century as a center for exploration and trade, and the base for the Spanish Navy.
The city’s rich maritime heritage is worth exploring today, with over 100 watchtowers peppered around the city. Still, Cádiz is more than just a destination for history buffs. Expansive Atlantic beaches, world-class shopping, and charming Old Town plazas, perfect for enjoying some Al Fresco tapas in the southern Spanish sun, Cádiz has something for everyone.
Cádiz is also well known for its local sherry wines, or fino, which are best enjoyed over a few plates of seafood tapas. A popular couple’s experience is visiting the vineyards of Puerto Real. Located in the Bay of Cádiz itself, this rural town is dotted with wineries and visitors can enjoy regional wine tasting with tapas pairing as the sun goes down over the vines. Jerez is another highlight for wine-lovers and a fantastic place to enjoy true Flamenco culture.
Barcelona
Spain’s second city, located on the northeastern Mediterranean coast is the capital of Catalonia and an iconic destination for any traveler. With endless leisure, entertainment, dining and cultural experiences to be had, it’s a city you can enjoy time and time again.
Barcelona is also one of Europe’s most romantic destinations. Get lost in the Gothic Quarter, stroll hand-in-hand along Barceloneta Beach, window shop in Las Ramblas, and take a picnic up to the Bunkers del Carmel for sunset views over the whole city. Barcelona has also acted as a canvas for iconic contemporary artists like Salvador Dalí and Pablo Picasso, and the city is full of inspiring architecture.
You can revel in Antoni Gaudí’s Sagrada Familia before you visit the Museu Picasso and Fundació Joan Miró and the City History Museum (MUHBA). Finish by savoring some of Spain’s best tapas and Catalonian wine in a cavernous El Gotico bar or hotel rooftop.
Alicante
The provincial capital and biggest city on the Costa Blanca is often underestimated when it comes to weekend breaks. But Alicante has something for everyone, and if you’re stuck between a few days on the Mediterranean coast or a metropolitan adventure, Alicante is the perfect middle ground.
Complete with a charming Old Town and medieval castle that sits atop a hill with sweeping views of the Med, Alicante is brimming with history and scenery. Barrio de la Santa Cruz, the ancient center, is bisected with narrow cobblestoned streets, colorful houses, and vast plazas with old churches. While the Castillo de Santa Bárbara involves a small climb, the 16th-century fortifications are not to be missed. Not just for the heritage but for the spectacular views over the city.
Still, Alicante is not all castles and cathedrals. The city is renowned for its energetic nightlife where tourists can party among young professionals and a vibrant student community. The bars and clubs don’t kick off until gone-midnight, and the evening entertainment here offers a taste of authentic Spain that you won’t get from nearby resorts like Benidorm.
Alicante is also within easy reaching distance from some magical countryside that couples can explore on half-day tours from the city. Base yourself on Playa Postiguet for romantic ocean views, and split your time between the old center and the nearby villages. The Guadalest Valley is also not to be missed. Perched on a rocky outcrop, this small rural community surrounds crystalline lagoons and there are even hidden waterfalls to be explored. You can’t get more romantic than that unless you venture to Bali.
Majorca
The largest island in the Balearics is one of Spain’s most picturesque holiday destinations. With hidden coves, azure seas, white sands, and scorching temperatures, Majorca knows the recipe for fun in the sun, and the capital of Palma balances it all.
Palma is a resort city but one that is steeped in history. The Santa Maria Cathedral dominates the skyline and overlooks the Bay of Palma. Built in the 13th-century, the cathedral surprisingly isn’t the only historic highlight in Palma. Adjacent to the iconic spires is the Almudaina, a Moorish-style Arab fortress-come-royal residence and fascinating emblem of Spanish-Muslim rule.
Palma is also a foody paradise and you can enjoy authentic Spanish cuisine all over the city. Romantic meals are easy to come by and there is little more enjoyable than a candlelit dinner over a gigantic paella in Palma’s Old Town. Cala D’or and Cala Mondragó are other great neighborhoods on the island for couples.
La Rioja
World-renowned for its vino of the same name, Rioja is Spain’s foremost wine country. Flanked by the Cantabrian Mountains, the Ebro Valley surrounds the Old Town of Haro, occupied by lush vineyards and fields.
La Rioja is remote, making it a perfect destination for an exclusive couples getaway, removed from the crowds and distractions. Quaint rural vacation rentals make romantic settings, but there’s also plenty to explore, especially for nature lovers and history aficionados. From the cathedrals to the monasteries and medieval settlements, La Rioja preserves a Spain of centuries gone. The region also offers numerous hiking trails where you can get lost in nature with your loved one.
Visit in the summer for the cultural event of the year where tourists and locals get messy together in the annual Batalla de Vino. This wine and grape battle is an ancient tradition that takes over the streets of Haro in late June. Also be sure to visit the historic towns of Calahorro and Lograno, and check out the Vivanco Museum of Wine and Culture and the Sierra de Cebollera Nature Park.
Ibiza
The glitzy island in the Balearics is a world-renowned hippie hotspot and party paradise. Bohemian revelers put Ibiza on the map in the 1960s and now iconic beach clubs and international DJs dominate the island all summer. But Ibiza is not all about nightlife and day drinking.
Beyond the entertainment center of San Antonio, Ibiza comprises quiet fisherman villages, luxury yoga retreats, hidden coves and pine-clad hills to conjur one of the most romantic destinations in Spain. White sand beaches and rural towns paint the setting for your next idyllic couples getaway, and Ibiza Town, or Eivissa, is a grand capital brimming with ancient history.
You’ll find Dalt Vila, the old quarter, perched above the harbor with its narrow streets where flower boxes cling to houses and Gothic cathedrals stand majestic against the skyline. Looking out over the Mediterranean, you’ll find some of Ibiza’s best seafood restaurants lining the seafront promenade, and Ibiza Town has its own authentic nightlife to suit every crowd.
Sitges
Just a stone’s throw from bustling Barcelona, Sitges is a great alternative to the second city or an exciting addition to a Spanish road trip. Located on the eastern coast, this seaside town is backed by the Parc Natural del Garraf mountains and there is stunning scenery to enjoy all around.
Brimming with art and culture, Sitges is never dull. It is also well-known for the annual Sitges Film Festival and carnival. The city is always full of life but becomes especially energetic during these summer events. The seafront promenade is one for lovers, lined with greenery and impressive mansions. The Old Town is also perfect for getting lost, with streets filled with shops, restaurants, and clubs.
Sitges is also renowned for its liberal attitudes and welcoming LGBTQ+ community. Dubbed a Brighton of Spain, it’s packed with gay bars and wholly accepting of all individuals, making it a perfect seaside escape for LGBTQ+ couples.
Be sure to check out the Maricel and Cau Ferrat Museums, housing the works of notable Catalan artists. The architecture and cultural heritage are also significant markers of the town’s importance to the Catalan Modernist Movement. The city’s colorful houses and grand buildings have been a canvas for the many artists that have called Sitges home.
Is Spain good for couples?
Spain is a diverse and exciting country, with a warm climate, friendly people, and a welcoming culture. Scenic cities, breathtaking beaches, rolling vineyards, and inspiring architecture, there is romance at every turn and Spain has everything you could need for a couple’s break. Year-round high temperatures also make it perfect for honeymooning.
When is the best time to visit Spain?
Spain is Europe’s most climatically diverse country. You’ll find snowy peaks in the north, rolling and fruitful countryside inland and scorching resort towns all along the coast. Still, Spain’s most popular regions which line the Mediterranean shores experience hot and humid summers, and mild winters, meaning the country is a year-round vacation destination. We recommend visiting in late spring or early autumn, to miss the tourist crowds, snap up some low season discounts, but still enjoy warm shoulder season temperatures. There is no rainy season in Spain, but late October and November see the most rainfall across the country.
How much should I budget for one week in Spain?
Spain can be a very inexpensive country to visit, but it depends where you go. The northern regions that border France and the ever-popular island of Ibiza with its swanky resorts and European nightclubs are up there with France and England price-wise. But many of Spain’s coastal towns can still be visited on a shoestring budget, and you need an average of €950 ($1,000) to get by comfortably on a week’s holiday in Spain. Staying in basic accommodation and being wise with your money could see this amount halved, but with holidays comes day trips and eating out which all adds up.
