Choosing Self Catering Accommodation in Spain

People have been flocking to Spain since the birth of European air travel and as a holiday destination it still remains as popular as ever with around 60 million visitors a year! It's common knowledge that the sun shines everywhere here, but surprisingly few people know of the geographical, cultural, historical and culinary diversity of Spain that makes it such a fascinating country to come back to year after year. Choosing a self-catering option in Spain allows you the flexibility to explore the country without the confines of the traditional package breaks and gives you the experience of enjoying your own exclusive property in the sun.
The Costa del Sol and Andalucia
With its flamenco dancing, bull-fights, the Arab touches to its architecture and the easy pace of life, the Costa del Sol and Andalucia are everything we know and love about Spain. Visit the amazing Alhambra at Granada, or stroll amongst the orange trees that adorn the city of Sevilla. The coastline here stretches for miles, and popular resorts like Torremolinos and Fuengirola offer great family attractions and nightlife. Your holiday rental here could be a traditional whitewashed villa with terracotta roof and an inviting private pool, perhaps with views of the mountain peaks of the Sierra Nevada. Alternatively, if you are open to a unique living experience, travel inland to the area around Guadix close to Granada, and rent a traditional cave-dwelling, carved into the mountain-side yet offering all the home comforts and appeal of a country cottage.
The Costa Brava
The sophisticated charm of this area is associated with the progressive, hard-working people of the Cataluna region, a creative people traditionally very European in their outlook. In the dynamic city of Barcelona, the bizarre Gaudi architecture at Parc Guell and the Sagrada Familia never fail to captivate, while the surrealist art of Dali and Picasso further illustrate the unique creativity of this region. The coast to the north of Barcelona melts away into a string of delightful coastal towns and villages known as the Costa Brava. Towns like Tossa de Mar, Sant Feliu de Guixols and Calella de Palafrugell are jewels on the corniche road that leads up into the Pyrenees. With plenty of variety on offer here, you could find yourself in a smart apartment in the hub of central Barcelona, or in your own luxury villa nestling in a secluded bay with views of the Pyrenees.
The Costa Blanca
The stretch of coast reaching south from Valencia to the Cape of Palos at Cartagena is the Costa Blanca, a gentle, friendly region dominated by the very Mediterranean city of Alicante, with its baroque architecture, tree lined esplanades and pleasant seafront promenades. Close to Alicante the famous resort of Benidorm provides everything you need to keep the whole family entertained, but inland from here is a different world, with waterfalls and natural spring lakes at Fuentes del Algar, and the mountain village of Guadalest with its fantastic views across mountain lagoons. The popular city of Torrevieja and its surroundings probably provides the best choice of self-catering accommodation in the whole area offering an abundance of lovely whitewashed villas with a touch of Moorish charm.
Off the beaten track
If you are looking for a holiday in Spain with a difference it may be worth considering areas off the beaten track. With its lush, verdant countryside, the region of Asturias is reminiscent of Switzerland. The cities of Oviedo and Gijon are steeped in history and holiday villas and chalets in the region have a distinct Alpine flavour. To the south-east of Madrid, the charming city of Cuenca abounds with attractions, from its famous 'hanging houses' to the 'charmed city' with its amazing rock formations, to the beautiful countryside lagoons, providing fabulous swimming and sunbathing experiences in natural surroundings. With all this to offer and more, Cuenca is sure to provide visitors with a true flavour of central Spain.
Considerations when Choosing Self Catering Accommodation in Spain
With such a wide selection of accommodation on offer, it is important to invest some thought into making the right choice to suit your needs. Spain is a sparsely inhabited country and it is important to study local maps and consider whether your villa will be close to local amenities and central to the attractions you wish to visit. Unless you are staying in an urban centre, hiring a car will be high on your agenda and you will need to consider the issues involved in driving in Spain. Finally, it is easy to be tempted by the most attractive villa or apartment, but important to remain sensible and ensure that the accommodation caters for the size of your party and has all the modern conveniences that you are accustomed to using back home. Air conditioning may be essential if you feel the heat, and equally if you are holidaying in winter, ensure that your villa has some form of heating, as temperatures plunge quite sharply when the sun goes down.

Further self catering in Spain Information