Here are my 14 suggestions for where to stay in Spain, from Madrid and Barcelona to Mallorca and Tenerife. For each place I’ve picked three hotels: a luxury hotel, a mid-range option and a cheaper alternative.

Where to Stay in Spain: The Best Areas

• Madrid - best city for museums, tapas and onward train travel around the country
• Barcelona - best city for big-city life and beach at the same time
• Seville - best city for flamenco, the Alcázar and classic Andalusia
• Granada - best city for the Alhambra and Moorish alleyways
• Málaga & the Costa del Sol - best area for a beach holiday with a proper city
• Cádiz - best city for long beaches and an Old Town on the Atlantic
• Valencia - best city for paella, beaches and modern architecture
• Alicante & the Costa Blanca - best area for an easy beach holiday all year round
• San Sebastián & the Basque Country - best area for food, pintxos and a city beach
• Mallorca - best island for variety, from Palma to mountains and coves
• Ibiza - best island for nightlife and coves with clear water
• Menorca - best island for peace, nature and families with children
• Tenerife - best island for winter sun and the Teide volcano
• Gran Canaria - best island for a winter holiday with dunes and long beaches

Below, I go through the 14 places one by one, with a map, transport from the airport and three hotels in each place: the most expensive first, then a mid-range option and finally a cheaper one. Distances to the hotels are measured as the crow flies from the point shown on the map, and journey times from the airports are approximate, so always check the timetable before you travel.

Your first choice is whether you want a city break, a beach holiday or a tour. For a long weekend, Madrid, Barcelona, Seville, Valencia and San Sebastián are obvious picks, because you can walk to most things from your hotel. If you want sun and sand, the Costa del Sol, the Costa Blanca and the islands are the easy choices, and from November to March it’s especially the Canary Islands that offer proper swimming weather.

Spain is a great country to tour by train. According to Spain’s official tourism website, you can get from Madrid to Barcelona, Seville and Málaga in around two and a half hours by high-speed train, and to Valencia in under two hours. Tickets are sold by Renfe and the private train operators, and the cheapest fares go first, so book well in advance. A classic route is Madrid, Seville, Granada and Málaga, so you finish with a few days on the beach before you fly home.

In Andalusia and on the islands, a hire car gives you the most freedom, because the white villages, coves and mountain roads are far from the railway lines. Compare car hire prices in Spain here. In the big cities I wouldn’t have a car, as parking is expensive and several of the cities have low-emission zones in the centre.

Not every place has its own section here, but I’ve written where-to-stay guides for several of them. If you’re considering a trip to the Great Mosque in Córdoba, read my guide to where to stay in Córdoba. If you dream of luxury and golf on the Costa del Sol, see the guide to where to stay in Marbella, and if you’d like to combine Barcelona with small seaside towns, I have a guide to where to stay on the Costa Brava. In the Basque Country you can read about where to stay in Bilbao, and for the Canary Islands I also have guides to Lanzarote, Fuerteventura and La Palma.

1. Madrid - best city for museums, tapas and onward train travel

• Distance to the centre: Puerta del Sol is the heart of the city. The three hotels here are all no more than about 450 metres from the square.
• Transport: You can get around the centre on foot, and the metro covers the rest of the city. Trains to the rest of Spain leave from Atocha and Chamartín.
• Time from the airport: Madrid-Barajas (MAD) lies north-east of the city. Allow 30-40 minutes by taxi and around 40 minutes by airport bus to the centre.
• Price level: €€ to €€€€. Often cheaper than Barcelona for the same standard, but expensive around Gran Vía and Sol.
• Safety: A safe big city. Watch out for pickpockets on the metro and in the crowds at Sol and Plaza Mayor.

Madrid is the capital of Spain and the most practical place to start a tour of the country. The city sits right in the middle of Spain, and high-speed trains run from here in every direction. Madrid is also a big city that can easily carry a whole holiday on its own, with the Prado, the Reina Sofía and the Thyssen-Bornemisza close together along the Paseo del Prado.

I’ve chosen three hotels around Puerta del Sol, because from here you can walk to Plaza Mayor, the Royal Palace and the museums. In the evening, the tapas bars of Huertas and La Latina are just around the corner. Madrileños eat late, so expect the restaurants not to fill up properly until after 9pm.

See hotels in Madrid here.

If you’d rather stay in elegant Salamanca or alternative Malasaña, I’ve written a full guide to where to stay in Madrid, with more neighbourhoods to choose from. In my guide to things to do in Madrid you’ll find the rest of the city’s highlights, and the guide to getting from Madrid Airport to the city centre explains the metro, bus and taxi options.

Three nights is about right for a first visit. In summer Madrid gets very hot, because the city sits high up inland with no sea breeze, so spring and autumn are the most pleasant seasons. In winter the evenings can be cold, but there are fewer tourists at the museums.

Hotels in Madrid

Four Seasons Hotel Madrid - five-star luxury hotel with a spa and rooftop pool at Canalejas

The Four Seasons is on Calle de Sevilla, less than 300 metres from Puerta del Sol, in a group of former bank buildings. The hotel has a spa with an indoor pool, a rooftop pool and several restaurants and bars. The smallest rooms are 45 square metres, which is large for central Madrid.

It’s the obvious choice if you want to treat yourself in the middle of the city. The price is high and breakfast costs extra, so factor that into your budget. One guest felt the pool was a little cold.

One guest writes on Booking.com: “An excellent hotel. The place was the best in its class, and everything you could wish for was either close at hand or already waiting for you.”

See photos and book Four Seasons Hotel Madrid here.

Room Mate Collection Alba - four-star boutique hotel in the Huertas tapas district

Room Mate Alba is on Calle de las Huertas, about 450 metres from Puerta del Sol and an eight-minute walk from Plaza Mayor. It’s a boutique hotel with a bar, a small gym and a 24-hour reception, and the rooms range from 19 to 26 square metres.

I’d choose it if you want to stay right among the tapas bars and still have a modern room. Breakfast isn’t included, but there are cafés nearby. One guest mentions that the lighting in the corridors could be better.

On the location, one guest writes on Booking.com: “The hotel had a fantastic location. It was boutique in style and very comfortable.”

See photos and book Room Mate Collection Alba here.

Hotel Europa - three-star hotel a few steps from Puerta del Sol

Hotel Europa is on the pedestrianised Calle del Carmen, just a minute’s walk from Puerta del Sol. It’s a three-star hotel with a restaurant and café on the ground floor, and the rooms range from small 9-square-metre singles to two connecting doubles for families.

It’s my budget pick, because you’ll hardly get closer to the centre for the price. The rooms are simple and breakfast costs extra, about 8 euros (around £7) for the light one and 13 euros (around £11) for the full one. The outdoor seating area can get cramped when it’s busy.

One guest sums it up on Booking.com: “The location was fantastic, it couldn’t be better. A lovely hotel with friendly staff.”

See photos and book Hotel Europa here.

2. Barcelona - best city for city break and beach in one

• Distance to the centre: The hotels are between roughly 250 and 550 metres from Plaça de Catalunya, which links the Old Town with Eixample.
• Transport: Metro, bus and on foot. From Plaça de Catalunya it’s a couple of kilometres down to the beach in Barceloneta.
• Time from the airport: Barcelona-El Prat (BCN) is south-west of the city. The Aerobús runs to Plaça de Catalunya, and by bus or train you should allow 25-35 minutes to the centre.
• Price level: €€€ to €€€€. One of the most expensive cities in the country, especially in summer and during major trade fairs.
• Safety: Barcelona is known for pickpockets. Keep a firm grip on your phone on Las Ramblas, on the metro and on the beach.

Barcelona is the city for you if you want it all at once: Gaudí’s buildings, the lanes of the Barri Gòtic, great restaurants and a city beach you can walk to. It isn’t cheap, but it’s an easy city to be a tourist in, and most of the sights are within reach of the metro.

The Sagrada Família is the city’s big draw, and tickets often sell out, so buy them in advance on the basilica’s official website. If you stay around Plaça de Catalunya, you have the Old Town on one side and Eixample with Passeig de Gràcia on the other, and the rest of the city is just a few metro stops away.

See hotels in Barcelona here.

In this guide, Barcelona is treated as a single base. If you need to choose between Eixample, the Barri Gòtic, El Born and Barceloneta, I’ve written a separate guide on where to stay in Barcelona, as well as a guide to things to see in Barcelona. If you’re landing at El Prat, also read my guide to getting from Barcelona Airport to the city centre.

Barcelona is also the gateway to the Costa Brava north of the city, with its small seaside towns and rocky coves. Three to four nights in the city is about right, and if you want to swim in peace, you can spend a few days on the coast afterwards. July and August are hot and very busy, so May, June and September are my favourite months.

Hotels in Barcelona

Mandarin Oriental, Barcelona - five-star hotel with a spa and rooftop pool on Passeig de Gràcia

The Mandarin Oriental is on Passeig de Gràcia, just over 500 metres from Plaça de Catalunya, on the city’s smartest shopping street. The hotel has a spa with an indoor pool, an outdoor rooftop pool that’s open in season, and several restaurants. Rooms start at 32 square metres.

It’s for you if you want to stay at the best address in Eixample with top-class service. Breakfast costs extra, and several guests find it very expensive.

One guest writes on Booking.com: “The service was exceptional, well-informed, proactive, engaged and very attentive.”

See photos and book Mandarin Oriental, Barcelona here.

Catalonia Catedral - four-star hotel with a rooftop pool by the cathedral

Catalonia Catedral is in the Barri Gòtic right by the cathedral, just under 500 metres from Plaça de Catalunya. On the roof there’s a pool that’s open in season, and the hotel has a terrace and a Japanese-style garden. Rooms range from 20 to 50 square metres.

I’d choose it if you want to stay in the middle of the Old Town and have a pool to cool off in during the afternoon. The breakfast gets good reviews. The downside is the location on the square, as one guest was disturbed by noise from there.

One delighted guest writes on Booking.com: “What can I say? This hotel is fabulous, you could call it perfect.”

See photos and book Catalonia Catedral here.

Eco Boutique Hostal Grau - small hotel with a roof terrace near Plaça de Catalunya

Hostal Grau is on the edge of the El Raval neighbourhood, just over 200 metres from Plaça de Catalunya and close to Las Ramblas. It’s an official two-star hotel with a roof terrace, and rooms range from 18 to 55 square metres, so there’s room for families too.

It’s my budget pick in Barcelona, but remember that budget is relative in this city. Breakfast isn’t included, but the hotel puts out homemade cake and fruit in the morning. One guest mentions street noise.

One guest writes on Booking.com: “It was very clean, and it was great with the children.”

See photos and book Eco Boutique Hostal Grau here.

3. Seville - the best city for flamenco, the Alcázar and classic Andalusia

• Distance to the centre: All three hotels are in Santa Cruz, no more than about 450 metres from the cathedral.
• Getting around: The Old Town is best explored on foot. High-speed trains stop at Santa Justa, which you can reach by bus or taxi.
• Time from the airport: Seville Airport (SVQ) is east of the city. The EA bus takes about 20 minutes to Santa Justa and 35 minutes to Plaza de Armas.
• Price level: €€ to €€€€. Prices rise sharply during Holy Week (Semana Santa) and the Feria de Abril.
• Safety: A safe city. The summer heat is the biggest challenge, so plan your walks for the morning and evening.

For many people, Seville is the very picture of Spain, with orange trees, flamenco and horse-drawn carriages in front of the cathedral. The city’s Old Town is one of the largest in Europe, and around the cathedral you’ll find the Real Alcázar royal palace and the old Jewish quarter of Santa Cruz, with its narrow lanes and little squares.

The Real Alcázar is one of the city’s most visited sights, and the queues can get long. Buy your ticket in advance via the palace’s official website, especially in spring. Plaza de España and Parque de María Luisa are a short walk to the south, and across the river lies Triana, where flamenco has deep roots.

See hotels in Seville here.

I’ve chosen three hotels in Santa Cruz so you can walk everywhere. If you’d rather stay in Triana or El Arenal, I’ve written a separate guide on where to stay in Seville. My guide to things to do in Seville covers the city’s highlights, and in the guide to getting from Seville Airport you can read more about the EA bus and taxi fares.

Seville is also a good base for day trips. Córdoba and its great mosque, the Mezquita, are less than an hour away by high-speed train, and if you’d like to stay the night there, I have a guide on where to stay in Córdoba. In summer it’s often over 35 degrees in Seville, so choose a hotel with a pool and good air conditioning in July and August. Three nights is about right.

Hotels in Seville

Hotel Alfonso XIII - five-star palace hotel by the Real Alcázar

Hotel Alfonso XIII is Seville’s classic luxury hotel, built in neo-Moorish style. It’s on Calle San Fernando, just over 400 metres from the cathedral and close to the Real Alcázar and the university. There’s an outdoor pool, a gym and a garden, and rooms range from 21 to 150 square metres.

It’s for you if you want to stay at one of Spain’s most famous hotels. Breakfast costs extra, and despite the price there’s no spa, which one guest missed.

One guest writes on Booking.com: “An absolutely wonderful hotel that exceeded all my and my husband’s expectations.”

See photos and book Hotel Alfonso XIII here.

Hotel Casa 1800 Sevilla - four-star hotel with a rooftop pool right by the cathedral

Casa 1800 is set in an old townhouse on Calle Rodrigo Caro in Santa Cruz, about 200 metres from the cathedral. On the roof there’s a pool with a view, and rooms range from 22 to 49 square metres.

I’d choose it if you want to stay in style in old Seville without paying Alfonso XIII prices. Breakfast isn’t included. A couple of guests have had problems with the shower or the air conditioning, so let reception know straight away if anything isn’t working.

One guest writes on Booking.com: “The staff were excellent and the hotel itself was beautiful.”

See photos and book Hotel Casa 1800 Sevilla here.

Hotel Amadeus Sevilla - music-themed hotel with a rooftop pool in Santa Cruz

Hotel Amadeus is in Santa Cruz, just over 400 metres from the cathedral. The hotel has a music theme, and on the roof there’s a pool and a jacuzzi. Rooms range from 14 to 35 square metres.

It’s the cheapest of the three, but still a four-star hotel. The standard rooms are small, and one guest recommends choosing a larger category. Breakfast costs about 14 euros (around £12) per person.

One guest highlights on Booking.com: “We loved the hotel, especially the atmosphere, the history and the connection to music.”

See photos and book Hotel Amadeus Sevilla here.

4. Granada - the best city for the Alhambra and Moorish lanes

• Distance to the centre: Plaza Nueva is the starting point. The hotels are between roughly 150 and 750 metres from there, and Parador de Granada is inside the Alhambra itself.
• Transport: Small city buses run up to the Alhambra and the Albaicín. Otherwise you walk, and the streets are steep.
• Time from the airport: Granada has a small airport (GRX) west of the city with few direct routes. Many people fly into Málaga and take a bus or hire car onwards, in which case you should allow around two hours. That’s an estimate.
• Price level: €€ to €€€. Often cheaper than Seville, but rooms with a view of the Alhambra cost extra.
• Safety: A safe city. The Albaicín is quiet at night, so stick to the well-lit streets on your way back, and keep an eye on your bag at the viewpoints.

Granada is the city of the Alhambra, the Moorish fortress and palace complex on the hill above town. Together with the Generalife gardens and the Albaicín quarter, it’s on the UNESCO World Heritage List, and it’s one of Spain’s most visited sights. Tickets for the Nasrid Palaces have fixed entry times and often sell out, so sort out your tickets before you book a hotel.

Opposite the Alhambra lies the Albaicín, with white houses, narrow streets and the Mirador de San Nicolás viewpoint, where people gather at sunset. Below the hill are Plaza Nueva and Carrera del Darro, and from here it’s a short walk to both the cathedral and the tapas bars. In many of the city’s bars you get a small tapa with your drinks.

See hotels in Granada here.

If you’re choosing between the Albaicín, Realejo, the centre and Sacromonte, I’ve written a full guide on where to stay in Granada. Two nights is the minimum, so you have time for both the Alhambra and an evening in the Albaicín. With three nights you can also head up into the Sierra Nevada, where there’s snow in winter.

Granada fits nicely into a road trip between Seville and Málaga, and by car it’s around an hour and a half to Málaga. That’s an estimate. The city sits high up at the foot of the mountains, so in winter the evenings can get cold, even when the days are sunny.

Hotels in Granada

Parador de Granada - historic hotel inside the Alhambra itself

Parador de Granada is set in a former convent within the Alhambra grounds, so you stay right in the middle of the World Heritage Site. It’s just over 700 metres from Plaza Nueva as the crow flies, but the route is uphill. The standard double room is 24 square metres, and some rooms overlook the gardens.

This is a choice for the experience, and the price reflects that. Parking costs around 29 euros (around £25) per night. Guests miss a proper bar, and one guest found the service in the restaurant slow.

One guest writes briefly on Booking.com: “Beautiful hotel in a fabulous location.”

See photos and book Parador de Granada here.

Hotel Casa 1800 Granada - three-star mansion hotel by Plaza Nueva

Casa 1800 Granada is in an old townhouse right by Plaza Nueva, at the foot of the Albaicín. The rooms face either the Andalusian courtyard or the street, and the superior room is 19 square metres. Breakfast is included in some of the rates.

It’s my pick if you want charm and the best location for both the Alhambra and the tapas bars. Parking is nearby and costs around 19 euros (around £16). One guest was bothered by building work in the area.

One guest writes on Booking.com: “Everything was beautiful! The building itself is stunning, and the staff are fantastic.”

See photos and book Hotel Casa 1800 Granada here.

Hotel Casa Morisca - small hotel with Alhambra views in the Albaicín

Casa Morisca is on Cuesta de la Victoria in the Albaicín, around 700 metres from Plaza Nueva along the River Darro. The best rooms look straight out at the Alhambra and the Generalife, and the double room with a view is 15 square metres.

It’s the cheapest of the three and a good choice for couples who want to wake up to the view. Breakfast costs around 15 euros (around £13), and the few free parking spaces need to be reserved. One guest mentions thin walls.

One guest highlights on Booking.com: “Great location, real character and lots of history in the building.”

See photos and book Hotel Casa Morisca here.

5. Málaga & the Costa del Sol - best area for a beach holiday with a real city

• Distance to the centre: The hotels are from around 170 metres to just over a kilometre from the cathedral. Gran Hotel Miramar is by La Malagueta beach.
• Transport: You can get around the centre on foot. The C1 local train runs along the coast to Torremolinos, Benalmádena and Fuengirola.
• Time from the airport: Málaga Airport (AGP) is close to the city. The C1 train takes 12 minutes to Málaga Centro-Alameda and around 10 minutes to Torremolinos.
• Price level: €€ to €€€€. Málaga city has become more expensive, while the resort towns along the coast are often cheaper.
• Safety: A safe city and coastline. Watch out for pickpockets in the streets around Calle Larios and on the beach.

Málaga is the largest city on the Costa del Sol and a great choice if you want to combine the beach with a real city. Here you’ll find the Moorish Alcazaba fortress, Gibralfaro Castle, the Picasso Museum, the cathedral and the Atarazanas market hall, and from the centre it’s around a 15-minute walk to the city beach, La Malagueta.

The Costa del Sol stretches west of the city with Torremolinos, Benalmádena, Fuengirola and Marbella, and to the east lies Nerja. According to the airport’s page about the train, the C1 leaves from a station right by Terminal 3, which makes Málaga one of the easiest places in Spain to holiday without a car.

See hotels in Málaga here.

I’ve picked three hotels in Málaga city, so you have restaurants and sights right on your doorstep. If you’re considering one of the resort towns, you can read my guide to where to stay in Málaga, which also covers the nearby towns, and my guide to where to stay in Marbella. In the guide to things to do in Málaga and on the Costa del Sol you’ll find ideas for your days, and the guide to getting from Málaga Airport explains the train, bus and taxi options.

Málaga has mild weather for most of the year and is one of the best cities in Spain for a spring or autumn break. In winter it’s rarely warm enough to swim, but it’s often mild enough to sit outside at lunchtime. Four nights gives you time for both the city and a day trip to Ronda or Nerja.

Hotels in Málaga

Gran Hotel Miramar GL - five-star palace hotel by La Malagueta beach

Gran Hotel Miramar is on Paseo de Reding, right on La Malagueta, just over a kilometre from the cathedral. The hotel has a spa, an outdoor saltwater pool that’s open in season, and rooms from 21 to 60 square metres.

It’s the obvious choice if you want to stay in style by the beach and still be able to walk into the Old Town. Using the spa costs extra, which some guests find too expensive. Another guest feels the breakfast could be better.

One guest writes on Booking.com: “The loveliest hotel I have ever stayed in.”

See photos and book Gran Hotel Miramar GL here.

AC Hotel Málaga Palacio - four-star hotel with a rooftop pool by the cathedral

AC Hotel Málaga Palacio is by the harbour on Cortina del Muelle, less than 200 metres from the cathedral. Its hallmark is the roof terrace with a bar and pool and views over the city and harbour. Rooms range from 24 to 55 square metres.

This is my suggestion if you want to stay right in the centre with views and a pool at a mid-range price. The pool sits in the middle of the rooftop bar, so there’s not much privacy while you’re sunbathing.

About the roof terrace, one guest writes on Booking.com: “The atmosphere on the roof is unbeatable, absolutely fantastic, and every single member of staff without exception is so lovely and so friendly.”

See photos and book AC Hotel Málaga Palacio here.

Hotel del Pintor - three-star hotel in the northern part of the Old Town

Hotel del Pintor is on Calle Álamos, just under 400 metres from the cathedral and close to Plaza de la Merced. It’s a small three-star hotel with simple rooms of 10 to 17 square metres.

This is my budget pick, and you’re paying for the location, not the space. Rooms facing the street can be noisy, so ask for one at the back if you’re a light sleeper.

One guest writes on Booking.com: “The attentiveness from the hotel was remarkable.”

See photos and book Hotel del Pintor here.

6. Cádiz - best city for long beaches and an Old Town on the Atlantic

• Distance to the centre: The Old Town sits on a peninsula surrounded by sea. Two of the hotels are no more than about 500 metres from the cathedral, and Playa Victoria is on the beach a little over 3 km to the south.
• Transport: The Old Town is compact and best explored on foot. City buses run along Playa de la Victoria to the newer part of the city.
• Time from the airport: The nearest airport is Jerez (XRY). The train from the airport reaches Cádiz in about 50 minutes. From Seville Airport, allow around two and a half hours by bus and train.
• Price level: €€ to €€€. Often cheaper than Seville and Málaga, but prices by the beach go up in summer.
• Safety: A safe, relaxed city. Keep an eye on your bag on the beach and in the crowded streets during the carnival.

Cádiz is one of Europe’s oldest cities and a great alternative to the big cities of Andalusia. The Old Town sits on a peninsula jutting out into the Atlantic, with the cathedral by the water, narrow streets and old watchtowers on the rooftops. It’s less touristy than Seville and Málaga, and it has long sandy beaches right by the centre.

Next to the Old Town is the small beach of La Caleta, and south of the peninsula begins Playa de la Victoria, which stretches for several kilometres. In the evening, people gather in the tapas bars around the market hall and in the La Viña neighbourhood. Around February the city hosts one of Spain’s biggest carnivals, so you’ll need to book your hotel well in advance.

See hotels in Cádiz here.

If you’re choosing between the Old Town, El Pópulo, La Caleta and the beach, I’ve written a full guide on where to stay in Cádiz. Cádiz is also a good place to end a tour from Seville, as regional trains connect the two cities. With a hire car, you can take a day trip to the sherry town of Jerez and the white villages inland.

The Atlantic is cooler than the Mediterranean and the wind can be strong, but in return the beaches are wide and rarely as packed as on the Costa del Sol. Two to three nights is about right, and from June to September you can combine the city with long days on the beach.

Hotels in Cádiz

Hotel Playa Victoria - four-star beach hotel with a large pool

Hotel Playa Victoria sits right on Playa de la Victoria, a little over 3 km from the cathedral in the Old Town. The hotel has a large outdoor pool that’s open in season, and rooms from 26 to 70 square metres, many with sea views.

It’s the obvious choice if the beach matters more than the old streets, but you’ll need a bus or taxi into the Old Town. Parking costs about 25 euros a day (around £20), and the breakfast gets some criticism: one guest writes that the hot food was cold.

One guest writes on Booking.com: “Location right on the beach. Beautiful sea views.”

See photos and book Hotel Playa Victoria here.

Hotel Boutique Argantonio - charming boutique hotel in the Old Town

Argantonio is on a small street in the middle of the Old Town, a little over 500 metres from the cathedral. The hotel is beautifully decorated, and the rooms vary a lot in size, from 10 to 70 square metres.

I’d choose it if you want to stay in the heart of Cádiz with charm and peace and quiet. Parking costs about 16 euros a night (around £13), and spaces are limited. One guest found the beds a little hard.

One guest writes on Booking.com: “Charming hotel, beautifully decorated and with a quiet, calming atmosphere.”

See photos and book Hotel Boutique Argantonio here.

Hostal Canalejas - simple hostal close to the harbour

Hostal Canalejas is on Calle Cristóbal Colón in the Old Town, about 300 metres from the cathedral and around 200 metres from the harbour. It’s a simple hostal with a lift and air conditioning, and the rooms range from 6 to 26 square metres.

It’s the cheapest of the three and suits you if you just need a clean bed in the middle of town. Entry is by codes, and one guest found them awkward to use.

One guest writes on Booking.com: “I really like the staff’s communication and friendliness.”

See photos and book Hostal Canalejas here.

7. Valencia - best city for paella, beaches and modern architecture

• Distance to the centre: Plaza del Ayuntamiento is the heart of the city. The hotels are anywhere from under 100 metres to just under a kilometre from there.
• Transport: Metro, tram and bus. To get to Malvarrosa beach, take the tram or bus, and you can walk to the City of Arts and Sciences through the Turia park.
• Time from the airport: Valencia Airport (VLC) is in Manises, west of the city. Metro lines 3 and 5 run to Xàtiva by Estación del Norte in about 20 minutes.
• Price level: €€ to €€€. Usually better value for money than Barcelona and Madrid.
• Safety: A safe city. Keep an eye on your bag in the crowds around Mercado Central and during Fallas in March.

Valencia is Spain’s third-largest city and my top tip if you want a big city and a beach without Barcelona’s prices. The Old Town has the cathedral, the La Lonja silk exchange and Mercado Central, and the old Turia riverbed has been turned into a long park that leads all the way out to the modern City of Arts and Sciences.

The city is also the home of paella, and the rice is grown around the Albufera lagoon south of the city. In summer, Malvarrosa beach is the big gathering spot, and in March the Fallas festival fills the streets with giant figures, fireworks and bonfires. Book well ahead if you want to experience it.

See hotels in Valencia here.

I’ve chosen hotels in and around the Old Town, so you can walk to most of the sights. If you’d rather stay in Ruzafa or by the beach, I’ve written a guide to where to stay in Valencia. My guide to things to do in Valencia has ideas for your days, and in the guide to getting from Valencia Airport you can read more about the metro and tickets.

The high-speed train from Madrid takes under two hours, so Valencia fits nicely into a tour of the country, and ferries sail from the port to the Balearic Islands. Three nights is about right, and from May to October you can easily squeeze in a beach day.

Hotels in Valencia

Caro Hotel - five-star palace hotel in the Old Town

Caro Hotel is set in an old palace on Calle Almirante in the Old Town, about 200 metres from the cathedral. There’s an outdoor pool that’s open in season, and the rooms range from 25 square metres up to junior suites of 70.

It’s for you if you want to stay surrounded by history and design in the middle of old Valencia. Breakfast isn’t included in the price, and parking costs about 25 euros a day (around £20). One guest feels the pool area could do with an upgrade.

One guest writes on Booking.com: “A phenomenal hotel. The staff couldn’t do enough for us.”

See photos and book Caro Hotel here.

Hotel Dimar - four-star design hotel in Eixample

Hotel Dimar is on Gran Vía Marqués del Turia in the Eixample district, just under a kilometre from Plaza del Ayuntamiento and about a 15-minute walk from the cathedral. The hotel has a gym and sauna, and the standard double room is 20 square metres.

I’d choose it if you want a modern, quiet stay within walking distance of both the Old Town and Ruzafa. Parking costs about 15 euros a day (around £13) and has to be reserved. Breakfast costs extra, and one guest feels the price is a little high.

One guest writes on Booking.com: “Friendly and helpful staff, beautifully decorated and clean rooms.”

See photos and book Hotel Dimar here.

Venecia Plaza Centro - two-star hotel on Plaza del Ayuntamiento

Venecia Plaza Centro sits right on Plaza del Ayuntamiento, so you can’t get any closer to the centre. It’s an officially two-star hotel with almost 10,000 reviews on Booking.com and a score above 9. The rooms are small, and the standard double room is 12 square metres.

It’s my budget pick, because the location is hard to beat. The hotel has few facilities, and the breakfast gets mixed reviews. You’ll find parking in a nearby public car park for about 15 euros a day (around £13).

One guest writes on Booking.com: “Everything was fantastic. I can’t praise the hotel enough and highly recommend it.”

See photos and book Venecia Plaza Centro here.

8. Alicante & Costa Blanca - best area for an easy beach holiday all year round

• Distance to the centre: The hotels are no more than around 350 metres from the Explanada de España seafront promenade.
• Transport: You can walk to the centre and Postiguet beach. The TRAM runs along the coast towards Benidorm and Dénia.
• Time from the airport: Alicante Airport (ALC) is south-west of the city. Bus C6 runs round the clock to Puerta del Mar in around 20-30 minutes, and the direct bus to Benidorm takes around 45 minutes.
• Price level: €€ to €€€. One of the cheaper places on the Mediterranean.
• Safety: A safe city. Keep an eye on your bag on the beach and in the nightlife in El Barrio.

Alicante is the main city on the Costa Blanca and a good choice if you want an easy beach holiday with a proper city around you. The Explanada de España promenade, with its palm trees and mosaic tiles, leads from the harbour towards Postiguet beach, and above the city Santa Bárbara Castle sits on Mount Benacantil.

The city has mild weather all year round and direct flights from the UK, so it’s popular in both summer and winter. The Old Town, known here as El Barrio, lies just behind the beach with small squares and tapas bars, and in the evening the streets around San Nicolás Cathedral come alive.

See hotels in Alicante here.

I’ve picked three hotels in the centre between the harbour, the beach and El Barrio. If you’d like to know more about the neighbourhoods and beaches, I’ve written a guide to where to stay in Alicante, and a guide to getting from Alicante Airport by bus, taxi and the bus to Benidorm.

The Costa Blanca stretches north and south of the city. Benidorm has high-rises, long beaches and a huge choice of hotels, while Altea and Jávea are smaller and quieter. For a week with both beach and city, I’d stay in Alicante and take the tram or a hire car on day trips along the coast.

Hotels in Alicante

Hospes Amérigo - five-star design hotel with a spa and rooftop pool

Hospes Amérigo is on Calle Rafael Altamira, less than 150 metres from the Explanada de España. On the roof there’s a spa with a sauna, a pool and a gym with views of the cathedral and Santa Bárbara Castle. Rooms range from 22 to 46 square metres.

This is my luxury pick in Alicante, and the location between the harbour and El Barrio is perfect. Parking costs around 26 euros (around £22) per night. A few guests feel the roof terrace and pool could do with a refresh.

One guest writes on Booking.com: “A beautiful hotel with everything a hotel should have.”

See photos and book Hospes Amérigo here.

Hotel Alicante Gran Sol - four-star tower hotel with views over the harbour

Hotel Alicante Gran Sol is in a high-rise on Rambla Méndez Núñez, a few steps from the Explanada de España. The hotel’s strength is the view over the city and the sea, and at the top there’s a rooftop bar. The standard double room is 16 square metres.

I’d choose it for the view and the location. It has a lower score than the other two, and guests complain about the breakfast and slow lifts. There’s public parking around 200 metres away.

One guest writes on Booking.com: “Fantastic hotel with a great location, a superb view and friendly staff.”

See photos and book Hotel Alicante Gran Sol here.

Les Monges Palace Boutique - characterful hotel in El Barrio

Les Monges Palace is on Calle San Agustín in El Barrio, around 300 metres from the Explanada de España and close to the cathedral. The hotel is known for its quirky, personal décor, and rooms range from 18 to 21 square metres.

This is my budget pick and a good alternative to the big chain hotels. The rooms are small, and breakfast has a limited choice and must be ordered in advance. Private parking costs around 18 euros (around £15) per night and also has to be booked.

One guest writes on Booking.com: “I would definitely recommend this small, friendly hotel with the perfect location!”

See photos and book Les Monges Palace Boutique here.

9. San Sebastián & the Basque Country - best area for food, pintxos and a city beach

• Distance to the centre: The hotels are between about 100 metres and a kilometre from La Concha. Pensión Altair is in Gros on the other side of the river.
• Transport: The city is small and best explored on foot. City buses run along the bay to Ondarreta and Monte Igueldo.
• Time from the airport: Most people fly into Bilbao (BIO), where a bus runs roughly once an hour straight to San Sebastián’s bus station. Allow a little over an hour on the bus. It’s an estimate.
• Price level: €€€ to €€€€. One of the most expensive cities in Spain, especially in summer.
• Safety: A very safe city. Keep an eye on your bag in the packed pintxos bars in the Old Town.

San Sebastián, or Donostia in Basque, is Spain’s food city above all others. In the Old Town, the bars sit side by side with counters full of pintxos, the Basque small plates, and the city has a lot of Michelin-starred restaurants for its size. On top of that, it sits on one of Europe’s most beautiful city beaches.

La Concha is the city’s best-known beach, and you can read more about the beach and the promenade on the tourist office’s page about La Concha. Across the River Urumea lies the surf beach of Zurriola in the Gros neighbourhood, and from Monte Igueldo you get a view over the whole bay.

See hotels in San Sebastián here.

If you’re choosing between the Old Town, Centro, Gros and Antiguo, I’ve written a full guide on where to stay in San Sebastián. Bilbao is about an hour away by car and is an obvious place to combine with San Sebastián for the Guggenheim Museum and Casco Viejo. Read my guide on where to stay in Bilbao if you want to split your trip.

The Basque Country has a greener, cooler climate than the rest of Spain, and it rains more often, even in summer. On the plus side, you escape the fierce heat. Two to three nights in San Sebastián is about right, and if you want to eat at one of the famous restaurants, book a table well in advance.

Hotels in San Sebastián

Hotel Maria Cristina - five-star grand hotel on the River Urumea

Hotel Maria Cristina is San Sebastián’s classic grand hotel, set on the River Urumea, about 450 metres from the Old Town and a five-minute walk from La Concha. Many rooms have water views, and rooms range from 35 square metres up to junior suites of 60.

It’s the obvious choice if you want to stay at the city’s most famous hotel. There’s no pool, which one guest missed, and parking costs about 51 euros a day (around £45).

One guest writes simply on Booking.com: “This hotel is just spectacular!!”

See photos and book Hotel Maria Cristina here.

Hotel de Londres y de Inglaterra - four-star hotel on the promenade at La Concha

Hotel de Londres y de Inglaterra sits right on the promenade at La Concha, about a five-minute walk from the Old Town. Many rooms look out over the bay, and rooms range from 22 square metres in a Classic to 38 square metres in a Grand City.

It’s my favourite mid-range pick, because you get the view of La Concha without paying María Cristina prices. Go for a sea-view room if your budget allows. Parking costs about 29 euros a day (around £25), and one guest wasn’t happy with the service in the bar.

One guest writes on Booking.com: “From our room there was a fantastic view over the beautiful La Concha beach.”

See photos and book Hotel de Londres y de Inglaterra here.

Pensión Altair - small guesthouse in the Gros neighbourhood

Pensión Altair is in Gros, just over a kilometre from La Concha and about a ten-minute walk from the Old Town. It’s a small guesthouse with a lift, and the rooms are small, from 10 square metres for a double, but there’s also a 50-square-metre studio.

It’s my budget pick in an expensive city. It feels more like an apartment than a hotel, as reception isn’t always staffed and there are lots of rules in the room. On the other hand, you’re close to the surf beach of Zurriola and the pintxos bars in Gros.

One guest writes on Booking.com: “The best thing is the location, just a ten-minute walk to the Old Town and La Concha beach.”

See photos and book Pensión Altair here.

10. Majorca - the best island for variety, from Palma to mountains and coves

• Distance to the centre: The hotels are in Palma’s Old Town, roughly 400 to 700 metres from La Seu cathedral.
• Transport: You can get around Palma on foot and by city bus. The rest of the island is easiest by hire car, but there are also buses and the old train to Sóller.
• Time from the airport: Palma Airport (PMI) lies east of the city. Bus A1 runs to Passeig Mallorca in about 25 minutes.
• Price level: €€ to €€€€. Palma’s boutique hotels are expensive in high season, while the beach resorts have plenty of cheaper hotels.
• Safety: A safe island. Keep an eye on your bag in Palma’s streets and in the busy beach resorts in summer.

Majorca is the largest of the Balearic Islands and the one that offers the most all at once. Here you’ll find the capital Palma with La Seu cathedral by the harbour, the Serra de Tramuntana mountain range, which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, small mountain villages such as Valldemossa and Deià, and countless beaches and coves.

I’ve chosen three hotels in Palma, because the city is the best base if you want to combine city and beach and explore the island by hire car or bus. Palma’s Old Town has restaurants, shops and rooftop terraces with views, and the city beach is a short distance from the centre. If you’d rather have a classic beach holiday, Alcúdia in the north and Cala d’Or in the south-east are good alternatives.

See hotels in Majorca here.

If you’re choosing between Palma, Alcúdia, Sóller and the beach resorts, I’ve written a full guide on where to stay in Majorca. My guide to things to do in Majorca gives you ideas for day trips, and in the guide to transport from Majorca Airport you can read about the A1 bus and the buses to the beach resorts.

Majorca is a summer island, but it’s also good in spring and autumn, when the weather is better for hiking and cycling in the mountains. In winter many hotels in the beach resorts close, while Palma stays open all year. A week is about right if you want to see more than the beach.

Hotels in Majorca

Sant Francesc Hotel Singular - five-star mansion hotel with a rooftop pool in the Old Town

Sant Francesc is set in a mansion on Plaça de Sant Francesc in the Old Town, about 400 metres from the cathedral. On the roof there’s a pool with views over the city’s rooftops, and the hotel has a spa and a restaurant. Rooms range from 25 to 60 square metres.

This is my luxury pick in Palma if you want a quiet stay right in the heart of the old quarter. Valet parking costs around 32 euros (about £27) a day. Guests mention noise from outside and a small gym.

One guest writes on Booking.com: “It was breathtaking! A beautiful hotel with a fantastic view and a bit of history to it.”

See photos and book Sant Francesc Hotel Singular here.

Hotel Saratoga - four-star hotel with a rooftop pool and spa on Passeig Mallorca

Hotel Saratoga is on Passeig Mallorca at the edge of the Old Town, about 700 metres from the cathedral and close to the airport bus’s final stop. The hotel has a rooftop pool, a heated pool and a spa, and rooms range from 22 to 38 square metres.

It’s a good choice if you want a pool and spa without the five-star price. Parking costs around 16.50 euros (about £14) a day. One guest feels the rooftop area can be a little cramped.

One guest writes on Booking.com: “Fantastic hotel! Lovely pool areas, good food, incredibly helpful staff and a great location.”

See photos and book Hotel Saratoga here.

Hostal Pons - simple hostal with a courtyard garden in the Old Town

Hostal Pons is in an old townhouse on Carrer del Vi in the Old Town, just under 500 metres from the cathedral. The house has a garden and terrace, and the rooms are small, from 5 to 15 square metres. Some have a private bathroom, while others share a bathroom with a neighbouring room.

This is my budget pick and suits you if you value charm and location over comfort. One guest didn’t find the beds particularly comfortable, and there’s no parking.

One guest writes on Booking.com: “Everything. Great location, fantastic service and great value for money.”

See photos and book Hostal Pons here.

11. Ibiza - best island for nightlife and clear-water coves

• Distance to the centre: The hotels are in Ibiza Town, between roughly 250 and 750 metres from Dalt Vila.
• Transport: Buses link Ibiza Town with Sant Antoni, Santa Eulària and the beaches, and boats to Formentera leave from the harbour.
• Time from the airport: Ibiza Airport (IBZ) is south of Ibiza Town. Allow around 10-20 minutes by car. This is an estimate.
• Price level: €€€ to €€€€. One of the most expensive destinations in Spain in July and August.
• Safety: A safe island. Keep an eye on your belongings when you’re out at night and on the beach, and take a taxi back from the clubs.

Ibiza is famous for its nightlife, but the island is much more than clubs. Ibiza Town has the fortified Old Town of Dalt Vila, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and around the island you’ll find rocky coves with clear water, whitewashed villages and quiet beaches in the north.

Where you stay makes a big difference to your trip. Ibiza Town and Playa d’en Bossa are the places for nightlife and the big clubs, Sant Antoni is known for its sunset bars, and Santa Eulària and the north coast are quieter and better for families with children. Ferries to Formentera, which has some of the most beautiful beaches in the Mediterranean, leave from the harbour in Ibiza Town.

See hotels on Ibiza here.

I’ve picked three hotels in Ibiza Town, because here you have the restaurants, the harbour and the ferries right on your doorstep. If you’d rather stay by the beach or on the quiet side of the island, I’ve written a complete guide to where to stay on Ibiza, with six areas to choose from.

Ibiza is a summer island, and in winter many hotels, restaurants and clubs close. May, June and September bring warm weather and lower prices than July and August. Four to five nights is about right, and a hire car makes it easier to find the small coves.

Hotels on Ibiza

Hotel Mirador de Dalt Vila - five-star boutique hotel inside Dalt Vila

Mirador de Dalt Vila is on Plaça d’Espanya, inside the city walls of Dalt Vila. The hotel has a small outdoor pool and a restaurant, and rooms start at 34 square metres.

It’s for couples who want a quiet, exclusive stay in the heart of the Old Town. According to guests, the pool is small and doesn’t get much sun. It’s about a five-minute walk down to the restaurants in town.

One guest writes on Booking.com: “I loved everything about the place!”

See photos and book Hotel Mirador de Dalt Vila here.

Hotel Royal Plaza - four-star hotel with a rooftop pool near the harbour

Hotel Royal Plaza is in the newer part of Ibiza Town, about 200 metres from the harbour and just over 700 metres from Dalt Vila. On the roof there’s a pool with views over the town, and rooms range from 24 to 26 square metres.

This is my mid-range pick if you want a pool and walking distance to the harbour, the restaurants and the ferry to Formentera. Guests say the hotel feels a little worn, and one guest found the spa and pool under renovation.

One guest writes on Booking.com: “Lovely hotel, friendly staff and a nice, clean and comfortable room.”

See photos and book Hotel Royal Plaza here.

Hostal Ripoll Ibiza - simple hostal in the centre of Ibiza Town

Hostal Ripoll is on Calle Vicente Cuervo in the centre of Ibiza Town, about 150 metres from the harbour. It’s a simple hostal with air conditioning, and some rooms have a shared bathroom.

This is my budget pick on an expensive island and suits you if you’re out most of the day. Check whether your room has its own bathroom, as several guests are unhappy with the shared ones.

One guest writes on Booking.com: “Good location, very spacious and clean.”

See photos and book Hostal Ripoll Ibiza here.

12. Menorca - best island for peace and quiet, nature and families

• Distance to the centre: The hotels are in and around Mahón, from about 150 metres to one and a half kilometres from the harbour.
• Getting around: Buses connect Mahón with Ciutadella and the beach resorts, but a hire car is the easiest option if you want to explore the coves.
• Time from the airport: Menorca Airport (MAH) is just outside Mahón. Allow about 10-15 minutes by car to the town. This is an estimate.
• Price level: €€ to €€€€. Cheaper than Ibiza, but expensive in July and August.
• Safety: A very safe island and one of the most family-friendly in Spain.

Menorca is the quietest of the large Balearic Islands. The whole island is a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, and it’s more low-key than Majorca and Ibiza, with coves of turquoise water, small whitewashed villages and coastal paths.

The island’s two towns sit at opposite ends. Mahón in the east has a large natural harbour and is close to the airport, while Ciutadella in the west has a beautiful Old Town and is closer to the famous coves of Macarella and Turqueta. I’ve picked three hotels in and around Mahón, but Ciutadella is just as good a choice.

See hotels on Menorca here.

If you’re choosing between Mahón, Ciutadella and the beach resorts along the south and north coasts, I’ve written a full guide on where to stay on Menorca. Menorca is especially good for families, because several of the beaches have shallow water and the atmosphere is relaxed. It takes about an hour to drive from Mahón to Ciutadella.

Menorca is a summer island, and many hotels close in winter. June and September are my favourite months, because the water is warm and the coves are less crowded. A week is about right, and a hire car is almost a must if you want to see more than one beach.

Hotels on Menorca

Can Alberti 1740 Boutique Hotel - five-star boutique hotel in an old townhouse in Mahón

Can Alberti 1740 is on Calle Isabel II in Mahón’s Old Town, about 200 metres from the harbour. It’s a small boutique hotel in an old townhouse, and the rooms range from 25 to 40 square metres. Breakfast is included.

It suits couples who want to stay somewhere stylish in the middle of town and walk to the harbour restaurants. There isn’t much outdoor space, and the hotel has no pool. You’ll find parking in a nearby car park for about 18 euros a day (around £15).

A guest writes on Booking.com: “A boutique hotel a short walk from the centre of Mahón, quiet and relaxing, and it felt more like staying in a private home.”

See photos and book Can Alberti 1740 Boutique Hotel here.

Hotel del Almirante - historic hotel with a pool and free parking

Hotel del Almirante is on the road between Mahón and Es Castell, a good one and a half kilometres from Mahón’s harbour as the crow flies. The house is also known as Collingwood House, and the hotel has an outdoor pool, a garden and a tennis court. There are family rooms of up to 40 square metres.

I’d choose it if you have a hire car and want a pool and free parking at a reasonable price. It’s about a ten-minute walk to the harbour. Breakfast costs about 16 euros (around £13), and one guest found the beds too hard.

A guest writes on Booking.com: “Charming hotel with a good location, fantastic staff and good facilities. The room was spotlessly clean.”

See photos and book Hotel del Almirante here.

Hostal Jume - modern hostal in the centre of Mahón

Hostal Jume is on Calle Concepción in the centre of Mahón, about 200 metres from the harbour. The rooms are modern and range from 10 to 45 square metres, and breakfast is included in the price.

It’s my budget pick and a good base if you want to stay in town and drive out to the beaches. Parking costs about 15 euros a day (around £13). One guest mentions thin walls.

A guest writes on Booking.com: “The staff were super helpful and friendly, the bed was comfortable, and it was spotlessly clean.”

See photos and book Hostal Jume here.

13. Tenerife - best island for winter sun and the Mount Teide volcano

• Distance to the centre: The hotels are on the south coast between La Caleta, Playa de las Américas and Los Cristianos, within about 4 km of Costa Adeje.
• Transport: Buses run along the south coast and to Santa Cruz, but a hire car is the easiest way to get to Teide and Masca.
• Time from the airport: Tenerife South (TFS) is close to the resorts. Bus 40 runs to Costa Adeje in about 40 minutes, and it’s quicker by car.
• Price level: €€ to €€€€. Most expensive around Christmas, February half-term and Easter.
• Safety: A safe island. Respect the red flags on the beach, and don’t leave valuables in view in your hire car.

Tenerife is the largest of the Canary Islands and one of the most popular places in Europe for winter sun. The islands lie off the west coast of Africa, so it’s mild all year round. Tenerife is also home to the Mount Teide volcano, Spain’s highest mountain, and the national park around it is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

The vast majority of visitors stay in the south, where the sun shines most. Costa Adeje is the most upmarket area with the expensive hotels, Playa de las Américas has nightlife and restaurants, and Los Cristianos is an old fishing town that has become a relaxed resort with a harbour. The north coast, with Puerto de la Cruz and La Orotava, is greener and feels more Spanish, but it’s also cloudier more often.

See hotels on Tenerife here.

If you need to choose between the south and the north, or between the individual resorts, I’ve written a full guide on where to stay on Tenerife. In my guide to things to do on Tenerife you’ll find Teide, Masca and Los Gigantes, and the guide to getting from Tenerife Airport explains the buses from both airports.

A week is the most common length of stay, and with a hire car you can drive up to Teide one of the days. If you want to continue to a quieter island, see my guide on where to stay on La Palma, which lies north-west of Tenerife.

Hotels on Tenerife

Royal Hideaway Corales Beach - five-star adults-only hotel in La Caleta

Royal Hideaway Corales Beach is by La Enramada beach in La Caleta, at the northern end of Costa Adeje. The hotel is adults-only and has three pools, including a rooftop infinity pool, as well as a spa and several restaurants. All rooms are junior suites or suites.

It’s for couples who want luxury and peace without children. The breakfast buffet is included, though one guest found it could be slow when busy. Parking costs extra.

One guest writes on Booking.com: “Everything! One of the best places we’ve ever stayed.”

See photos and book Royal Hideaway Corales Beach here.

H10 Conquistador - four-star beach hotel in Playa de las Américas

H10 Conquistador sits right on the beach in Playa de las Américas. The hotel has a large lagoon-style pool, a heated pool, a spa and a kids’ club, so it suits both couples and families.

It’s my mid-range pick if you want to stay by the sea close to restaurants and nightlife. Guests praise the buffet, but according to one guest the large pool is cold, and parking is limited.

One guest writes briefly on Booking.com: “The buffet had a huge selection.”

See photos and book H10 Conquistador here.

Ona Beverly Hills Suites - aparthotel with a pool in Los Cristianos

Ona Beverly Hills Suites is in Los Cristianos, about 2.3 km from the beach in Playa de las Américas. It’s an aparthotel with studios and apartments with kitchens, an outdoor pool and more than 4,000 reviews on Booking.com.

It’s my budget pick, because you get a kitchen and a pool at a low price and can save on eating out. There’s free public parking nearby. One guest complains about low water pressure.

One guest writes on Booking.com: “We liked the pool area and the clean rooms. The staff were very helpful.”

See photos and book Ona Beverly Hills Suites here.

14. Gran Canaria - best island for a winter break with dunes and long beaches

• Distance to the centre: The hotels are in Maspalomas and Playa del Inglés, close to the dunes and the beaches.
• Transport: Global buses run along the south coast and to Las Palmas. For the mountain villages, a hire car is the easiest option.
• Time from the airport: Gran Canaria Airport (LPA) is on the east coast. The airport bus reaches Playa del Inglés in 25-30 minutes.
• Price level: €€ to €€€€. High season runs from Christmas to Easter.
• Safety: A safe island. Watch out for currents at the beach, and don’t leave valuables on the sand while you swim.

Gran Canaria is a classic winter-sun island for British travellers, and with good reason. The south coast has sunshine most of the year, long sandy beaches and the dunes at Maspalomas, which are a nature reserve. Inland you’ll find mountains, ravines and small villages such as Tejeda, and in the north lies the city of Las Palmas with its city beach, Las Canteras.

Most people stay in the south. Playa del Inglés is the busiest area, with lots of hotels, restaurants and nightlife, Maspalomas and Meloneras are quieter and a little more expensive, and Puerto Rico and Puerto de Mogán further west sit sheltered in bays. If you want more city life and everyday Spanish living, Las Palmas can be a good choice.

See hotels on Gran Canaria here.

If you need to choose between the individual resorts, I’ve written a full guide on where to stay on Gran Canaria. My guide to things to do on Gran Canaria gives ideas for days away from the beach, and the guide to getting from Gran Canaria Airport explains buses and taxis to both the south and Las Palmas.

If you already know Gran Canaria, the neighbouring islands of Lanzarote and Fuerteventura can be a good alternative, with long beaches and a dry, volcanic landscape. A week is the usual length of stay, and if you want to travel during the February half-term or the Christmas holidays, book early.

Hotels on Gran Canaria

Seaside Grand Hotel Residencia - five-star luxury hotel by the dunes

Seaside Grand Hotel Residencia is in Maspalomas, around 400 metres from the dunes. The hotel has a heated outdoor saltwater pool, a spa with free access for guests, and rooms ranging from 33 square metres to junior suites of 50.

It’s the island’s most exclusive address, and the price reflects that. Guests praise the breakfast and the service, but one guest mentions noise in some rooms, so ask for a quiet room. There is parking on site.

One guest writes on Booking.com: “The breakfast was truly exceptional, with a great selection of cheeses.”

See photos and book Seaside Grand Hotel Residencia here.

Hotel Parque Tropical - four-star hotel with gardens close to the beach

Hotel Parque Tropical is in Playa del Inglés, around 80 metres from the beach. The hotel is known for its large tropical garden and pool, and the rooms are around 40 square metres with a balcony or terrace.

It’s my mid-range pick if you want to stay close to the beach in a hotel with character. The food gets mixed reviews, and one guest found it a bit dull. There is public parking nearby.

One guest writes on Booking.com: “The gardens and the pool were excellent.”

See photos and book Hotel Parque Tropical here.

Apartamentos Don Pedro - self-catering apartments with two pools in Playa del Inglés

Apartamentos Don Pedro is on Avenida de Estados Unidos in Playa del Inglés, around a five-minute walk from the beach. There are two outdoor pools, and the apartments have fully equipped kitchens, from 35 square metres with one bedroom to 52 square metres with two.

It’s my budget pick, especially for families who want to cook some of their own meals. According to one guest, there can be outside noise in the mornings.

One guest writes on Booking.com: “It was very clean, the pool was excellent, and the staff were extremely polite and helpful.”

See photos and book Apartamentos Don Pedro here.

Where not to stay in Spain?

I wouldn’t stay in the big party resorts such as Magaluf, Playa d’en Bossa or Playa de las Américas if you’re looking for peace and quiet, as the nightlife is a big part of the atmosphere there. On the other hand, I wouldn’t choose a small mountain village as a base if you’re travelling without a car, as the buses are infrequent and you’ll spend a lot of time waiting.

In the big cities, I wouldn’t stay far out just to save a little on the room, because you’ll pay the difference back in time and transport every day. And I wouldn’t try to see all of Spain in one trip. The distances are huge, so it’s better to pick one region, for example Andalusia or Northern Spain, and combine it with a city.

If you have a week, I’d choose one city and one beach area, for example three nights in Seville and four in Málaga or Cádiz. With two weeks, you can do the classic round trip of Madrid, Seville, Granada and Málaga, or combine Barcelona with Valencia and one of the islands. If you’re travelling in winter, the Canary Islands are the safest bet for sunshine, while Andalusia and Valencia are great for a city break in mild weather.

The post Where to Stay in Spain? The 14 Best Areas & Places to Stay appeared first on Destination Well Known.

The city is small, but where you stay makes a big difference. Here are my five picks for areas, with three hotels in each across different price ranges, from the Old Town to the beach and El Puerto de Santa María on the other side of the bay.

Where to Stay in Cádiz: The Best Areas

• Casco Antiguo (Old Town) - best area for first-time visitors
• El Pópulo & Santa María - best area for history and flamenco
• La Viña & La Caleta - best area for tapas, the beach and sunsets
• Playa de la Victoria - best area for beach holidays and families
• El Puerto de Santa María - best area for sherry, lower prices and road trips

Below, I go through the areas one by one with a map, transport, price level and three hotels in each. The prices come from a search for a weekend in November for two people. In summer and during the carnival before Lent, expect considerably higher prices, and the best hotels sell out quickly.

1. Casco Antiguo (Old Town) - best area for first-time visitors 🏛️

• 📍 Distance to the centre: You’re staying right in the Old Town. From Plaza de las Flores it’s about a 5-minute walk to the cathedral and 10 minutes to La Caleta beach.
• 🚶 Transport: The Old Town is flat, and you can walk everywhere. The railway station is at Plaza de Sevilla on the eastern edge of the Old Town, a 10 to 15-minute walk from Plaza de las Flores, and the city buses to the beach leave from Plaza de España.
• ✈️ Time from Jerez Airport: About 50 minutes by train from the airport station to Cádiz station, then a 10 to 15-minute walk. From Seville Airport, allow about two and a half hours by bus and train.
• 💰 Price level: €€ to €€€. The three hotels below cost around 81 to 159 euros (roughly £70 to £135) per night when I searched.
• 👮 Safety: Safe and busy until late in the evening. Keep an eye on your bag at the market and in the busiest streets when cruise ships are in port.

Casco Antiguo is the Old Town of Cádiz, and it covers almost the whole outer part of the peninsula. The northern and central part around Plaza de las Flores, Plaza de San Antonio and Plaza de Mina is the most convenient place to stay, as most things are just a few minutes’ walk away. On Plaza de las Flores, the flower stalls stand in front of the old post office, and right next door is Mercado Central, the city’s 19th-century covered market, where you can eat fried fish and tapas at the stalls around the edge.

From here, you walk up Calle Ancha to Plaza de San Antonio and on to Plaza de Mina, where Museo de Cádiz displays finds from the Phoenician and Roman city. Above the rooftops rise the old watchtowers that merchants built to look out for ships arriving from the Americas, and from Torre Tavira you can see the whole city through a camera obscura. If you want the history from the start, you can join a walking tour with a local English-speaking guide for around 13 to 15 euros (about £11 to £13).

See hotels in the Old Town of Cádiz here.

I’d stay here if it’s your first trip to Cádiz. You can walk to the cathedral, the market and La Caleta beach within a quarter of an hour, and in the evening you can eat out on the squares without having to think about buses or taxis.

The downside is that the hotels are mostly small boutique hotels and apartments in old houses, so a pool is a rarity, and many places don’t have a 24-hour reception. There’s virtually no street parking for visitors, so if you have a hire car, it will end up in one of the public car parks, which charge every day. On Fridays and Saturdays there can also be noise from the bars until late at night.

Hotels in Casco Antiguo

Áurea Casa Palacio Sagasta - palace hotel with a spa and hammam in the northern part of the Old Town

Áurea Casa Palacio Sagasta is on Calle Sagasta, about a three-minute walk from the car park at Plaza de San Antonio. The hotel is in a restored palace and has a lift, a gym, a sauna and a hammam, but the spa costs an extra 25 euros (around £20) per person, and breakfast isn’t always included. Several guests feel the extras are expensive.

One guest writes on Booking.com: “A wonderful hotel full of charm, with real attention to detail when it comes to guests’ comfort.”

See photos and book Áurea Casa Palacio Sagasta here.

Tandem Palacio Veedor de Galeras Suites - suites in an old palace close to Plaza de San Antonio

Tandem Palacio Veedor de Galeras is on Calle Veedor, a few minutes’ walk from Plaza de San Antonio and Plaza de Mina. You stay in suites in a former palace with a lift and soundproofed rooms, and it scores highly for cleanliness. There’s no restaurant, and several guests mention that the nearest public car park is expensive.

From one review: “Fantastic location, very clean and well equipped.”

See photos and book Tandem Palacio Veedor de Galeras here.

Plazuela del Carbón Suites - bright apartments on Plaza de España at a good price

Plazuela del Carbón Suites is on Plaza de España in the north-eastern part of the Old Town, close to the harbour and the buses to the beach. There’s a lift and a sun terrace, and the apartments are modern and bright. It was the cheapest of the three, but the ground-floor rooms can be noisy, so ask for one higher up.

One guest highlights: “The place was clean, bright and well located, with good-quality furniture and fittings, and it was really good value for money.”

See photos and book Plazuela del Carbón Suites here.

2. El Pópulo & Santa María - best area for history and flamenco 💃

• 📍 Distance to the centre: You’re staying in the eastern part of the Old Town, between the port, the cathedral and the sea. Plaza de las Flores is a 5 to 10-minute walk away.
• 🚆 Transport: The railway station is right next to Santa María, so it’s a 5 to 10-minute walk from the platform to your hotel. Taxis wait at Plaza de San Juan de Dios.
• ✈️ Time from Jerez Airport: Around 50 minutes by train plus a short walk from Cádiz station. It’s the easiest area to reach by train, including from Seville.
• 💰 Price level: € to €€€. The three hotels below cost around 55 to 146 euros (roughly £45 to £120) per night when I searched.
• 👮 Safety: El Pópulo is safe and busy during the day. Santa María is an old working-class neighbourhood where some streets are quiet and dark at night, so stick to the well-lit streets late in the evening.

El Pópulo is the oldest part of Cádiz, and according to Andalusia’s tourist board it’s the city’s original medieval centre, dating from the 13th century. You enter through one of the three old gates, Arco de la Rosa, Arco del Pópulo and Arco de los Blancos, and behind them lie narrow streets with little bars. Right next door is Plaza de San Juan de Dios with the town hall, and the cathedral with its golden dome.

In the middle of the neighbourhood is the Roman Theatre, which was built in the first century BC and wasn’t discovered until 1980. Entry is free, but only a limited number of visitors are let in at a time and parts of the site may be closed, so check the website before you go. If you’d like to hear the history, join a guided tour of medieval Cádiz for around 29 to 32 euros (around £25).

South of El Pópulo lies Santa María, the flamenco quarter, with small flamenco clubs known as peñas. Its streets lead down to Campo del Sur, the seafront promenade lined with colourful houses that remind many people of Havana.

See hotels in El Pópulo and Santa María here.

I’d stay here if you’re arriving by train, or if you’re mainly interested in history and want to hear flamenco in the evening. If you land in Seville, you’ll find the bus to the railway station in my guide to getting from Seville Airport, and if you want to spend a couple of nights in Seville first, I’ve also written about where to stay in Seville.

The downside is that the area around the cathedral is packed with day-trippers from the cruise ships, and the restaurants on Plaza de San Juan de Dios are expensive. There’s no beach in the neighbourhood, and some streets in Santa María can feel a bit run-down.

Hotels in El Pópulo and Santa María

Hotel Boutique Convento Cádiz - boutique hotel in a 17th-century convent by the station

Hotel Boutique Convento is on Calle Santo Domingo in Santa María, a couple of hundred metres from the railway station and the port, in a former convent dating from 1635. There’s a lift, a terrace and a gym, and breakfast is available as an extra. Parking nearby costs around 16 euros (around £13) a day, and some guests mention poor soundproofing between the rooms.

One guest writes on Booking.com: “Everything about our stay was perfect, and we’ll definitely be back.”

See photos and book Hotel Boutique Convento Cádiz here.

Santa María 12 Boutique Apartamentos - studios with kitchenettes in the heart of the flamenco quarter

Santa María 12 is on Calle Santa María, a few minutes’ walk from the cathedral and the station. You stay in studios with kitchenettes in a historic building, and there’s a shared terrace, but no lift and no breakfast. A few guests mention a slightly odd smell in the kitchen.

From a review: “A beautiful apartment in a historic building.”

See photos and book Santa María 12 Boutique Apartamentos here.

Hostal Colón Don Miguel - cheap and cosy hostal by Plaza de San Juan de Dios

Hostal Colón Don Miguel is on Calle Marqués de Cádiz, right by Plaza de San Juan de Dios, and has one of the highest ratings among the budget places in the Old Town. The rooms are simple and there’s a shared terrace, but no lift and no breakfast. A couple of guests have found small ants in their room.

One guest highlights: “The truly authentic decor and the atmosphere of the house.”

See photos and book Hostal Colón Don Miguel here.

3. La Viña & La Caleta - best area for tapas, the beach and sunsets 🌅

• 📍 Distance to the centre: You’re staying in the western part of the Old Town. It’s about a 10-minute walk to Plaza de las Flores and about 15 minutes to the cathedral.
• 🚶 Transport: You can walk everywhere, and La Caleta is at the end of the street. The train station is at the opposite end of the Old Town, about a 20-minute walk away, so take a taxi if you have suitcases.
• ✈️ Time from Jerez Airport: About 50 minutes by train, then 5 to 10 minutes by taxi from the station, or about 40 minutes by taxi all the way.
• 💰 Price level: € to €€€€. The three hotels below cost around 63 to 199 euros (roughly £55 to £165) per night when I searched.
• 👮 Safety: Safe and full of locals in the evening. During the carnival the streets are packed with people until late into the night, so keep a close eye on your pockets.

La Viña is the old fishermen’s quarter in the western part of the Old Town, and it’s where Cádiz feels most local. The neighbourhood is the heart of the city’s famous carnival, and the main street, Calle Virgen de la Palma, is lined with tapas bars where you eat deep-fried fish, prawns and tortillitas de camarones at tall tables out in the street.

At the end of the neighbourhood, La Caleta beach sits between two fortresses, Castillo de Santa Catalina and Castillo de San Sebastián, with the white Balneario de la Palma bathhouse behind the sand. Small fishing boats lie at anchor in the bay, and in the evening people gather on the beach and on the causeway out towards San Sebastián to watch the sun set over the Atlantic. A little further north, Parque Genovés runs along the seafront and is lovely for a shady stroll.

See hotels in La Viña and by La Caleta here.

I’d stay here if you’d rather eat and drink with the locals than look at monuments, or if you want to be able to walk down to the beach in your swimwear. It’s also a good choice for couples, because the sunset over La Caleta is one of the most beautiful sights the city has to offer.

The downside is that La Caleta is a small city beach that gets very crowded in summer, and the streets are noisy at weekends and during the carnival. It’s a long way to the station and there’s almost no parking, so if you’re coming by car, you’ll have to pay for one of the public car parks. If you want a big beach with room for the whole family, Playa de la Victoria is a better choice.

Hotels in La Viña and by La Caleta

Parador de Cádiz - modern seafront hotel with a pool and spa

Parador de Cádiz is on Avenida Duque de Nájera right by Parque Genovés, with the sea across the road and La Caleta just a few minutes’ walk away. There’s an outdoor pool, a spa and a restaurant, guests praise the balconies with sea views, and parking at the hotel costs 21 euros (around £18) per day. The pool is only open in season, and the spa costs extra, which several guests aren’t happy about.

One guest writes on Booking.com: “Comfortable rooms and a fantastic sunny balcony with an excellent view.”

See photos and book Parador de Cádiz here.

La Caleta QE Hotels - city hotel with a rooftop infinity pool in the middle of La Viña

La Caleta QE Hotels is on Calle Pericón de Cádiz in the middle of La Viña, a few minutes’ walk from the beach. There’s a lift, a breakfast buffet and a small rooftop infinity pool, which is only open in season. The rooms are fairly basic, and some guests find the layout impractical.

From a review: “The staff were super friendly, both at reception and the cleaning staff, and everyone was lovely and very hard-working.”

See photos and book La Caleta QE Hotels here.

Dormir en Cádiz - small guesthouse with top ratings and a helpful host

Dormir en Cádiz is on Calle Hermano Ignacio in La Viña, about a 5-minute walk from La Caleta, and has one of the highest scores in the whole city. It’s a small guesthouse with a sun terrace, and the host sends tips and parking information on WhatsApp. There’s no lift, and several guests mention street noise at night.

One of the guests highlights: “An excellent host, full of knowledge, super helpful, welcoming and friendly.”

See photos and book Dormir en Cádiz here.

4. Playa de la Victoria - best area for a beach holiday and families 🏖️

• 📍 Distance to the centre: The beach is in the new part of the city, around 3 to 4 kilometres south of the Old Town. By bus or taxi, it takes 10 to 15 minutes to reach Plaza de San Juan de Dios.
• 🚌 Transport: City bus number 1 runs along the main road from Plaza de España, and local trains stop at several stations in the new town, including Segunda Aguada and Estadio, just a few minutes’ walk from the beach.
• ✈️ Time from Jerez Airport: Around 45 minutes by train from the airport to Estadio or Segunda Aguada, or around 35 minutes by taxi.
• 💰 Price level: €€ to €€€. The three hotels below cost around 87 to 149 euros (around £75 to £125) per night when I searched.
• 👮 Safety: Safe, with lots of families and joggers on the promenade. It’s quieter than the Old Town in the evening, but the promenade is well lit.

Playa de la Victoria is Cádiz’s big city beach, stretching along the new part of the city south of the Puerta de Tierra city gate. According to the city’s tourist office, the beach is 2.8 kilometres long and up to 185 metres wide, and it has Blue Flag status. Behind the sand runs the Paseo Marítimo promenade with palm trees, a cycle path and beach bars, and during the bathing season there are lifeguards, toilets and sunloungers to hire.

This is where the people of Cádiz themselves go swimming, and the beach is wide enough that there’s room even when La Caleta is packed. In the streets behind the promenade, especially around Calle Brasil, you’ll find fish restaurants and freidurías with lower prices than in the Old Town. To the south, the beach continues out to Cortadura, where there’s more nature and fewer people. From here you can also take a day trip to Tarifa and the Roman ruins on the coast for around 65 euros (around £55).

See hotels near Playa de la Victoria here.

I would stay here if you’re a family who wants the beach right outside the door, or if you want to swim every day and only head into the Old Town in the evening. The hotels are bigger and newer than in the city centre, and several have a pool and their own parking, so it’s also the easiest area if you have a car. If you’re dreaming more of resorts and golf than of a city by the beach, I’ve written about where to stay in Marbella.

The downside is that the new town is made up of tall apartment blocks from the second half of the 20th century, so there isn’t much charm once you walk away from the beach. It’s also quite a way into the Old Town, and many beach bars close in winter.

Hotels near Playa de la Victoria

Hotel Playa Victoria - beach hotel with a large pool right on the sand

Hotel Playa Victoria is on Plaza Ingeniero La Cierva with direct access to the beach. There’s a large outdoor pool, a restaurant and a bar, and private parking costs 25 euros (around £20) per day. Several guests feel the hotel seems a little worn, and some have had problems with the plumbing.

One guest writes on Booking.com: “An excellent location for a seaside holiday.”

See photos and book Hotel Playa Victoria here.

Cádiz Bahía by QHotels - four-star hotel with an infinity pool and spa by the beach

Cádiz Bahía is on Glorieta Ana Orantes, a few metres from the beach, and has almost 7,500 reviews on Booking.com with a high score. There’s an infinity pool, a spa, a gym and a breakfast buffet with local specialities, and parking costs 18 euros (around £15) per day. The spa costs extra, and the pool is only open in season.

From one review: “You won’t find anything better in the area when it comes to quality and value for money.”

See photos and book Cádiz Bahía by QHotels here.

Hotel Regio Cádiz - simple, friendly hotel 200 metres from the beach

Hotel Regio is on Avenida Ana de Viya in the new town, around 200 metres from the beach and close to the city buses along the main road. Breakfast is served, and parking costs 12 euros (around £10) per day, but there’s no pool. Some guests mention that they can hear the neighbouring rooms.

One guest highlights: “Friendly staff, a good room and a fantastic breakfast.”

See photos and book Hotel Regio Cádiz here.

5. El Puerto de Santa María - best area for sherry, lower prices and road trips 🍷

• 📍 Distance to the centre: El Puerto is a town in its own right on the other side of the bay. The catamaran takes around 30 minutes to Cádiz, and it’s about 25 minutes by car.
• ⛴️ Transport: The catamaran runs from the port terminal in El Puerto to the port terminal in Cádiz, and the town also has a railway station on the line between Jerez and Cádiz.
• ✈️ Time from Jerez Airport: Around 20 minutes by train or taxi, making it the area in this guide closest to the airport.
• 💰 Price level: € to €€€. The three hotels below cost around 52 to 167 euros (roughly £45 to £140) per night when I searched.
• 👮 Safety: Quiet and safe in the centre. In summer, the partying around the harbour and beaches goes on late into the night.

El Puerto de Santa María is one of Andalusia’s three sherry towns, and it’s home to big bodegas such as Osborne, whose black bull you’ll know from the roadsides of Spain. In the centre stands the Castillo de San Marcos, a castle built on top of an old mosque, and along the Guadalete river you’ll find the seafood restaurants of Ribera del Marisco, where you buy shellfish wrapped in paper and eat it at the tables out front.

The best thing about El Puerto is the catamaran across the bay. According to the Bay of Cádiz transport authority, the crossing takes around 30 minutes, and there are plenty of departures on weekdays but fewer at weekends. The last boat doesn’t leave particularly late, so check the timetable before you plan dinner in Cádiz. Near the town are the beaches of Valdelagrana and La Puntilla, and the train to Jerez de la Frontera takes about 15 minutes.

See hotels in El Puerto de Santa María here.

I’d stay here if you’re travelling by car and want to use the Bay of Cádiz as a base for a tour of Andalusia. From here you can drive to Jerez, Arcos de la Frontera and the white villages, and you can compare prices on car hire at Booking.com and pick up the car when you land in Jerez. Without a car, you can take a day trip to the white villages from Cádiz, Jerez or El Puerto for around 68 euros (about £55).

The downside is that you’re not staying in Cádiz itself, and you’ll have to plan around the catamaran or the train every time you want to go over. In winter the town is quiet, and several of the beach restaurants close outside the season.

Hotels in El Puerto de Santa María

Soho Boutique Duques de Medinaceli - five-star palace hotel with a garden and pool

Duques de Medinaceli sits on Plaza de los Jazmines in an 18th-century palace with a garden, less than a kilometre from the catamaran. There’s an outdoor pool, a restaurant and a bar, breakfast is served à la carte, and parking costs 12 euros (around £10) per day. The hotel is recommended for adults, and some rooms can be noisy, depending on where they are.

One guest writes on Booking.com: “What a remarkable experience! The former palace has been transformed into a hotel with great care.”

See photos and book Duques de Medinaceli here.

Crisol Monasterio de San Miguel - four-star hotel in an old monastery with a pool

Monasterio de San Miguel is on Calle Virgen de los Milagros in a restored monastery, around a 15-minute walk from the catamaran. There’s an outdoor pool, a breakfast buffet and a bar, and indoor parking costs 10 euros (around £8) per day, which is cheap for the area. Several guests mention that the bathrooms could do with a refurbishment.

From one review: “A former monastery, now beautifully restored.”

See photos and book Crisol Monasterio de San Miguel here.

Hotel Chaikana - cheap and clean hotel right in the centre

Chaikana is on Calle Javier de Burgos in the heart of El Puerto, a 10 to 15-minute walk from the catamaran and close to the restaurants. It’s a simple hotel with a lift and a 24-hour reception, and the price was the lowest in this entire guide. There’s no pool, and some guests mention thin walls.

One guest highlights: “I was really pleased with how clean the place was and with the quiet rooms.”

See photos and book Hotel Chaikana here.

Where not to stay in Cádiz?

I’d avoid hotels that call themselves Cádiz but are actually in San Fernando, Chiclana or Puerto Real, unless you have a car and know what you’re letting yourself in for. They’re often cheaper, but you’ll face long journeys back and forth, and it’s a long way home from the Old Town in the evening. The same goes for the hotels by the main approach road and the industrial port, where there’s neither beach nor atmosphere.

Also be careful with ground-floor flats in the Old Town. The streets are narrow, and many ground-floor flats have small windows facing the street, so they’re dark and can be noisy. If you’re travelling during the carnival, avoid staying in the middle of La Viña if you want to sleep, and book well in advance wherever you stay.

If it’s your first trip to Cádiz, I’d stay in Casco Antiguo around Plaza de las Flores, where you can walk to everything. If you’re arriving by train or want to hear flamenco, El Pópulo and Santa María are the obvious choice, and if you want to eat tapas with the locals and watch the sunset, stay in La Viña by La Caleta. If you’re travelling as a family and want the beach, Playa de la Victoria is your best bet, and if you have a car and want more for your money, El Puerto de Santa María is the smartest choice.

If you fly into Jerez, according to the airport’s own website the train runs directly from the airport to Cádiz in around 47 to 57 minutes, and you’ll find the timetables at Renfe. Cádiz is also a good base for a tour of the region. By car it’s around 35 minutes to Jerez de la Frontera, around 45 minutes to Vejer de la Frontera and just over an hour to Tarifa, and the train to Seville takes under two hours, so you can combine the beach with the sights of Seville. If you’re heading further east, I’ve also written about where to stay in Málaga and where to stay in Granada.

The post Where to Stay in Cádiz? The 5 Best Areas & Places to Stay appeared first on Destination Well Known.

Because Marbella is so spread out, your choice of base makes a big difference. Some areas are made for walking and town life, others for luxury, nightlife or peace and quiet with a car. Here are my six suggested areas, with three hotels in each at different price levels.

Where to Stay in Marbella: The Best Areas

• Casco Antiguo (Old Town) - best area for first-time visitors
• Town centre & the promenade - best area for the beach and town life on foot
• Golden Mile - best area for luxury and peace by the beach
• Puerto Banús - best area for nightlife and glamour
• San Pedro de Alcántara - best area for families and a local feel
• Elviria & Cabopino - best area for peace, nature and a driving holiday

Below, I go through the areas one at a time with a map, transport, price level and three hotels in each. The prices come from a search for a weekend in November for two people. In July and August you can often expect to pay double, especially on the Golden Mile and in Puerto Banús.

1. Casco Antiguo (Old Town) - best area for first-time visitors

• Distance to the centre: You’re staying in the historic centre. From Plaza de los Naranjos it’s about a 5-minute walk to Avenida del Mar and 10 minutes to the beach.
• Transport: The streets are narrow and you walk everywhere. The town’s bus station is about 1.5 kilometres north-west of the Old Town, up the hill, so take a taxi from there if you have suitcases.
• Time from Málaga Airport: About 45 minutes on the Avanza bus direct to Marbella bus station from around €6.50 (around £5.50), or about 40 minutes by taxi for around €70 to €100 (around £60 to £85).
• Price level: €€ to €€€€. The three hotels below cost roughly €92 to €280 (around £75 to £235) per night when I searched.
• Safety: Safe and full of people until late in the evening. Keep an eye on your bag in the busiest squares in high season.

Casco Antiguo is Marbella’s Old Town, and it’s where the town began. The Moors built a castle here in the 10th century and later a town wall with three gates, and the town surrendered to Ferdinand the Catholic on 11 June 1485. In the 16th century, part of the old medina was demolished to make room for a large square, which today is Plaza de los Naranjos, with orange trees, the town hall and restaurants with tables out on the square.

Around the square, narrow lanes wind between white houses with flowerpots on the walls. Walk up to the Iglesia de la Encarnación church and on to the remains of the town wall, and pop into the Museo del Grabado, a small museum of Spanish prints with works by Picasso, Miró and Dalí, among others. Admission costs about €3 (around £2.50), and the museum is closed on Sundays and Mondays.

See hotels in Marbella’s Old Town here.

I’d stay here if it’s your first trip to Marbella, or if you’d rather have the feel of an Andalusian town than a beach resort. You can walk down to the beach in 10 minutes, and in the evening you can eat tapas in the little squares without having to think about taxis or parking.

The downside is that the hotels here are small boutique hotels and guesthouses in old buildings, so there’s almost never a pool, and some places don’t have a lift either. Cars can’t drive into most of the streets, and parking is expensive and awkward, so if you have a hire car, you should choose a different area. The restaurants on Plaza de los Naranjos itself are also pricey for what you get, so walk a couple of streets away before you sit down.

Hotels in Casco Antiguo

La Fonda Heritage Hotel - five-star palace hotel with a rooftop bar in the heart of the Old Town

La Fonda Heritage is on Plaza Santo Cristo in the upper part of the Old Town and is a member of Relais & Châteaux. The hotel has a restaurant, rooftop bar, lift and rooms in an old palace, but there’s no pool, and valet parking costs €45 (around £40) a day. Some guests feel the price is high for the facilities.

One guest writes on Booking.com: “The hotel is beautiful, and the staff go the extra mile to make sure you have a great stay.”

See photos and book La Fonda Heritage Hotel here.

La Morada Mas Hermosa - small, top-rated hotel on one of the prettiest streets

La Morada Mas Hermosa is on Calle Ancha, one of the flower-decked streets of the Old Town, and has one of the highest review scores in the whole of Marbella. It’s a small hotel with just a few rooms and a continental breakfast, and the price was far below La Fonda’s. There’s no lift, and some guests mention noise from the street in the evening.

From one review: “Everything was perfect, there wasn’t a single thing to complain about during my stay here.”

See photos and book La Morada Mas Hermosa here.

Casa Postigos - newly refurbished guesthouse with a lift in the northern part of the Old Town

Casa Postigos is on Calle Postigos, a few minutes’ walk north of Plaza de los Naranjos. The rooms are new and modern, there’s a lift, and it’s adapted for wheelchair users, which is rare in the Old Town. It was the cheapest of the three, but there are no communal areas to speak of, and several guests say it’s hard to park in the area.

One guest highlights: “We had a wonderful stay! The room was beautifully decorated, everything was new, spacious and spotless.”

See photos and book Casa Postigos here.

2. Centre & Beachfront Promenade - Best Area for the Beach and City Life on Foot

• Distance to the centre: You’re right in the centre, between the Old Town and the sea. From Paseo Marítimo it’s a 5 to 15-minute walk up to Plaza de los Naranjos.
• Transport: You can get to most places on foot along the promenade. City buses run along Avenida Ricardo Soriano towards Puerto Banús and San Pedro, and there are taxis waiting by the Alameda park.
• Time from Málaga Airport: Around 45 minutes on the Avanza bus to the bus station and 5 minutes by taxi down to the beach, or around 40 minutes by taxi all the way.
• Price level: € to €€€. The three hotels below cost around 70 to 235 euros (around £60 to £195) per night when I searched.
• Safety: Safe and well lit, and the promenade is busy with people out walking until late in the evening. Watch out for bikes and e-scooters on the promenade.

Between the Old Town and the sea lies Marbella’s modern centre, with the Alameda park, the shopping streets around Avenida Ricardo Soriano and Paseo Marítimo, the palm-lined beachfront promenade with its cafés and beach bars. From the Alameda park, Avenida del Mar leads down to the water, and along it stands a row of bronze sculptures by Salvador Dalí, which you can see for free at any time of day or night.

The town beaches, Playa de la Venus and Playa de la Fontanilla, are right in front of the hotels, and there are several seafood restaurants by the small marina. The promenade carries on west along the entire Golden Mile, so you can walk to Puerto Banús in around an hour and a half or cycle there. If you’re arriving by bus from the airport, Avanza runs directly to Marbella in around 45 minutes, and I’ve gathered all the other options in my guide to getting from Málaga Airport.

See hotels in Marbella’s centre here.

I’d stay here if you want both the beach and the town without needing a car. You get beach life during the day, the Old Town five minutes up the road in the evening and the widest choice of hotels in every price range. It’s also the most practical choice if you’re coming by bus from the airport, and if you want to go on a day trip, the city buses and taxis are just around the corner.

The downside is that the town beaches are narrow and get very crowded in July and August. Many of the buildings along the seafront are large 1970s apartment blocks, so it isn’t pretty everywhere, and the traffic on Avenida Ricardo Soriano is noisy. Choose a hotel close to the promenade rather than on the main road.

Hotels in the Centre and by the Beachfront Promenade

Amàre Beach Hotel Marbella - adults-only hotel right on the beach with a rooftop bar

Amàre is on Avenida Severo Ochoa at the eastern end of the centre, right on the beach and a few minutes from the Old Town. There’s a pool, spa, beach club and the Belvue rooftop bar, and the hotel only accepts guests over 18. Parking costs 18 euros (around £15) per day, and some guests feel the sunloungers at the beach club are due for replacement.

One guest writes on Booking.com: “It’s a wonderful hotel right by the beach.”

See photos and book Amàre Beach Hotel here.

Hotel El Faro Marbella - classic town hotel with a roof terrace and pool 150 metres from the beach

Hotel El Faro is on Calle Virgen del Pilar between the lighthouse and Avenida Ricardo Soriano, around 150 metres from the beach. There’s an outdoor pool, a large terrace, a bar and a breakfast buffet, and parking costs 15 euros (around £13) per day, with a limited number of spaces. Several guests mention that the lift up to the fifth floor is slow.

From one review: “The place was very clean, and the location is perfect.”

See photos and book Hotel El Faro here.

Hostal El Caprichito Marbella - budget hostal with a lift and shared terrace

El Caprichito is on Calle San Cristóbal just east of the Old Town, around 270 metres from the beach. The rooms are simple but nice, there’s a lift and a shared roof terrace, and children aren’t accepted. There’s no parking, and some guests mention noise from other guests in the evening.

One guest highlights: “A fantastic place to stay, a fantastic location and beautiful rooms.”

See photos and book Hostal El Caprichito here.

3. Golden Mile - best area for luxury and peace by the beach

• Distance to the centre: The Golden Mile starts about 1 kilometre west of Marbella’s centre and stretches almost all the way to Puerto Banús.
• Transport: Local buses run along the main road between the centre and Puerto Banús, but most people take a taxi. On foot, you follow the seafront promenade into town.
• Time from Málaga Airport: About 45 minutes by taxi or hire car, or take the bus to Marbella bus station and then a 10-minute taxi from there.
• Price level: €€€ to €€€€€. The three hotels below were around 124 to 614 euros (around £105 to £515) per night when I searched, and in summer the best resorts cost far more.
• Safety: Very safe, with gated villa estates, security guards and hotels with their own security. In the evening it’s quiet and dark along the main road.

The Golden Mile, or Milla de Oro, is the stretch of coast between Marbella and Puerto Banús, and it’s where Marbella’s reputation as a luxury destination was born. Prince Alfonso zu Hohenlohe and a handful of other families helped turn Marbella into a resort in the 1950s and 1960s, and his Marbella Club still sits on the beach here. Along the road behind the palm trees you’ll find large villas, five-star resorts and Marbella’s grand mosque with its white minaret.

This isn’t a neighbourhood you wander around to see the sights. You stay here for the garden, the pool and the beach right outside your hotel, and in the evening you take a taxi into the Old Town or out to Puerto Banús. The beaches are wider and quieter than in town, and the promenade along the water is perfect for a morning run. Many of the hotels have their own beach club with sunloungers, a restaurant and service right on the sand.

See hotels on the Golden Mile here.

I’d stay here if you want to treat yourselves and spend most of your time by the pool and on the beach, or if you’re a couple on honeymoon or celebrating a milestone birthday. It’s also a good compromise between the town and Puerto Banús, as you’re close to both.

The downside is the price, and I’ll be honest. The Golden Mile is the most expensive place to stay in Marbella, and even drinks and lunch on the beach cost noticeably more than in town. There also aren’t many cheap restaurants within walking distance, so you end up spending money on taxis every evening, and budget hotels are practically non-existent.

Hotels on the Golden Mile

Marbella Club Hotel - the legendary luxury hotel where it all began

Marbella Club sits right on the beach on Bulevar Príncipe Alfonso von Hohenlohe, and its garden of bungalows and villas runs all the way down to the water. There are two pools, a thalasso spa and a beach club, and parking is free for guests. It was the most expensive hotel in this entire guide, and some guests mention poor soundproofing between the rooms.

One guest writes on Booking.com: “Fantastic hotel, lovely staff and good service.”

See photos and book Marbella Club Hotel here.

Eurostars Ocean Marbella - modern four-star hotel with a year-round pool

Eurostars Ocean is in the western part of the Golden Mile on the way towards Puerto Banús and has one of the highest review scores along the stretch. There’s an outdoor pool open all year, a spa, a restaurant and a breakfast buffet with vegan and gluten-free options. The hotel isn’t on the beach but about an eight-minute walk from it, and parking costs 20 euros (around £17) per night.

From one review: “So clean and spacious.”

See photos and book Eurostars Ocean Marbella here.

NH Collection Marbella - the cheapest proper hotel at the start of the Golden Mile

NH Collection is on Avenida Conde de Rudi at the eastern end of the Golden Mile, about a five-minute walk from the beach and close enough to the centre to walk into town. There’s an outdoor pool open all year, a sauna, a gym and a restaurant, and parking costs 19 euros (around £16) per day. Several guests mention thin walls, so ask for a quiet room.

One guest highlights: “The staff were very helpful and the hotel was clean.”

See photos and book NH Collection Marbella here.

4. Puerto Banús - best area for nightlife and glamour

• Distance to the centre: About 6 kilometres west of Marbella’s centre. It takes 10 to 15 minutes by taxi to the Old Town.
• Transport: The local buses run into Marbella and on to San Pedro, and there are always taxis waiting at the marina. You can walk all the way into town along the seafront.
• Time from Málaga Airport: About 45 to 50 minutes by taxi or hire car, or take the bus to Marbella and a short taxi ride from there.
• Price level: €€€ to €€€€€. The three hotels below cost around 110 to 302 euros (roughly £90 to £255) per night when I searched, and prices shoot up in summer.
• Safety: Safe, but busy and lively until late at night. Watch out for pickpockets in the crowds around the marina and the nightclubs.

Puerto Banús is Marbella’s famous marina, opened by the developer José Banús in 1970, and it’s still where the big yachts moor up. The quayside is lined with designer shops, cocktail bars and restaurants, and in the evening supercars cruise slowly past so everyone can see them. Behind the marina you’ll find the large El Corte Inglés shopping centre and the Playa de Puerto Banús beach.

It’s Marbella’s nightlife that draws people here. The bars and nightclubs around the marina stay open until the early hours in the summer season, and this is where stag and hen parties and groups of friends end up. If you want to get out on the water, you can go on a dolphin-watching boat trip from Puerto Banús for around 51 to 60 euros (about £45 to £50). Behind the marina lies Nueva Andalucía, known as the Golf Valley because several of the Costa del Sol’s best-known golf courses are here.

See hotels in Puerto Banús here.

I’d stay here if you’re a group of friends who want to go out, or if you’d like to be right in the middle of the glamour, watching the people and the cars. You’ve got the beach, the bars and the shopping within a few minutes’ walk, and you won’t have to hunt for a taxi home at four in the morning.

The downside is that Puerto Banús is expensive, and often more expensive than it deserves to be. A cocktail on the quayside can cost the same as a whole meal in San Pedro, and many of the restaurants live off tourists who only come once. The hotels are also close to the motorway and the nightlife, so sleeping can be difficult, and if you want peace and quiet, you should stay somewhere else.

Hotels in Puerto Banús

ME by Meliá Marbella - five-star design hotel 100 metres from the marina

ME Marbella is on Calle Mario Vargas Llosa at the eastern end of Puerto Banús, about 100 metres from the marina and 50 metres from the beach. There are three outdoor pools, a heated indoor pool, a restaurant and a bar, and the rooms are large and modern. Parking in the garage costs 20 euros (around £17) per night, which several guests feel is expensive.

One guest writes on Booking.com: “One of the nicest hotels in the area with spacious and very well-designed rooms.”

See photos and book ME by Meliá Marbella here.

Occidental Puerto Banús - four-star hotel with a children’s pool close to the marina

Occidental is on Avenida Rotary Internacional, about 300 metres from the marina and just over 500 metres from the beach. There are two pools, one for adults and one for children, a garden, a gym and a breakfast buffet, so it works well for families too. Parking costs 25 euros (around £21) per day, and some guests mention traffic noise from the motorway.

From one review: “A good hotel to stay at in Puerto Banús.”

See photos and book Occidental Puerto Banús here.

Benabola Hotel & Suites - apartments with kitchens right by the beach

Benabola is in an apartment complex right by Playa de Nueva Andalucía beach, about 300 metres from the marina. You stay in suites and apartments with kitchens, there are pools in the complex, and breakfast is served. It was the cheapest of the three, but parking costs 25 euros (around £21) per day, and several guests mention noise from other guests at night.

One guest highlights: “Good location, good apartment and good facilities.”

See photos and book Benabola Hotel & Suites here.

5. San Pedro de Alcántara - best area for families and local atmosphere

• Distance to the centre: About 10 kilometres west of Marbella’s centre and 3 kilometres from Puerto Banús. San Pedro is a town in its own right but belongs to the municipality of Marbella.
• Transport: Local buses run from Bulevar de San Pedro to Puerto Banús and Marbella, and a taxi to Puerto Banús takes less than 10 minutes. This is also where you head up the A-397 mountain road towards Ronda.
• Time from Málaga Airport: About 50 minutes by taxi or hire car, and if you take a taxi, expect to pay a little more than the fare to Marbella.
• Price level: € to €€. The three hotels below cost around 69 to 113 euros (around £60 to £95) per night when I searched.
• Safety: Calm and safe, with lots of families out in the streets in the evening. Outside the summer holidays, it’s quiet after midnight.

San Pedro de Alcántara was founded in the second half of the 19th century, when the Marqués del Duero bought land here and built an agricultural colony with sugar cane plantations and sugar mills. Today it’s an ordinary Spanish town where people actually live, with a small church square, tapas bars, a weekly market and prices that make sense. In the middle of town is Bulevar de San Pedro, a long park with playgrounds, fountains and a wave-shaped footbridge, built on top of the old main road.

From the centre, it’s about a 15-minute walk down to the beach and the seafront promenade, which continues east to Puerto Banús. Along the coast there are also Roman remains, including the Las Bóvedas baths at Guadalmina. San Pedro is also a good base for day trips to the west. Ronda is about an hour’s drive up in the mountains, and if you don’t have a car, you can take a day trip to Ronda and Setenil de las Bodegas from Marbella for around 69 euros (around £60). Gibraltar, where entry to the nature reserve on the Rock costs extra, is also about an hour’s drive away, and you’ll find more ideas in my guide to things to do in Málaga and on the Costa del Sol.

See hotels in San Pedro de Alcántara here.

I’d stay here if you’re a family with children, or if you want Marbella for less and don’t need to be near Plaza de los Naranjos.

The downside is that there isn’t much to see in San Pedro itself, and the beach is some way from the town centre. There are no proper luxury hotels in town either, so if you want a five-star resort, look at the Golden Mile instead.

Hotels in San Pedro de Alcántara

Paloma Blanca Boutique Hotel - boutique hotel with a saltwater pool two minutes from the beach

Paloma Blanca is in Cortijo Blanco between San Pedro and Puerto Banús, about a two-minute walk from the beach. It’s a small hotel with an outdoor saltwater pool, a restaurant, a bar and a gym, and private parking costs 10 euros (around £8) per day. It was the most expensive of the three, and some guests find the sun loungers by the pool uncomfortable.

One guest writes on Booking.com: “Lovely little hotel. Extremely clean.”

See photos and book Paloma Blanca Boutique Hotel here.

NH San Pedro de Alcántara - practical chain hotel in the middle of town

NH San Pedro is on Calle Jerez right by Bulevar de San Pedro, so you have shops, restaurants and buses just outside the door. The breakfast buffet includes vegetarian, vegan and gluten-free options, and public parking nearby costs 16 euros (around £13) per day. There’s no pool, the beach is about 1.3 kilometres away, and some guests can hear the neighbouring rooms.

From a review: “Good value for money and a good location.”

See photos and book NH San Pedro de Alcántara here.

Hostal Alisol Boutique San Pedro - cheap and spotless guesthouse in the centre

Hostal Alisol Boutique is on Calle Diecinueve de Octubre in the middle of San Pedro, a few minutes’ walk from Bulevar de San Pedro. The rooms are simple and modern, there’s a sun terrace, and the price was the lowest in this entire guide. There’s no pool and only street parking, and several guests mention thin walls.

One guest highlights: “Spotlessly clean throughout.”

See photos and book Hostal Alisol Boutique San Pedro here.

6. Elviria & Cabopino - best area for peace, nature and a road trip

• Distance to the centre: Elviria is about 10 kilometres east of Marbella’s centre, and Cabopino is a further 3 kilometres to the east.
• Transport: You’ll need a car here. Buses run along the main road towards Marbella and Fuengirola, but it’s a long way from the hotels to the bus stops.
• Time from Málaga Airport: Around 30 minutes by car or taxi, making it the area in this guide closest to the airport.
• Price level: €€ to €€€€. The three hotels below cost roughly €77 to €303 (around £65 to £255) per night when I searched.
• Safety: Very quiet and safe. In the evening the residential areas are dark and quiet, so bring a torch if you’re walking back from the beach.

Elviria is a leafy area of villas and holiday homes east of Marbella, with pine forest, golf courses and some of the widest sandy beaches in the municipality, including Playa de Elviria and Playa de la Víbora. In the middle of the area there’s a small shopping centre with a supermarket and a handful of restaurants, and there’s a market on Fridays. The beach bars along the seafront are more laid-back and cheaper than those on the Golden Mile.

Further east is Cabopino, with a small marina and the Dunas de Artola dunes, which are protected as a natural monument. A wooden boardwalk leads through the dunes to the old Torre de los Ladrones watchtower, and the beach in front is one of the nicest on the whole Costa del Sol. Note that part of the beach west of the breakwater is a nudist beach.

See hotels in Elviria and Cabopino here.

I’d stay here if you’re travelling by car and want peace, beaches and nature, or if you’re a family needing a flat with a kitchen and pool for a week or two. You can pick up a hire car at the airport and compare prices on car hire at Booking.com. With a car you’re also quickly in Fuengirola and Mijas, and if you’d rather stay closer to Málaga, I’ve written a guide on where to stay in Málaga.

The downside is that you depend on a car or taxi every time you want to go into Marbella, and it’s very quiet in the evenings outside high season. Many of the beach restaurants also close during the winter months, so check what’s open before you book.

Hotels in Elviria and Cabopino

Don Carlos Marbella - five-star resort with large gardens running down to the beach

Don Carlos is on Avenida Zurita with direct access to the beach at Elviria. There are several pools, including a heated main pool, plus a spa, tennis courts and a kids’ club, so it’s a good choice for families who want everything in one place. Parking costs €27.50 (around £23) a day, and some guests feel the location is too far from town.

One guest writes on Booking.com: “Fantastic and luxurious, it met all our wishes for a relaxing family holiday.”

See photos and book Don Carlos Marbella here.

Ona Alanda Club Marbella - aparthotel with four pools 250 metres from the beach

Ona Alanda Club is in Elviria, about 250 metres from the beach, and has apartments with kitchenettes, three outdoor pools and an indoor pool. There’s a kids’ club, a restaurant and free parking nearby, while the private underground car park costs €20 (around £17) a day. Several guests say the décor is in need of a refresh, and the birds are quick to steal food at breakfast.

From one review: “A great place for a holiday.”

See photos and book Ona Alanda Club Marbella here.

Sercotel VIME La Reserva de Marbella - budget apartments with pools surrounded by nature near Cabopino

La Reserva de Marbella sits in the hills above Cabopino, about 2 kilometres from the beach. You stay in apartments with kitchenettes, and there are two outdoor pools, a heated indoor pool, a gym and a sauna, and the price was the lowest of the three. You’ll need a car, and several guests mention wear and damage in the apartments, especially to the doors.

One guest highlights: “Beautiful location and stunning nature.”

See photos and book Sercotel VIME La Reserva de Marbella here.

Where not to stay in Marbella?

I’d avoid hotels that call themselves Marbella but are up by the motorway or in the residential neighbourhoods north of the A-7, where it’s a long way to both the beach and the Old Town, and where there’s nowhere to walk to in the evening. Also be wary of the many golf and villa developments in the hills, which look lovely in the photos but mean you need a car for everything.

If you’re travelling with children or want a good night’s sleep, avoid staying right by the harbour in Puerto Banús, where the partying goes on late into the night in the summer months. Also check whether a flat is actually on the beach or just has "beach" in its name, as many are on the other side of the main road.

If it’s your first trip to Marbella, I’d stay in the Old Town or in the centre by the seafront promenade, where you can walk everywhere. If you want to treat yourself, the Golden Mile is the obvious choice, and if you want nightlife, stay in Puerto Banús. If you’re a family wanting more for your money, San Pedro de Alcántara is the best bet, and if you’re driving around in a hire car, Elviria and Cabopino are the quietest options.

There are no trains to Marbella, so from the airport you take a car, a taxi or the direct bus, which according to the airport’s own website runs to Marbella bus station. If you’re continuing your tour of Andalusia afterwards, I also have guides on where to stay in Granada and where to stay in Seville.

The post Where to Stay in Marbella? The 6 Best Areas & Places to Stay appeared first on Destination Well Known.

The roads wind over mountain ridges more than 2,000 metres high, and on the same day you can have cloud on the east side and sunshine on the west, so your choice of area matters more here than on the other islands. You should also plan on hiring a car, so check the prices of car hire on Booking.com before you book your hotel. Here are my six suggestions.

Where to Stay on La Palma: The Best Areas

• Santa Cruz de La Palma - best area for first-time visitors without a car
• Los Cancajos - best area for families and beach holidays close to the airport
• Los Llanos de Aridane & Tazacorte - best area for sunshine, day trips and volcano views
• Puerto Naos - best area for a beach holiday on the west coast
• Fuencaliente - best area for volcanoes, wine and peace and quiet
• Barlovento & Los Sauces - best area for hikers and natural pools

Below, I go through the six areas one at a time, with maps, driving times, price levels and three specific places to stay in each. Bear in mind that La Palma has few traditional hotels. Many of the best places are small apartments, bungalows and casas rurales, and that goes for several of my suggestions too.

1. Santa Cruz de La Palma - best area for first-time visitors without a car

• Distance to the centre: You’re staying in the island’s capital, and everything in the Old Town is within a 10 to 15-minute walk: Calle Real, Plaza de España, the harbour and the balconies on Avenida Marítima.
• Transport: The town is the hub for the island’s TILP buses (guaguas). Route 300 runs to Los Llanos through the tunnel, route 200 takes the southern road via Fuencaliente, and route 100 goes round the north to Tazacorte. Ferries from Tenerife dock a few minutes’ walk from the centre.
• Time from La Palma Airport: Around 15 minutes by taxi over 9 km, or take bus route 500, which runs between the airport, Los Cancajos and Santa Cruz from early morning until late evening.
• Price level: €€ to €€€. The three hotels below cost roughly £50 to £95 per night when I searched for a week in March.
• Safety: Very safe, in the evening too. The biggest problem is the steep steps and narrow pavements in the upper part of town, so pack light.

Santa Cruz de La Palma was founded in the late 15th century, when Alonso Fernández de Lugo conquered the island for Castile, and for several hundred years the town was an important port on the route to the Americas. The cobbled main street, Calle Real, is lined with merchants’ mansions and small shops, and on Plaza de España you’ll find the town hall and Iglesia del Salvador, which according to Spain’s official tourism portal form a group of Renaissance buildings unlike anything else in the Canary Islands. Down by the water, the colourful wooden balconies hang out over Avenida Marítima, and the Castillo de Santa Catalina fortress protected the town from pirates in the 16th and 17th centuries.

I’d stay here if it’s your first trip to La Palma, especially if you don’t want to drive for the whole holiday. Santa Cruz is the only place on the island where you can step out of the door in the evening and choose between lots of restaurants and bars, and all the buses start from here. If you arrive on the ferry from Los Cristianos on Tenerife, you’ll land right in the centre. Fred. Olsen Express runs the route in around 2 hours and 30 minutes, and Naviera Armas sails it too, so you can bring your own hire car. From Tenerife South Airport it’s a 15-minute drive to the ferry port; see my guide to getting from Tenerife’s airports.

See hotels in Santa Cruz de La Palma here.

The downsides are the weather and the beach. Santa Cruz is on the east side, where the trade winds push the clouds in over the mountains, so it’s more often cloudy and windy here than in Los Llanos and Tazacorte. The town beach is a man-made stretch of black sand right by the promenade, fine for a dip but not a beach worth travelling for. Every five years in July, the town is also packed to bursting during the Bajada de la Virgen, when the island’s patron saint is carried down from the Las Nieves sanctuary and tall men in costume dance the Danza de los Enanos. If you’re visiting then, book well in advance.

Hotels in Santa Cruz de La Palma

Hotel San Telmo - boutique hotel in a 17th-century house with sea views from the roof terrace

Hotel San Telmo is set in a restored 17th-century house with a traditional Canarian courtyard at its heart and a roof terrace overlooking the sea and the rooftops of the Old Town. There are only a few rooms, breakfast is included, and the beach is a five-minute walk away. The hotel is in the upper part of town, so there are quite a few steps down to Calle Real, and guests mention that the lift doesn’t always work.

One guest writes on Booking.com: “The staff were friendly and very helpful.”

See photos and book Hotel San Telmo here.

Hotel Castillete - simple hotel with apartments and sea views on Avenida Marítima

Hotel Castillete sits at the northern end of Avenida Marítima, with the sea just across the road and around a 10-minute walk to Plaza de España. It’s a three-star place with large apartment-style rooms, a lift, a café and daily cleaning, and it’s one of the few proper hotels in town. On the other hand, the décor is worn, there can be noise from the street and the neighbours, and on-street parking is limited.

From one review: “The apartment was spacious, exceptionally clean and was cleaned every day.”

See photos and book Hotel Castillete here.

Apartamentos La Fuente - budget apartments in an old house in the middle of the Old Town

Apartamentos La Fuente is on Calle Pérez de Brito, one of the old streets behind Calle Real, and it’s the cheapest of my suggestions in town. The apartments have kitchens, there’s a sun terrace on the roof and a laundry, and you can walk everywhere. The building has no lift, so you’ll have to haul your suitcase up the stairs, and guests mention that doors slamming at night can be heard throughout the house.

One guest highlights the “fantastic location” and the “exceptionally friendly” staff.

See photos and book Apartamentos La Fuente here.

2. Los Cancajos - best area for families and beach holidays close to the airport

• Distance to the centre: About 5 km south of Santa Cruz. Los Cancajos itself is a small holiday settlement around the beach with a supermarket, restaurants, dive centres and a handful of hotels.
• Transport: Bus 500 stops in Los Cancajos on its way between the airport and Santa Cruz, so you can manage without a car if you only want a beach holiday and to see the capital. If you want to see the rest of the island, you’ll need a car.
• Time from La Palma Airport: About 10 minutes. The tourist office says a taxi costs 7 to 9 euros (around £6 to £8).
• Price level: €€ to €€€. The three places below cost roughly £60 to £120 per night when I searched for a week in March.
• Safety: Quiet and family-friendly. Keep the children inside the sheltered coves, because beyond the breakwaters the Atlantic is powerful.

If you’re wondering where to stay on La Palma for a proper beach holiday, Los Cancajos is the east coast’s resort and the closest the island comes to a classic beach resort. The beach is made up of small coves of black lava sand sheltered by breakwaters, so the water is calm enough for children, and a promenade runs along the seafront with restaurants, shops and a couple of the island’s largest hotels with pools. The settlement belongs to the municipality of Breña Baja and is just five minutes from the airport, making it the easiest place to arrive on a late flight.

I would choose Los Cancajos if you’re travelling with children and want a pool, a beach and ice cream within walking distance, or if you want to dive. The water off the breakwaters is clear, and several dive centres are right on the beach. Santa Cruz is ten minutes away on bus 500, so you can have dinner in the capital in the evening and still sleep by the beach. If you’d like a hotel with more peace and a garden, Parador de La Palma sits on the hill above Los Cancajos, a few minutes’ drive from the beach.

See hotels in Los Cancajos here.

Be honest with yourself about what you want. Los Cancajos is small, the beach gets crowded in high season, and the choice of restaurants in the evening is limited. Most importantly, it’s on the east side, where clouds hang over the mountains in the afternoon, while the west coast often has sunshine. If a beach holiday with guaranteed sun is your top priority and you don’t mind driving a bit for it, look at Puerto Naos further down the guide. If you want both without driving, Los Cancajos is the best compromise on the island.

Hotels in Los Cancajos

H10 Taburiente Playa - the large four-star beach hotel with a pool right by the sand

H10 Taburiente Playa sits directly on Playa de los Cancajos and is the most complete hotel on the east coast, with a heated pool, children’s pool, tennis court, sauna, evening entertainment and a buffet restaurant. The rooms are large and many have sea views, but quite a few guests feel the décor is worn, and the buffet food gets mixed reviews. Street parking costs about 10 euros (around £8) a day.

One guest writes on Booking.com: “The location and the room were fantastic, and the facilities excellent.”

See photos and book H10 Taburiente Playa here.

Amelia Cancajos - modern apartment with a shared pool a few minutes’ walk from the beach

Amelia Cancajos is on Calle La Corvina, a little way up the hill behind the beach, and has a terrace, a garden, an outdoor pool open all year round, sun loungers and an electric car charging point. The apartment suits a family who would rather have their own kitchen than a hotel buffet. You’ll have to walk a couple of hundred metres up and down the hill to the beach, and a few guests have been less enthusiastic about the pool area and the garden.

From one review: “We really enjoyed our holiday. Fantastic place.”

See photos and book Amelia Cancajos here.

Cascada de colores - budget ground-floor apartment in a complex with a pool, children’s pool and bar

Cascada de colores is a ground-floor apartment in Urbanización La Cascada, less than a kilometre from the beach, with access to the complex’s outdoor pool, children’s pool, garden and bar. It’s the cheapest of my three suggestions and a sensible base for a family with a hire car. The apartment is on the ground floor of a large complex, so there may be noise from neighbours and the pool area outside the set quiet hours.

One of the guests writes: “The apartment was very comfortable and well equipped.”

See photos and book Cascada de colores here.

3. Los Llanos de Aridane & Tazacorte - best area for sunshine, day trips and volcano views

• Distance to the centre: Los Llanos is the island’s largest town and sits on the west side, about 35 km and a 40-minute drive from Santa Cruz. Puerto de Tazacorte and its beach lie about 7 km below the town.
• Transport: Los Llanos is the bus hub for the west side. Line 300 runs to Santa Cruz through the tunnel, line 200 goes round the south via Fuencaliente, and line 204 runs down to Puerto Naos. Even so, if you stay here you should have a car.
• Time from La Palma Airport: About 40 minutes by car over the mountains on the LP-3 and through the tunnel. By bus 500 to Santa Cruz and then line 300 onwards, allow a good hour and a half.
• Price level: € to €€€€. The three places below cost around £50 to £290 a night when I searched for a week in March.
• Safety: Safe. Los Llanos is a working town with traffic and tight parking in the centre, so head straight for the car parks.

The west side is the sunny side of the island. Tazacorte calls itself the municipality in Spain with the most hours of sunshine, and the Aridane Valley is covered in banana plantations all the way down to the sea. Los Llanos de Aridane is a proper town with tapas bars around Plaza de España, shops and a local life that isn’t geared towards tourists. Seven kilometres further down lies Puerto de Tazacorte, with the island’s longest black sand beach, almost two kilometres long and protected by a breakwater so families can swim, plus fish restaurants and a marina where the whale-watching boats depart from.

Here you’re staying right in the middle of the island’s biggest attractions. The Tajogaite volcano from the 2021 eruption lies just south of the town, and you can see the black lava flows from Mirador de Tajuya in El Paso. If you want to get close, you need to go with an authorised guide, as you’re not allowed to walk up to the crater on your own. The official route with a local guide costs about €37 (around £30) and takes four hours. In Las Manchas you can walk into the Cueva de las Palomas lava tube from the Caños de Fuego visitor centre, and in El Paso you’ll find the visitor centre for the Caldera de Taburiente National Park, which according to the Spanish national parks agency is open every day from 9am to 6pm. From here you drive up to the La Cumbrecita viewpoint, where the car park is small, so arrive early.

See hotels in Los Llanos de Aridane and Tazacorte here.

The downside is that Los Llanos isn’t a holiday resort. The town has no beach, there’s traffic, and the valley gets hot in summer. Puerto de Tazacorte is a nicer place to stay but small, and above the village of Tazacorte it’s a steep climb to everything. I’d choose this area if you want to see as much of the island as possible, because from here it’s a short trip to the volcanoes, the caldera and the beaches of the west coast.

Hotels in Los Llanos de Aridane & Tazacorte

Hotel Hacienda de Abajo - the island’s most beautiful hotel, set in a 17th-century sugar plantation in Tazacorte

Hotel Hacienda de Abajo occupies a restored 17th-century sugar hacienda in the middle of the village of Tazacorte and is filled with antiques, paintings and tropical gardens. The hotel is adults only (from age 14), and there’s a heated pool, spa, restaurant and pool bar. The beach at Puerto de Tazacorte is about 2 km down the hill. It’s by far the most expensive place in this guide, and some guests feel the beds don’t live up to the price.

One guest writes on Booking.com: “The hotel is beautiful with lovely gardens and full of wonderful paintings and antiques.”

See photos and book Hotel Hacienda de Abajo here.

Hotel Benahoare - solid three-star town hotel a few minutes from Plaza de España in Los Llanos

Hotel Benahoare is on a side street in the centre of Los Llanos and is the best-rated proper hotel in town. The rooms are soundproofed and air-conditioned, there’s a hot tub and rooftop sun terrace, and you can walk to the restaurants on the square in a couple of minutes. The hotel has no parking of its own, so you’ll need to find a space nearby, and breakfast is simple.

From one review: “The hotel is super comfortable and pleasant.”

See photos and book Hotel Benahoare here.

Casitas Rosheli - small houses with a pool and views over the valley on the edge of Los Llanos

Casitas Rosheli is a small complex of houses with kitchens on Camino Los Lomos above Los Llanos. There’s a pool overlooking the valley and the sea, a barbecue, a sun terrace and free parking, and the price is low for what you get. It’s a 15-minute walk down to the centre and rather longer back up, so it’s a place for people with a car, and at night the sound from the town can carry up the hillside.

One guest highlights: “Value for money exceeded expectations!”

See photos and book Casitas Rosheli here.

4. Puerto Naos - best area for a beach holiday on the west coast

• Distance to the centre: About 10 km south of Los Llanos along the coast road. Puerto Naos is a small resort town built around the beach and the palm-lined promenade.
• Transport: Route 204 links Puerto Naos with Los Llanos, where you change for the rest of the island. A car is by far the easiest option, and many apartments have free parking.
• Time from La Palma Airport: About 60 minutes and 40 km. According to the island’s tourist office, a taxi costs 45 to 48 euros (around £40).
• Price level: €€. The three apartments below cost roughly £55 to £75 a night when I searched for a week in March.
• Safety: Safe, but the area is still monitored with sensors for volcanic gas (CO2). Follow the signs and check the current status with the Cabildo de La Palma before you book.

For many years, Puerto Naos was La Palma’s main beach resort, with a wide black-sand beach, a promenade beneath tall palm trees and large hotels. Then came the Tajogaite eruption in 2021. The lava never reached the town, but in the months that followed, CO2 began seeping up from the ground, and both Puerto Naos and the neighbouring settlement of La Bombilla were completely closed off for several years. Since then, the area has gradually reopened, house by house and business by business, as the readings have allowed, and the whole beach is open for swimming again. More than 1,500 sensors keep an eye on the gas, and some buildings and premises may still not have been cleared.

So my advice is simple: check the current status with the Cabildo de La Palma before you book, and expect fewer restaurants and shops than before the eruption. In return, you get the west coast’s best beach almost to yourself, sunshine from morning to evening and a view up over the banana plantations to the black volcano. Paragliders often land on the beach, and a few kilometres to the north is the small swimming cove of Charco Verde, which bus 204 also serves.

See hotels in Puerto Naos here.

Puerto Naos suits you if you want beach, sun and peace and quiet and don’t care about nightlife. Most of what you can book here is apartments and small complexes, and many owners have returned after several years of closure, so standards vary. Read the reviews carefully and choose places with plenty of recent ratings. Evenings are quiet, and if you need a bigger supermarket or a pharmacy, you’ll have to drive to Los Llanos.

Hotels in Puerto Naos

La Muralla Apartamentos - apartments with an infinity pool and views over the whole bay

La Muralla Apartamentos sits on the hillside above Puerto Naos by the road into town, and it’s the view you’re paying for: an infinity pool with the sea and the whole beach below you. The apartments have a garden, a sun terrace and free parking, and the place has more reviews than anywhere else in town. The downside is that there’s no footpath down to the beach, so you’ll drive the few minutes, and some guests would like better kitchen equipment and more light indoors.

One guest writes on Booking.com: “The location is fantastic.”

See photos and book La Muralla Apartamentos here.

Apartamentos El Faro - well-kept apartment in Edificio El Faro right by the promenade

Apartamentos El Faro is on Paseo el Coral, a few steps from the beach and the promenade, so you can head straight down for a morning swim. The apartment has a terrace, family rooms and a lift in the building, and it’s kept to a high standard. There are fixed quiet hours from 11 pm to 8 am, which is fine for most people, and the place still has relatively few reviews, so you’re booking partly on trust.

From one review: “Very clean and comfortable apartment, prepared to a high standard and well equipped for every need.”

See photos and book Apartamentos El Faro here.

Apartamento Mar y Sol - budget apartment with a lift a couple of streets from the beach

Apartamento Mar y Sol is on Avenida de la Cruz Roja, a few minutes’ walk from the beach, and it’s the cheapest of my suggestions in Puerto Naos. The building has a lift, there’s garden furniture outside, and the owner organises yoga. It’s a simple apartment without a pool, and parking in the surrounding streets can be limited when the town is full.

One of the guests writes: “The apartment was very clean and had everything we needed for a great stay.”

See photos and book Apartamento Mar y Sol here.

5. Fuencaliente - best area for volcanoes, wine and peace and quiet

• Distance to the centre: The village of Los Canarios is the main town of the municipality and sits on the southern tip, around 30 km from Santa Cruz and 25 km from Los Llanos. Getting down to the lighthouse and the salt pans means another 7 km of steep road.
• Transport: Route 200 between Santa Cruz and Los Llanos runs via Los Canarios. To get down to the coast you’ll need a car, so in practice one is essential.
• Time from La Palma Airport: Around 35 to 40 minutes along the LP-2 down the east coast through Villa de Mazo.
• Price level: € to €€€. The three places below cost roughly £50 to £185 a night when I searched for a week in March.
• Safety: Completely safe and very quiet. Drive carefully in fog and on the narrow roads through the vineyards, and keep your distance from the cliff edge on the coast when the sea is rough.

Fuencaliente is the southern tip of the island, and everything here is volcanic. From the village of Los Canarios you can walk up to the crater rim of San Antonio, where the visitor centre explains how the island was formed, and below it lies Teneguía, which in 1971 had Spain’s most recent eruption before Tajogaite and created the beach Playa de Echentive with its natural pools. Right down by the sea stand the two lighthouses: the old one from 1898, which now houses a centre for the marine reserve, and the new red-and-white one. Next to them are the Salinas de Fuencaliente salt pans, where salt is still harvested by hand in square pools in every shade of white, pink and brown. This is also where you’ll find one of the best restaurants on the island, El Jardín de la Sal.

The area is also the island’s wine country. Bodegas Teneguía and Juan María Torres have been making wine for more than 60 years, and the malvasía grape grows in black volcanic gravel at Llanos Negros, where the vines lie almost flat on the ground to cope with the wind. For hikers, the Ruta de los Volcanes ends here: the third stage of the GR 131 runs from Refugio El Pilar along the entire southern ridge to Fuencaliente, 23.7 km and graded as difficult, and in my opinion it’s the best hike on the island. Once darkness falls, the lighthouse is designated as one of the island’s official stargazing viewpoints.

See hotels in Fuencaliente here.

I’d stay here if you want to hike, drink wine and enjoy some peace and quiet. The accommodation is almost all casas rurales, bungalows and small apartments with views, plus one large adults-only hotel down on the coast. The drawbacks are obvious: Los Canarios sits high up and can be wrapped in cloud and wind while the coast is sunny, there are only a few restaurants open in the evening, and you need a car for everything. If you’re coming to surf, La Zamora beach is the place, but it’s not one for children.

Hotels in Fuencaliente

Esencia de La Palma by Princess - large four-star adults-only hotel with a spa on the coast below Los Canarios

Esencia de La Palma by Princess is the only large hotel in southern La Palma and sits on the rocky coast below Los Canarios, with a heated pool, spa, tennis court, mini golf, evening entertainment and free parking. It’s adults only and works best if you want a classic resort holiday with day trips by car. The location is remote, and several guests feel the food doesn’t live up to four stars.

One guest writes on Booking.com: “Beautiful hotel, fantastic grill, honestly, everything was good.”

See photos and book Esencia de La Palma by Princess here.

Casa Simon Villa Colón - apartments and bungalows with a saltwater pool and sea views in Los Quemados

Casa Simon Villa Colón is in the small hamlet of Los Quemados, west of Los Canarios, with views down over the vineyards to the sea. There’s a saltwater pool with a view, a sun terrace, air conditioning and free parking, and the apartments have kitchens, so you can cook while watching the sunset. It’s on a small lane among the vines and, according to several guests, can be hard to find the first time, so save the address on your phone.

From one review: “Wonderfully designed pool and a fantastic view.”

See photos and book Casa Simon Villa Colón here.

Apartamentos Los Volcanes - simple apartments in the middle of Los Canarios by the main road and the bus stop

Apartamentos Los Volcanes is on the main street in Los Canarios, so you have the bakery, the bars and the bus stop right outside the door. The apartments are simple but clean, there’s a sun terrace, daily cleaning and a games room, and it’s the cheapest of my suggestions in the south. Because it faces the main road, there can be a bit of traffic noise in the mornings, and the parking is a short walk away.

One guest highlights: “The host was fantastic and helpful, and communication was good and very easy.”

See photos and book Apartamentos Los Volcanes here.

6. Barlovento & Los Sauces - best area for hikers and natural pools

• Distance to the centre: Los Sauces is around 25 km north of Santa Cruz along the LP-1 coast road, and Barlovento is a further 7 km to the north-west on the northern tip of the island.
• Transport: Line 100 between Santa Cruz and Tazacorte runs all the way round the north of the island via Los Sauces and Barlovento, but services are infrequent. You’ll need a car here.
• Time from La Palma Airport: Around 40 minutes to Los Sauces and 50 minutes to Barlovento. To Roque de los Muchachos, allow roughly an hour and a half’s drive.
• Price level: € to €€. The three places below cost roughly £55 to £100 per night when I searched for a week in March.
• Safety: Safe. The biggest risks are the roads, which are narrow, steep and full of tunnels cut into the rock, and the weather, as cloud and rain can hang here all day while the west side is sunny.

The north of the island is the green, wet side of La Palma, and this is where it looks most like something from another age. Near Los Sauces lies Los Tilos, one of the best-preserved laurel forests in the Canary Islands and the island’s first biosphere reserve, with a small visitor centre and a waterfall right next to it. From here starts the famous hike to the Marcos y Cordero springs, where you take a 4×4 taxi up to Casa del Monte and walk back down through 13 water tunnels with a torch. From the village of San Andrés, you can walk around 1.5 km along the coast to the Charco Azul natural pool, and in Barlovento you’ll find La Fajana, with three sheltered pools calm enough for children and fish restaurants right beside them.

The area suits you if you want to hike and don’t mind the odd spot of rain. The island’s GR 130 circular route passes through the villages of Gallegos and Franceses, crossing deep ravines towards Garafía, and up at Laguna de Barlovento, 650 metres above sea level, there are picnic areas and pine forest. From here you can also drive up to Roque de los Muchachos at 2,426 metres, home to the observatory. The Instituto de Astrofísica de Canarias offers guided daytime visits of around an hour and a half, which must be booked in advance and are paused in winter, and in the evening you can join a stargazing tour to Roque de los Muchachos with sunset and wine for around 55 euros (about £45).

See accommodation in Barlovento and Los Sauces here.

The downsides are the rain, long drives and few restaurants, and you’ll be staying in casas rurales and holiday homes rather than hotels. If you’d prefer more sunshine, the alternative is the north-west around Tijarafe and Puntagorda, where it’s drier, the drive up to Roque de los Muchachos is shorter, and Puntagorda’s weekend market makes a good day out. But if you want laurel forest and natural pools right on your doorstep, this is where to stay.

Hotels in Barlovento & Los Sauces

Riegos de Lino - holiday home with its own restaurant right by the La Fajana natural pools

Riegos de Lino is on Calle la Fajana, a few metres from the natural pools in Barlovento, and it’s the closest you’ll get to staying by the water in the north of the island. There’s a restaurant on site, a terrace, sun loungers and free parking, and pets are welcome. It’s the most expensive of my three suggestions up here. The coast is exposed to the wind, and when the restaurant is busy, you can hear it in the apartment.

One guest writes on Booking.com: “The apartment was spotlessly clean with every facility, including a very well-equipped kitchen.”

See photos and book Riegos de Lino here.

Los Boleros - small holiday home with a pool, barbecue and views up in Barlovento

Los Boleros is a holiday home on Calle las Paredes in Barlovento with a year-round outdoor pool, barbecue, garden, sun loungers and heating for the cool evenings you get up here. The host is praised in almost every review, and the price is low for a whole house with a pool. It’s tucked away on a small lane, so you’ll need a car for everything, including dinner.

From one review: “Marianne was really helpful and friendly.”

See photos and book Los Boleros here.

Hostal Bubango - cheap, top-rated guesthouse in the middle of Los Sauces

Hostal Bubango is in the middle of Los Sauces and is one of the best-rated budget places on the whole island, with a score above 9 from many hundreds of guests. There are rooms with private bathrooms and rooms with shared bathrooms, a shared kitchen, a garden, luggage storage and free parking, and you can walk to the town’s bars and supermarket. Rooms facing the street can get traffic noise, so ask for one at the back.

One guest highlights: “Everything was spotlessly clean and tidy.”

See photos and book Hostal Bubango here.

Where not to stay on La Palma?

The first trap is the name. If you just type “La Palma” into the search box on Booking.com, you risk getting hotels in Palma de Mallorca, and that has happened to more people than you’d think. Always check that the address ends in Santa Cruz de Tenerife, the province La Palma belongs to. The second trap is booking a cheap country house high up in the mountains in Garafía, Puntallana or the upper settlements of El Paso without a car. The houses are beautiful, but there’s no evening bus, no restaurant within walking distance and dark, winding roads you won’t want to drive after dinner. Also avoid booking in Puerto Naos and La Bombilla without checking the current situation, and don’t plan a pure beach holiday on the east coast in the winter months if sunshine is your priority. And if you want long sandy beaches and big resorts, Fuerteventura is a better island than La Palma.

If it’s your first trip to La Palma and you’d rather not drive, I’d stay in Santa Cruz de La Palma or Los Cancajos and use the buses plus a single guided excursion. If you have a car and a week, I’d split the holiday: three or four nights in Los Llanos or Puerto de Tazacorte for the volcanoes and the caldera, and the rest in Fuencaliente or the north of the island, depending on whether you’d rather have wine and stars or laurel forest and natural pools.

If you’re combining La Palma with one of the neighbouring islands, which the ferry makes easy, my guides to where to stay on Tenerife and where to stay on Gran Canaria can help you with the other half of your trip.

The post Where to Stay on La Palma? The 6 Best Areas & Places to Stay appeared first on Destination Well Known.

If you land in the middle of the night, are travelling as a group with lots of luggage, or are staying out by the beach, a taxi for around €20 to €25 can be worth the money, and Uber, Cabify and Bolt also operate from the airport. Here you’ll find all the options with prices, journey times and stops, and I’ll also explain how to travel on to Madrid, Barcelona and Alicante by train and bus.

If you’d rather drive yourself from the airport, you can compare prices on hire cars at Booking.com.

Quick overview: Valencia Airport to the city centre

• Metro lines 3 and 5: €4.80 (around £4) plus €1.10 (around £1) for the card, around 20 minutes to Xàtiva by Estación del Norte, each line runs roughly every 15 minutes on weekdays and roughly every 20 minutes at weekends from early morning until about 11.30pm.
• Bus 150: €4.80 (around £4), 45 to 55 minutes to Avinguda de l’Oest by Mercat Central, roughly every half hour Monday to Saturday, no services on Sundays and public holidays.
• Taxi: around €20 to €25 (around £17 to £21) to the city centre on the meter, 15 to 20 minutes without traffic, minimum fare €12.50 (around £10) from the airport.
• Uber, Cabify and Bolt: roughly the same price as a taxi, all three have pick-up at the terminal, and the app shows you exactly where.
• Private transfer: from around €110 (around £90) per car, the driver waits in the arrivals hall with a sign.
• Hire car: the rental desks are on the ground floor of the terminal, and the cars are parked in car park P1 directly opposite. Fine for Albufera and the coast, a hassle in the city centre.

How to find the transport at the airport

Valencia Airport has one connected terminal building, where T1 and the smaller regional terminal T2 sit under the same roof, so you can’t get lost. The arrivals hall is on the ground floor, and when you come out from baggage reclaim, just follow the signs with the red metro logo. Aeroport metro station lies beneath the regional part of the terminal, a couple of minutes’ walk from the arrivals hall, and Metrovalencia has an information office in the arrivals area where you can get help with your ticket. The city’s tourist office also has a desk in the arrivals hall, and this is where you collect a Valencia Tourist Card if you’ve bought one in advance.

Bus 150 stops just outside the arrivals hall in T1, and the taxi rank is also just outside the arrivals exit. Uber, Cabify and Bolt have pick-up at the terminal, and the app shows you the exact meeting point when you book. The car hire desks are on the ground floor of the terminal, while the cars themselves are parked in car park P1 directly opposite the building. You’ll find an overview of all the transport options and maps of the terminal at Aena, which runs the airport.

1. Metro lines 3 and 5 to Àngel Guimerà, Xàtiva and Colón

The metro is by far the easiest way to get from Valencia Airport to the city centre. Lines 3 and 5 share the same route from Aeroport station through Manises, Quart de Poblet and Mislata and on under the city, so you can simply hop on the first train that turns up if you’re heading for the centre. In the city, both lines stop at Nou d’Octubre, Avinguda del Cid, Àngel Guimerà, Xàtiva, Colón and Alameda, and only after that do they split: line 3 carries on north to Benimaclet and Rafelbunyol, while line 5 turns east to Marítim by the port. The journey to Àngel Guimerà and Xàtiva takes around 20 minutes, and you’ll reach Colón in about 25 minutes.

Each line runs roughly every 15 minutes on weekdays and about every 20 minutes at weekends and on public holidays, and because the two lines follow the same route into town, you’ll rarely wait more than 10 minutes for a train. The first trains into the city leave just after 5.30am on weekdays and a little later at weekends, and the last regular departures run at around 11.30pm, with a few extra night trains on Friday and Saturday nights. Times change regularly, and during engineering works the last services may terminate before the airport, so check the current timetable with Metrovalencia before you count on a late metro.

Fares and tickets

Aeroport station sits in its own fare zone, so a single ticket from the airport to the centre costs €4.80 (around £4), plus €1.10 (around £1) for the cardboard card the ticket is loaded onto, which brings your first ticket to €5.90 (around £5). By comparison, a standard journey within the city costs €1.50 (around £1.25), so the airport supplement is noticeable. You’ll find the fares on Visit Valencia. You buy your ticket from the machines in the station, which accept bank cards, and you need to use the same card at the ticket barriers both on the way in and on the way out. Metrovalencia is in the process of replacing its barriers so that you’ll eventually be able to pay directly with a bank card, but don’t count on that working at your station just yet.

Hang on to the cardboard card, as you can top it up for the rest of the week. If you’ll be making several journeys, you can load a SUMA 10 onto it, a 10-journey ticket valid on the metro, trams, city buses and Metrobus, with free transfers within 90 minutes. A SUMA 10 for the city (zone A) normally costs about €9 (around £7.50), but the price has at times been cut thanks to public subsidies, so check the current fare with the transport authority ATMV. Metrovalencia’s own stored-value card, TuiN, still exists, but it’s only valid on the metro and trams, so for most visitors the SUMA 10 is the simplest choice.

If you’ll be using the metro and buses a lot, the Valencia Tourist Card is often the best deal. It costs around €17 (around £14) for 24 hours, €24 (around £20) for 48 hours and €30 (around £25) for 72 hours, and it covers all public transport in zones A and B, including the metro to and from the airport, so you save on both the airport ticket and the cardboard card. You can buy it online at a discount and collect it from the tourist office in the arrivals hall, and you can read more in Visit Valencia’s shop.

Where should you get off?

Àngel Guimerà: The first major interchange in the city, where you can change to lines 1 and 2. The station lies west of the centre in the Extramurs district, and this is where to get off if you’re heading on to the bus station by the Túria or to a hotel on Gran Vía Fernando el Católico.

Xàtiva: The stop for most people. You come up right by the beautiful Estación del Norte railway station and the bullring, and from here it’s a 3-minute walk to Plaza del Ayuntamiento and 10 minutes to the cathedral. If you’re staying in Ciutat Vella, Valencia’s Old Town, this is your stop, and you can see hotels in Ciutat Vella here. If you’re staying in trendy Ruzafa with all its cafés, walk 10 minutes south-east round the back of the railway station, and you can see hotels in Ruzafa here.

Colón: The station beneath the shopping street Carrer de Colón on the eastern edge of the centre, close to Mercado de Colón and the smart part of Eixample. If you’re staying north or east of the Old Town, you’ll often save yourself a bit of walking by going one stop further than Xàtiva.

Alameda: This station lies beneath the Turia Gardens in the dried-up riverbed, and from here it’s about a 25-minute walk through the park to the City of Arts and Sciences. It’s a lovely stroll without luggage, but with suitcases I’d take a taxi from the airport instead. If you’d like to stay near the futuristic complex, you can see hotels near the City of Arts and Sciences here.

Marítim: The terminus of line 5, out by the port. From here, change to tram line 6 towards Tossal del Rei, which takes you to Les Arenes and Eugènia Viñes just behind Malvarrosa beach in a few minutes. The tram is part of Metrovalencia, so the transfer is normally included in the same ticket when you change straight away. If you want to wake up to a sea view, you can see hotels near Malvarrosa here. If you’re unsure which part of the city suits you best, read my guide to where to stay in Valencia, where I go through the areas and the hotels.

2. Bus 150 to Avinguda de l’Oest

Bus 150 is the regional Metrobus route between the airport and Valencia, run by the company Fernanbus under the transport authority’s shared Met Go brand. The bus stops just outside the arrivals hall at T1 and runs through Manises, Quart de Poblet and Mislata before continuing along Avenida del Cid into the city. On the way into the centre, its stops include Gran Vía Ramón y Cajal near Estación del Norte, and it terminates at Avinguda de l’Oest by Mercat Central, about a 5-minute walk from Plaza del Ayuntamiento. Allow 45 to 55 minutes for the whole journey, and longer at rush hour.

A single ticket costs €4.80 (around £4) and is bought from the driver, and both a SUMA 10 including the airport zone and the Valencia Tourist Card are valid on the bus. Buses run roughly every half hour from around 5.20am until about 11pm on weekdays, slightly less often on Saturdays, and in August a reduced summer timetable applies. Route 150 doesn’t run at all on Sundays and public holidays, and at night there’s only a night service, 150N, with just a few departures. You’ll find the timetable and stops on Met Go.

Here’s my honest verdict: the bus costs exactly the same as the metro and takes twice as long, so it’s only plan B. It makes sense if you’re staying along Avenida del Cid or in Mislata, or if the metro is closed for engineering works. If you land on a Sunday, you can forget about it altogether.

3. Taxi from Valencia Airport

The taxi rank is just outside the arrivals hall, and there are almost always enough cars, even at night. Taxis in Valencia always run on the meter, and there is no official fixed fare between the airport and the city centre, so don’t accept offers of a “fixed price” from drivers who approach you inside the terminal.

Fares and supplements

Fares are set by the regional government for the whole Valencia area. On weekdays between 7am and 9pm, tariff 1 applies, with a starting fare of 2 euros (around £1.70) and roughly 1.36 euros (around £1.15) per kilometre, while tariff 2 applies at night, on Saturdays and on public holidays, with a starting fare of 2.60 euros (around £2.20) and roughly 1.48 euros (around £1.25) per kilometre. On top of that there’s an airport supplement of around 5.40 euros (around £4.50), and a ride from the airport always costs at least 12.50 euros (around £10), even if you’re only going to Manises. The current fares are listed in the regional government’s fare sheet for Valencia’s taxis, and they’re usually adjusted once a year, so treat the amounts as approximate.

In practice, this means a ride to Plaza del Ayuntamiento or Ciutat Vella typically comes to 20 to 25 euros (around £15 to £20) during the day and a bit more at night and at weekends. If you’re heading out to the City of Arts and Sciences or the beach at Malvarrosa, expect to pay 25 to 30 euros (around £20 to £25). The journey takes 15 to 20 minutes without traffic. Most taxis take cards, but ask before you get in, and you can also book through the Pidetaxi app or through Uber, which books regular taxis in Valencia.

A taxi makes sense if there are three or four of you with suitcases, as it then costs roughly the same as four metro tickets, if you land after the last metro, or if you’re staying somewhere the metro doesn’t reach anyway. For one person heading to the city centre, it’s pure luxury compared with the metro.

4. Uber, Cabify and Bolt

All three apps work in Valencia, and they all operate from the airport. Cabify and Bolt won the airport’s tender for their own signposted pick-up zones at the terminal, and Uber shows you the meeting point in the app when you book. Uber offers both its own cars in the UberX, Comfort and Van categories and regular taxis through the app, so you can compare prices straight away. You can read about pick-ups on the Uber website.

Price-wise, the three apps are usually on a par with taxis, around 20 to 30 euros (around £15 to £25) to the city centre, and they can be a little cheaper outside peak times and more expensive when lots of flights land at once, because prices follow demand. The advantage is that you know the price in advance, you don’t have to explain the address, and you can pre-book a car for a specific time, which is handy if you land late. Wait until you’ve got your luggage before booking, otherwise the car will arrive before you’re ready, and drivers aren’t allowed to wait long.

5. Private transfer

A private transfer is a pre-booked car with a driver who waits in the arrivals hall with your name on a sign and drives you straight to your hotel door. In Valencia it’s honestly overkill for most people, because the airport is so close to the city that a taxi does the same job for a fraction of the price. Prices start at around 110 euros (around £90) per car, so it only makes sense if you’re a larger group needing a minibus, if you need child seats or have special requirements, or if you’re heading to a hotel outside the city and want the price sorted before you leave home.

Book a private transfer from Valencia Airport here.

Remember to enter your flight number when booking so the driver can keep track of any delays, and check how many passengers and suitcases the price covers. Most providers require booking at least 12 hours in advance, so it’s not something you can sort out in the arrivals hall.

6. Car hire from Valencia Airport

The car hire desks are on the ground floor of the terminal, and you’ll find Avis, Enterprise, Europcar, Goldcar, Hertz, OK Mobility and Sixt, among others. The cars themselves are in car park P1 directly opposite the terminal, so you’re on your way within minutes. The airport sits right by the V-11 motorway, which links the A-3 towards Madrid with the V-30 ring road, so you’ll be out of the city before you’ve got used to the car.

A car is excellent if you want to see the Albufera Natural Park and the rice fields south of the city, the long beaches at El Saler and Cullera, the seaside town of Gandía, the castle in Xàtiva or the wine region around Requena. If you’d like to see what else there is to experience in and around the city, I’ve put it all together in my guide to the sights of Valencia. But in the city itself, a car is a millstone round your neck. Large parts of Ciutat Vella are reserved for residents and monitored by cameras, the city has a low emission zone, and parking in the centre is expensive and hard to find. My recommendation is therefore to stay in the city without a car and only pick one up at the airport or from a hire company in town on the day you head out into the countryside. The easiest way to compare prices is via the link at the top of the article.

Onward from Valencia Airport to Madrid, Barcelona and Alicante

Valencia makes a good hub if you want to combine the city with other parts of Spain. All long-distance trains leave from Joaquín Sorolla station, and long-distance coaches from the Estación de Autobuses, and both are easy to reach from the airport.

Trains from Joaquín Sorolla

Joaquín Sorolla is Valencia’s high-speed station, about 800 metres south of Estación del Norte. From the airport, take the metro to Xàtiva and walk 10 to 12 minutes along Carrer de Bailén, or hop on the free shuttle bus that Renfe runs between the two stations for passengers with a train ticket. Jesús metro station on lines 1 and 2 is also just a few minutes’ walk from Joaquín Sorolla if you change at Àngel Guimerà, and a taxi straight from the airport costs around 20 to 25 euros (roughly £17 to £21).

To Madrid, AVE trains run to Atocha and Chamartín in around 1 hour 40 minutes to 1 hour 50 minutes, and the budget operators Iryo and Ouigo run the same route, so there are departures almost every hour. To Barcelona Sants, the Euromed runs along the coast in around 2 hours 50 minutes to 3 hours, and to Alicante the Euromed and other long-distance trains take around 1 hour 45 minutes to 2 hours. Prices vary hugely with demand, from around 20 euros (about £17) if you book well ahead to well over 60 euros (about £50) close to departure, so book on Renfe as soon as your dates are fixed. If you’re staying in the capital, I have a guide on where to stay in Madrid, and one on where to stay in Barcelona if you’re heading north.

Coaches from Estación de Autobuses

Long-distance coaches leave from the Estación de Autobuses on Avenida de Menéndez Pidal, north of the Turia park. From the airport, take the metro to Àngel Guimerà, change to line 1 or 2 and get off at Túria, from where it’s about a 5-minute walk. ALSA runs from here to Alicante, Benidorm and Barcelona and on to Andalusia, while Avanza runs to Madrid and Madrid’s airport. The coach is cheaper than the train but takes roughly twice as long, so it’s mainly for you if you’re on a budget or heading to a town without a rail connection. If you’re thinking of combining Valencia with the Costa Blanca, you can read my guide on where to stay in Alicante, and if you’re flying home from there, I also have a guide to getting from Alicante Airport to the city centre.

Getting back to the airport

From the centre, take the metro from Xàtiva, Colón or Àngel Guimerà towards Aeroport. Lines 3 and 5 stop at the same platform on the stretch through the city, but keep an eye on the sign on the train, as some services, especially late in the evening and during engineering works, terminate before the airport. The first trains to the airport run early in the morning on weekdays and later at weekends, so if you have a flight before 7am, check the timetable the evening before or take a taxi instead. Allow 20 to 25 minutes on the metro plus the walk from your hotel.

A taxi from the centre to the airport costs around 20 to 25 euros (roughly £17 to £21) and takes 15 to 20 minutes, but Avenida del Cid can be gridlocked in the morning rush hour, so give yourself extra time. Uber, Cabify and Bolt can be pre-booked for a set time, which is handy if you need to leave before the metro starts running. Bus 150 runs back to the airport from Avinguda de l’Oest and Àngel Guimerà, but remember that it doesn’t run on Sundays.

If you’re returning a hire car, follow the signs for the airport’s P1 car park, where the rental companies have their drop-off bays, and fill up the tank beforehand, otherwise the company will add a fee on top. Valencia Airport is medium-sized, but in summer and at weekends there can be long queues at security in the morning, so be there 2 hours before departure.

Which option should you choose?

Here’s my recommendation based on where you’re staying:

Ciutat Vella and Plaza del Ayuntamiento: Take the metro to Xàtiva or Colón for 4.80 euros (around £4) plus the card. You’ll be there in 20 to 25 minutes and can walk to most hotels in the Old Town.

Ruzafa: The metro to Xàtiva and a 10-minute walk round the back of Estación del Norte. With heavy suitcases, a taxi for around 20 euros (about £17) is a good alternative.

Malvarrosa and the beach: Line 5 to Marítim and tram 6 to Les Arenes or Eugènia Viñes, around 40 minutes in total. A taxi costs around 25 to 30 euros (roughly £21 to £25) and is the easiest option with luggage.

Ciudad de las Artes: Here I’d take a taxi for around 25 euros (about £21), as the metro doesn’t stop nearby. Without luggage, the metro to Alameda and a stroll through the Turia park is a lovely start to your holiday.

If you land at night: The metro stops at around 11.30pm on weekdays, and bus 150 doesn’t run at night apart from the few departures on the night line. The taxi rank is staffed around the clock, and Uber, Cabify and Bolt also operate, so those are your real options.

3 to 4 people or lots of luggage: A taxi at 20 to 25 euros (roughly £17 to £21) costs about the same as three or four metro tickets with cards, and you avoid hauling your cases through changes and up stairs.

Travelling straight on: If you need to catch a train from Joaquín Sorolla, a taxi straight from the airport is the safe choice. If you have plenty of time, the metro to Xàtiva and the walk or shuttle bus is cheaper.

Practical tips for getting from Valencia Airport to the city centre

Consider the Valencia Tourist Card before you land. The card covers the metro journey to and from the airport and all other public transport in the city, and it gives you discounts at a number of museums. If you’re going to be using the metro and buses every day anyway, it pays for itself in two days, and you avoid queuing at the ticket machine with jet lag and suitcases.

Keep the cardboard card from the machine. You pay for the card the first time, and it can be topped up with new tickets for the rest of your holiday. Each person needs their own card for single tickets, while a SUMA 10 can be shared by several people travelling together, as long as you validate once per person.

Watch the direction on your way back. At the stations in the city centre, both line 3 and line 5 towards Aeroport leave from the same platform, but in the opposite direction they run to different terminuses, and some trains terminate before the airport. If the sign doesn’t say Aeroport, wait for the next one.

Taxis always run on the meter. There’s no fixed fare from the airport, so a driver who offers you a round sum before you set off is usually trying to make a bit extra. Get into a car from the taxi rank, check that the meter is switched on, and expect to pay 20 to 25 euros (around £17 to £21) to the city centre.

If you land on a Sunday, forget bus 150. The route doesn’t run on Sundays and public holidays, and it has no regular night services either. The metro, on the other hand, runs every day of the week, just with slightly longer gaps between trains at the weekend.

Buy your onward train ticket before you land. AVE trains to Madrid and Euromed trains to Barcelona and Alicante quickly become expensive close to departure, and the cheapest seats disappear weeks in advance. Allow at least 2 hours between landing and your train’s departure, so a delay or a long queue at passport control doesn’t cost you your ticket.

The post Valencia Airport to the City Centre – Transport Guide appeared first on Destination Well Known.

Your choice of area matters more here than in many cities. In the Judería you have the Mezquita almost to yourself in the morning, Centro gives you tapas bars and local life, and the station area is handy if you’re arriving by AVE. Here are my five picks.

Where to Stay in Córdoba: The Best Areas

• Judería & Mezquita-Catedral - best area for first-time visitors
• San Basilio & Alcázar - best area for peace and quiet and patios
• Centro, Tendillas & Corredera - best area for tapas and local life
• Santa Marina, San Agustín & Realejo - best area for quiet days away from the tourists
• The Station & Ciudad Jardín - best area for rail travellers and budget stays

Below I go through the five areas one by one with maps, distances, price levels and three specific hotels in each neighbourhood, so you can pick the one that suits your trip and your budget.

1. Judería & Mezquita-Catedral - best area for first-time visitors 🕌

• 📍 Distance to the centre: You’re staying in the heart of the Old Town. The Mezquita-Catedral, the Puente Romano and the Calleja de las Flores are all within a 5-minute walk, and Plaza de las Tendillas is 10 minutes away.
• 🚌 Transport: You won’t need the bus here. Everything is within walking distance, and the streets are so narrow that taxis can only drop you at the edge of the neighbourhood.
• ✈️ Time from Seville Airport: About 2 hours. The EA bus from Seville Airport to Santa Justa, the AVE to Córdoba in about 45 minutes, then a 20-minute walk or a short taxi ride.
• 💰 Price level: €€ to €€€€. The three hotels below cost roughly £135 to £400 per night when I searched for a weekend in May.
• 👮 Safety: Very safe, including in the evening. Keep an eye on pockets and bags in the crowds around the Mezquita and the Calleja de las Flores in the middle of the day.

The Judería is the old Jewish quarter between the Mezquita-Catedral and the city walls to the west. The streets are white, narrow and full of flowerpots, and they all lead down towards the great mosque, which was begun in the 8th century and consecrated as a cathedral in 1236. According to UNESCO, it has been on the World Heritage List since 1984, and in 1994 the whole neighbourhood, the Alcázar, the Puente Romano and the Calahorra Tower were added. On Calle Judíos you’ll find the synagogue from 1315, one of the few medieval synagogues in Spain still standing, and it’s free to visit.

Entry to the Mezquita costs 15 euros (around £13), but Monday to Saturday you can get in free between 8.30 and 9.30. That’s one of the best reasons to stay right here, because you can be waiting at the gate before the day-trippers from Seville arrive. The bell tower costs an extra 4 euros (around £3), and if you want the history too, the guided tour of the Mezquita with a skip-the-line ticket for about 30 euros (around £25) is a good alternative to reading signs.

See hotels in the Judería here.

I’d stay here if it’s your first trip to Córdoba and you only have one or two nights. You’re right next to everything, and from the neighbourhood it’s a two-minute walk down to the Puente Romano, the Roman bridge over the Guadalquivir, which is now pedestrian-only. On the other side stands the Torre de la Calahorra, with a small museum about al-Andalus and the city’s best view back towards the Mezquita. The downside is the daytime: from 10 to 5, the Calleja de las Flores and Calle Judíos are packed with tour groups and souvenir shops, and the food around the Mezquita is the most expensive in the city, so walk a few streets away when you want to eat.

The hotels here are typically small, converted patio houses with 10 to 30 rooms. It’s charming, but it also means small bathrooms, rarely a pool and often stairs instead of a lift. If you have a car, park outside the walls, because you can’t drive into the neighbourhood.

Hotels in Judería & Mezquita-Catedral

Balcón de Córdoba - luxury with a roof terrace a minute from the Mezquita

Balcón de Córdoba is on Calle Encarnación, a minute’s walk from the Mezquita, and has just 10 rooms in an old house with patios and a roof terrace where you can see the bell tower. The hotel has a restaurant, room service and a score of 9.5 on Booking.com, but it’s also the most expensive of my picks in Córdoba, and some guests mention that the breakfast doesn’t live up to the price.

One guest writes on Booking.com: “Beautiful hotel with only 10 rooms and a perfect location, right in the centre of town but on a small, quiet side street.”

See photos and book Balcón de Córdoba here.

Eurostars Maimonides - mid-range with the Mezquita’s west wall as your neighbour

Eurostars Maimonides is on Calle Torrijos, directly opposite the Mezquita’s west wall, so the mosque’s gates are your view as you step out of the door. The hotel is set in an old house with a patio and terrace, the rooms are simple but nice, and it scores 9.0 from more than 5,000 reviews. A few guests mention that sound carries in the corridors.

From a review: “I fell in love with this hotel: the decor, the rooms, the location, the staff. Everything was fantastic.”

See photos and book Eurostars Maimonides here.

Hotel Casa Museo de la Mezquita - budget option 50 metres from the Mezquita’s east side

Hotel Casa Museo de la Mezquita is on Plaza Santa Catalina by the east side of the Mezquita, a small 2-star hotel in a house full of antiques and art. You get air conditioning, a 24-hour reception and a score of 8.6 from about 2,800 reviews, but the bathrooms are very small, and you shouldn’t expect facilities beyond the bed.

One guest highlights: “A lovely building with very interesting decor. The location was central with plenty of restaurants and sights within walking distance.”

See photos and book Hotel Casa Museo de la Mezquita here.

2. San Basilio & Alcázar - best area for peace and quiet and patios 🌸

• 📍 Distance to the centre: A 10-minute walk to the Mezquita and 15 minutes to Plaza de las Tendillas. The Alcázar de los Reyes Cristianos and the Caballerizas Reales border the neighbourhood.
• 🚌 Transport: You walk. The neighbourhood lies within the old city walls, but it’s one of the few places in the Old Town where quite a few apartments and hotels have their own parking.
• ✈️ Time from Málaga Airport: About 1 hour 45 minutes. The Cercanías train from Málaga Airport to María Zambrano, the AVE to Córdoba in about 1 hour, then a short taxi ride.
• 💰 Price level: €€ to €€€. The three places below cost roughly £135 to £315 per night when I searched for a weekend in May.
• 👮 Safety: A quiet residential area with very little traffic. In the evening the streets are almost empty, but it feels safe.

San Basilio, which locals also call Alcázar Viejo, is the neighbourhood just south of the Alcázar and the Caballerizas Reales, the royal stables where Philip II had the Andalusian horse bred in the 16th century. This is where Córdoba’s famous patios are most densely packed. Every May, residents open their courtyards for two weeks during the Fiesta de los Patios, which has been on UNESCO’s Intangible Cultural Heritage list since 2012, and according to Córdoba City Council entry to all the patios is free. Some of the patios in San Basilio can also be visited the rest of the year for a small fee.

The Alcázar de los Reyes Cristianos is the fortress where Isabella and Ferdinand lived for eight years and received Columbus before he sailed for the Americas. Entry costs 5 euros (around £4) for adults, and it’s the gardens with their pools, cypresses and orange trees that you come for. Parts of the fortress may be closed for restoration at times, so check the official site before you buy a ticket. Right next door are the Baños del Alcázar Califal, the old caliphal baths.

See hotels in San Basilio here.

I’d choose San Basilio if you’ve been to Córdoba before, or if you’re travelling in May and want to stay in the middle of the patio festival. It’s also the best bet for couples who want quiet evenings without staying far out. The downside is that there aren’t many restaurants and bars in the neighbourhood itself, and the choice of proper hotels is small. Most options are holiday apartments and small hotels in old patio houses, and in May they’re booked many months in advance.

You enter and leave the neighbourhood through the old city gates, the Puerta de Sevilla and the Puerta de Almodóvar, and just outside the walls is the Paseo de la Victoria with a multi-storey car park. If you’re coming by car, San Basilio is the easiest place to stay in the Old Town, but expect to wheel your suitcase the last few metres, as many of the streets are too narrow for cars.

Hotels in San Basilio & Alcázar

Las Casas de la Judería de Córdoba - luxury in linked patio houses with a pool

Las Casas de la Judería is on Calle Tomás Conde right by the Puerta de Almodóvar, a few minutes’ walk from the Alcázar and San Basilio. The hotel is made up of several old houses linked by patios, passageways and a small garden with an outdoor pool, and it has 4 stars, parking and a score of 9.2. Some guests mention that parts of the decor could do with a refresh.

One guest writes on Booking.com: “The best hotel I’ve stayed in, and believe me, I’ve stayed in quite a few through my work.”

See photos and book Las Casas de la Judería de Córdoba here.

MiRa San Basilio - modern apartments on Calle San Basilio itself

MiRa San Basilio is on Calle San Basilio, the neighbourhood’s main street, and is a newer complex of apartments with air conditioning, soundproofed windows and parking. Check-in is self-service, and it scores 9.4 from about 800 reviews. These are apartments rather than a hotel, so there’s no 24-hour reception, and some guests mention you can hear noise from the other apartments in the building.

From a review: “Wonderful, brand-new apartment in a charming part of the Old Town.”

See photos and book MiRa San Basilio here.

EM21 Apartamentos - budget apartments with parking on Calle Enmedio

EM21 Apartamentos is on Calle Enmedio in the middle of San Basilio, offering bright, soundproofed apartments with a garage, lift and luggage storage. It scores 9.4, and it was the cheapest of my three picks in the area when I searched. The downside is the same as next door: no reception and no breakfast, so you’ll have to pop down to the bakery yourself.

One guest highlights: “The apartment was excellent, lots of little extras that made a difference during our 5-night stay.”

See photos and book EM21 Apartamentos here.

3. Centro, Tendillas & Corredera - best area for tapas and local life 🍷

• 📍 Distance to the centre: You’re in it. Plaza de las Tendillas is the city’s modern focal point, and from here it’s a 10-minute walk to the Mezquita and 5 minutes to Plaza de la Corredera.
• 🚌 Transport: Bus routes 1, 12 and C2 terminate at Tendillas, but you’ll walk most of the time. The station is a 10 to 15-minute walk north along Avenida del Gran Capitán.
• ✈️ Time from Madrid-Barajas: About 2 hours 45 minutes. The Cercanías train from Terminal 4 to Atocha in about 30 minutes and the AVE to Córdoba in about 1 hour 45 minutes.
• 💰 Price level: €€ to €€€. The three hotels below cost roughly £155 to £235 per night when I searched for a weekend in May.
• 👮 Safety: Safe and busy until late. Around Plaza de la Corredera there can be a bit of noise from the bars at weekends.

Centro is Córdoba’s real city centre, where the cordobeses themselves shop, drink coffee and go out. Plaza de las Tendillas, with its clock that chimes the hours on flamenco guitar, is the meeting point, and from here the pedestrian streets fan out with Spanish chains and local shops. A few steps away stand the columns of the Templo Romano, a 1st-century Roman temple discovered when the town hall was extended. To the east lies Plaza de la Corredera, a large, rectangular 17th-century square surrounded by arcades, with the Mercado de la Corredera market hall and tapas bars all the way round.

The San Pedro neighbourhood behind the Corredera is my favourite area for food. Here you’ll find Plaza del Potro with the Posada del Potro, the inn Cervantes mentions in Don Quixote, and the little streets down towards the river are full of tabernas serving salmorejo, flamenquín and rabo de toro at local prices. You can also try the region’s sweet Montilla-Moriles wine straight from the barrel.

See hotels in Centro and near the Corredera here.

I’d stay in Centro if you want to experience Córdoba as a living city and not just a museum, and if you’d like to eat out without ending up in tourist restaurants. It also suits anyone who wants to go shopping. The downside is that it’s less picture-postcard than the Judería: a fair few of the buildings are from the 20th century, and there’s traffic on the bigger streets. In return, you get more hotel for your money, and hotels more often have a lift, parking and bigger rooms.

If you want a compromise between Centro and the Judería, look at the streets between Tendillas and the Mezquita, for example around Calle Jesús María and Plaza de Séneca. Here you’re a few minutes from both and avoid the worst of the tourist crowds.

Hotels in Centro, Tendillas & Corredera

Eurostars Azahar - modern 4-star hotel a minute from Tendillas

Eurostars Azahar is on Calle García Lovera, a minute’s walk from Plaza de las Tendillas, a modern hotel with a gym, sauna, bar and large, soundproofed rooms. It scores 9.2 from about 2,000 reviews. The hotel has no parking of its own, and that’s what most guests complain about.

One guest writes on Booking.com: “Fantastic hotel. Lovely big rooms. Very comfortable. The staff were very helpful.”

See photos and book Eurostars Azahar here.

Hotel Viento10 - small boutique hotel with a pool and hammam in San Pedro

Hotel Viento10 is on Calle Ronquillo Briceño in San Pedro, a few minutes from Plaza del Potro and the river. It’s a small hotel in an old house with a patio, saltwater pool, Turkish bath and massages, and it scores 9.2. Officially it only has 2 stars, so don’t expect a restaurant or a 24-hour reception, but it’s one of the most personal places to stay in the city.

From a review: “Attentive hotel staff with thorough explanations about the area and interesting places to visit.”

See photos and book Hotel Viento10 here.

Hotel Córdoba Centro - budget-friendly and practical right by Tendillas

Hotel Córdoba Centro is on Calle Jesús María, a side street off Plaza de las Tendillas, so both Centro and the Mezquita are within a 10-minute walk. The hotel has 3 stars, soundproofed rooms, a bar, a garage and a score of 8.7. The rooms are nice but lack charm, and there’s no pool.

One guest highlights: “Clean, comfortable and modern hotel with a fantastic location.”

See photos and book Hotel Córdoba Centro here.

4. Santa Marina, San Agustín & Realejo - best area for quiet days away from the tourists ⛪

• 📍 Distance to the centre: A 10-minute walk to Plaza de las Tendillas and 20 to 25 minutes to the Mezquita. The Palacio de Viana is in the middle of the neighbourhood.
• 🚌 Transport: You can manage most of it on foot. City buses cost 1.30 euros (around £1.10) per journey, and a taxi home from the Mezquita in the evening is cheap if your legs are tired.
• ✈️ Time from Seville Airport: About 2 hours by bus to Santa Justa and the AVE to Córdoba. From the station it’s about a 20-minute walk to Santa Marina.
• 💰 Price level: €€ to €€€€. The three places below cost roughly £145 to £390 per night when I searched for a weekend in May.
• 👮 Safety: An ordinary residential area, safe and quiet. The narrow streets are dark in the evening, but it doesn’t feel unsafe.

Santa Marina, San Agustín and Realejo lie in the north-eastern part of the Old Town, the area the cordobeses call the Axerquía. There are no souvenir shops here, and you’ll hear more Spanish than English in the squares. The area is known for its Fernandine churches, the parish churches Ferdinand III had built after the Christian conquest in 1236. The 13th-century Santa Marina church is the best known, and in the square in front stands the monument to the bullfighter Manolete, who grew up in the neighbourhood.

The main attraction is the Palacio de Viana, an aristocratic palace with 12 patios and a garden, and it’s the closest you’ll get to the patio festival the rest of the year. Entry to the palace and patios costs 14 euros (around £12), or 8.50 euros (around £7) if you only want to see the patios, and it’s closed on Mondays. A little to the south is Plaza de Capuchinos with the Cristo de los Faroles, the white square with the figure of Christ surrounded by eight lanterns, one of the city’s most photographed sights, especially in the evening.

See hotels in Santa Marina and San Agustín here.

I’d stay here if you’re spending three or four nights and would like a neighbourhood where you can find a local. It’s also a good choice if you’re travelling in May without having booked a year ahead, as there are more rooms available here than in the Judería. The downside is the distance: 20 to 25 minutes to the Mezquita each way, and in summer that’s a long walk in the heat.

Take the heat seriously in Córdoba. The average maximum temperature in July is just under 37 degrees, according to AEMET, and days over 40 degrees are completely normal in July and August. Choose a hotel with a pool and air conditioning if you’re travelling in summer, and plan your sightseeing for the morning and evening. That applies across the city, but especially here, where you walk a bit further.

Hotels in Santa Marina, San Agustín & Realejo

Hospes Palacio del Bailío - 5-star palace with Roman ruins under a glass floor

Hospes Palacio del Bailío is on Calle Ramírez de las Casas Deza by the Cuesta del Bailío, a few minutes’ walk from Plaza de Capuchinos. It’s a palace with frescoes, patios, a spa, indoor and outdoor pools and a restaurant where you dine above Roman ruins under a glass floor. It scores 9.1, and it’s the most expensive address in the city. Some rooms face the street and can be a little noisy.

One guest writes on Booking.com: “The pool area was amazing.”

See photos and book Hospes Palacio del Bailío here.

Hotel Macià Alfaros - 4-star chain hotel with a pool on Calle Alfaros

Hotel Macià Alfaros is on Calle Alfaros between Santa Marina and Plaza de las Tendillas, a 10-minute walk from both. The hotel is built around a large Moorish-style courtyard with an outdoor pool, and there’s a gym, a garage and soundproofed rooms. It scores 8.8 from more than 6,000 reviews. The pool is only open in the summer season.

From a review: “The location was excellent. Easy to walk to everything.”

See photos and book Hotel Macià Alfaros here.

Suites Casa San Mateo - budget-friendly suites with a rooftop pool near the Palacio de Viana

Suites Casa San Mateo is on Calle Mateo Inurria, a couple of hundred metres from the Palacio de Viana, offering modern suites with a lift, roof terrace and a small rooftop pool. It scores 9.2, and it was the cheapest of my three picks here. The street is partly car-free, so you’ll have to haul your suitcase the last few metres yourself.

One guest highlights: “The apartment was very clean and modern and close enough to the sights, but in a lovely quiet area.”

See photos and book Suites Casa San Mateo here.

5. The Station & Ciudad Jardín - best area for rail travellers and budget stays 🚄

• 📍 Distance to the centre: A 10-minute walk to Plaza de las Tendillas along Avenida del Gran Capitán and 20 to 25 minutes to the Mezquita.
• 🚌 Transport: The AVE station and the bus station are side by side. Several Aucorsa city routes, including 3, 4 and 5, stop at the station, and a single ticket costs 1.30 euros (around £1.10).
• ✈️ Time from Málaga Airport: About 1 hour 30 minutes. The Cercanías train to María Zambrano and the AVE to Córdoba in about 1 hour, and you’re right in the neighbourhood.
• 💰 Price level: € to €€. The three hotels below cost roughly £120 to £175 per night when I searched for a weekend in May.
• 👮 Safety: A modern, open area with wide boulevards. Safe, but a bit dead in the evening right around the station.

Córdoba’s station was built for the AVE in the 1990s and is just a kilometre north of the Old Town. The area around it, Vial Norte, is modern with wide boulevards, offices and new hotels, and Ciudad Jardín just west of the station is an ordinary residential area with local bars and low prices. It isn’t pretty, but it’s practical, and this is where you’ll find the city’s best combination of price, pool and parking.

This is also where you set off on day trips. AVE and Avant trains run to Seville in about 45 minutes, to Málaga in about 1 hour and to Madrid in about 1 hour 45 minutes, and you can check times and fares with Renfe. Córdoba makes a perfect base for two or three day trips in Andalusia, and if you’re thinking of switching things round and using the neighbouring city as your base, you can read my guide to where to stay in Seville.

See hotels near the station and in Ciudad Jardín here.

Staying here also makes it easy to get out to Medina Azahara, the 10th-century palace city of Caliph Abd al-Rahman III, 8 kilometres west of the city, which was added to UNESCO’s World Heritage List in 2018. According to the Junta de Andalucía, entry is free for EU citizens, and the site is closed on Mondays. The easiest option is a guided tour to Medina Azahara from about 18 euros (around £15). If you’d rather drive yourself, you can pick up hire cars through Booking.com at the station. You park at the museum, and a shuttle bus takes you the last few kilometres up to the ruins.

I’d choose the station area if you’re arriving late by train, moving on early, have a car or are on a budget. The downside is obvious: you’re not staying in the historic city, and you’ll have to walk 20 to 25 minutes or take the bus every time you want to go to the Mezquita. There’s not much going on around the station in the evening either, so you’ll end up eating in the centre anyway.

Hotels near the Station & Ciudad Jardín

Hotel Mezquita Center - new 4-star hotel with a rooftop pool 200 metres from the station

Hotel Mezquita Center is on Bulevar Hernán Ruiz, about 200 metres from the station, a newer hotel with a restaurant, gym, garage and a rooftop pool that’s open all year. It scores 9.4 from more than 3,700 reviews. The name is a little misleading, as it’s a 20 to 25-minute walk to the Mezquita, and that’s the drawback guests mention most often.

One guest writes on Booking.com: “Very comfortable, large rooms, good breakfast and a great rooftop pool area.”

See photos and book Hotel Mezquita Center here.

Sercotel Córdoba Medina Azahara - mid-range with a rooftop pool in Ciudad Jardín

Sercotel Córdoba Medina Azahara is on Avenida Medina Azahara in Ciudad Jardín, a 5-minute walk from the station and 10 minutes from the Puerta de Almodóvar and the Judería. The hotel has 3 stars, a gym, a seasonal rooftop pool and a score of 8.8 from about 6,000 reviews. It has no parking of its own, but there’s a multi-storey car park nearby.

From a review: “Good value for money, clean and a quiet location.”

See photos and book Sercotel Córdoba Medina Azahara here.

Hotel Serrano - cheap 2-star hotel between the station and Tendillas

Hotel Serrano is on Calle Benito Pérez Galdós, a 7 to 8-minute walk from both the station and Plaza de las Tendillas, so it’s more central than the price suggests. It’s a simple 2-star hotel with air conditioning, a lift, a 24-hour reception and a score of 8.5 from about 2,100 reviews. The soundproofing isn’t the best, so bring earplugs if you’re a light sleeper.

One guest highlights: “All in all a comfortable room, the location was excellent, very cheap.”

See photos and book Hotel Serrano here.

Where not to stay in Córdoba?

Córdoba is a safe city, so it’s more about distance and atmosphere than safety. I’d avoid Sector Sur and Campo de la Verdad on the other side of the Guadalquivir. Some hotels here advertise views of the Mezquita and low prices, but you have to cross the Puente Romano or the Puente de Miraflores every time you want to do anything, and the area itself has very little to offer in the evening. Also avoid Polígono Guadalquivir south-east of the centre, a deprived housing estate with no reason to stay there, and the hotels along the motorway and out on Avenida de Cádiz, which mostly cater to drivers passing through. During the Feria de Córdoba at the end of May, the area around El Arenal is also full of noise until late into the night, so don’t stay there unless you’re going to the festival yourself.

If it’s your first trip to Córdoba and you only have one or two nights, I’d stay in the Judería and get up early for the free morning hour at the Mezquita. If you’re travelling in May or want quiet evenings, choose San Basilio. If you want tapas and local life, stay in Centro, and if you’re on a budget or arriving by train, the station area is absolutely fine, as long as you accept the walk.

Córdoba is also ideal to combine with its neighbouring cities. If you’re wondering where to stay in Granada afterwards, the city is under two hours away by train, and with Seville on the other side, you can easily fit in all three in a week.

The post Where to Stay in Córdoba? The 5 Best Areas & Places to Stay appeared first on Destination Well Known.

If there are several of you, or you land in the middle of the night, a fixed-fare taxi to the centre for €26 or €29 is often the easiest option, and Uber, Cabify and Bolt also operate from the airport. Here you’ll find all the options with prices, journey times, stops and pitfalls, and I’ll also tell you how to carry on to Madrid, Córdoba, Malaga, Granada and the coast. There’s no train or metro to the airport, so you can forget about those.

If you’d rather drive yourself from the airport, you can compare prices on car hire at Booking.com.

Quick overview

• EA bus (Especial Aeropuerto): €6 (around £5) per journey, about 20 minutes to Santa Justa and 35 minutes to Plaza de Armas, running roughly every 15 to 30 minutes from early morning until around 1am.
• Fixed-fare taxi: €26 (around £22) on weekdays between 7am and 9pm, €29 (around £24) at night, at weekends, on public holidays and during Semana Santa and the Feria de Abril, 15 to 25 minutes.
• Uber, Cabify and Bolt: typically €20 to €30 (around £17 to £25), with the price shown in the app before you book, 15 to 25 minutes plus waiting time for the car.
• Private transfer: from about €50 (around £40) per car, with the driver waiting in the arrivals hall holding a sign with your name.
• Hire car: seven rental companies have desks in the terminal, but a car is for touring Andalusia, not for Seville itself.
• Train and metro: there aren’t any to the airport, as neither Renfe nor the Seville metro goes out there.

How to find your transport at the airport

Seville Airport has one terminal, and the arrivals hall is on the ground floor. Once you’ve collected your luggage and walked out through the arrivals exit, you’re straight out on the forecourt, where the EA bus has its own stop and the taxi rank is on the same pavement. The signs say Autobús and Taxi, and you can’t really go wrong, because everything is grouped together outside the same exit. You’ll find the airport’s own overview of the bus and taxis at Aena, which runs the airport.

The car hire desks are also on the ground floor of the terminal, and drivers from private transfer companies wait inside the arrivals hall with a sign. If you book an Uber, Cabify or Bolt, the app will show you the pick-up point, which is in the car park about a minute’s walk from the terminal, not at the taxi rank.

1. EA bus to Santa Justa, the city centre and Plaza de Armas

The EA bus is TUSSAM’s dedicated airport line, and it’s the only public transport to and from the airport. It heads in along Avenida Kansas City, stops at Santa Justa railway station, continues past San Bernardo and Prado de San Sebastián to Paseo de Colón by the Torre del Oro and finishes at the Plaza de Armas bus station on the western edge of the Old Town. The whole journey takes about 35 minutes, a bit longer in the morning rush hour and late in the afternoon.

It’s an ordinary city bus with an open area for suitcases, so you’ll need to keep an eye on your luggage on the bends. The bus is fine for most people, but if you’re staying in the heart of Santa Cruz, allow 10 to 15 minutes’ walk over cobblestones from the nearest stop, and that’s no fun with two big suitcases in 38-degree heat.

Fares and tickets

A single costs €6 (around £5), and it’s a special fare, so a standard €1.40 (around £1.20) TUSSAM ticket isn’t valid on this bus. The easiest way to pay is by contactless card directly on the card reader by the driver, and there’s usually a TUSSAM ticket seller at the airport stop who also accepts cash. TUSSAM also sells a return ticket for €8 (around £7) that’s only valid on the same day, but check whether it’s still available before you count on it. The ticket doesn’t let you transfer to other bus routes in the city.

Timetable and journey time

The bus runs every day all year round. From the airport the first bus leaves at around 5.20am and the last at around 1am. In the other direction it starts as early as around 4.30am from Plaza de Armas to serve the early morning flights. During the day it runs roughly every 15 minutes, and early in the morning and late in the evening about every half hour. The exact times are adjusted from time to time, so check the current timetable on TUSSAM’s website before you fly. If you land between 1am and 5am, the bus isn’t an option.

Where should you get off?

Santa Justa (José Laguillo stop): Get off here after about 20 minutes if you’re continuing by AVE train, or if you’re staying in Nervión or near the station. From Santa Justa it’s a 25-minute walk or a short taxi ride to the Old Town.

San Bernardo and Prado de San Sebastián: These two stops are on the south-eastern edge of the centre, and from Prado de San Sebastián it’s only a 10-minute walk through the Jardines de Murillo to the cathedral and Santa Cruz. If you’re staying in Santa Cruz, this is where to get off. You can see hotels in Santa Cruz here.

Paseo de Colón by the Torre del Oro: This stop is by the river a few hundred metres from Puerta de Jerez, and it’s the best stop for El Arenal, the cathedral and Avenida de la Constitución. From here you can walk to most of what I describe in my guide to the sights in Seville. If you want to stay right here, you can see hotels in El Arenal here.

Plaza de Armas: The final stop is the city’s bus station by the river, and from here you can cross the Puente de Isabel II bridge to Triana in 10 minutes or walk up Calle San Vicente to Alameda de Hércules in a quarter of an hour. It’s the right stop if you want to stay in Triana or around Alameda de Hércules. If you’re not sure which neighbourhood suits you, read my guide to where to stay in Seville.

2. Fixed-fare taxi to the city centre

Seville’s taxis charge a fixed fare between the airport and the city, so you needn’t worry about a detour or a meter running wild. On weekdays between 7am and 9pm the journey costs €26 (around £22), and at night between 9pm and 7am, at weekends, on public holidays and during Semana Santa and the Feria de Abril the fare is €29 (around £24). The fares are set by Seville City Council’s Instituto del Taxi, and they’re usually adjusted slightly every year, so treat the amounts as approximate.

The price covers the whole car with up to four passengers, and it only applies to the journey between the airport and the city. There’s no night surcharge beyond the night fare itself, but there may be a small supplement of €0.57 (around 50p) per suitcase over 10 kilos. The journey takes 15 to 25 minutes depending on the traffic on Avenida Kansas City. The taxi rank is just outside the arrivals hall, and the official taxis are white with a yellow stripe on the front doors. Ask for a receipt if anything seems wrong, as you can then complain to the council afterwards.

If you’re going to more than one address, the driver switches the meter on from the first stop, so carrying on from a hotel in the centre to somewhere else costs extra. And if you’re heading to a suburb or a town outside Seville, the fixed fare doesn’t apply, so you’ll need to agree a price or use the meter.

3. Uber, Cabify and Bolt

All three apps work in Seville. Cabify is the biggest locally and has its own pick-up points at the airport, while Uber and Bolt also have cars in the city. The app shows you the price before you book, and to the centre it’s typically €20 to €30 (around £17 to £25) depending on the time and demand. If lots of flights land at once, the price can easily end up above the taxis’ fixed fare, so compare before you hit book.

The meeting point isn’t the taxi rank. The app shows you a pick-up point in the car park a minute’s walk from the terminal, and Uber itself says that the assigned point isn’t always at the nearest exit, so follow the map in the app rather than the signs for the taxis. Only book once you’ve got your luggage, as drivers only wait a short time and you’ll pay a fee if you cancel too late.

The advantage of the apps is that you have the price and route in writing and can book a larger car if there are four of you with suitcases. The downside is the waiting time, which can easily be 10 to 15 minutes at night, when the taxis are ready to go straight away.

4. Private transfer

A private transfer is the option where the driver stands in the arrivals hall with your name on a sign and drives you straight to your hotel door. It costs from about €50 (around £40) per car for up to three people, so almost double a taxi, but you avoid queues, explaining the way through the narrow streets of Santa Cruz and worrying about cards or cash. The driver tracks your flight, so you don’t pay extra if it’s delayed.

I’d only recommend it if you land late at night, are travelling with children and need a child seat, or have so much luggage that an ordinary taxi won’t do. For one or two people with normal luggage, the bus or a taxi is better value. The transfer needs to be booked at least a couple of days in advance.

Book a private transfer from Seville Airport here.

5. Hire car from Seville Airport

Avis, Enterprise, Europcar, Goldcar, Hertz, OK Mobility and Sixt have desks on the ground floor of the terminal, so you can be sitting in the car a quarter of an hour after collecting your luggage. Some of the cheapest rental companies are located outside the airport grounds and pick you up in a shuttle bus, which can easily add half an hour each way, so check the location before you book.

In Seville itself, however, a car is a burden. The Old Town is full of pedestrian streets and one-way alleys, large parts of the centre are closed to cars without a permit, and multi-storey car parks are expensive and often full. If you’re staying in Santa Cruz, El Arenal or Triana, you won’t use the car a single day, because everything is within walking distance.

A car does make sense, though, if Seville is the start of a tour of Andalusia to Ronda, the white villages, Córdoba or the Costa de la Luz. In that case I’d stay car-free in the city first and pick up the car at the airport or at Santa Justa on the day you move on. That way you save both on parking and on the days when the car would just be sitting there.

Onwards from Seville to Madrid, Córdoba, Malaga, Granada and the coast

If you’re not staying in Seville, the EA bus is still your friend, as it stops at both of the city’s main departure points. From Santa Justa, Renfe’s AVE trains and competitors Iryo and Ouigo run to Madrid in about 2.5 hours, to Córdoba in under 45 minutes and to Malaga in about 2 hours, while Granada takes just over 2 hours with few daily departures. Buy your ticket in advance, as the high-speed trains have reserved seats, and there’s a luggage security check before the platform, so arrive 20 minutes before departure.

From Plaza de Armas, ALSA runs to Malaga, Granada and across the border to the Algarve coast and Lisbon, and Damas runs to Huelva. The buses to Cádiz and Costa de la Luz towns such as Conil, Chipiona, Rota and Tarifa, on the other hand, are run by Comes from the Prado de San Sebastián bus station, which is also a stop on the EA bus, so you don’t need to go all the way to Plaza de Armas to get to the coast.

If you’re heading on to one of the other two big cities in Andalusia, read my guides to where to stay in Granada and where to stay in Malaga. If you’re flying home from Malaga instead of Seville, I also have a guide to getting between Malaga Airport and the city centre.

The journey back to the airport

The EA bus runs back to the airport from Plaza de Armas, stopping at Paseo de Colón, Prado de San Sebastián, San Bernardo and Santa Justa, and the first departure from Plaza de Armas is at around 4.30am, so you can make even the earliest flights. Allow 35 minutes from Plaza de Armas and 20 minutes from Santa Justa, and add 10 minutes in the morning rush hour.

Get to the stop in good time, as the bus can be full in the early morning hours when lots of flights depart at once, and then you’ll have to wait for the next one. If you’ve got a lot of luggage, go to Plaza de Armas and catch the bus at the start of the route, where there’s still room for suitcases.

A taxi to the airport costs the same fixed fare as into the city, €26 or €29, and takes 15 to 25 minutes. If you book it by phone through your hotel, the driver may add the metered amount up to the pick-up point, though no more than the minimum fare. You can book Uber, Cabify and Bolt in advance in the app for a specific time, which is handy at 5am when you don’t want to be waiting on the street.

Seville Airport is small and easy to get around, but security can take a while during the morning wave, when lots of flights to the rest of Europe leave close together. Be there at least two hours before departure in the morning, and you’ll also have time for a coffee.

Which option should you choose?

Here’s my recommendation based on where you’re staying:

Santa Cruz and the area around the cathedral: Take the EA bus and get off at Prado de San Sebastián, leaving you a 10-minute walk. If you have more than one suitcase each, the €26 (around £22) taxi is worth the money, as the cobblestones of Santa Cruz are not kind to suitcase wheels.

El Arenal and Centro: EA bus to Paseo de Colón by the Torre del Oro. From here it’s under 10 minutes to most of El Arenal and Avenida de la Constitución.

Triana and Alameda de Hércules: EA bus to the final stop at Plaza de Armas, then a 10 to 15-minute walk. It’s the easiest journey of them all, as you don’t have to keep an eye out for the stops.

Nervión and the area around Santa Justa: EA bus to Santa Justa in about 20 minutes. The taxi costs the same fixed fare as to the centre, so here the bus is clearly the best value.

If you land at night: Between roughly 1am and 5am the bus doesn’t run, so a €29 (around £24) taxi or a pre-booked transfer is the answer. The taxis are waiting even when the last flights land.

If there are 3 to 4 of you: The taxi costs €26 to €29 for the whole car, and the bus costs €18 to €24 for three to four people, so the difference is small, and the taxi takes you to the door. Take the taxi.

If you have a lot of luggage: Taxi or private transfer. The bus has room for suitcases, but you have to drag them from the stop yourself, and that’s the annoying part.

If you’re heading straight on: EA bus to Santa Justa if you’re taking the train, to Prado de San Sebastián if you’re taking the bus to Cádiz, and to Plaza de Armas if you’re taking ALSA to Malaga, Granada or Portugal.

Practical tips for getting from Seville Airport to the city centre

Have a contactless card ready for the bus. You pay directly on the card reader by the driver, and it’s much quicker than cash. Tap the card on the reader once per person, and keep the receipt on the screen until you’ve got off.

Don’t expect to use your bus ticket elsewhere in the city. The EA ticket is only valid for the single journey to or from the airport. The city’s regular buses and the tram need a new ticket for €1.40 (around £1.20), and likewise the city’s one or three-day tourist card isn’t valid on the airport bus.

Check whether you’re landing during Semana Santa or the Feria de Abril. During Holy Week and the spring fair in April, taxis are more expensive, hotels are far more expensive, and the processions block the streets in the centre, so the bus may take detours or stop in different places from usual. The Visita Sevilla tourist office has the dates for both festivals, which change from year to year.

Only use the official taxis from the rank. Drivers offering a ride inside the arrivals hall aren’t taxis, and you’ll have no fixed fare and no way to complain. Go out to the rank and take the first white taxi in the queue.

Watch your belongings at Plaza de Armas. The bus station is a busy place with lots of travellers and suitcases, which attracts pickpockets. Keep your bag in front of you while you wait, and don’t leave your luggage unattended while you buy a ticket or look for the toilets.

Keep an eye on the airport’s own website if the bus lets you down. During strikes or roadworks on Avenida Kansas City, the EA bus may take detours or run less often, and Aena and TUSSAM are the first to announce it. If you have an early flight, book a taxi or a transfer the evening before rather than relying on the first bus.

The post Seville Airport to the City Centre – Transport Guide appeared first on Destination Well Known.

Here are my picks for the 17 best things to see and do in Valencia, with prices, opening hours and tips on what’s worth booking before you go. Prices are given in euros, with approximate amounts in pounds. Several of the city’s municipal monuments are free on Sundays, while a number of museums are closed on Mondays, and the food markets Mercado Central and Mercado de Ruzafa close at 3pm and are closed on Sundays. The final section covers a day trip to Albufera.

1. Ciudad de las Artes y las Ciencias

The Ciudad de las Artes y las Ciencias (City of Arts and Sciences) is Valencia’s modern landmark. The complex was designed by the Valencian architect Santiago Calatrava and stretches almost two kilometres along the old riverbed. The white buildings stand in shallow pools of turquoise water, and even if you don’t go inside anywhere, it’s one of the most photogenic walks in Spain.

The Hemisfèric looks like a giant eye and houses an IMAX cinema and a planetarium with shows lasting about 45 minutes. The Museu de les Ciències is an interactive science museum where you can walk freely into the building itself, while the exhibitions require a ticket. The Palau de les Arts opera house can be seen on an audio-guided tour from 14 euros (around £12), and the Umbracle is an open garden of more than 17,000 square metres with Mediterranean plants and sculptures that you can wander around freely. The Àgora is now used by CaixaForum for exhibitions.

A ticket to the Museu de les Ciències costs 9.90 euros (around £8) for adults and 7.60 euros (around £6) for children aged 4 to 12, and the Hemisfèric costs 8.90 euros (around £7.50). A combined ticket for the Oceanogràfic, the museum and the Hemisfèric costs 47.75 euros (around £40). You can get here on metro line 10 or one of the many buses, including lines 19, 40 and 95. My tip is to come back after dark, when the buildings are lit up and reflected in the water.

Book a ticket to the Museu de les Ciències.

2. Oceanogràfic

The Oceanogràfic sits at the southern end of the Ciudad de las Artes y las Ciencias and is billed as Europe’s largest aquarium. It’s home to up to 45,000 animals from around 500 species, and the buildings are divided by marine ecosystem, so you move from the Mediterranean to the Arctic, the Antarctic and tropical islands. The shark tunnel, where you walk beneath the water with sharks over your head, is the highlight for most people, and the belugas and penguins are popular too.

A digital ticket costs 39.45 euros (around £33) for adults aged 13 and over and 29.05 euros (around £24) for children aged 4 to 12 and over-65s, while children up to 3 go free. The aquarium opens at 10am, and according to the tourist office it closes at 8pm in high season and 6pm in low season. Allow at least three to four hours.

It’s an expensive experience, but I think it’s worth the money if you’re travelling with children or love marine life. My tip is to arrive at opening time and do the shark tunnel and the Arctic areas first, before the school groups and tour groups arrive. The dolphin show is included in the ticket, but I’d skip it if you’re short on time. If you also want to see the science museum, the combined ticket is cheaper than two separate tickets.

Book a ticket to the Oceanogràfic.

3. The cathedral, the Holy Grail and the Miguelete

Valencia Cathedral was built between the 13th and 15th centuries on the site of first a Roman temple and later a mosque. That’s why you see Romanesque, Gothic and Baroque architecture in the same building. The biggest draw is the chapel where the Santo Cáliz stands in a glass case. It’s a chalice of polished agate which, according to tradition, is the cup Jesus used at the Last Supper, and according to researchers the cup itself was made somewhere between the 4th century BC and the 1st century AD.

A culture ticket with an audio guide to the cathedral and museum costs 12 euros (around £10), and the reduced price is 6 euros (around £5) for students, pensioners and children aged 8 to 17, among others, while children under 8 go free. The cathedral is open to visitors Monday to Friday from 10.30am to 6.30pm, Saturday from 10.30am to 5.30pm and Sunday from 2pm to 5.30pm, with longer weekend hours in summer. It’s closed to tourist visits on a number of public holidays.

The Miguelete bell tower, which Valencians call El Micalet, was built from 1381 to 1424. There are 207 steps up a very narrow spiral staircase to the top at just under 51 metres, and it costs 3 euros (around £2.50). The tower is open from 10am to 6.45pm, with the last climb half an hour before closing. My tip is to be in Plaza de la Virgen on a Thursday at noon, when the water court, the Tribunal de las Aguas, meets in front of the Apostles’ Door and settles irrigation disputes in Valencian, as it has done for centuries.

Book a guided tour of the cathedral and the Holy Grail.

4. La Lonja de la Seda

La Lonja de la Seda, the silk exchange, is in my opinion the most beautiful building in Valencia. It was built from 1482 to 1533, when Valencia was one of the richest trading cities in the Mediterranean, and it has been on the UNESCO World Heritage List since 1996. It’s one of the finest examples of late Gothic secular architecture in Europe.

The highlight is the trading hall, the Sala de Contratación, where eight twisted stone columns almost 16 metres tall rise towards the vaults like palm trunks in a stone forest. This is where merchants struck their deals, and a Latin inscription on the walls reminds them to trade honestly. You also see the Consolat del Mar with the gilded ceiling of the Golden Hall, the chapel and the small courtyard of orange trees.

Admission costs just 2 euros (around £1.70), and it’s free on Sundays and public holidays. La Lonja is open Monday to Saturday from 10am to 7pm and on Sundays and public holidays from 10am to 2pm. You only need half an hour to an hour inside, and the building is right opposite the Mercado Central, so the two fit perfectly into the same morning. My tip is to look up at the facade before you go in, as it’s covered in gargoyles and little figures, several of them rather cheeky.

5. Mercado Central

The Mercado Central is Valencia’s great food market, and the building is a piece of Modernisme with iron, glass, domes and colourful tiles. The market opened in 1928 and was designed for 959 stalls, and Valencians still do their everyday shopping here. You’ll find fruit and vegetables from the fields around the city, fish and seafood, hams, cheeses, spices and the special rice varieties used for paella.

The market is open Monday to Saturday from 7.30am to 3pm and closed on Sundays. Most stalls pack up a while before closing time, so come in the morning. There are also a couple of bars inside the market where you sit at the counter in the middle of the hall and can have a coffee, a glass of wine or a sandwich made with local produce.

My tip is to buy fruit, olives and a little jamón here and take it down to the Turia Gardens for a picnic lunch. If you want to learn to make paella, there are cookery classes where you first shop at the market with a chef and then cook the dish from scratch. It’s a pricey class, but an enjoyable way to understand Valencian cooking.

Book a paella class with a Mercado Central tour.

6. The Turia Gardens and Gulliver Park

The Jardín del Turia is Valencia’s great green lung and one of the best examples of urban planning I know. The River Turia once flowed through the city, but after the great flood of 1957 it was diverted south of Valencia, and the empty riverbed was turned into a park. Today it stretches nine kilometres through the city from west to east, with cycle paths, running tracks, sports pitches, palms and orange trees, and the old bridges still cross over it.

The park is spanned by bridges from different centuries, including the 15th-century Pont de la Trinitat, the city’s oldest bridge, and Calatrava’s white Pont de l’Exposició. Next to the Ciudad de las Artes y las Ciencias is Gulliver Park, where a 70-metre figure of Gulliver lies on his back and children can climb and slide on him like one of the Lilliputians. It’s free and a hit with kids.

The best way to see the park is by bike, as it’s completely flat and free of traffic, and you can cycle the whole length in about half an hour. You can hire a bike from around 10 euros (around £8) for 24 hours. My tip is to cycle from the Bioparc at the western end down to the Ciudad de las Artes y las Ciencias at the eastern end and finish at Gulliver.

Book a guided bike tour of Valencia’s highlights.

7. Barrio del Carmen

Barrio del Carmen, or El Carme in Valencian, is the northern part of the Old Town and the neighbourhood I think has the most character. It grew up between the old Arab and Christian city walls, and here you walk through narrow streets with old mansions, little squares and washing hanging from the balconies. The area is also known for its street art, and on Calle de Moret the walls are covered with works by both local and international artists.

On Calle Museo is the Casa de los Gatos, a tiny house for the city’s cats with balconies and its own fountain, and right next to it is a plaque commemorating the 1957 flood. The Portal de Valldigna was a gate in the Arab wall, and the Centre del Carme cultural centre occupies a former monastery with Gothic and Renaissance cloisters. The IVAM art museum is also in the neighbourhood.

In the evening, life gathers around Plaza del Tossal, where the terraces fill with young Valencians. It’s a lovely area to stay if you want to walk everywhere, but choose a room facing a courtyard if you’re a light sleeper. Ciutat Vella and El Carmen are the first area in my guide to where to stay in Valencia, and you can also see hotels in Ciutat Vella here.

8. Torres de Serranos and Torres de Quart

Valencia was once surrounded by a Christian city wall, and today the two great city gates are the most visible part of it that remains. The Torres de Serranos by the Turia Gardens were built in the 14th century under King Pedro IV and were the city’s main entrance from the north. You can climb the stairs to the top and look out over the Old Town, the riverbed and the cathedral tower.

The Torres de Quart on the western side of the Old Town were built from 1441 to 1460, modelled on the gate of Castel Nuovo in Naples. The towers have served as both a women’s prison and a military prison, and on the outside you can still see the holes left by cannonballs from the French siege of 1808.

Both towers cost 2 euros (around £1.70) and are free on Sundays and public holidays. They’re open Monday to Saturday from 10am to 7pm and on Sundays and public holidays from 10am to 2pm, and they’re closed on 1 and 6 January, 1 May and 25 December. In rain, fog or strong wind the climb may be closed for safety reasons. My tip is to do the Torres de Serranos first thing, walk through El Carmen and finish at the Torres de Quart.

9. Palacio del Marqués de Dos Aguas

The Palacio del Marqués de Dos Aguas has the most extravagant facade in Valencia. The main doorway is carved in alabaster as a Baroque cascade of figures, and the two men pouring water from jars represent the rivers Júcar and Turia, the “two waters” the palace is named after. Above them stands a figure of the Virgin Mary with the rosary. The facade is worth seeing even if you don’t go inside.

Inside the palace is the national ceramics museum, the Museo Nacional de Cerámica, with ceramics from the 8th century onwards, including works by Picasso. You also walk through the palace’s magnificent rooms, and 18th-century carriages stand in the courtyard. At Christmas the museum displays an 18th-century Neapolitan nativity scene.

Admission costs 3 euros (around £2.50), and the museum is free on Saturdays from 4pm and on Sundays. Under-18s and over-65s also go free. The museum is open Tuesday to Saturday from 10am to 2pm and from 4pm to 8pm, and on Sundays and public holidays from 10am to 2pm, and it’s closed on Mondays. Note the midday break on weekdays. The palace is a few minutes’ walk from both the cathedral and the Mercado Central.

10. Mercado de Colón and horchata

The Mercado de Colón is Valencia’s other great Modernista market, though these days you won’t do much fruit and fish shopping here. The building was designed by the architect Francisco Mora Berenguer and started life as a municipal market in the early 20th century. The facade is decorated with colourful mosaics and ceramics, and the hall is light and airy.

Today the market houses around 20 cafés, bars and restaurants, and it’s a popular spot for lunch or an evening drink. The market is open from 7.30am to 2am Sunday to Thursday and until 3am on Friday and Saturday, but individual venues set their own hours. It’s in Eixample, right by Colón metro station.

My tip is to order a horchata, Valencia’s cold drink made from tiger nuts, with a couple of fartons, soft elongated buns you dip into the drink. You can get them at Horchatería Daniel inside the market, among other places. Horchata tastes sweet and slightly nutty, and it’s exactly what Valencians drink on a hot afternoon. The area around the market is also the city’s upmarket shopping district, with the shops along Calle Colón.

11. Ruzafa

Ruzafa, or Russafa in Valencian, lies just south of the Old Town and the Estació del Nord railway station, and it’s the city’s creative quarter. The tourist office calls it Valencia’s Soho, and the streets are full of small art galleries, vintage shops, speciality coffee bars and some of the city’s best restaurants. It’s also the neighbourhood for tardeo, when Valencians meet for drinks on the terraces in the late afternoon.

In the middle of the neighbourhood is the Mercado de Ruzafa, a Brutalist market from 1962 designed by Julio Bellot Senent. In 2010 the facades were given the colourful gradients that now make the building one of the area’s most photographed sights. The market is open Monday to Saturday from 7.30am to 3pm and closed on Sundays, and it’s where locals shop, so it’s less touristy than the Mercado Central.

My tip is to head to Ruzafa in the evening and eat tapas on one of the side streets, as this is where you’ll find the city’s best restaurant scene. During the day the area is quieter, and a wander round the shops fits nicely after a visit to the Old Town. If you want to stay right in the middle of the dining scene, you can see hotels in Ruzafa here, but choose a room away from the street if you’re a light sleeper.

12. Malvarrosa and Cabanyal beaches

Valencia has wide sandy beaches within the city limits, and you can take the metro or tram straight down to the water. Malvarrosa and Cabanyal beach join up in one long stretch, and it’s hard to tell where one ends and the other begins. Malvarrosa alone is around 1,300 metres long and 140 metres wide, and a promenade with restaurants, beach bars and palm trees runs along the beach.

The name comes from the mallow roses grown in the area in the 19th century, and the writer Vicente Blasco Ibáñez had his villa right by the beach, which is now a museum. On the beach there are toilets, showers, a playground, sunloungers and parasols for hire and a tourist office at Las Arenas. You can get here on metro and tram lines 6, 7 and 8 or on several buses from the centre.

Behind the beach lies El Cabanyal, the old fishing quarter with low houses clad in colourful tiles, and it’s worth a stroll through its parallel streets. My tip is to swim in the morning and have paella on the promenade for lunch. If you’d rather have a beach holiday than a city break, you can see hotels by Cabanyal beach here. Catamarans also sail from the port along the coast, and a sunset trip is a lovely way to end a beach day.

Book a catamaran trip along Valencia’s coast.

13. Eat a proper paella valenciana

Paella comes from Valencia, and people here take it seriously. According to the tourist office, the classic paella valenciana is made with rice, chicken, rabbit and vegetables from the fields around the city, while seafood paella is a different dish. It’s cooked in a large flat pan over an open fire, and the crispy layer of rice at the bottom, the socarrat, is the best part.

The classic place to eat paella is by the beach, and the tourist office mentions Malvarrosa, El Cabanyal and the Marina harbour area as good spots for a paella by the water, including at the restaurant Casa Carmela. Even more traditional is heading out to El Palmar in Albufera, known as the birthplace of paella, where the restaurants line up side by side along the canals. Many places require paella to be ordered for at least two people, and it’s cooked from scratch, so expect a bit of a wait.

My tip is to eat paella at lunchtime, as Valencians do, not for dinner. Avoid the restaurants on the big tourist squares with signs showing garish photos of paella, as they’re rarely the best. In my opinion, chorizo and a mix of meat and seafood in the same pan are also a sign it’s been made for tourists. If you fancy learning to make it yourself, a paella class is a good option, and you can read more about that under Mercado Central.

14. Bioparc

The Bioparc is Valencia’s zoo, built around African animals in large, natural enclosures. You walk through savannah, wetlands, equatorial rainforest and a Madagascar section. Residents include lions, giraffes, hippos and lemurs, and the enclosures are designed as landscapes resembling the animals’ natural habitats, so you don’t feel you’re walking between cages.

A ticket costs from 29.50 euros (around £25) for adults aged 13 to 64 and from 23.50 euros (around £20) for children aged 4 to 12 and over-65s, and children up to 3 go free. Prices vary by season, and you save 1 euro per ticket by buying online. The park is open every day of the year, with last entry an hour before closing.

The Bioparc is at the western end of the Turia Gardens. The easiest way there is metro line 3, 5 or 9 to Nou d’Octubre station followed by a walk of about ten minutes, and buses 98 and 99 stop at the entrance. My tip is to combine the Bioparc with a bike ride back through the Turia Gardens towards the centre afterwards. Allow three to four hours in the park, and come early on hot days before the heat sets in.

Book a ticket to Bioparc Valencia.

15. Las Fallas and the Museo Fallero

Las Fallas is Valencia’s big spring festival and has been on UNESCO’s Intangible Cultural Heritage list since 2016. Each neighbourhood builds enormous figures poking fun at politicians, celebrities and society, and the festival peaks from 14 to 19 March. On the final night the figures are set alight in the streets as fireworks roar. Every day from 1 to 19 March at 2pm there’s the mascletà in Plaza del Ayuntamiento, a deafening gunpowder show you feel right through your body.

If you’re not travelling in March, you can see the figures that escaped the flames at the Museo Fallero. Since 1934, figures have been saved from the bonfire each year by public vote, and the museum displays these ninots indultats alongside old posters and photos from the festival. Admission costs 2 euros (around £1.70) and is free for children under 16 and on Sundays and public holidays.

The museum is open Tuesday to Saturday from 10am to 7pm and on Sundays and public holidays from 10am to 2pm, and it’s closed on Mondays. It’s in Plaza Monteolivete close to the Ciudad de las Artes y las Ciencias, so you can easily visit on the same day. My tip is to book your hotel very early if you want to go to Las Fallas, as the city is full, prices rise sharply and there’s noise and partying around the clock. It’s an incredible experience, but not a relaxing holiday.

16. Iglesia de San Nicolás

From the outside the Iglesia de San Nicolás doesn’t look like much, as the church is tucked away between the houses of the Old Town. But inside, the vault is covered in Baroque frescoes in vivid colours and gold, which is why the church is called Valencia’s Sistine Chapel. It’s one of the churches in the city where you really must remember to look up, as every centimetre of the ceiling is painted and the gold glitters in the light from the windows.

A ticket with an audio guide and the immersive experience, where the frescoes are lit with video mapping and music, costs 16 euros (around £13) online and 18 euros (around £15) at the ticket office, and children up to 12 go free. The church is closed to tourists on Mondays and open Tuesday to Sunday, with last entry an hour before closing. You can’t walk around during Mass, so check the times on the church’s website.

The price is high compared with the city’s other churches, but I think it’s one of the biggest surprises in Valencia. My tip is to combine the visit with La Lonja and the Mercado Central, which are a few minutes’ walk away. Spend a little time looking up without the video mapping, as the frescoes are at their most beautiful when you can simply sit and gaze at them.

Book a ticket to the Iglesia de San Nicolás.

17. Day trip to Albufera and El Palmar

Just south of Valencia lies L’Albufera Natural Park, a large freshwater lagoon surrounded by rice fields, canals and a narrow strip of dunes and pine forest along the sea. This is where the rice for paella is grown, and the area is an important site for migrating birds. In the village of El Palmar, which the tourist office calls the birthplace of paella, the restaurants stand side by side, and you can still see the traditional barracas, small thatched cottages.

The classic thing to do is take a trip on the lagoon in one of the flat wooden boats. The boat trip takes about 40 minutes, and the most popular time is sunset, when the lagoon turns red and gold. Boats leave from El Palmar and El Saler, among other places. According to the tourist office, the rice fields look their best from May to July and from November to January, while they lie dry in March and April.

You can get here on EMT bus lines 24 and 25, which run from the city out through the natural park in under an hour and are free with the Valencia Tourist Card. You can also go on an organised tour with bus, boat trip and paella. My tip is to take the bus out for lunch in El Palmar, walk along the canals and finish with a boat trip at sunset. On the way are the beaches at El Saler, which are wilder and quieter than the city beaches.

Book a boat trip on the Albufera, including at sunset.

Practical travel tips for Valencia

The Old Town is so compact that you can walk between most of the sights, and for the rest of the city you use the metro, trams and buses. An EMT bus ticket costs 2 euros (around £1.70), and the metro costs from 1.50 euros (around £1.30) for one zone, plus a rechargeable card. From the airport, metro lines 3 and 5 run into the centre, and a single ticket costs 4.80 euros (around £4).

If you plan to see a lot, the Valencia Tourist Card can pay off. The card, for 24, 48 or 72 hours, costs from 15.30 euros (around £13) online and gives you free public transport, including to and from the airport, free entry to a number of museums and monuments and discounts at places such as the Ciudad de las Artes y las Ciencias.

Plan your days around the days of the week. La Lonja, the towers and several municipal museums are free on Sundays, but the Mercado Central and Mercado de Ruzafa are closed, and the ceramics museum and Museo Fallero are closed on Mondays. Spring and autumn are the best times to visit, as summer gets very hot, and during Las Fallas in March the city is full and expensive.

If you want the full selection, you can see all hotels in Valencia on Booking.com. If you’re continuing your trip, you can find out where to stay in Alicante further down the coast, or take the high-speed train to the capital and read my picks of things to do in Madrid. If you’re heading north, I’ve also written about things to do in Barcelona.

The post 17 Best Things to Do in Valencia: City of Arts and Sciences, Old Town & Albufera Paella appeared first on Destination Well Known.

The quick answer: if you land at Tenerife South and you’re staying in Los Cristianos, Playa de las Américas or Costa Adeje, take bus 40 or a taxi. If you land at Tenerife North, bus 20 runs to La Laguna and Santa Cruz and bus 30 to Puerto de la Cruz. Below you’ll find all the options with prices, journey times, stops and the return trip. Prices are given in euros with an approximate amount in pounds in brackets.

Tenerife Airport to Your Hotel at a Glance

• Bus 40 (South): €3.20 (around £2.70) to Los Cristianos and €3.70 (around £3.10) to Playa de las Américas and Costa Adeje, around 40 minutes to the final stop at Estación Costa Adeje, running roughly every half hour from 6.30am to 9.40pm.
• Bus 10 (South): €9.35 (around £7.80), around 55 minutes direct to the Intercambiador in Santa Cruz, running roughly every 40 minutes from just after 6am to just after 10pm.
• Night bus 711 (South): same fare as bus 40 and bus 10, running overnight towards Los Cristianos and Costa Adeje and towards Santa Cruz, roughly every half hour to every hour.
• Bus 343 (South and North): €9.70 (around £8.10) between the two airports in around 55 minutes and €13.55 (around £11.35) from the South airport to Puerto de la Cruz, with only four departures a day.
• Bus 20 (North): €2.65 (around £2.20), around 20 minutes to the Intercambiador in Santa Cruz, stopping in La Laguna, running every 20 to 25 minutes from 5.45am to 12.45am.
• Bus 30 (North): €4.75 (around £4), around 30 minutes to Puerto de la Cruz, running once or twice an hour from morning to evening.
• Taxi: metered, and from the South airport you should expect to pay around €30 (around £25) to Los Cristianos and around €40 (around £35) to Costa Adeje. From the North airport, the journey to Santa Cruz costs around €20 to €25 (around £17 to £21).
• Uber (South): UberX and larger cars can be booked from Tenerife South, and the app shows a fixed price before you book.
• Hire car: desks at both airports, around 20 to 25 minutes from the South airport to Los Cristianos and Costa Adeje and around 25 minutes from the North airport to Puerto de la Cruz.

How to Find Your Transport at the Airport

Tenerife South: The airport has a single terminal. The arrivals hall is on the ground floor, which Aena calls Planta 0. Once you’ve come out from baggage reclaim and customs, the bus stop and the taxi rank are just outside the arrivals hall. All the buses stop at the same bus stop, which TITSA calls Aeropuerto Tenerife Sur. You can see the routes on the airport’s bus page.

At the airports there are machines where you can buy TITSA’s ten+ card and tourist cards, and the car hire companies have desks both inside and outside the terminal building. Companies without a desk at the airport usually pick you up in a shuttle bus, so read your confirmation before you land.

Tenerife North: There’s also a single terminal here. Taxis wait by the arrivals hall on the ground floor, while the buses stop in the bus park on the floor below, which Aena calls Planta -1. Buses are called guaguas in the Canary Islands, so that’s the word to look out for. Bus 20, bus 30 and bus 343 depart from here.

1. Bus 40 from Tenerife South to Los Cristianos, Playa de las Américas and Costa Adeje

Bus 40 is TITSA’s airport bus to the resort towns in the south-west, and for most people it’s the bus you’ll need. It runs from Tenerife South along the TF-1 motorway to Los Cristianos, carries on through Playa de las Américas and ends at the Estación Costa Adeje bus station. The whole journey takes about 40 minutes, and you’ll usually reach Los Cristianos in 20 to 25 minutes.

The bus runs every day. The first departure from the airport is at 6.30am, and after that it runs roughly every half hour until the last departure at 9.40pm. Around the middle of the day a few departures are shifted by a couple of minutes, so check the bus 40 timetable on TITSA’s website before you head out to the stop.

On the way to Costa Adeje the bus doesn’t pick up passengers along the route, but it does stop when someone wants to get off. So press the stop button in good time. If you land after the last bus, you’ll need night bus 711 or a taxi.

Watch out for older guides: they often mention bus 111 and bus 450, but these stop at the Enlace Aeropuerto motorway junction rather than at the terminal. From the terminal, the buses to use are bus 40, bus 10, bus 343, bus 415 and night bus 711.

Fares and tickets

The fare depends on distance. From the airport to Los Cristianos and El Camisón in Playa de las Américas, a single ticket costs €3.20 (around £2.70). To Columbus, Magma and Estación Costa Adeje it costs €3.70 (around £3.10). With a ten+ card you pay €2.80 (around £2.35) and €2.90 (around £2.45) respectively. TITSA has a fare calculator on its website where you can look up the price to your stop.

Children aged 4 and under travel free as long as they don’t take up a seat. There are also discounts for children and young people, but these require you to live in the Canary Islands, so as a tourist you’ll pay full fare for older children.

Where to buy your ticket

There are three ways to pay. The easiest is your bank card: TITSA accepts contactless Visa and Mastercard cards, including on your phone or watch, as long as the card doesn’t ask for a PIN, and you pay the same fare as with cash. You can also pay the driver in cash, but drivers don’t have to change notes over €10, and between 9pm and 5.30am you must pay the exact fare.

The cheapest option is the ten+ card, the island’s rechargeable travel card for buses and the tram. You top it up with credit and pay a lower fare per journey. You can buy and top it up at the machines in the airport, at bus stations, in kiosks and at tram stops. Remember to tap the card on the reader both when you board and when you get off, as the fare is calculated on how far you’ve travelled. This is explained in the ten+ frequently asked questions.

If you’ll be taking the bus a lot, there are also tourist passes you can load onto the ten+ card: €10 (around £8.50) for unlimited travel for 24 hours and €50 (around £40) for 7 days on all buses and the tram. The card itself costs €2 (around £1.70), and the tourist passes are personal. You can also buy them in the ten+ móvil app. All the ticket types are listed on TITSA’s tickets page.

Where should you get off?

Los Cristianos: The Los Cristianos stop is in the town, and from here you can walk to most hotels in the old fishing town and by Playa de Los Cristianos beach. This is also where the ferries to La Gomera leave from. If you want to stay close to the bus and the harbour, you can see hotels in Los Cristianos here.

El Camisón, Zentral Center and Columbus: These three stops are in Playa de las Américas, home to the big beach hotels, the restaurants and the nightlife. Check on a map which stop is closest to your hotel, as the resort is long. You can see hotels in Playa de las Américas here.

Los Geranios, Magma and Estación Costa Adeje: Here you’re in Costa Adeje. Magma is named after the conference centre of the same name, and the terminus, Estación Costa Adeje, is the island’s bus hub in the south-west. From here, bus 473 continues past San Eugenio and Fañabé towards Los Gigantes. You can see hotels in Costa Adeje here. If you’re not sure which resort suits you, read my guide to where to stay in Tenerife.

2. Bus 10 from Tenerife South to Santa Cruz

Bus 10 is the airport bus from Tenerife South to the island’s capital, Santa Cruz de Tenerife. It runs along the TF-1 motorway on the east coast and only stops at San Isidro, at Caletillas near Candelaria and at the Meridiano shopping centre before ending at the Intercambiador, the large bus and tram terminal in Santa Cruz. The journey takes about 55 minutes.

From the airport the bus runs every day from 6.35am to 10.05pm, with about 40 minutes between departures, and on weekdays there’s an extra departure at 6.10am. So the last bus leaves shortly after 10pm, and if you land later, night bus 711 also runs to Santa Cruz. You’ll find the departures in the bus 10 timetable on TITSA’s website.

A single ticket costs €9.35 (around £7.85) by card or cash and €6.95 (around £5.80) with the ten+ card. You pay the same way as on bus 40. The bus suits you if you’re staying in Santa Cruz or heading on to La Laguna. A taxi to Santa Cruz costs about ten times as much, so the bus is a good choice, even with luggage.

Where should you get off?

Intercambiador Santa Cruz: The terminus is in the centre of Santa Cruz, close to the harbour. From here you can walk to most hotels in the centre, and you can change to tram line 1, which runs up to La Laguna. Your ten+ card is valid on the tram too. Ferries to Gran Canaria leave from the harbour in Santa Cruz.

Caletillas: This stop by the motorway is near Candelaria, with its basilica and seafront square. The bus only stops here to drop passengers off in the direction of Santa Cruz and only to pick passengers up in the direction of the airport.

3. Night bus 711 from Tenerife South

Night bus 711 runs every night between Santa Cruz, Tenerife South, Los Cristianos and Estación Costa Adeje, covering the hours when bus 40 and bus 10 aren’t running. The bus passes the airport in both directions, so check the sign on the front of the bus before you get on. From the airport the journey usually takes 20 minutes to Los Cristianos and 30 minutes to Estación Costa Adeje, while the trip to Santa Cruz takes about 50 minutes.

Towards Los Cristianos and Costa Adeje the bus leaves the airport from 11pm to 4.50am, and towards Santa Cruz from 10.40pm to 6.55am. There’s between half an hour and just over an hour between departures, so check the time in the night bus 711 timetable before you head out. The night bus stops at most of the same stops in Los Cristianos, Playa de las Américas and Costa Adeje as bus 40.

The fare is the same as during the day: €3.20 (around £2.70) to Los Cristianos, €3.70 (around £3.10) to Costa Adeje and €9.35 (around £7.85) to Santa Cruz. If you pay cash at night, you’ll need the exact fare ready, so it’s easiest to use your bank card or the ten+ card.

4. Bus 343 between the airports and to Puerto de la Cruz

Bus 343 is an express bus running between Puerto de la Cruz and Estación Costa Adeje via both airports. Between Tenerife North and Tenerife South it runs non-stop and takes around 55 minutes. That makes it the only direct bus from the South to Puerto de la Cruz, and the journey takes about an hour and 20 minutes.

The catch is that there are only four departures in each direction a day. On weekdays the bus leaves Tenerife South for the North and Puerto de la Cruz at 9.35, 13.05, 17.50 and 21.50, and at weekends and on public holidays at 9.20, 12.25, 16.40 and 19.40. In the other direction it leaves Tenerife North for the South at 6.25, 10.40, 15.10 and 18.40 on weekdays. See all the times in the bus 343 timetable.

A ticket from Tenerife South to Puerto de la Cruz costs €13.55 (around £11) and €9.55 (around £8) with the ten+ card. Between the two airports it costs €9.70 (around £8) and €7.15 (around £6) with the ten+ card. From the South to Costa Adeje the fare is €3.70 (around £3), the same as on bus 40. If the departures don’t suit you, you can take bus 10 to Santa Cruz and change to a bus to Puerto de la Cruz, but it takes longer.

Where should you get off?

Puerto de la Cruz: The bus terminates at the Estación Puerto de la Cruz bus station in town. On its way through town it stops at Puente del Botánico, La Paz, Tucán and El Risco if anyone needs to get off, so check on a map which stop is closest to your hotel. If you want to stay in Puerto de la Cruz, you can see hotels in Puerto de la Cruz here.

5. Bus 20 from Tenerife North to La Laguna and Santa Cruz

From Tenerife North, bus 20 is the quickest way to both La Laguna and Santa Cruz. It runs from the bus terminal below the airport to Intercambiador La Laguna and on along the TF-5 motorway, past Meridiano, to the Intercambiador in Santa Cruz. The whole journey takes around 20 minutes, and you reach La Laguna in just a few minutes.

The bus runs every day. The first departure from the airport is at 5.45, and after that it runs every 20 to 25 minutes during the day. In the evening the gaps between departures get longer, but the last bus doesn’t leave until 0.45, so you can catch it even after a late flight. See the departures in the bus 20 timetable.

A single ticket costs €2.65 (around £2.20) by card or cash and €2.25 (around £1.90) with the ten+ card, and the fare is the same to La Laguna and Santa Cruz. You pay the same way as on the buses from the South. The bus suits you if you’re staying in Santa Cruz or in the historic town of La Laguna.

Where should you get off?

Intercambiador La Laguna: The bus terminal in La Laguna is on the edge of the old town centre, which is on the UNESCO World Heritage List. From here you walk to the hotels in the centre. Heading towards Santa Cruz, the bus only drops off at La Laguna, so get off at the stop outside the terminal.

Intercambiador Santa Cruz: The final stop in Santa Cruz is the same terminal that bus 10 from the South goes to. The bus stops outside in front of the courthouse, and from here you walk into the centre and to the harbour. Tram line 1 also runs from the Intercambiador to La Laguna.

6. Bus 30 from Tenerife North to Puerto de la Cruz

Bus 30 runs directly from Tenerife North along the TF-5 motorway to Puerto de la Cruz on the north coast. The journey takes around 30 minutes, and on its way into town the bus stops at Puente del Botánico, La Paz, Tucán and El Risco before terminating at the Estación Puerto de la Cruz bus station. Between the La Orotava exit and the bus station the bus only drops passengers off, so you can safely stay in your seat until your stop comes.

On weekdays the first bus leaves the airport at 7.30 and the last at 23.20, usually once or twice an hour. At weekends and on public holidays it runs from 7.50 to 21.15, with longer gaps between departures. If you land late at the weekend, it’s a good idea to check the bus 30 timetable in advance, otherwise you’ll end up taking a taxi.

A single ticket costs €4.75 (around £4) by card or cash and €3.40 (around £2.85) with the ten+ card. The bus suits anyone staying in Puerto de la Cruz, and it’s far cheaper than a taxi, which costs about ten times as much. If you’re staying in La Orotava, you can take the bus to Puerto de la Cruz and change to a local bus, or take a taxi for the last stretch.

7. Taxi and Uber from the airports

Taxis wait outside the arrivals hall at both airports, and Aena recommends that you only take a taxi from the signposted rank and turn down drivers offering rides anywhere else. The taxis are metered, and the fares are set by the authorities. During the day on weekdays between 6am and 10pm, the starting fare is 3.85 euros (around £3.20) and then 1.35 euros (around £1.15) per kilometre. At night, on Sundays and on public holidays, the starting fare is 4.25 euros (around £3.55) and then 1.55 euros (around £1.30) per kilometre.

Journeys to or from the airport carry an extra supplement of 2.10 euros (around £1.75). The fares are listed on the airport’s taxi page, and ask for a receipt if you want to complain about a journey. Based on the daytime fares, you can expect to pay roughly the following:

• From the South to El Médano: around 15 to 20 euros (around £13 to £17).
• From the South to Los Cristianos: around 30 euros (around £25).
• From the South to Playa de las Américas: around 35 euros (around £30).
• From the South to Costa Adeje: around 40 euros (around £35), a little more to the northern end at La Caleta.
• From the South to Los Gigantes: around 70 euros (around £60).
• From the South to Santa Cruz: around 90 euros (around £75).
• From the North to La Laguna: around 12 to 15 euros (around £10 to £13).
• From the North to Santa Cruz: around 20 to 25 euros (around £17 to £21).
• From the North to Puerto de la Cruz: around 45 euros (around £40).

The final fare depends on where your hotel is and on the traffic. A standard taxi seats four, so if there are four of you sharing a taxi to Los Cristianos, it works out at around 7.50 euros (around £6.30) per person, and it takes you right to the door.

Uber also operates from Tenerife South. You can book an UberX or a larger car, and the app shows you the price before you book. However, according to Uber’s page on Tenerife South, you can’t book a regular taxi through the app from the airport. The app also shows you where to meet your driver outside the terminal.

Private transfer

Many hotels in Costa Adeje and Playa de las Américas offer airport transfers, and if you’re on a package holiday, the coach transfer is often included in the price. Ask your hotel before you travel if you’re landing late or have young children with you. Otherwise, a taxi from the rank is almost always the easiest option, as there are usually cars waiting.

8. Car hire from Tenerife South and Tenerife North

If you want to explore the island and drive up to Teide, a hire car is the most flexible option, and you can pick it up right at the airport. At Tenerife South, AutoReisen, Cicar, Europcar, Goldcar, Hertz, Record Go and TopCar have desks in the terminal and outside the terminal building, and there’s also car hire at Tenerife North. Budget companies without a desk at the airport usually take you to their office by shuttle bus, so allow a little extra time.

From Tenerife South, you take the TF-1 motorway west and reach Los Cristianos and Costa Adeje in around 20 to 25 minutes. To Santa Cruz, you take the TF-1 north, which takes around 45 minutes. From Tenerife North, you take the TF-5 and reach Puerto de la Cruz in around 25 minutes and Santa Cruz in around a quarter of an hour. The motorways on Tenerife are toll-free, but there can be queues on the TF-5 around La Laguna and Santa Cruz at rush hour.

The pitfalls are the fuel policy and the insurance, so read the terms before you book and check whether a deposit will be taken on your credit card. Take photos of the car before you drive off, and check whether your hotel has parking, especially in Puerto de la Cruz and Santa Cruz. If you’re staying in Los Cristianos or Playa de las Américas and plan a poolside holiday, you can easily manage without a car and hire one for a day or two.

Getting around Tenerife straight from the airport

El Médano: The surf town is only around a 10-minute drive from Tenerife South, but there’s no direct bus from the terminal. Take bus 10 or bus 415 to San Isidro for 2.45 euros (around £2), and change to bus 408, which runs from San Isidro to El Médano in around 10 minutes for 1.45 euros (around £1.20). With suitcases, though, a taxi for around 15 to 20 euros is far easier.

Golf del Sur and Las Galletas: Bus 415 runs from the airport to Golf del Sur, Las Chafiras, Las Galletas and El Fraile. A ticket to Golf del Sur costs 2.45 euros (around £2), and the bus runs all day from early morning until the evening.

Los Gigantes: Take bus 40 to the final stop, Estación Costa Adeje, and change to bus 473, which runs along the coast via Playa de San Juan and Puerto de Santiago to Los Gigantes. A ticket on bus 473 costs 4.20 euros (around £3.50), or 2.80 euros (around £2.35) with the ten+ card. With luggage and a late flight, a taxi or a hire car is more practical.

La Gomera and Gran Canaria: Ferries to La Gomera sail from the port in Los Cristianos, which you can reach on bus 40. Ferries to Gran Canaria sail from Santa Cruz, and flights to the other Canary Islands usually depart from Tenerife North. If you’re heading on to Gran Canaria, you can read my guides to where to stay in Gran Canaria and to things to see in Gran Canaria.

The return journey to the airport

To Tenerife South: Bus 40 runs from Estación Costa Adeje from 5.30am and then roughly every half hour until 9.40pm. It picks up passengers at all the stops in Costa Adeje, Playa de las Américas and Los Cristianos on its way to the airport. For a very early flight, night bus 711 runs from Estación Costa Adeje during the night, for example at 3.20am, 4.00am and 5.55am, and reaches the airport around 30 minutes later.

From Santa Cruz, bus 10 runs from the Intercambiador from 5.30am every day and from 5.10am on weekdays, and the last one leaves at 9.30pm. At night, night bus 711 runs from Santa Cruz and reaches the airport around 50 minutes later. From Puerto de la Cruz, bus 343 runs directly to Tenerife South four times a day, and the first departure at 6.00am reaches the airport at 7.15am.

To Tenerife North: Bus 20 runs from the Intercambiador in Santa Cruz from 5.10am and every 20 to 25 minutes, stopping at Intercambiador La Laguna on the way. From Puerto de la Cruz, bus 30 runs from 6.30am on weekdays and 7.15am at weekends. For the earliest flights, night bus 104 leaves Puerto de la Cruz at 4.40am and 5.25am and passes Tenerife North.

The airports have no fixed arrival time, so follow your airline’s check-in times and allow extra time for the security queue at Tenerife South in high season. If you have plenty of time before your flight, you can buy access to the VIP lounge at Tenerife South here.

Which option should you choose?

Here’s my recommendation based on where you’re staying:

Los Cristianos: Take bus 40 from Tenerife South. It gets there in 20 to 25 minutes and costs €3.20 (around £2.70).

Playa de las Américas: Take bus 40 and get off at El Camisón, Zentral Center or Columbus, depending on where your hotel is.

Costa Adeje: Take bus 40 to Magma or Estación Costa Adeje. If you’re staying further north at Fañabé or La Caleta, I’d take a taxi so you don’t have to change buses with your suitcases.

El Médano and Los Gigantes: Take a taxi or a hire car. The bus involves a change for both.

Santa Cruz and La Laguna: If you land at the North airport, take bus 20. If you land at the South airport, take bus 10 to Santa Cruz and then the tram on to La Laguna.

Puerto de la Cruz: If you land at the North airport, take bus 30. If you land at the South airport, bus 343 is the only direct bus, but it only runs four times a day. If the times don’t suit you, a hire car is the best choice, as a taxi costs more than €100 (around £85).

If you land at night: From Tenerife South, night bus 711 runs towards Los Cristianos, Costa Adeje and Santa Cruz. From Tenerife North, bus 20 runs until 00:45. Otherwise, it’s a taxi.

If there are three or four of you: The bus is still the cheapest, but a taxi to Los Cristianos for about €30 (around £25) works out at only about €7.50 (around £6.30) per person when there are four of you, and it takes you right to the door.

Practical tips for getting from Tenerife airport to your hotel

Check which airport you’re landing at. It’s about a 55-minute drive between Tenerife South and Tenerife North, and a taxi between them is expensive. If your ticket says TFS, you’re landing at the South airport, and if it says TFN, you’re landing at the North airport.

Tap your ten+ card on the reader twice. With the ten+ card, you need to check in when you board and check out when you get off. If you forget to check out, you risk paying for a longer journey than the one you actually made.

Have change or a card ready in the evening. The driver doesn’t have to change notes over €10, and after 9pm cash payments must be the exact amount. Contactless payment with Visa or Mastercard works on all TITSA buses.

Consider a tourist card if you’ll be using the bus a lot. The day card for €10 (around £8.40) is worth it if you’re making more than a couple of long journeys on the same day, and the 7-day card for €50 (around £40) suits you if you want to see the island without a car.

Choose your hotel based on the connections. Bus 40 runs directly to Los Cristianos, Playa de las Américas and Costa Adeje, while El Médano and Los Gigantes require a change. Puerto de la Cruz is easiest to reach from Tenerife North. If you’re unsure about the area, read my guide to where to stay in Tenerife before you book.

The post Tenerife Airport to Your Hotel – Transport Guide (South and North) appeared first on Destination Well Known.

The short answer is that the Global buses are the best choice for most people. Bus 60 runs to Las Palmas, bus 66 goes direct to Playa del Inglés and Maspalomas, and bus 91 serves Arguineguín, Puerto Rico and Mogán. Taxis run on the meter and get expensive the further south-west you go, while a hire car suits you if you’re planning to explore the island anyway. Below you’ll find every option with prices, journey times and where to get off.

Gran Canaria Airport to Playa del Inglés and Las Palmas at a glance

• Bus 60 to Las Palmas: €2.30 (around £2) to San Telmo and €2.95 (around £2.50) to Santa Catalina, about 20 minutes to San Telmo and 27 minutes to Santa Catalina, running every half hour from 6.15am to 9.15pm and then at 10.15pm and 11.15pm.
• Bus 66 to Playa del Inglés and Maspalomas: €3.50 (around £3) to Playa del Inglés and €4.05 (around £3.40) to Faro de Maspalomas, 25 to 30 minutes to Playa del Inglés and about 45 minutes to Faro, running once an hour from 7.30am to 8.30pm.
• Bus 91 to Arguineguín, Puerto Rico and Mogán: €4.95 (around £4.15) to Arguineguín, €5.45 (around £4.55) to Puerto Rico and €6.80 (around £5.70) to Puerto de Mogán, about 35 minutes to Arguineguín, 45 minutes to Puerto Rico and an hour to Puerto de Mogán, running once or twice an hour from around 6.30am to around 9.30pm.
• Bus 90 heading south: same fares as buses 66 and 91, running roughly once an hour from early morning until late evening, and on weekdays during the daytime it continues to Arguineguín, Puerto Rico and Playa del Cura.
• Night bus 5: €3.50 (around £3) to Playa del Inglés, just under 50 minutes, running roughly once an hour through the night.
• Taxi: metered, roughly €35 to €40 (around £30 to £35) to Las Palmas, €40 to €50 (around £35 to £40) to Playa del Inglés and €65 to €80 (around £55 to £65) to Puerto Rico.
• Hire car: the desks are in the arrivals hall, and the GC-1 motorway runs past the airport both north and south.

How to find your transport at the airport

You arrive on the ground floor, which Aena calls Planta 0. This is where the arrivals halls for international and domestic flights are, and it’s also where you’ll find the car hire desks. The taxi rank is outside on the same level, and you should always take a taxi from the signposted rank by the terminal.

The buses don’t stop at arrivals but up by the departures hall on the first floor, Planta 1. So head up to the departures level and follow the signs for the buses. Incidentally, in the Canary Islands a bus is called a guagua. All the Global routes serving the airport stop here. There’s a ticket machine at the stop, but you can just as easily pay the driver. See the overview on the airport’s bus page.

Buses heading south and buses heading to Las Palmas both stop by the departures hall, but they go in opposite directions. So check the route number and destination on the front of the bus before you get on. If it says Faro de Maspalomas or Puerto de Mogán, the bus is heading south, and if it says Las Palmas or Santa Catalina, it’s heading north.

1. Bus 60 to Las Palmas

Bus 60 is the direct route between the airport and Las Palmas de Gran Canaria. It runs along the coastal motorway and makes only a handful of stops in the city: San Cristóbal, Lady Harimaguada, Teatro Pérez Galdós, San Telmo bus station, Juan XXIII, Alcaravaneras and the final stop, Santa Catalina. According to Global’s journey planner, the trip takes around 20 minutes to San Telmo and 27 minutes to Santa Catalina.

The bus runs every day. The first departure from the airport is at 6.15am, and after that there’s a bus every half hour until 9.15pm. Then there are just two more departures, at 10.15pm and 11.15pm, so if you land late, keep an eye on the clock. You’ll find the timetable on Global’s page for route 60.

Bus 91 also runs from the airport to Las Palmas when it comes up from Mogán in the south. It makes the same stops in the city and takes roughly the same time, so just hop on whichever bus comes first. Bus 60 suits you if you’re staying in the city, by Las Canteras beach or in the Old Town in Vegueta.

Fares and tickets

The fare depends on the distance. A single ticket to San Telmo costs €2.30 (around £1.90), and to Santa Catalina it costs €2.95 (around £2.50). You can check the fares yourself with Global’s fare calculator.

Children under 4 travel free when they’re with an adult and don’t take up a seat. Large suitcases have to go in the luggage hold under the bus. According to Global’s rules, this applies to anything larger than 40 x 40 x 20 centimetres, while smaller bags can go under the seat or on your lap.

Where to buy your ticket

You buy your ticket from the driver when you board. Tell them where you’re going and they’ll work out the fare. You can pay in cash or by card, and all Global buses have a card reader that also accepts mobile payments. If you’re paying cash, it’s a good idea to have some change on you, as Global asks for the exact amount and doesn’t accept notes over €20 (around £17).

Keep your ticket until you get off. If you’re checked without a ticket, you’ll have to pay again or leave the bus. The rules are set out in Global’s passenger regulations.

Where should you get off?

Teatro Pérez Galdós and San Telmo: Get off here if you’re staying in Triana or in the Old Town in Vegueta, home to the cathedral and Casa de Colón. San Telmo is the city’s main bus station, and from here you can walk to both the Triana shopping street and Vegueta. You can read more about what to see in the city in my guide to things to see on Gran Canaria.

Alcaravaneras: This stop is by the beach of the same name, halfway between San Telmo and Santa Catalina.

Santa Catalina: The final stop is at Parque Santa Catalina in the north of the city, just a few minutes’ walk from Playa de Las Canteras. This is where most people who choose Las Palmas stay, and you can see hotels near Las Canteras here.

2. Bus 66 from Gran Canaria Airport to Playa del Inglés and Maspalomas

Bus 66 is the airport bus to the south coast. It only runs between the airport and Faro de Maspalomas, and it goes straight down the motorway until it reaches the resort areas. Along the way it stops in Bahía Feliz, Playa del Águila and San Agustín, then at a long string of stops in Playa del Inglés, before carrying on past Campo Internacional to the Faro de Maspalomas lighthouse at Meloneras.

According to Global’s journey planner, you’ll reach San Agustín after about 23 minutes, Yumbo Centrum in Playa del Inglés after about half an hour and Faro de Maspalomas after about 45 minutes. The bus runs once an hour every day, leaving the airport at half past every hour from 7.30am to 8.30pm. Check the timetable on Global’s page for line 66.

The catch is that the bus only runs once an hour. If you’ve just missed it, check whether bus 90 is due sooner, as it also goes to Playa del Inglés and Faro de Maspalomas. After the last departure at 8.30pm, you can take bus 90 if it’s still running, the slow line 1 or night bus 5, which also runs to Playa del Inglés in the evening. Otherwise, it’s a taxi.

Fares and tickets

A single ticket costs €2.75 (around £2.30) to Bahía Feliz, €3.50 (around £2.95) to Playa del Inglés and €4.05 (around £3.40) to Faro de Maspalomas. You pay the driver in cash or by card, just as on bus 60, and your suitcases go in the luggage hold.

Where should you get off?

San Agustín: Get off at Shopping Centre San Agustín if you’re staying in quiet San Agustín, east of Playa del Inglés.

Playa del Inglés: The bus stops at lots of places in Playa del Inglés, including Shopping Centre Plaza Maspalomas, Yumbo Centrum, CITA and on Avenida de Tirajana. Work out which stop is closest to your hotel before you board, and it’s a good idea to show the driver the address. You can see hotels in Playa del Inglés here.

Faro de Maspalomas: The last stop is by the lighthouse and the bus station at Meloneras. Get off here if you’re staying in Meloneras or the western part of Maspalomas. If you’re unsure which area suits you best, read my guide to where to stay in Gran Canaria.

3. Bus 91 to Arguineguín, Puerto Rico and Mogán

Bus 91 is the direct route from Las Palmas via the airport to the south-west coast. It doesn’t go into Playa del Inglés, but carries on along the motorway to Arguineguín and then follows the coast via Patalavaca, Puerto Rico, Playa de Amadores, Tauro and Playa del Cura to Taurito and Puerto de Mogán.

According to Global’s journey planner, the trip from the airport takes around 34 minutes to Arguineguín, 43 minutes to Puerto Rico, 46 minutes to Playa de Amadores, 50 minutes to Playa del Cura and about an hour to Puerto de Mogán. It’s the quickest way to reach that part of the island.

The bus starts in Las Palmas, and according to Gran Canaria’s tourist board it reaches the airport about 35 minutes later. From the airport it runs from around 6.30am to around 9.30pm, usually once an hour and twice an hour from mid-morning to mid-afternoon. Some services terminate in Taurito instead of Puerto de Mogán, so check the final destination. You’ll find the timetable on Global’s page for route 91.

Fares and tickets

The fare goes up the further you travel. A single ticket costs €4.95 (around £4.15) to Arguineguín, €5.25 (around £4.40) to Patalavaca, €5.45 (around £4.55) to Puerto Rico, €5.90 (around £4.95) to Playa de Amadores and Tauro, €6.35 (around £5.30) to Playa del Cura and €6.80 (around £5.70) to Puerto de Mogán. You pay the driver, just as on the other buses.

Where should you get off?

Arguineguín: The old fishing town is the first stop in the south-west and a good choice if you’d like somewhere a little quieter to stay.

Puerto Rico and Playa de Amadores: The bus stops in Puerto Rico and shortly afterwards at Playa de Amadores. The hotels sit on the slopes around the bay, so check which stop is closest to yours, as some of them are high up the hillside. You can see hotels in Puerto Rico here, and my guide to where to stay on Gran Canaria compares Puerto Rico and Arguineguín with Maspalomas and Playa del Inglés.

Puerto de Mogán: The final stop is at the bus station in Puerto de Mogán, and from there you walk down to the little harbour with its canals.

4. Bus 90, night bus 5 and the slower routes

Bus 90 runs from Telde via the airport to Playa del Inglés and Faro de Maspalomas. It’s semi-direct, which means it detours past the CC Atlántico shopping centre in Vecindario before continuing to the same stops as bus 66 in San Agustín and Playa del Inglés. That makes it slightly slower than bus 66, but it’s a good alternative when there’s a long wait for the next 66.

On weekdays during the daytime, many services continue from Faro de Maspalomas to Arguineguín, Puerto Rico, Playa de Amadores and Playa del Cura. On Saturdays and public holidays, bus 90 only runs as far as Faro de Maspalomas. The bus reaches the airport about a quarter of an hour after leaving Telde and runs roughly once an hour from early morning until late evening. Fares are the same as on buses 66 and 91. See the departures on Global’s page for route 90.

If you land at night, night bus 5 is a lifesaver. It runs between Las Palmas and Faro de Maspalomas via the airport and Playa del Inglés roughly once an hour for most of the night. The journey from the airport to Yumbo Centrum takes just under 50 minutes, and a ticket costs €3.50 (around £2.95), the same as during the day. At night, routes 1 and 5 also run from the airport to Las Palmas. If you’re heading to Puerto Rico or Mogán, route 1 is the last bus. Its final departure from Las Palmas at 11.30pm runs via the airport and Playa del Inglés all the way to Puerto de Mogán.

Routes 1 and 36 also pass through the airport during the day, but they go through the towns along the way and stop frequently. They’re useful if you’re going to one of the towns en route, but for the resorts, buses 66, 90 and 91 are much faster.

5. Taxi from Gran Canaria Airport

Taxis wait outside the arrivals hall on the ground floor. They run on the meter. According to the airport, the flag fall is €3.85 (around £3.20) during the day between 6am and 10pm and €4.25 (around £3.55) at night and on public holidays. Each kilometre costs €1.35 (around £1.15) during the day and €1.55 (around £1.30) at night and on public holidays, and there’s an airport supplement of €2.10 (around £1.75) on top. Over the Christmas period the flag fall is higher. You’ll find the fares on the airport’s taxi page.

That works out at roughly €35 to €40 (around £30 to £35) to Las Palmas, €40 to €50 (around £35 to £40) to Playa del Inglés, €45 to €55 (around £40 to £45) to Maspalomas and Meloneras, €55 to €70 (around £45 to £60) to Arguineguín, €65 to €80 (around £55 to £65) to Puerto Rico and €75 to €90 (around £65 to £75) to Puerto de Mogán. It costs more at night. These are approximate prices, as the final fare depends on the address and the traffic.

A taxi is a good option when there are four of you with lots of luggage heading to Playa del Inglés or Las Palmas, or when you land after the last buses have gone. For Puerto Rico and Mogán, on the other hand, the bus is considerably cheaper, even for a family. Ask the driver whether you can pay by card before you set off, and ask for a receipt.

6. Private transfer and package holiday transfer coach

If you’ve booked a package holiday, the transfer from the airport to your hotel is usually included in the price. The tour operator’s rep or sign will be waiting in the arrivals hall, and you’ll travel by coach with the other guests. It’s easy, but the journey can take longer than on the public bus, as the coach calls at several hotels before it reaches yours.

If you’ve only booked flights and a hotel, you can book a private transfer in advance. The driver waits in the arrivals hall with a name sign, and the price is agreed before you land. It’s especially handy if you’re landing late with young children, have lots of luggage or are heading far south-west to Puerto Rico or Mogán, where a taxi gets expensive.

Compare the price with the approximate taxi fares above before you book, so you can see whether the transfer is worth the money. It’s also worth asking your hotel whether it can arrange an airport pick-up and what it costs.

7. Car hire from the airport

If you want to explore the island, a hire car is the easiest option, and you can pick it up right at the airport. The desks are in the arrivals halls on the ground floor, where Avis, Cicar, Europcar, Goldcar, Hertz, OK Mobility, Sixt and TopCar, among others, have offices. Depending on the company, you collect the car from the P1 multi-storey car park or from the hire car park. See the list on the airport’s car hire page.

From the airport you drive straight onto the GC-1 motorway, which follows the east coast north to Las Palmas and south past Playa del Inglés, Maspalomas and Puerto Rico to Mogán. Allow around 20 to 25 minutes to Las Palmas and about half an hour to Playa del Inglés in normal traffic.

A car is best if you want to head up into the mountains to Tejeda and Roque Nublo or round to the towns in the north. If you’re staying in Las Palmas, though, parking is difficult, so there I’d only hire a car for the days you’re going on a trip. Read the contract carefully, especially the rules on insurance, excess and fuel, before you sign.

Onward to Tenerife and Fuerteventura

If you’re heading on to one of the other islands, you’ll go by plane or ferry. Domestic flights leave the airport for the other Canary Islands, so you can stay at the airport if you’re travelling on straight away.

The ferry to Tenerife sails from Agaete on the north-west coast to Santa Cruz de Tenerife, and the crossing takes around 80 minutes. You can get to Agaete by bus from Las Palmas, and you can buy your ferry ticket to Tenerife here. Ferries to Fuerteventura sail from the port in Las Palmas to Morro Jable.

If your trip continues, you can read my guides to where to stay in Tenerife and where to stay in Fuerteventura.

Getting back to the airport

From Las Palmas, bus 60 leaves Santa Catalina every half hour from 5.15am to 8.15pm, and then at 9.15pm and 10.15pm. It stops at San Telmo on the way, and from San Telmo the journey to the airport takes around 20 minutes. Bus 91 from Mogán also stops at the airport on its way to Las Palmas.

From Faro de Maspalomas, bus 66 runs once an hour from 6.30am to 7.30pm, stopping in Playa del Inglés and San Agustín along the way. From Yumbo Centrum the journey takes around half an hour. From Puerto de Mogán and Puerto Rico, bus 91 runs roughly once an hour from morning to evening, and from Puerto Rico the journey takes around 40 minutes. If you’re catching a very early flight, night bus 5 runs from Faro de Maspalomas via Playa del Inglés to the airport roughly once an hour during the night.

Timetables can change, so check your departure in Global’s timetables before you travel and allow plenty of time. If you have time to spare after security, you can book access to the Galdós VIP lounge at the airport here.

Which option should you choose?

Here’s my recommendation based on where you’re staying:

Las Palmas: Take bus 60 or bus 91 towards Las Palmas. Get off at San Telmo if you’re staying in Triana or Vegueta, and stay on to Santa Catalina if you’re staying near Las Canteras.

Playa del Inglés and San Agustín: Take bus 66, or bus 90 if it comes first. If there are four of you with lots of luggage, a taxi at around 40 to 50 euros (around £35 to £40) is a good alternative that takes you right to the door.

Maspalomas and Meloneras: Take bus 66 to the last stop, Faro de Maspalomas. If you’re staying a long way from the stop, a taxi can be worth it. If you’d like to stay by the beach in Meloneras, you can see hotels in Meloneras here.

Arguineguín, Puerto Rico and Mogán: Take bus 91. It runs direct and is far cheaper than a taxi at 65 to 90 euros (around £55 to £75).

If you land at night: Night bus 5 runs roughly once an hour to Playa del Inglés and Faro de Maspalomas. If you’re heading to Puerto Rico or Mogán after the last departure on line 1, a taxi or a pre-booked transfer is the only direct option.

If you want to explore the island: Hire a car at the airport, and you’ll be free to drive to the mountains and the towns in the north.

Practical tips for getting from Gran Canaria Airport to Playa del Inglés and beyond

Go up to the departures hall. The buses stop at the departures level on the first floor, not at the arrivals hall where the taxis wait.

Say where you’re going. Fares on Global’s buses depend on distance, so tell the driver your stop when you get on, and pay by card or with small change.

Check the final destination. Buses heading south and towards Las Palmas both stop at the departures hall. Look for the route number and the final destination so you don’t go the wrong way.

Have your suitcase ready for the luggage hold. Large suitcases go under the bus, so stand by the hold when the bus pulls in, and remember to take your case out again when you get off.

Choose your hotel based on the connections. Playa del Inglés and Maspalomas have bus 66 once an hour plus bus 90, while Puerto Rico and Mogán have bus 91 once or twice an hour. If you’re unsure about the area, read my guide to where to stay in Gran Canaria.

The post Gran Canaria Airport to Playa del Inglés & Las Palmas – Transport Guide appeared first on Destination Well Known.