Spain awaits and it won’t Costa Lotta!
SPAIN has given the green light to tourism resuming in July — dropping the requirement for a quarantine period. In theory, it’s ‘game on’ for summer holidays after Spain’s foreign minister tweeted emojis of a bikini, sunglasses and a suitcase alongside: ‘We look forward to welcoming you!’
But two big stumbling blocks remain: first, the Department of Foreign Affairs advice against all but essential international travel, thus invalidating travel insurance; second, a 14-day self-isolation for returning passengers.
So, it is best to hold off booking anything now. Yet Government advice may well change and the quarantine-less ‘air bridges’ could be introduced — possibly in time for summer.
Here, in the spirit of optimism, we pick some of our favourite costas, with packages boasting as much as a third off regular prices to consider when travel is back.
COSTA BRAVA: THE WILD COAST
WHY GO? For its rugged coastline of dramatic cliffs, wooded coves, fishing villages and great beaches — running from Barcelona to the French border. Away from the resorts, visit Salvador Dali’s extraordinary house/studio in Cadaques, his museum in Figueres, Girona’s fine cathedral and the Blanes botanical gardens.
HERE’S A DEAL: A fortnight at the Rosamar Maxim Hotel in Lloret de Mar from €429pp B&B including flights from Dublin (loveholidays.ie).
COSTA DORADA: THE GOLDEN COAST
WHY GO? It’s quieter than Costa Brava and its golden (dorada) beaches cover 200km from just south of Barcelona. Tarragona is home to Roman remains and a clifftop promenade with seafood restaurants overlooking the Mediterranean. Birdwatchers will enjoy the Delta de l’Elbre.
HERE’S A DEAL: A fortnight at the four-star Estival Park in La Pineda from €843 pp all-inclusive with Dublin flights (loveholidays.ie).
COSTA BLANCA: THE WHITE COAST
WHY GO? For skyscraper hotels, sweeping sandy beaches — and lots of all-day breakfasts on this 200km stretch of coast between Denia and Pilar de la Horadada. Benidorm, bang in the middle, hosts about 4 million visitors every year, many of them Irish. For some culture, visit the Castillo de Santa Barbara and the cathedral in Alicante.
HERE’S A DEAL: A fortnight at the Dynastic Hotel in Benidorm from €410pp all-inclusive with Dublin flights (mercuryholidays.ie).
COSTA CALIDA: THE WARM COAST
WHY GO? There’s a little bit of everything from golf courses, quiet beaches, wildlife reserves and historic cities on this costa covering 260km in the province of Murcia. The top resort is La Manga in Mar Menor — with 28 tennis courts, three golf courses, football pitches and a cricket centre. Non-sporty types can visit Cartagena, with its Roman theatre.
HERE’S A DEAL: A fortnight in a self-catering apartment in La Manga without flights from €835 pp (jamesvillas.ie).
COSTA DE ALMERIA: THE SECRET COAST
WHY GO? To get away from it all — hence the ‘secret’ nickname. There are secluded beaches, nature reserves and sleepy fishing villages. The city of Almeria has winding lanes, a 16th-century cathedral and an ancient Moorish fort. Granada, home of the Alhambra, makes a great excursion.
HERE’S A DEAL: Seven nights at Evenia Zoraida Park in Roquetas de Mar from €790pp all-inclusive without flights (tui.co.uk).
COSTA DEL SOL: THE SUNNY COAST
WHY GO? For sunshine, grilled gambas (prawns) galore and beautiful pueblos blancos (white towns), whitewashed hillside settlements with sweeping views. Costa del Sol covers 160km of Andalucian coast.
Malaga is the heart of the action with live music and beaches. There’s also buzzy Marbella and Torremolinos.
HERE’S A DEAL: A fortnight at Hotel Pez Espada in Torremolinos from €1,233 pp half-board with Dublin flights (loveholidays.ie).
COSTA DE LA LUZ: THE COAST OF LIGHT
WHY GO? This is a sleepier more traditional costa, popular with Spaniards.
It runs for 200km along the Atlantic Ocean to Portugal. Visit nature reserves and wetlands where flamingos gather. Chiclana de la Frontera is the main resort. Enjoy a drop of sherry in Jerez and watch a flamenco show.
HERE’S A DEAL: Seven nights at the five-star Royal Hideaway Sancti Petri, near Cadiz, from €1,064pp B&B without flights (broadwaytravel.com).