Spain is set to become even more accessible for UK travellers, with several airlines unveiling new routes that will boost air links between the two countries. From winter escapes to spring and summer holidays, these additions promise greater flexibility and choice for both leisure and business trips. 

Starting in October 2025, EasyJet will introduce a seasonal service from Edinburgh to Málaga, alongside new connections for the 2025/26 winter period, including Liverpool to Almería, Edinburgh and Leeds Bradford to Barcelona, and Manchester to Madrid. These additions aim to meet growing demand for Spanish destinations during the colder months. 

British Airways City Flyer, part of IAG, is set to launch a new service from London City to Madrid in December 2025, while Ryanair will add a route from London Stansted to Murcia starting November 2025.  

Looking ahead, Wizz Air will expand its network in March 2026, introducing five new connections from London Luton Airport to Bilbao, Barcelona, Madrid, Valencia, and Seville. 

For those planning spring and autumn getaways, Jet2 will begin operating two weekly flights from Manchester to La Palma in April 2026, followed by additional services from London Stansted to La Palma in October 2026. These new flight routes highlight Spain’s continued popularity as a destination and airlines’ commitment to offering more travel options for the upcoming year.  

Ahead of travelling to Spain and its islands, visitors should check the requirements of the European Union’s new Entry/Exit System (EES) which is gradually being implemented across the destination: 

https://travel-europe.europa.eu/ees  

For all press enquiries contact Jessica Harvey Taylor on Jessica.harvey@tourspain.es or the Spanish Tourist Office’s PR agency LOTUS on spain@wearelotus.co.uk 

The shoulder-season months of March through to May are some of the best times to visit Spain and its islands, with dramatic Holy Week processions taking place throughout the country and with the entire peninsula blossoming with vivid blooms. Fewer visitors and cooler temperatures at this time of year make spring the perfect time to explore Spain in comfort, discovering the country’s authentic culture and extraordinary landmarks and landscapes. 

Below are five destinations to visit in Spain this spring. 

Palma de Mallorca, the Balearic Islands 

Whilst many associate the Balearic Islands with school holidays and summer months, this charming archipelago comes into its own during the shoulder seasons of spring and summer, where fewer visitors make the Islands ripe for exploration by foot, bike or boat. Mallorca’s capital, Palma, is particularly charming during spring, with long days perfect for wandering down Passeig del Born – the city’s renowned shaded shopping street – and admiring the dramatic cathedral of La Seu. Visitors can use Palma as a base to explore the rest of Mallorca, which is covered in thousands of almond trees blossoming during early Spring, covering the island in a pink-and-white blanket. Cycling is particularly popular in Mallorca where, during shoulder season, beaches are emptier, and lanes and villages are quieter. 

Seville, Andalusia 

The historic city of Seville is known for its soaring temperatures in the summer, making spring one of the best times to visit this city to enjoy comfortable, warm climes. Travellers can wander through the winding streets, explore the Dueñas Palace, watch the world pass by while sipping sangrias at pavement cafes, and possibly catch a local flamenco performance. Seville simply blooms during spring, with the arrival of the much-anticipated annual Feria de Abril (April Fair). This legendary week-long festival, originally a cattle fair, takes place two weeks after Easter, and includes  hundreds of stalls and marquees where locals gather, colourful flamenco and music displays, horse and carriage parades, and much more. 

Cieza, Murcia 

The lesser-known region of Murcia is home to one of the most spectacular natural spring sights: the blossoming of the peach trees at Cieza. Cieza itself is a historic town overflowing with history and, each spring, the environs of the town light up with vibrant pink blossoms – La Floración en Cieza. In 2023, a new Vía Verde greenway opened, allowing guests to take in the most beautiful views of the blossom. Cieza’s Holy Week celebrations are classified as an event of National Tourist Interest, during which colourful parades and a passion play take place. Whilst exploring Cieza, travellers should not miss a visit to the region’s capital, Murcia, which is home to extraordinary Moorish history and awe-inspiring Baroque architecture.  

Barcelona, Catalunya 

Barcelona attracts crowds throughout the year, but spring is perhaps the best time to explore one of Spain’s most popular cities – without the summer crowds. Visitors can escape Barcelona’s high summer temperatures with a trip earlier in the year, exploring Gaudí’s works or sitting back and soaking up the atmosphere on one of the city’s renowned beaches. The streets burst with colour in spring, and guests can take in the view by taking the cable car up to Montjuic, whose gardens are similarly technicolour during this season. Spring also brings with it some of the region’s best produce – enjoy sweet and tender calçots (a variety of onion) between January and April, a local specialty. On 23 April, join Catalonians to celebrate the lively festival of Barcelona’s patron saint, Sant Jordi: this festival is a delight for book-lovers, with the custom being to exchange roses and books with loved ones. 

Castilla y León 

One of the most memorable and moving places to visit during Semana Santa or Holy Week (this year celebrated between 24 and 30 March) is the province of Castilla y León, where Holy Week celebrations are a serious affair. In the town of Valladolid, the historic celebrations comprise of dramatic, costumed processions through the streets carrying religious statues, accompanied by sombre music and drumbeats. Holy week in Zamora, one of the oldest of such traditions in Spain, is particularly solemn, with hundreds processing through the streets to the accompaniment of funereal music or polyphonic chant, or even in complete silence. 

Want more suggestions of the best places to visit in Spain this spring? Find some more options below: 

• The best blossoms and blooms in Spain 
• La Fiesta de los Patios, Córdoba 
• Girona Flower Festival 
• Holy Week festivals across Spain 

Check out our round-up of destinations to visit in 2024 to inspire your next Spanish get-away.

January – The Canary Islands, for off-season winter-sun wellness: The Canary Islands, situated off the coast of Africa, are the ideal spot for a January break after the indulgences of Christmas. Average temperatures are regularly in the late teens degrees Celsius during January. These islands – with their dramatic volcanic and lunarscape scenery – offer exceptional scuba diving, water sports, wildlife, cycling and hiking opportunities: the perfect winter break.

February – Jerez in Andalusia, for Carnival and a technicolour Flamenco Festival: Each February, visitors to the historic city of Jerez in Andalusia (the home of sherry) can join the town’s vibrant celebrations at the Festival de Jerez, a world-renowned event celebrating one of the region’s most famous exports: flamenco. This year’s festival will be held between 23 February and 9 March 2024.

March – Valencia, for Las Fallas Festivals: Enjoy poking fun at satirical giant figures in one of Valencia’s world-famous ‘Las Fallas’ festivals, where larger-than-life statues parade through the streets before being set on fire to the cheers of the crowd. A popular parade is the UNESCO-listed festival at Gandía, which will take place between 15 March and 19 March 2024.

April – The Balearic Islands, for a shoulder-season family Easter break in the sun: Many schools across the UK will break for the Easter holidays in late March and early April. Avoid the summer crowds by visiting the Balearic Islands in April. Mallorca’s capital – Palma de Mallorca - is perfect for art and culture buffs, whereas visitors to Menorca can enjoy its plethora of walking and water sports or explore its UNESCO-listed Talayotic monuments and pristine scenery.

May – Girona and Barcelona, for a flower festival and a world-famous beach music party: Travellers to Catalonia during shoulder season will be rewarded with the vibrant displays of Girona’s Flower Festival (11 May – 19 May 2024). Music lovers should not miss the renowned Barcelona Primavera Sound Festival (30 May – 1 June 2024), with a line-up this year including Lana Del Rey, Pulp and Disclosure.

June – La Rioja, for the Haro Wine Battle: With temperatures warming, June is the start of Spain’s peak season, so why not visit one of the country's lesser-known regions to enjoy an authentic Spanish experience. The northern region of La Rioja is a hidden gem which is known for its superb ‘Rioja’ wine, and which in June also hosts the Haro Wine Battle (29 June), a riotous celebration during which locals and visitors throw copious quantities of wine at each other!

July – Galicia, for exceptional seafood and beaches without the crowds: Find a quieter Spanish summer in the northern region of Galicia, known for exceptional local seafood, fishing villages, breathtaking beaches perfect for surfing (the July weather makes this time of year perfect for novice surfers) and, of course, the world-famous cathedral at Santiago de la Compostela. You can travel by sea from the UK to Santander with Brittany Ferries.

August – The Basque Country, for Bilbao’s ‘Big Week’: The Basque Country city of Bilbao has acquired a reputation for culinary and artistic excellence, and for good reason. In August locals and visitors alike celebrate ‘Aste Nagusia’ or ‘Semana Grande’ – meaning the Big Week. During the festival, concerts, firework displays and other shows take place across the city, creating a true party atmosphere.

September – Valdepeñas, to celebrate the wine harvest: Visit in September to witness the beginning of the harvesting season – across the country, festivals are held to celebrate this important milestone. The small village of Valdepeñas, near Ciudad Real in Castile-La Mancha, does this particularly well: its notable wine festival includes shows, wine and food tastings, all in honour of the new season’s grapes.

October – Consuegra, for the Saffron Festival: Autumn is a fantastic time to visit Spain: fewer tourists and cooler climes coincide with food and wine festivals throughout the country. Visit the picturesque, windmill-studded village of Consuegra in Castile-La Mancha for the annual Saffron Festival (‘Fiesta de la Rosa del Azafran’) during the last weekend of October, which celebrates the world-class saffron that comes from this region, including a gastronomy contest, tastings, music and dance performances, and much more.

November – Madrid, for an off-season city break: Enjoy Spain’s capital of Madrid during the month of November, when weather is cooler and crowds are thinner. Sit back and soak up the music at the city’s annual Jazz Festival (2024 dates TBC), or take advantage of fewer tourists to visit the city’s many museums, galleries and monuments.

December – Seville, for a picturesque Spanish Christmas: Enjoy an alternative Christmas city break in Seville, the historic city known for its Moorish architecture, flamenco festivals and intoxicating cuisine. Christmas lights adorn the city’s ancient streets, nativity scenes are displayed across the city, and Christmas markets host a plethora of artisan goodies for the perfect Christmas gift.

• The campaign underlines the country’s commitment to improving accessibility and social inclusivity within the travel and tourism sector.  
• Travel industry peers that would like to like to share any insight or consider joining the advisory panel can register their interest here.  

In a move towards fostering accessible tourism and promoting social inclusivity, the Spanish Tourist Office (UK) announces the launch of its new campaign "Spain for All”, underlying the country’s aspiration to be a welcoming destination for all, with an ongoing commitment to improving accessibility, eliminating discrimination, and improving diversity within the travel sector. 

‘Spain for All’ will comprise of a number of different initiatives aimed at creating dialogue, sharing key learnings and building a roadmap for better inclusivity from a social and accessibility standpoint to enable more visitors to Spain to immerse themselves in the rich culture, history, and natural beauty of the country. 

Manuel Butler, director of the Spanish Tourist Office in the UK says: 

“In Spain, we place strong emphasis on putting frameworks in place for equal opportunities, to expand social rights and reduce the gaps and prejudice between different groups. Our aim is to create geographic and economic sustainability with a socially inclusive tourism model that spreads the benefits around the country, 365 days of the year. To work towards greater equality, good governance and public policy is vital but we also want to learn from our peers in the travel industry and create dialogue to better understand both the challenges and the opportunities as we advocate for a more inclusive travel sector.” 

At policy level, accessibility regulations and support for those with disabilities have been in place in Spain for over 40 years. City infrastructure in Spain must meet accessibility requirements, with many setting the benchmark for accessibility by winning or being shortlisted for the European Commission Access City Awards over the last 20 years: including Ávila, Barcelona, Bilbao, Burgos and Castellón.  

Visitors to Spain can obtain accessibility support and information through Spain Is Accessible; a seal of approval used by Spanish institutions to standardise the accessibility criteria across multiples sectors such as culture, food & wine, nature, sun & beach, health & beauty - to name just a few. The site offers information and support for travellers with disabilities and allows users to filter access to different attractions and destinations dependent on their individual needs. Other initiatives include Spain’s ONCE Foundation, formed in 1988, which reduces discrimination and improves the lives of those with disabilities from an accessibility, inclusion, and employment perspective. It is ranked among the world’s largest social business groups and is a global benchmark for disability organisations. 

Looking specifically at tourism services and infrastructure within Spain, public transport is becoming more accessible especially within the large cities and newer Metro networks. In Madrid, around 70% of the Metro network is currently accessible and around 90% in Barcelona. Accessibility standards also apply to accommodation providers in Spain. Ilunion and Ilunion Hotels, part of ONCE, aim to bring more people with disabilities into the travel workforce, as well as providing a network of adapted hotels.  

The first phase of the ‘Spain for All’ campaign includes the creation of an advisory panel with the aim of collating industry feedback to identify key challenges and opportunities and help identify a roadmap towards positive progress. Other actions to follow will include a consumer survey, panel discussions and a content campaign. 

Industry peers that would like to like to share any insight or consider joining the advisory panel can register their interest here.  

Other sustainability findings include:

• Younger travellers were more likely than their older peers to consider the sustainability of their travel important. 18–24-year-olds are the most sustainably conscious of all respondents when considering the selection of their holiday destination (94%), travel relating to the holiday (94%), and places to go on holiday (94%). In comparison, just three quarters (75%) of those aged 65+ considered sustainability when selecting a destination for a holiday (75%), travel related to the holiday (71%), and places to go during the trip (77%).
• Scotland UK region which values sustainable destinations the most. 90% of respondents in Scotland said sustainability was important or very important when selecting a destination to go on holiday.
• Bristol is the city which values sustainable forms of transport the most (89%).
• Sustainable activities important to hikers and surfers the most, whereas those who relax on the beach the least. 86% of those who prefer to relax on the beach care about selecting sustainable activities during their holiday. Those who prefer active outdoor activities such as hiking (93%) and watersports (92%) value sustainability the most.

Spain findings include:

• Brits feel it is easier to holiday sustainably in Spain in comparison to its European neighbors. 66% of respondents said it’s easy to have a sustainable holiday in Spain, compared to France (65%), Germany (59%) and Italy (57%).
• Despite this, just one in eight (12%) of respondents could provide an example of the measures Spain as a travel destination has taken to become more sustainable. Over a third (34%) were unsure, and over half (54%) were not aware of any sustainable measures enacted by Spain.
• Almost three quarters (73%) of those aged 18-34 think it is easy to holiday sustainably in Spain.  24% of the age bracket said it was very easy to holiday in Spain sustainably, with 49% saying it was quite easy. Comparatively, less than half (49%) of respondents over 65 thought it was easy to holiday sustainably in Spain.

Cultural heritage projects such as the construction of the new headquarters of the Balearic Islands’ symphonic orchestra in Palma as well as the restoration of the San Diego convent in Alayor, Menorca, which houses a new Menorcan Gastronomy Centre, have been completed this year. 

Formentera has also been able to construct a multi-disciplinary water sports centre, which aims to promote travelling sustainably and off-season travel.

The sustainable tourism tax is currently funding 108 active projects across the islands of Mallorca, Menorca, Ibiza and Formentera, with a total budget of 52,207,177 euros. These projects will aim to offset the impact of tourism. Other standout initiatives that are set to finish this year include the transformation of an eco-friendly mountain refuge for hikers and the improvement of bird observatories within the Nature Parks of s’Albufera (Mallorca),  S’Albufera d’Es Grau (Menorca), and Ses Salines (Mallorca).

Information on every project funded by the sustainable tourism tax can be found at Illessostenibles.travel

UK travellers, aged 12 and above, arriving into Spain by air or sea, will need to fulfil one of the following criteria:

1.- Certificate of vaccination:  Proof of being fully vaccinated (with both doses of a two-dose vaccine or one dose of a one-dose vaccine) at least 14 days prior to arrival in Spain. If more than 270 days have passed since the final dose, certification of a booster vaccination is also required, except for teenagers aged 12 to 17 (inclusive).

2.- Certificate of recovery: Proof that the passenger has recovered from COVID. Recovery certificates issued by the official authorities will be valid at least 11 days after the first NAAT diagnostic test or positive antigen screening test, carried out by qualified personnel. The certificate shall be valid for 180 days after the date of the first positive diagnostic test result.

3.- Negative diagnostic test certificate: Proof of a negative NAAT (PCR or similar) test carried out in the 72 hours prior to departure, or an antigen test carried out in the 24 hours prior to departure.

Children under 12 years old are exempt when travelling with an adult.

From 6 April, children under 12 and those travelling to Spain with an EU COVID passport or equivalent (including NHS COVID travel pass) no longer need to complete the Health Control Form (FCS in Spanish) prior to arrival. Those without an EU COVID pass or equivalent must complete the Health Control Form to show evidence of their vaccinations or certificate of recovery. This can be completed via Spain Travel Health (SpTH).

The Tourism Board of Alicante is partnering with the company PASSPORTERAPP to produce a travel app to provide more in-depth travel information to tourists. 

The app will also include a section called "Alicante Fácil" that will feature content for people with reading comprehension difficulties. This guide has been produced by the APSA association to help make tourism more inclusive. The guides are available in Spanish, Valencian and English.

NAVILENS SYSTEMS DEVELOPED IN ALICANTE TO SUPPORT VISUALLY IMPAIRED TRAVELLERS  

Another development, the Navilens system, produced for use in Alicante, facilitates the mobility of people with reduced or no vision. The system consists of labels with colour codes similar to barcodes or QR codes that are placed around the city. These codes are read by the camera on a mobile phone and information from each tag is read aloud. 

The advantage of this app over other similar options is that these codes can be read from much greater distances. It has already been installed on El Postiguet beach, making it the first smart beach in the country, and it provides written or spoken information in 33 languages. This system has also been incorporated on the Island of Tabarca.  www.alicanteturismo.com 

Piccadilly has been world-renowned for its giant advertising boards that hosted their first campaign back in 1908. Now, for the week of 19 July 2021, Piccadilly will play host to Turespaña’s #YouDeserveSpain campaign which helps to put Spain in the hearts and minds of British travellers as they plan a well deserved holiday as international travel slowly reopens.

The campaign will also be displayed on a number of other advertising spaces around London, ensuring the message is received loud and clear by Londoners over the next week. Other London locations include Leicester Square, High Street Kensington, Westfield London, Westfield Stratford, Canary Wharf and Finchley Road.

Turespaña has a series of content planned for the different locations, but for the big screen in Piccadilly, it has reserved creative video content that shows would be holidaymakers recreating their dream holidays at home in contrast to what their dream holiday would look like in Spain. An example has been included below:

The Spanish Tourist Office in the UK will be running a small prize giveaway for those who spot the advertising campaign around London and post them on social media using the hashtag #YouDeserveSpain. The Spanish Tourist Office will select five winners at random to receive a copy of Tom Chesshyre's Slow Trains Around Spain.

To enter, simply take a picture of the #YouDeserveSpain advertising campaign in one of its London locations and upload to social media using the hashtag #YouDeserveSpain and tagging in @Spain_inUK or @Spain.info.GB on Twitter and Facebook respectively.

The prize draw will take place on Monday 26 July 2021 so be sure to get your entries in by midnight on Sunday 25 July 2021.

At present, Spain is on the UK's amber list of destinations. To find out more about travel to and from amber list destination, please see the FCDO guidance here.

For information on entry requirements to Spain, please visit the Spain Travel Advice page on the FCDO website (www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/spain).

14 July 2021: From 00.00 on 14 July 2021, the diagnostic test illustrating a negative result for the presence of an active COVID-19 infection (NAAT type, e.g TMA, PCR, LAMP & NEAR) must be completed within 72 hours prior to arrival in Spain. 

This has been updated from the previous entry requirement stating that the diagnostic certificate must illustrate a negative COVID-19 test result (NAAT type, e.g TMA, PCR, LAMP & NEAR) and have been issued within 48 hours prior to arrival in Spain. Antigen tests are still not accepted.

30 June 2021: From 00.00h on 2 July 2021, Spain will require arrivals from the United Kingdom to provide evidence of a negative COVID-19 test or proof of the complete vaccination programme.

Spain’s Prime Minister, Pedro Sánchez, announced this measure yesterday in order to protect both residents and visitors, given the rising infection rates in the United Kingdom.

Those who have had the full vaccination programme will need to show a vaccination certificate issued by the competent authorities in the UK (either electronically or in print) at least 14 days from the last vaccination dose (e.g.NHS Covid pass). Accepted vaccines include: Pfizer-Biontech; Moderna; Astra-Zeneca; Jansen/Johnson&Johnson; Sinovac & Sinopharm.

The vaccination certificate must include the following information as a minimum:

• Name and surname of the holder
• Vaccination date, indicating the date of the last dose administered
• Type of vaccine administered
• Number of doses administered / full programme
• Issuing country
• Identification of the issuing body of the vaccination certificate

The diagnostic certificate must illustrate a negative COVID-19 test result (NAAT type, e.g TMA, PCR, LAMP & NEAR) issued within 48 hours of arrival into Spain. Antigen tests will not be accepted.

Children under 12 years old are exempt from the requirement to present a negative COVID test or vaccination certificate when travelling with an adult.

Prior to travelling to Spain, all passengers must also present a QR code which is obtained from filling in the Health Control Form (FCS in Spanish) available via Spain Travel Health (SpTH).

This new legislation is for UK residents prior to their arrival to the whole of Spain, including the Balearic Islands and the Canary Islands, but it´s also important to remember that whilst most of Spain remains on the UK’s amber list for international travel, the Balearic Islands have been added to the green list meaning that visitors arriving to the UK from the Balearic Islands from 04:00 on 30 June will not need to quarantine.

Despite this change in entry requirements, Spain has reinforced the value of its UK visitors and stressed that British guests remain welcome. 

For more information on the travel requirements in Spain, please visit https://travelsafe.spain.info/en/.

The “International Travel Insurance” comes as part of a strategy from the Government of Andalucía to help the recovery of its tourism industry which is vital to the local economy and has been badly affected by the global pandemic.

The types of coverage and circumstances covered in the case of a COVID-19 infection includes medical, surgical and hospitalisation expenses with a maximum cost of €4,000, medical expenses for transportation and repatriation, as well as the costs of extending a stay at the regulated accommodation for the policyholder and their companions.

For more information on the “International Travel Insurance for Andalucía”, please visit www.andalucia.org/en/travel-assistance-insurance

For further information on how travel to Spain has changed following the UK's exit from the European Union, please visit www.spain.info/en/discover-spain/brexit-information-british-tourists