The need-to-know about apartments to rent in Spain
Spain – the land of flamenco, tapas and shimmering beaches with Blue Flag seas. There are plenty of reasons as to why this enthralling nation of whitewashed pueblos and vibrant resorts comes top of the menu for many a traveller in Europe. Thankfully, there is also a wide selection of rental apartments to choose from between the Costa del Sol and the Canaries. Here are just a few tips on what you can expect from them, along with some inspiring destination ideas.
What to expect from holiday apartments in Spain
With years of catering to families, couples and other travellers, holiday apartments in Spain tend to be packed with all the amenities you could need for a memorable and comfortable trip. They come in all shapes and sizes, too, from cosy inner-city boltholes to rustic homes in the pueblos of the sierras.
Holiday apartments in Spain with a pool
Given that regions like the Costa del Sol see more than 300 days of sun each year, it’s hardly a surprise that a pool is a feature of many a flat rental in Andalusia and beyond. The most expensive Spanish apartments will have private swimming spots, though it’s much more common for them to be shared between a block of flats.
Apartments to rent in Spain by the beach
From the rugged Costa Brava to the family-friendly sands of the Costa Blanca, Spain’s Mediterranean coast is awash with tanning bodies from May to September each year. There can be a lot of competition for the holiday apartments that are closest to the beaches, but that’s to be expected when the pay-off is walking access to famous Blue Flag sands, such as Playa del Albir and sun-splashed Playa Poniente.
Basic features of apartments to rent in Spain
Booking yourself an apartment can offer a lot more flexibility than a traditional hotel. For starters, you can trawl through the Spanish food markets for Iberian hams and Manchego cheeses to use in your own kitchen – most flats come with self-catering facilities. It’s also common to get a lounge space in the larger rentals, along with al fresco spots for a glass of Rioja, overlooking the waves.
Hotspots for apartments to rent in Spain
With mountains, seas and islands all packed into Spain’s borders, you should never be short of places to take a holiday in the sun. Check out these 3 options, with something for city breakers, culture buffs and beachgoers alike.
Urban holiday homes in Barcelona
Holiday rentals in Barcelona remain some of the most popular on the continent. They range from bohemian pads in the ancient Gothic Quarter to beach-side penthouses along Barceloneta Beach. City breaks or sun seeking trips are all in order, but don’t miss the striking Sagrada Familia or a shopping trip down the electrifying tree-lined avenues of Las Ramblas.
Book apartments in the Canary Islands
The Canary Islands are a sultry speckling of volcanoes and eye-wateringly wonderful beaches that make their home almost 800 miles from the coast of the mainland. You’ll find plenty of apartment rentals in family-friendly resorts like Maspalomas, party pads awaiting in hedonistic bar-spotted towns such as Playa de las Americas, and even surfer shacks around northern Lanzarote.
Spanish apartments in Madrid
The capital of Spain is steeped in heritage and history. For culture vultures there’s arguably no better place to go in search of apartment rentals. A flurry of handsome Renaissance architecture starts things rolling on the bustling Plaza Mayor, while the old haunts of Miguel de Cervantes beckon in the literary hub of the Barrio de las Letras.
How to get a great deal on apartments to rent in Spain
You can ensure you hit the Costa del Sol with plenty of euros to spare for martinis by the yachts, or get to Barcelona with enough to spend on tapas, all by following these 3 tips on how to score cheap flat rentals in Spain.
Bag cheap apartments to rent in Spain by booking early
Countless low-cost airlines now connect Spain’s holidaying hotspots with airports around the UK. The upshot is that the country’s reputation as a leading sun, sand, sea, city break and gastronomy destination is only set to rise. That means you would be wise to secure your apartment rental as early as you can. The lowest-priced places are likely to sell out fast, particularly for trips during the summer.
Go for winter rentals in Spain’s islands
If you’re after life on the beach, the Canary Islands are a great choice all year round. They sit in sub-tropical zones just off the coast of Africa, which means temperatures stay balmy most months, while rates can drop outside of the main holidaying season in summer. That’s great news for travellers looking to keep costs down and get some January warmth at the same time.
Move back from the beaches when renting on the coast
One way to free up more spending money is to focus in on Spanish apartments that are a little back from the beachfronts. In popular resorts such as Marbella and Costa Adeje, being within earshot of the sea will cost a premium. Luckily, there’s plenty of charm awaiting in the town centres, too, between cobbled lanes and tapas-scented plazas.