Finally it feels like summer in the UK. With temperatures peaking in the high 20s the great British public flocked to beaches, parks, lakes, gardens and balconies. They swam, sunbathed and barbequed; they burnt sausages and their own skin and all this was because we never know when ‘summer’ is going to be over. The British summer time is infamous around the world, when it is good it’s great but when it is bad… Basically our weather is rather unpredictable which inevitably means we tend to over do it when the sun does actually shine with any kind of strength. But because we cannot rely on our weather to do as we want it to, or even as it is supposed to do – remember the widespread flooding of summer 2007? – we tend to head south like the birds, in search of warmer climates. And our top landing spot again and again is Spain. Spain has wonderfully consistent wonderful weather. Its beaches are divine, even those that are over run with tourists.

Speaking of tourists, it looks after us all with the care and devotion of a mother duck. Its cities are beautiful and culture packed, its food is heavenly, its scenery diverse and its social life is pumping. If you are looking for a country that has a little bit of everything then look no further than Spain. Barcelona and its surrounding area really sums up the best of Spain in one bite size weekend package. The city is known for its rich architecture, most notably that of Gaudi, but throughout its many quarters, both modern and old you can find stunning examples of design and style. Parties, or fiestas are famous in Barcelona and every June this is celebrated as dance-addicts from across the globe descend on the city for Sonar festival, which makes use of hundreds of amazing venues throughout Barcelona allowing visitors to dance until sunset.

Outside the winding streets and piazzas is the beach. For city beaches the water is remarkably clean and the experience incredibly enjoyable and relaxing. From trendy Barceloneta Beach to the west to more family friendly Bogatell to the east, Barca’s beaches have something for everyone. If you have a third or fourth day in the area, spend it outside of the city in one of the regions many National Parks. Within around and hours drive (depending on Barcelona’s traffic) you have Parc Natural del Garraf, Parc Natural de Sant Llorenc del Munt I DSerra de L’Obac, Parc Natural del Montseny and Parc Natural de Montnegre-Corredor, that are lush, green and mountainous. Check our Cheap Holidays n Barcelona. They offer city breaks throughout Europe that are a little more creative and special than many other tour operators

Alicante, Benalmadena, Marbella, Toledo, Zaragoza, Torremolinos, Lloret de Mar, Menorca, Nerja, Lanzarote, Salamanca,

Salou, Costa Brava, Fuerteventura, Cordoba, Tarragona, Puerto de la Cruz, Adeje, Costa Blanca, Bilbao, Pamplona, Oviedo,