Spain is one of the region’s most enticing visitor destinations, with its vibrant nightlife, stunning beaches, colourful festivals and abundant heritage sites. The country not only boasts diverse cities and exotic attractions, but it also experiences warm weather most of the year. The best way to see the sights is by car hire in Spain.

Most visitors arrive in the capital, Madrid, which is home to interesting museums, top-notch dining and cultural entertainment. Spain’s second city, Barcelona, attracts equally large numbers of visitors with its monuments and electric cultural life. Dominating the cityscape is Gaudi’s masterpiece, the Sagrada Familia, accessible by car rental.

Yet Spain has much more than just cultural sites; it features some of Europe’s best beaches. The Balearic Islands have a relaxed feel and draw families and night owls in equal numbers. Ibiza is best known for it nightlife but still has plenty to offer families, as do the Canary Islands. Tenerife and its interesting volcanic landscapes are best toured by cheap car hire in Spain.

For a taste of Moorish Spain and its traditions of flamenco dancing and bullfighting, a trip to Andalucia is in order. With a hire car you can easily travel between the cities of Seville, Granada and Cordoba. The former features the third-largest cathedral in the world while the latter is best known for its Grand Mosque. La Alhambra in Granada is a delightful fortress palace overlooking the city.

Spain’s festivals play an important part in the country’s cultural life, with celebrations such as the August-held Running of the Bulls in Pamplona famous around the world. If you don’t fancy risking life and limb to run alongside the bulls in this week-long event, try your hand at tomato tossing in July at Valencia’s Tomatina festival.