For a tourist, the only problem in Spain is the difficulty of choice. Where would you travel next? We asked – and this is how you answered!
Which destinations in Spain are Finns’ favourites?
In the spring, we explored Finns’ travel dreams to Spain together Spanish State Tourism Office with.
We wanted to know where people would prefer to travel in Spain. 15 items were given as alternatives. A total of 10,911 people answered the survey.
Read below the introductions of the three favorite destinations that Finns said they would most like to travel to. In parentheses is the percentage with which each item was voted.
1. Permanent favorite Mallorca (12.8%)
The number one destination of Finns’ spring holiday dreams was familiar Mallorca. Lomasaari is one of the first destinations to which package tours from Finland started in the 60s.
Spring is the prime time to travel to Mallorca. However, you don’t have to wait until next year for the trip, because autumn is a similar time in terms of climate – and the sea water is warmer after the summer. If you have the opportunity to vacation in September, Mallorca is at its best.
There is plenty to do on Spain’s largest island if you are not interested in just a beach holiday. Mallorca’s top attractions include the impressive cathedral in the capital city of Palma, the Cap de Formentor lighthouse, dramatic stalactite caves and lovely mountain villages.
Unlike the other Balearic islands, Mallorca is visited all year round. There are also direct flights from Finland to Mallorca even when the summer season is over.
Those who responded to the survey considered the beaches, nature and the island’s versatility to be the best aspects of Mallorca. Good cycling terrains also attract tourists to Mallorca.
2. Barcelona (11,8 %)
Barcelona is a very popular city destination – also among Finns. The unique architecture and the combination of beach and city have made Barcelona an unbeatable vacation destination.
You can travel to Barcelona all year round, but it’s best in spring and autumn. The most enthusiastic sun worshipers and partygoers head to the city in the summer, when you have to prepare for traffic jams and heat.
During the winter months, Barcelona has the cheapest accommodation and queues for attractions are moderate. The weather is usually pleasantly mild even in winter. There is a lot to see in the city, so you should choose a few destinations in advance.
The survey showed that Finns are particularly fond of Barcelona’s culture, history and Gaudí’s architecture. Many also travel to Barcelona for football matches.
If you have a couple more days, you should also take a trip outside the city from Barcelona. Interesting options include, for example, the monastery of Montserrat, the colorful city of Girona and the seaside resort of Sitges, which is known for its lively nightlife in the summer.
3. Costa del Sol (10.9%)
It’s not really a surprise that the Costa del Sol, i.e. Spain’s Sunshine Coast, does well in the vote for favorite destinations. Finns have been traveling to the coast all year round for decades. The Costa del Sol is for many a place to escape the winter.
In summer, the Costa del Sol can be too hot for Finnish taste. In June–August, the meter regularly rises above 30 degrees.
Those who responded to the survey said that they appreciate the good weather, beaches and nice atmosphere on the Aurinkoranniko. The ease of traveling and good connections also received praise.
On the Sunshine Coast, you shouldn’t just stop at Fuengirola, which is jokingly called the southernmost city in Finland. It is easy to move between destinations on the coast by train.
From the Costa del Sol, you should at least take a trip to Malaga or rent a car and tour the white villages.
Which destinations in Spain would Finns like to know more about?
The survey also found out which destinations in Spain the respondents would like to know more about. What are the places that you may not have visited yet, but are piqued your interest?
The alternatives were a total of 13 destinations that Finns travel to less often and to which there are not necessarily direct connections from Finland.
Read below the introductions of the three destinations that rose to the top of the survey. In parentheses is the percentage with which each item was voted.
1. Menorca: Spain’s most beautiful beaches (16.7%)
The island of Menorca is familiar to many as a package travel destination, but the island is currently not in the selection of Finnish tour operators.
Menorca, which belongs to the Balearic island group, has many of the same things as Mallorca: wonderful beaches with turquoise water, historic towns and hiking trails for active vacationers. However, everything is smaller and calmer.
Menorca is well suited for families with children and travelers who enjoy moving around in nature.
It is easy to get around the small island with a rental car or use public transport. Menorca’s biggest cities are Mahon and Ciutadella, the latter in particular is a charming day trip destination or a base on the island.
You can travel to Menorca on your own via, for example, Mallorca or Barcelona. Menorca’s tourist season runs from April to October, and the island is quiet in winter.
>> Get to know Menorca on the website of the Spanish Tourist Office
2. Granada: mystical palace city (14.6%)
Located in Andalusia in southern Spain, Granada may not be among the most popular travel destinations for Finns, but in Spain the city is a real tourist giant.
Islamic influences are visible in Granada’s architecture. The city’s absolute number one attraction is the Alhambra Palace, which is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The castle is one of the most visited attractions in Spain.
Located inland about 70 kilometers from the coast, Granada is hot in the summer. The best time to visit the city is from autumn to spring.
You can take a day trip to Granada from the Sunshine Coast, but you can get the most out of your visit by staying in the city for at least one night.
>> Get to know Granada on the website of the Spanish Tourist Office
3. San Sebastian: for foodies and surfers (13.8%)
Northern Spain is often overshadowed by the south in Finns’ travel plans. The reason is clear: in the south, the sun shines all year round, while in the north, the weather outside the summer season is often cool and rainy.
San Sebastian in the Basque Country is best known for its food culture and especially its pintxos. They are the local version of tapas, small bites assembled on a piece of bread, which are tasted in many different ways in one lunch or dinner.
San Sebastian also has an extraordinary number of Michelin-starred restaurants in proportion to its population (almost 190,000). In 2024, there will be a total of ten of them.
As a counterweight to the indulgence, people also travel to San Sebastian to surf. Zurriola beach is one of the most popular among surfers.
San Sebastian can be recommended for travelers who don’t want to be surprised by too much heat. You can also travel to San Sebastian in the summer, when southern Spain is too hot for many tastes.
>> Get to know San Sebastian on the website of the Spanish Tourist Office
Source: www.rantapallo.fi
