When the British need a slice of sunshine, they mostly head south for a summer break in Spain. The country has a wealth of history and culture on offer, as well as great food and great weather. Even when it isn’t so sunny, it’s worth a visit to this part of the world – and you’ll probably make a point of coming back for more.

But if you’re just planning a weekend break, certain resorts stand out from the pack. Here, we’ll look at five of the best of them, and see what they have to offer.

Tenerife

This popular resort in the Canary Islands is a must-visit. It not only offers spectacular scenery and weather throughout the year, but it’s packed with such a diverse range of activities that it’ll please just about everyone. There are eight golf courses on the island, and from the south coast you’ll be able to watch more than two dozen species of whale.

Granada

When it comes to history, it’s difficult to beat Granada. From afar, it looks like something from a book of fairy stories; up-close, it’s truly astonishing. There’s a famous hilltop fort in the form of Alhambra, within which you’ll find the stunning Nasrid palaces, and the Royal Chapel burial site. If you’ve the slightest interest in history, this is a part of Spain you can’t afford to miss!

Ibiza

While you might associate Ibiza with its heaving nightlife, the island actually has more to offer than just clubs and hangovers. If you’re willing to get up early and explore the island, you’ll find little slices of tranquillity in the form of secluded beaches and tiny fishing villages. While it might seem strange, the island has recently seen a boom in relaxation and yoga activities, so, whether you’re looking to unwind or to party, there’s something on offer here that’ll fit the bill.

San Sebastian

In this part of the country you’ll be able to sample a particular form of tapas called pintxo – which relies on a combination of bite-sized treats and fresh-baked bread. To go with it, you can sample some of the local txajoli (that’s a special kind of sparkling wine). These dining experiences take place against the stunning backdrop of beaches and rolling hillside, making this place a must-visit for foodies.

Benidorm

Take a trip down the coast from Valencia and you’ll soon run into Benidorm, a city in Alicante that’s famous for attracting British tourists. As you might expect, it strikes a great balance between affordability and wow-factor, and there’s no shortage of things to see and do over the course of a weekend. If you’re looking to keep an eye on costs, then be sure to book your Benidorm transfers as far in advance as possible, as this will keep the cost of your taxi low.