It’s a good thing the sun shines on Barcelona, as it’s likely you’ll spend more time admiring the brilliantly ornate exteriors of the city’s buildings than wandering around inside them. And with Antoni Gaudi’s unique architecture around every corner, who can blame you? That said, if you do need respite from the heat, the epic cathedral of the Sagrada Familia makes for an unmissable pitstop.

Barcelona holidays are perfect for those seeking a cultured getaway – the city features everything from bijou art galleries to ancient markets, where traders beckon with authentic dishes and antique treasures. It also pulsates with music when festival season hits, and even the parks are architectural masterpieces. But those looking to relax are catered for, too. Unwind with friends on one of the many sandy beaches or catch the funicular up the mighty Montjuic mountain, where you can enjoy sweeping vistas of this exceptional region.

And of course, holidays to Barcelona wouldn’t be complete without a stroll up Las Ramblas before making the most of the city’s thriving restaurant scene. Whether you’re here to eat your weight in tapas, prop up the bar during ‘vermouth hour’ or to spend your days soaking up the city’s rich artistic heritage, it’s easy to see why visitors to the colourful Catalan capital struggle to put their cameras away