Spain with older DC

[theluckiest]

I've had a trawl through old threads but I thought I'd just ask you, oh well-travelled wise MNetters.

DS finishes his A levels this year so gets the choice of hols this summer - he's gone for Spain. DH is a teacher tho so will be peak time in August. Budget-wise, ideally no more than £4k which I know limits us but needs must!

• We'd like a self catering villa with use of a pool.

• Near a beach

• Although we have 2 teens, we all like quieter places with some amenities. So quiet-ish but near a town / city. Teens aren't fussed by clubs / bars as they'll be with us rather than their mates!!

• Happy to hire a car

• We also like doing 'stuff' and exploring so somewhere with places to visit would be great.

I have never been to Spain so don't even know where to start!! Menorca has been recommended but thought I'd ask if anyone has any other ideas?

Thanks!!

Menorca may be too quiet. Costa brava is cheap pretty and has something for everyone

Spain is really hot in August, so further north the better in my book!

The north coast is amazing and not too hot. Galicia is beautiful and fairly cheap but the sea is freezing (that'll be why). The mountains are impressive further east and there's lots to do (if you want to do things).

Sitges, just outside Barcelona? Only about 35 mins from Barcelona so you can sightsee, but a much nicer Spanish vibe to it. Good train links or you can hire a car, and tons of flight options into Barcelona.

https://www.airbnb.co.uk/rooms/1069493433309779930?adults=4&search_mode=regular_search&amenities%5B%5D=7&check_in=2025-08-09&check_out=2025-08-16&source_impression_id=p3_1735908316_P3cZBhf5e-ggjqjQ&previous_page_section_name=1000&federated_search_id=1476a2a8-86ee-4a16-94c5-057ba63c629e this is reasonable if the boys don't mind sharing a room.

Hi op Fuengirola lovely. My friend has teens they liked Benalmadena. Sitges sounds nice too thanks to poster who suggested it

These all sound like excellent suggestions everyone. Thankyou!

Yes, Sitges is nice.

If you are OK with the weather further south, then maybe Nerja? There is plenty of choice of villas to rent on the outskirts heading towards Torrox or Frigilana, but expect it to be pretty warm that time of year.

A poster has suggested Fuengirola or Benalmádena but I don't think either place could be considered 'quietish', both are very busy resorts.

Would you be OK with an apartment on a complex with a shared pool? I was wondering about Majorca but it does tend to be quite pricy.

We're doing Costa Brava with our teens and planning a trip to Barcelona.

I think Nerja is pretty limited, once you've seen the view and the beach. I quite like the old town of Peniscola, below Sitges. Haven't been recently, though.

@marmaladeandpeanutbutter
We tend to be quite lazy and just potter around the neighbouring coastal towns and up to Frigiliana, but for anyone wanting to do more, you are only 45 mins drive from Malaga and about an hour and a half from Granada - lots of sightseeing and culture there. Competer is pretty too and not too far. Also there are things like water parks in neighbouring resorts in the summer. And the caves.

I was only really suggesting it as somewhere I like where there is generally good availability and choice for villas. I wouldn't come here in the summer. I agree that Costa brava or northern Spain would be better in terms of temperatures.