10 Best Budget Weekend Breaks in Spain

There's a long list of elements that make the Aragon Pyrenees a great budget break: mountains, glaciers, valleys, rivers, canyons... A must-see destination for nature lovers, which is not only beautiful, but cheap as well. 

Its attractive enclaves are virtually limitless, including the Ordesa y Monte Perdido National Park, the La Jacetania region and the village of Lanuza. However, one of the best ways to discover this beauty is by visiting its valleys, such as Pineta, Gistaín and Benasque. The latter is surrounded by the largest number of 3000-metre peaks in the Pyrenees. 

The Catalan Pyrenees consists of hundreds of lakes, waterfalls and the most amazing mountain peaks. However, it's not just their enviable beauty, but the villages full of life and character, that make them so striking. Scattered through its 11 regions are towns and villages such as Camprodon, Llívia, Prullans, Taüll and Unha. 

Explore them and discover romantic churches, stone houses, narrow streets, breath-taking views and, of course, irresistible cuisine: coca bread with honey, butifarra sausages and grilled calçot onions, among many other delights. You'll soon forget the city once you lose yourself in these landscapes.

When you think of Gran Canaria, no doubt images of the sea, sand and the odd palm tree come to mind, all synonymous with happiness. But this island offers much more, even including free activities. One of the finest examples is the Puerto de Mogán fishing village, also known as the Venice of the Canary Islands. 

Its canals and streets give off an idyllic charm, while small boats mix with luxury yachts in the port. And there's no lack of architectural treasures if you should find yourself in the island's capital. Stroll around the Vegueta district, the old town centre where the city of Las Palmas was founded and take the opportunity to visit the cathedral and free museums, such as the Columbus House (Casa de Colón) History and beauty at a price you can afford.

Among Spain's finest destinations, and one where you won't have to spend a fortune to have a great time, is the Andalusian city of Cádiz. Apart from the beaches and carnivals for which it is justly famous, this provincial capital boasts sites to charm all who visit them. Why not start by visiting its traditional districts, such La Viña, Santa María and El Pópulo, in the old town. 

Continue with a visit to the emblematic Central Market (Mercado de Abastos), then walk as far as the city's magnificent cathedral, to end your day watching a beautiful sunset on the La Caleta beach. See how the characteristic beauty of Andalusia fills every corner of this beautiful city.

Seville offers much more than its April Fair or Holy Week; it is a city replete with charm, and one you must visit at least once in your life. The Cathedral of Saint Mary of the See (Catedral de Santa María de la Sede) is the largest Gothic cathedral in the world, from where you can visit the Giralda, for many centuries the highest tower in Spain. 

Other emblematic must-see sites in this capital are the Plaza de España square, a filming location for one of the Star Wars films, and the famous Triana bridge, which spans the Guadalquivir river connecting the city to the famous Seville district with the same name. Pay a visit at any time of year, but just be careful with the Seville sun in August.

Asturias has many attractions to enjoy that are suitable for even the tightest budgets. From the delightful Asturian coast and countryside to the beauty of its villages and its wilderness trails (such as the Cares trail in the Picos de Europa mountains). 

The internationally famous highlight of Asturias is canoeing down the river Sella, an event dating back almost 100 years that attracts canoeists from all over the world. Whether you're competing or not, if you need a rest we insist you try the traditional Asturian bean stew (fabada asturiana). Just tasting it makes the journey worth it!

Castilla y León is no more nor less than the region of Spain with the most World Heritage sites. Among the sites are 3 famous cities which, if you haven't visited them already, quite frankly, what on earth are you waiting for? These are the cities of Ávila, Segovia and Salamanca. 

If we were to mention the Plaza Mayor, Aqueduct and City Wall, would you be able to match them with the right city? No doubt you can, but even if you can't, it's time to stop messing around and plan your getaway to this magnificent autonomous community. Spoiler alert: you're going to love it.

Granada is beautiful wherever you go, wherever you look. The Saint Nicholas viewpoint (Mirador de San Nicolás) is a must-see, offering incredible views of one the best conserved architectural treasures in Spain: the Alhambra. A host of delightful spots await you, while one of the city's greatest attractions is its tapas treats, ready for you to try together with your drink in a host of bars, along with a well-pulled draft beer. 

There are plenty of others things to do without spending, such as visiting the cathedral, the García Loca Museum on a Wednesday when entry is free, the Bañuelo de Granada (the city's spectacular Arabic baths) or the Chapiz House (Casa del Chapiz), a stunning Moorish house with view of the Alhambra in the heart of the Albaicín district. There's little chance of your getting bored.

Cantabria is one of the most popular destinations in the north of Spain and also one of the most affordable. Its numerous natural areas and charming villages make any route or visit well worth it. 

Visit the Picos de Europa, its surfing beaches, and one of the many small fishing villages, such as San Vicente de la Barquera, just to give just a few examples of all the interesting local spots. Simply taking a stroll around the Palace of La Magdalena in the capital Santander is pretty much obligatory.

The Costa del Sol's greatest appeal is, without doubt, the good weather you can enjoy all year round. There are a lot more people in the summer, but this is the best time for bathing. However, you can enjoy the beaches, bars and walks on the sand any time of year. 

Just some of the things to do are visiting the Balcony of Europe (Balcón de Europa) in Nerja, strolling through the Malaga Old Town, tasting traditional skewers in a beach bar, visiting the beautiful white village of Frigiliana and, for the more sporty visitor, walking a trail in the Torcal de Antequera nature reserve.