Spain, located in Western Europe, is one of the most popular holiday spots for British tourists, but why is it so popular and when did it all begin?

When the aeroplane became a viable transport option for UK residents the cost to fly was expensive and only available to wealthy citizens, however by the 1960's the price was steadily dropping and becoming available to an increased customer base.

As air travel became more affordable and available holidaymakers began to look to foreign destinations to spend their annual leave. Spain was one of the closest countries that offered the kinds of luxuries that aren't readily available in the UK. Hot weather and clear seas made Spain the ideal location to get away from the overcast English weather and hectic lifestyle.

The South coast of Spain quickly became a popular area to visit and has steadily become an area for expatriates to move away from England. This area has been given the name the Costa del Sol, which translates as the sun coast.

One popular location on the Costa del Sol is Malaga a port city with a population of over 500,000. The area has an average annual temperature of 19c making it comfortable for British holidaymakers looking for warm weather. Along with tourism the area also generates revenue from agricultural activity. The introduction of low cost airlines has made taking several annual trips to the area a real possibility, this has also been a key reason for the growing number of British citizens taking up a second home in the area. Car rental is both easily available but those who own property tend to own a car and keep it in Spain.

Another popular city is Marbella, home to 120,000 people and situation in the Malaga region. Marbella has developed a reputation for being a playground for wealthy British tourists, many of whom rent or own luxurious villas in the mountains surrounding the city. It's a regular sight to see some of the world's finest super cars driving around the area and wealthy visitors enjoy visiting the cities fine restaurants, bars and nightlcubs. The region is also very popular with keen golf players and is home to some of the world's best golf courses.

Algeciras is also a popular hotspot for British tourists who enjoy the beautiful local beaches and can take in day trips to the nearby British territory of Gibraltar. The region is home to over 110,000 residents and has the 16th busiest port in the world. These are just some of the popular areas for UK tourists visiting Spain, there are many more each offering fantastic sights and attractions.

Cheap flights are available from all major UK airports to a host of Spanish cities and upon arrival in Spain car hire is very reasonably priced. Many UK based car rental firms provide services in Spain so you can book before leaving and be assured you will receive a quality car.