Spain awaits and it won’t Costa Lotta! In theory it’s game on for summer hols on the Spanish coast, so here we pick our favourite costas, with packages boasting as much as a third off

• This week, Spain gave the green light to tourism beginning once again in July
• There are hopes that FCO advice against all essential foreign travel will change
• Here, in the spirit of optimism, we look at the country's best coastal hotspots  

Spain has given the green light to tourism resuming in July — dropping the requirement for a quarantine period.

In theory, it’s ‘game on’ for summer holidays after Spain’s foreign minister tweeted emojis of a bikini, sunglasses and a suitcase alongside: ‘We look forward to welcoming you!’

But two big stumbling blocks remain: first, the Foreign & Commonwealth Office (FCO) advice against all but essential international travel, thus invalidating travel insurance; second, a 14-day quarantine for returning Britons beginning on June 8.

So, it is best to hold off booking anything now. 

Yet FCO advice may well change and the quarantine-less ‘air bridges’ could be introduced — possibly in time for summer.

Here, in the spirit of optimism, we pick some of our favourite costas, with packages boasting as much as a third off regular prices to consider when travel is back.

COSTA BRAVA: THE WILD COAST

Why go? For its rugged coastline of dramatic cliffs, wooded coves, fishing villages and great beaches — running from Barcelona to the French border. 

Away from the resorts, visit Salvador Dali’s extraordinary house/studio in Cadaques, his museum in Figueres, Girona’s fine cathedral and the Blanes botanical gardens.

Here’s a deal: A fortnight at the Rosamar Maxim Hotel in Lloret de Mar from £1,031 pp B&B with Stansted flights and transfers (jet2holidays.com).

COSTA DORADA: THE GOLDEN COAST

Why go? It’s quieter than Costa Brava and its golden (dorada) beaches cover 125 miles from just south of Barcelona. 

Tarragona is home to Roman remains and a clifftop promenade with seafood restaurants overlooking the Mediterranean. Birdwatchers will enjoy the Delta de l’Elbre.

Here’s a deal: A fortnight at the four-star Estival Park in La Pineda from £1,219 pp all-inclusive with Stansted flights (loveholidays.com).

COSTA BLANCA: THE WHITE COAST

Why go? For skyscraper hotels, sweeping sandy beaches — and lots of all-day English breakfasts on this 120-mile stretch of coast between Denia and Pilar de la Horadada. 

Benidorm, bang in the middle, hosts about 1.5 million of the 18 million Britons who go to Spain annually. For some culture, visit the Castillo de Santa Barbara and the cathedral in Alicante.

Here’s a deal: A fortnight at the Dynastic Hotel in Benidorm from £986 pp all-inclusive with Southend flights (onthebeach.co.uk).

COSTA CALIDA: THE WARM COAST

Why go? There’s a little bit of everything from golf courses, quiet beaches, wildlife reserves and historic cities on this costa covering 160 miles in the province of Murcia. 

The top resort is La Manga in Mar Menor — with 28 tennis courts, three golf courses, football pitches and a cricket centre. Non-sporty types can visit Cartagena, with its Roman theatre.

Here’s a deal: A fortnight in a self-catering apartment in La Manga with Luton flights from £949 pp (jamesvillas.co.uk).

COSTA DE ALMERIA: THE SECRET COAST

Why go? To get away from it all — hence the ‘secret’ nickname. There are secluded beaches, nature reserves and sleepy fishing villages. 

The city of Almeria has winding lanes, a 16th-century cathedral and an ancient Moorish fort. Granada, home of the Alhambra, makes a great excursion.

Here’s a deal: Seven nights at Evenia Zoraida Park in Roquetas de Mar from £575 pp all-inclusive with Birmingham flights (firstchoice.co.uk).

COSTA DEL SOL: THE SUNNY COAST

Why go? For sunshine, grilled gambas (prawns) galore and beautiful pueblos blancos (white towns), whitewashed hillside settlements with sweeping views. 

Costa del Sol covers 100 miles of Andalucian coast. Malaga is the heart of the action with live music and beaches. There’s also buzzy Marbella and Torremolinos.

Here’s a deal: A fortnight at Hotel Pez Espada in Torremolinos from £1,164 pp half-board with Manchester flights (tui.co.uk).

COSTA DE LA LUZ: THE COAST OF LIGHT

Why go? This is a sleepier more traditional costa, popular with Spaniards. It runs for 125 miles along the Atlantic Ocean to Portugal. Visit nature reserves and wetlands where flamingos gather. 

Chiclana de la Frontera is the main resort. Enjoy a drop of sherry in Jerez and watch a flamenco show.

Here’s a deal: Seven nights at the five-star Royal Hideaway Sancti Petri, near Cadiz, from £1,099 pp B&B with London flights (020 7368 1200, trailfinders.com).