Seville, Spain (vichie81/Bigstock.com)

Spain has long been the place for British holidaymakers and, considering the huge array of natural and cultural attractions it offers, there is little wonder why.

But with so many legendary cities and stunning beaches along the Costas Brava, Blanca and Del Sol, choosing where to go can be a brain teaser.

One solution could be to take a whistle-stop road trip of these coasts, dipping inland to visit famous settlements when the fancy takes you.

Santander in the north of Spain is a popular arrival point for the British road tripper, but others prefer to arrive in Calais, France, then drive south through the French auto-routes, admiring the pretty Gallic countryside en route.

The coastal city of Barcelona is a great place to start your road trip proper, but don't get too attached – you could easily spend your entire holiday here, gasping at the stunning Gaudi architecture or simply enjoying the relaxed cafe culture.

But get back in your car, because more delights await. Around 3.5 hours to the south west is Valencia. Using the coastal road means you'll be able to gaze at the glitteringMediterraneanas you make the trip. Stop and breathe in the fresh sea when you desire, maybe even taking a dip – after all, the water is warmest this time of year.

While in Valencia, try a walking tour of the old town and get a feel for the city's rich history.

If you want to get a full picture of summertime Spain, then be sure to drive down to Benidorm. You won't find much in the way of ancient history or culture here, but the place is anything if not lively. Scores of high rises give the feel of a mini-Manhattan. Lots of British food and British people might make you feel right at home.

But if you would rather get back to the Spanish culture, then the twin gems of Granada – with its famous Moorish Alhambra – and Seville, with its stunning old quarter (with no less than three UNESCO World Heritage sites!), will not disappoint. These cities are both inland and give you a taste of Andalucía’s mountainous interior.

Visiting these regions in your own car will hopefully guarantee a real sense of freedom and adventure – letting you move on to the next tourist hot spot whenever you wish.

Why not go now?

Since the high season has finished there are lots of low-cost rooms available, so October is a great time to visit – and what’s more, it's still hot!