Sequins, feathers and glitter. The more outrageous your costume, the better. No, we’re not exaggerating. Of the three destinations we’re about to introduce you to, one thing is certain: these are no ordinary carnivals.

Declared a Festival of International Tourist Interest, the Cádiz Carnival is famous for its sharp wit and humour. It is usually held in February, although by then the Official Carnival Group Competition (COAC) has already spent weeks searching for its winners among the comparsas, chirigotas, choirs and quartets taking to the stage. The grand final is held at the Gran Teatro Falla.

Afterwards, music fills the streets with the choir carousels, where groups gather at different spots to entertain the crowds with their songs and rhythms, and the street groups, which do not take part in the COAC. Another highlight is the Grand Parade, whose themed floats make their way along the city’s main avenue.

Where to stay: revelry, celebrations and lively crowds are all part of the fun—but not when it’s time to rest. That’s why, when you need a break, we recommend heading to our Sercotel Aura Algeciras, Sercotel Puerto de Santa María or Sercotel Cruz del Mar in Chipiona. When you arrive, you’ll realise that the short drive was well worth it, especially when the reward is peace, quiet and the chance to unwind by the sea.

The scale of this Canary Islands carnival is truly impressive. Its duration alone is a clear statement of intent: around six weeks. With so much time, there is plenty of room for competitions featuring dance troupes, satirical singing groups and, of course, costumes. There are also parades—or, to be more precise, a Grand Parade with a long route through the city and dozens of floats.

It’s a spectacular celebration where you’ll have another chance to see the Carnival Queen, Drag Queen and Grand Dame, if you haven’t already caught a glimpse of them during the galas. These dazzling events combine music and unforgettable costumes to decide who will receive each title.

The carnival theme changes with every edition. What never changes is its commitment to being a celebration for the whole family. So yes, there are usually plenty of activities for children and even a dog carnival.

Where to stay: with daytime and evening carnival celebrations, you may struggle to find time to sleep—but eventually, you will. And we’re certain that once you settle into the Sercotel Playa Canteras or Sercotel Parque Las Palmas, you’ll forget what’s happening outside, even if only for a while. We’ll just say this: peaceful, quiet rooms and mattresses you won’t want to get out of.

The Sitges Carnival may not last as long as the one in Las Palmas, but it doesn’t need to. Over several days, the city gets ready for the parades, for both children and adults, to take over its streets; to introduce its Carnival Queen; to welcome His Majesty Carnestoltes with fireworks; and, above all, to ensure nobody misses the wonderfully entertaining bed race, which has become a true carnival classic.

When it’s time to eat, don’t even think about leaving without trying xató, a traditional Sitges winter salad celebrated during the carnival with several special events known as xatonades. And as all good things must come to an end, you’ll eventually have to bury His Majesty Carnestoltes, leave the carefree days of carnival behind and welcome Lady Lent. But first, the carnival has to begin.

Where to stay: it’s impossible to resist the signature warm and welcoming atmosphere of our Sercotel Kalma Sitges. Mediterranean-inspired décor, a seafront location and a dining experience centred around top-quality ingredients—especially its fresh fish and seafood. If you ask us, it’s the perfect finale you deserve.