If you were born between the mid-1990s and the late 2000s, you’re part of Generation Z. You make your travel decisions based on what you see on social media, but you also want something original. You’re looking for more: local culture and art. And yes, you’re a die-hard city dweller, which makes a city break in Barcelona or Valencia the perfect choice for you.

Both cities are home to some of the coolest neighbourhoods in the country. Take Poblenou in Barcelona, where everyday city life blends with the undeniable appeal of repurposed industrial buildings and cultural innovation. Don’t miss IDEAL, a former cinema transformed into a centre for digital art. When it comes to what’s happening in Valencia, all eyes inevitably turn to Ruzafa and the way this neighbourhood, with its village-like feel, combines old-world charm with stylish shops. These are places that design lovers will never want to leave.

Where to stay: Sercotel Ámister Art Hotel, Sercotel Caspe and Sercotel Rosellón in Barcelona; and Sercotel Valencia Ruzafa and Sercotel Sorolla Palace in Valencia.

You’re a millennial if you were born between 1981 and 1996. That means you belong to the generation that is now well into adulthood. In other words, the one that has spent the past few years caught up in the nostalgia of revisiting the places where you were once happy. That’s why we can’t think of better destinations than Granada and Salamanca.

Both are university cities and one of them may well have been the destination of a trip you still remember fondly. They’re perfect for reliving one of those getaways or starting to make new memories with new people. Both have a lively atmosphere and plenty going on, by day and by night, so you can choose the kind of trip that suits you best. Their cultural offerings are endless. Did you know that part of the night sky has been captured in a stunning painting in Salamanca? Or that Granada is home to the city’s highest viewpoint? It’s San Miguel Alto, in the Sacromonte district.

And if you’re travelling with your family rather than with friends, we can tell you that younger visitors will be amazed by Granada’s Andalusia Science Park, while in Salamanca they’ll love Casa Lis and its colourful stained-glass windows.

Where to stay: Sercotel Las Torres Salamanca and Sercotel Puerta de la Catedral in Salamanca; and Sercotel Granada Suites, Sercotel HMO Martina and Sercotel Palacio de los Gamboa in Granada.

You’re part of Generation X if you were born between 1965 and 1980, which means that, if you’re not already part of the silver generation — the over-50s — you soon will be. You’re at a stage in life where you know how to enjoy yourself, you fancy treating yourself to some great food and your curiosity is as strong as ever. And although you have energy to spare, rushing around simply isn’t your style.

You know what you want, and you’ll find it in destinations such as Logroño or Alcalá de Henares. The first will satisfy all your foodie interests, whether you explore the wineries of the Rioja Qualified Designation of Origin or settle in at the bars along Calle Laurel. This street is famous because each bar has its own signature pincho. One of our favourites is the Cojonudo at El Muro: a soft bread roll topped with minced chorizo, a strip of red pepper and a quail’s egg.

To satisfy your cultural curiosity, head to Alcalá de Henares. You’ll be visiting the first city in the world to be designed as the home of a university. Cervantes was born here — you can visit his Birthplace Museum — and the Cervantes Prize is presented in the university’s assembly hall. And before you go, take a look at what’s on at the Corral de Comedias, a genuine 17th-century theatre.

Where to stay: Sercotel Calle Mayor, Sercotel Portales, Sercotel Murrieta and Sercotel Logroño Suites in Logroño; and Sercotel Encin Golf in Alcalá de Henares.