We are thinking of going to Spain at the end of April/beginning of May, 2009. At that time of year, is it warm enough to go to the beach & swim? Warm enough to hang out @ the pool and swim?

Anybody?

We've been to Spain twice and both times it was plenty warm (highs in the high 70's, low 80's) enough to swim - in the hotel pool (Puerto Banus, near Marbella).

Don't know about the water temp of the sea - we just stuck out toes in and it seemed fine - but then we're used to the North Atlantic. If you're used to FL temps it might feel cold.

Pool will be fine for sure...the sea might be too cold for some

Ocean Breeze,
On our last trip to Marbella in late April, people were out sunbathing and swimming in their hotels' heated pools. As nytraveler and FrankS say,
the sea temps might be too cold for what you're used to.

Sea temperature at Marbella in April will be around 60F/16C, too cold for most mortals! But sometimes, when the sun shines and temperature zooms into high 70s, you see people paddling and getting their feet wet.

ok...so wld the water/air temps be comparable to West Palm Beach or Ft. Lauderdale in late February/early March?? or, warmer?....pls say "warmer"!!

NO - not warmer.

Have you looked at a map or a globe? Southern Spain is more or less on a line with Wash DC. Is it warm enough to swim there in the winter? (The only reason Europe is as warm as it is is the effect of the gulf stream.)

For beach weather in winter you need to go to the Carib or Asia - not europe.

Yes, I have looked a map.