I beleive unemployment for youth in Spain is around the 25% mark. Can understand the frustration of lack of work then
Was all urban areas like Madrid and Valladolid; 18 months in total living there before the credit crunch. Didn't got to the south but Barcelona and the rest of the Catalan region was very different.
If you're white, don't speak Spanish and have money then I am sure you'll think they are friendly and have a great experience. But anyway, its been the experience of several Spanish speakers I know and so not something to be repeated when so many other options exist.
Many thanks for all the suggestions, did very nearly book for Split just the flights weren't that favourable so will park that one for another time and will be off to Malta for the weekend - doesnt meet the sandy beach requirement (though the hotel has a salt water pool with sand) but the flights were more favourable and could use points to get a nice room on B&B for free
If you are wanting somewhere closer to home I would look in Malta, relativly cheap and a lot of people speak English well, if you are up for a longer flight - i personally like Thailand, you get amazing value for money there and really can live like a king