Spain travel guide

Immerse Yourself in Barcelona

Barcelona is a no-brainer: once you set foot in this vibrant and often quirky city, you’ll understand why. Whether you want to discover the imprint of Gaudi on the city or roam its Gothic Quarter, a world of adventure awaits. 

And if you’re after some museum-hopping, Barcelona boasts some of the best museums in the world.  

Read Next: The Best Things to Do in Barcelona

Explore the Alhambra

Hands down one of the most iconic landmarks in Spain, the Alhambra in Granada should be at the top of your to-do list. 

This impressive (and ancient) Moorish fortress towers above its many counterparts in the country and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. A genuine architectural masterpiece, its ornate construction is a feast for the eyes.

Read Next: The Best Things to Do in Granada

Wander Around Seville

The gorgeous city of Seville is a landscape of awe-inspiring churches and historic palaces that defy the imagination. Take a day to visit the Royal Alcazar, the oldest residential castle in Europe. 

The city’s Jewish Quarter is also a marvellous spot to get a true feel of the city, and don’t skip out on catching a Flamenco show.

Read Next: Unmissable Things to Do in Seville

Lounge Around on the Costa Del Sol

If you’re travelling in Spain during summer, it would be a cardinal sin if you don’t make the most of the sun. 

A slice of southern Spain that boasts the most glorious beaches in the country, perfect for some sun-kissed beach-bumming. Malaga is one of the best places along Costa Del Sol, and its near-perfect coastline is a testimony of this.

Walk the Camino de Santiago

The Way of Saint James, or the Camino de Santiago, is a showstopping experience in Spain that will leave you speechless. The pilgrimage route stretches roughly 500 miles (800 kilometres) from the border of France to Santiago de Compostela. 

You don’t have to walk the entire trek to appreciate its appeal, but spend enough time on it, and you might just want to.

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Unleash Your Inner Party Animal in Ibiza

C’mon, you didn’t think I’d skip the party island of Ibiza, did you? While the island might be shaking off its rough party image, it’s still one of the biggest nightlife destinations in Europe and a regular scene for world-renowned DJs. 

With mega-clubs that attract a global audience to more laidback lounge bars, there’s always somewhere to celebrate a good time.

Read Next: Brilliant Things to Do in Ibiza 

Admire Art and Architecture at the Guggenheim

One of the most famous museums in the world, the Guggenheim Museum in Bilbao is a must-see when you’re travelling in Spain. 

Beyond the modern art exhibits you’ll find inside, the architecture of the Guggenheim itself is a spectacle to see. The stunning design from the mind of Frank Gehry is one of a kind and worthy of a visit.

Read Next: Fabulous Things to Do in Bilbao

Indulge in Spanish Cuisine

Spain is known for its delish food, so it isn’t surprising that you must treat your tastebuds to the country’s delicious cuisine. While you’ll find classic dishes elevated with unique twists and authentic Spanish flair every, head to San Sebastian to seriously gorge yourself. 

And as the birthplace of paella, it’s no wonder Spain is a foodie paradise.

Marvel at The Great Mosque-Cathedral in Córdoba

I absolutely adore Córdoba. It’s a city of wonder, and nowhere is this clearer than at the Mezquita de Córdoba (or Cathedral of Our Lady of the Assumption). 

By far the most exceptional example of Muslim influence in Spain, it’s easy to get blissfully lost amongst its giant arches, jasper columns and gilded prayer niches.

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Delve into the History of Madrid

There’s something magical about the culturally rich and history-laden city of Madrid that makes it a standout. From the ornate architecture of the Royal Palace to the gritty street art strewn around the city, it’s Spain’s political and cultural capital for good reason. 

Read Next: The Best Things to do in Madrid

Grand Tour of Spain

3 weeks 

San Sebastian – Bilbao – Pamplona – Barcelona – Valencia – Return Ferry to Ibiza – Madrid – Toledo – Córdoba – Seville – Málaga – Granada

Tour the Historic Sites of Spain

2 weeks 

Granada – Málaga – Seville – Córdoba – Madrid – Barcelona

Read Next: The Perfect 10-Day Spain Itinerary

As impressive as the big tourist attractions in Spain are, sometimes you’ll need to wander off the beaten path to some hidden gems that will define your trip.

If you’re after some nature-centric exploration, head to Aracena Huelva, where you’ll find numerous natural parks and a variety of wild bird and animal species. 

For some unspoilt authentic Spanish flair, venture to the two towns of Úbeda and Baeza, both surrounded by olive groves and home to captivating Renaissance architecture.

Eager to tick off some UNESCO goodness? Well, set your sights on Antequera in Malaga, an ancient town with numerous monuments and a sensational food scene.

Dishes to try

Paella Valencia – Probably the most famous dish in Spain, paella originates from Valencia and comes in two varieties – paella Valencia and seafood paella. 

Patatas Bravas – A spicy dish with cubed potatoes that are shallow fried and drenched in a number of different spicy-tinted sauces.

Gazpacho – A tomato-based soup from the Andalusian region that gets served hot or cold (but it’s extra delicious when cold).

Albondigas – You’ll find this on most tapas menus. A dish of meatballs in a rich tomato sauce.

Drinks to try

Cava – Spain’s answer to champagne, cava is similar to the popular drink but made from different grapes.

Rioja – From one of the most famous wine regions in the world, Rioja wines come in four different categories: Genérico, Crianza, Reserva and Gran Reserva.

Rebujito – An alcoholic punch from the Andalusian region, it’s made with dry fino sherry and lemon or lime soda.

Sangria – An iconic drink from Spain, sangria is either red wine, brandy, or vermouth, paired with sliced apples or oranges and sparkling soda. From the tourist traps it’s downright terrible, but from a bar that really knows what it’s doing, it’s delicious.

Expect to spend between £60 and £100 / $80 and $130 per day per person. Add £100 / $130 if you’re traveling on a luxury basis, bringing the total to £160-£200 / $210-$260 per day per person.

Hotels

Mid-Range: £50-£80 / $65-$105 per night

Luxury: £150-£300 / $195-$390 per night

Food

Mid-Range: £20-£40 / $25-$52 per meal

Luxury: £50-£100 / $65-$130 per meal

Public Transport

Bus/Train Tickets: £1.50-£3 / $2-$4 per ride

Day Pass: £5-£10 / $7-$13 per day

Attractions

Museum/Attraction Entry: £5-£15 / $7-$20 per person

Guided Tours: £20-£50 / $26-$65 per person

Tours

Half-Day Tours: £30-£60 / $40-$78 per person

Full-Day Tours: £60-£150 / $78-$195 per person

Safety

As a tourist in Spain, the most common crimes you need to be cautious of is pickpocketing and bag-snatching. This is a reality in Spain, but it’s no more prevalent here than in any other European country. 

Remain vigilant in public areas and crowds, but there’s no reason to be overly paranoid about personal safety in Spain.

Health

You won’t need to get any vaccinations when travelling to Spain. When it comes to food and water, the best idea is to always wash fresh fruit. You can drink fountain water unless a sign reads “agua no potable”. 

In an emergency, dial 112 for an ambulance.

Tipping

In Spain, you have the option to tip or not tip. Although there’s no formal rule, restaurants tend to expect a 10% tip on each bill.

Tips for travelling

• pain’s weather is never too miserable, but you should always plan your trip according to the season you’re travelling in. Decide on your itinerary items based on this to ensure you don’t get caught off guard by closed attractions or higher prices.
• When you’re visiting any religious building, such as a cathedral, make sure you’re wearing respectable clothing – bring something to cover shoulders and knees.
• Learn some basic Spanish phrases – English is widely spoken but you’ll need to know at least a few basics if you’re travelling to more remote regions – and the effort is widely appreciated anywhere in the country. 
• Be prepared for siesta – Shops and businesses often close for a few hours in the afternoon. Plan your activities accordingly. 
• Dine like a local – Mealtimes are typically later than in other countries. Lunch is often between 2-3pm and dinner between 9 and 11pm. 

How to see the best for free

While Spain is a relatively affordable destination, accommodation costs in the bigger, more touristy cities have risen recently. Now, if you want your travels to Spain to be memorable but not budget-zapping, here are some money-saving travel tips for Spain.

Eat off the menu of the day – You’ll find that a majority of restaurants have a menu of the day at lunchtime with far lower prices than usual.

Stay with a local – Want to save on accommodation? Place all your bets on couchsurfing or renting an Airbnb, and stay with locals, especially when visiting a large city.

Use the bus – Although Spain’s metro is fast, it is expensive. Instead, take the bus to get around and save on travel costs. 

Packing

Wondering what to pack for Spain? I’ve got you. Remember that you want to pack light, but you want to bring along all the essentials.

• Start with the basics: comfortable sandals and some casual walking shoes
• Don’t forget a bathing suit and eco-friendly sunscreen
• International power adapter (Spain uses C and F)
• A day pack to keep your belongings in on the move 
• A portable power bank (trust me on this one) 
• First aid kit

Travel insurance

As with any other global destination, when you travel in Spain, it’s a solid idea to err on the side of caution and get decent travel insurance. Before jetting off on your Spanish adventure, take out a comprehensive insurance policy that covers things like loss, theft, illness and injury.

Suggested guidebooks

As convenient as having my handy site and Google Maps at the tips of your fingers is, sometimes your internet will go haywire (and, lets be honest, sometimes it’s really fun to sit in bed and highlight all the places you want to peep on your trip).

That’s where a guidebook comes in clutch. Some of the best options include Monocle Spain, Fodor’s Essential Spain and DK Eyewitness Spain.

Interesting facts

• Compared to most European countries, Spaniards read fewer newspapers. However, the best-selling paper in the country is Marca, a newspaper solely dedicated to football.
• The country has 43 UNESCO World Heritage Sites, more than double the amount in the USA.
• Surprisingly only a minority of Spaniards attend bullfights, with only 2.34 million attending these events in 2019. Comparatively, 15 million Spaniards attended professional football matches in the same year.
• Spain is the second-largest producer of wine in the world. 

Read Next: Quirky and Interesting Facts about Spain 

Handy phrases

If you’re wondering what to do before travelling to Spain, learning some of these handy phrases is an excellent idea:

¡Gracias! – Thank You

¡De nada! – You’re Welcome

¡Hola! ¿Cómo está(s)? – Hello, how are you?

¿Dónde está X? – Where is X?

¿Puede ayudarme? – Can you help me with this, please?

¿Cuánto cuesta eso? – How much does that cost?

Time zone

Spain uses Central European Time (GMT+1) during the winter months and Central European Summer Time (GMT+2) in summer.

Electricity and adapters

The most common type of plug in the country is a type C plug (or Euro-plug), 220v.