Your Ultimate Spain Travel Guide: Everything You Need for the Perfect Trip

Getting to Spain: Your Gateway Options

Spain is one of Europe's most accessible destinations, with excellent air connections from around the world and convenient overland routes from neighboring countries.

Major International Airports

• Madrid-Barajas (MAD): Spain's largest hub with connections worldwide
• Barcelona-El Prat (BCN): Major gateway for Mediterranean Spain
• Málaga-Costa del Sol (AGP): Ideal for southern Spain and beach holidays
• Palma de Mallorca (PMI): Gateway to the Balearic Islands
• Valencia (VLC), Seville (SVQ), and Bilbao (BIO): Growing international connections

Budget airlines like Ryanair, EasyJet, and Vueling offer affordable connections from European cities. For detailed flight options, check our flights to Spain guide.

Overland Arrivals

• From France: High-speed trains connect Paris to Barcelona and Madrid
• From Portugal: Regular trains and buses from Lisbon and Porto
• By Car: Excellent highways connect Spain to European road networks

When to Visit: Finding Your Perfect Season

Spain's diverse climate means there's no single "best" time to visit—it depends on your priorities and destinations.

Quick Seasonal Overview

• Spring (March-May): Ideal weather, blooming landscapes, Easter celebrations
• Summer (June-August): Beach season, festivals, but crowded and hot inland
• Fall (September-November): Perfect temperatures, harvest season, fewer tourists
• Winter (December-February): Mild south, skiing in mountains, lowest prices

For a detailed breakdown by region and activity, see our guide on the best time to visit Spain.

Getting Around Spain: Transportation Options

Spain boasts one of Europe's best transportation networks, making it easy to explore multiple destinations efficiently.

Trains: Fast and Comfortable

RENFE operates Spain's rail network, including the impressive high-speed AVE trains that connect major cities at speeds up to 310 km/h.

High-Speed Connections:

• Madrid to Barcelona: 2.5 hours
• Madrid to Seville: 2.5 hours
• Madrid to Valencia: 1.5 hours
• Barcelona to Valencia: 2.5 hours

Buses: Budget-Friendly Alternative

Buses are Spain's most economical transport option, reaching places trains don't serve.

• ALSA: Spain's largest bus company with extensive network
• FlixBus: Budget option with tickets from €6
• Typical prices: Madrid-Barcelona from €35 (9 hours), Seville-Granada from €25 (4 hours)

Flying: Time-Saving for Long Distances

Domestic flights can be surprisingly affordable and save significant time.

• Budget carriers: Vueling, Iberia Express, Ryanair, Air Europa
• When it makes sense: Madrid to Canary Islands, Barcelona to Seville
• Book early: Prices increase dramatically close to departure

Car Rental: Freedom to Explore

Renting a car offers maximum flexibility, especially for exploring rural areas and coastal regions.

• Requirements: Valid driver's license (IDP recommended for non-EU visitors)
• Costs: From €25-40/day plus fuel and tolls
• Best for: Andalusia's white villages, Galicia's coastline, wine regions
• Parking: Can be challenging and expensive in city centers

For detailed driving tips, see our guide on renting a car in Spain.

Local Transportation

Spanish cities have excellent public transport systems:

• Metro systems: Madrid, Barcelona, Valencia, Seville, Bilbao, Málaga
• Single tickets: €1.50-2.50
• Day passes: €8-15 (great value for multiple trips)
• Tourist cards: Often include public transport and attraction discounts

Where to Stay: Accommodation for Every Budget

Spain offers diverse accommodation options to suit every travel style and budget.

Budget Options (€15-40/night)

Hostels

• Dorm beds: €15-30 in major cities
• Private rooms: €40-70 for doubles
• Often include kitchens for self-catering
• Great for meeting fellow travelers

Pensiones

• Family-run guesthouses
• Basic but clean private rooms
• More authentic than hostels
• Usually €25-50/night

Mid-Range Options (€50-120/night)

Hotels

• 2-3 star hotels abundant in all cities
• Often include breakfast
• Central locations available
• Book direct for best rates

Apartment Rentals

• Ideal for longer stays
• Kitchen facilities save money
• More space than hotels
• Prices vary by location and season

Unique Spanish Accommodations

Paradores

Spain's state-run paradores occupy historic buildings like castles and monasteries. While pricier (€100-200/night), they offer unforgettable experiences.

Rural Houses (Casas Rurales)

• Perfect for exploring countryside
• Often include home-cooked meals
• Prices from €50-100/night
• Great for families or groups

For more options, explore our complete accommodation guide.

Budgeting for Spain: Daily Costs Breakdown

Spain offers excellent value compared to many European destinations. Here's what to expect:

Daily Budget Estimates

Backpacker Budget: €40-60/day

• Hostel dorm: €15-25
• Meals: €15-20 (self-catering and menú del día)
• Local transport: €5-8
• Attractions: €5-10 (free activities and student discounts)

Mid-Range Budget: €80-120/day

• Hotel/private room: €50-70
• Meals: €25-35 (restaurants and cafés)
• Transport: €10-15
• Attractions: €15-25

Comfort Budget: €150+/day

• Nice hotel: €80-120
• Dining: €40-60
• Taxis/tours: €20-30
• Premium experiences: €30+

Money-Saving Tips

• Menú del día: Weekday lunch specials (€10-15) include three courses with drink
• Free tapas: In Granada and some other cities, tapas come free with drinks
• Happy hours: Many bars offer discounted drinks 6-8 PM
• Supermarkets: Mercadona and DIA offer affordable groceries
• Free museum hours: Most museums have free entry certain hours/days
• City tourist cards: Often include transport and attraction discounts
• Walk everywhere: Spanish cities are pedestrian-friendly

For detailed money-saving strategies, see our budget travel tips.

Sample Itineraries: Making the Most of Your Time

First-Timer's Classic: 7 Days

Extended Journey: 14 Days

Add to the classic itinerary:

• Valencia (2 days): City of Arts and Sciences, beaches, paella birthplace
• Córdoba (1 day): Mezquita, Jewish Quarter, patios
• Bilbao (2 days): Guggenheim Museum, pintxos bars, Basque culture
• San Sebastián (2 days): Beaches, world-class cuisine

Regional Deep Dives

Andalusia Explorer (10 days)

Seville → Córdoba → Granada → Ronda → White Villages → Málaga → Cádiz

Northern Spain Adventure (10 days)

Santiago de Compostela → A Coruña → Oviedo → Santander → Bilbao → San Sebastián

Mediterranean Coast (7 days)

Barcelona → Costa Brava → Valencia → Alicante → Beaches

For more detailed routes, explore our regional guides.

Essential Travel Tips: Navigate Like a Local

Cultural Etiquette

• Greetings: Two cheek kisses for social situations, handshakes for formal
• Meal times: Lunch 2-4 PM, dinner 9-11 PM
• Siesta: Many shops close 2-5 PM
• Dress code: Smart casual; cover shoulders/knees for churches
• Tipping: Round up or 5-10% for exceptional service

Practical Matters

Language

While Spanish (Castilian) is universal, regional languages include Catalan, Basque, and Galician. English is widely spoken in tourist areas, but learning basic Spanish phrases enhances your experience. See our guide to traveling without Spanish.

Money

• Currency: Euro (€)
• ATMs: Widely available (watch for fees)
• Cards: Accepted most places, but carry cash for small purchases
• Banks: Usually open 8:30 AM - 2 PM weekdays

Safety

Spain is generally very safe, but stay alert for:

• Pickpockets in tourist areas (especially Barcelona and Madrid)
• Beach theft (don't leave valuables unattended)
• Overcharging in tourist restaurants

For comprehensive safety advice, read Is Spain Safe to Visit?

Health

• EU citizens: Bring EHIC/GHIC card
• Others: Get travel insurance
• Tap water: Safe to drink everywhere
• Pharmacies: Well-stocked and pharmacists often speak English
• Emergency number: 112

Connectivity

• SIM cards: Easily available (Orange, Vodafone, Movistar)
• WiFi: Common in accommodations and cafés
• EU roaming: Use your home plan without extra charges

Must-Do Experiences: Beyond the Tourist Trail

Cultural Immersion

• Watch authentic flamenco in Seville or Granada
• Join the evening paseo (stroll) in any Spanish town
• Attend a local festival (every town has one!)
• Take a Spanish cooking class
• Visit a traditional market

Outdoor Adventures

• Hike a section of the Camino de Santiago
• Beach-hop along the Costa Brava
• Ski in Sierra Nevada or Pyrenees (winter)
• Cycle through La Rioja vineyards
• Kayak in Mallorca's hidden coves

Gastronomic Experiences

• Tapas crawl in any Spanish city
• Paella cooking class in Valencia
• Wine tasting in Rioja or Ribera del Duero
• Pintxos tour in San Sebastián
• Market tour and cooking in Barcelona

Pre-Trip Planning Checklist

3-6 Months Before

• Check passport validity (needs 3+ months validity)
• Research visa requirements (most visitors don't need one)
• Book flights for best prices
• Start learning basic Spanish phrases

1-3 Months Before

• Book accommodation (essential for peak season)
• Reserve Alhambra tickets if visiting Granada
• Purchase train tickets for best prices
• Arrange travel insurance
• Plan rough itinerary

2-4 Weeks Before

• Confirm all bookings
• Download offline maps and translation apps
• Notify bank of travel plans
• Book restaurant reservations for special meals
• Check weather forecast and pack accordingly

Final Week

• Print/download all confirmations
• Get euros from bank or ATM
• Double-check entry requirements
• Pack according to our Spain packing list
• Share itinerary with someone at home

Start Your Spanish Adventure

Spain rewards every type of traveler with experiences that linger long after you return home. Whether you're drawn by the art and architecture, the food and wine, the beaches and mountains, or simply the Spanish approach to living well, this guide provides the foundation for an incredible journey.

Remember, the best trips balance planning with spontaneity. Use this guide to handle logistics, but leave room for unexpected discoveries—often the most memorable moments come from getting wonderfully lost in Spain's enchanting streets or accepting an impromptu invitation to a local celebration.

¡Buen viaje! Your Spanish adventure awaits.