SPAIN TRAVEL GUIDE
Spain is in southwestern Europe and covers an area of just under 506,000 km2.
Spain is officially a Kingdom and connected to mainland Europe along its northern border with France.
Its various regions, municipalities, cities, towns and villages are extremely diverse and all have an appeal of their own.
Surrounded by coastline other than its borders with France and Portugal, Spain is a hugely popular holiday destination with visitors from northern Europe seeking glorious sunny weather and miles of golden sand beaches.
SPAIN GENERAL INFO
Spain is a country in southwestern Europe on the Iberian peninsula.
Spain borders the countries Portugal, Andorra, France and the UK with Gibraltar, which is a British Overseas Territory. The longest border is shared with Portugal.
Spain also shares borders with Morocco, as the two Spanish enclaves Ceuta and Melilla are located within Morocco.
Spain is separated from the African continent by the Straits of Gibraltar. This passage connects the Atlantic Ocean with the Mediterranean Sea. Gibraltar is a British overseas territories and thus belongs to the UK.
The Spanish nation is divided in 17 autonomous communities which are regions where people have their own regional government.
HOW TO GET TO SPAIN
Spain is one of Europe’s most accessible countries, with multiple options to suit every traveler’s preferences. Whether you're flying in from overseas or traveling from a neighbouring country, here’s a breakdown of how you can get to Spain:
By Air
Major Airports: Spain boasts several international airports, with Madrid-Barajas (MAD) and Barcelona-El Prat (BCN) being the largest and busiest. Other popular airports include Málaga-Costa del Sol (AGP), Valencia (VLC), and Seville (SVQ).
Direct Flights: Many international airlines operate direct flights to Spain from North America, Asia, and other parts of Europe. Budget carriers like Ryanair and Vueling make it affordable to fly into Spain from neighbouring European countries.
Domestic Flights: If you're already in Europe, domestic flights are a quick and relatively inexpensive way to reach Spain's various regions.
By Rail
High-Speed Trains: Spain’s Renfe AVE trains connect the country to neighboring nations like France and Portugal. For example, you can take a train from Paris to Barcelona in just over six hours.
Eurail Pass: If you're touring Europe, the Eurail Pass allows flexible travel, making rail an excellent choice to enter Spain.
Local Trains: Regional train services make it easy to reach Spain’s borders from nearby countries like Andorra or Portugal.
By Road
Driving from Neighbouring Countries: Spain shares borders with France, Portugal, and Andorra, making it accessible by car. Major highways like the AP-7 run from France into Spain.
Car Rentals: Renting a car is ideal for travelers who want to explore at their own pace. Just be aware of toll roads, especially on major routes.
Buses: Long-distance buses operated by companies like FlixBus and ALSA are affordable and connect Spain with major European cities like Lisbon and Paris.
By Boat
Ferries: Spain has ferry connections with several countries, including the UK, Italy, and Morocco. Popular routes include the Portsmouth to Bilbao ferry and the Tangier to Algeciras route.
Cruises: Many Mediterranean cruise itineraries include stops in Spanish ports like Barcelona, Málaga, and Palma de Mallorca.
Island Connections: If you're heading to the Balearic Islands (Mallorca, Ibiza, Menorca) or the Canary Islands, ferries and boats are an alternative to flying.
WHEN IS THE BEST TIME TO VISIT SPAIN
Spain’s diverse climate and vibrant cultural calendar mean there’s no single “best” time to visit—it all depends on what you’re looking for. Here’s a breakdown of the best seasons to visit Spain, tailored to your preferences:
Spring (March to May)
Spring is arguably one of the best times to visit Spain. The weather is mild and pleasant, with temperatures ranging from 15–25°C (59–77°F) in most regions. Cities like Madrid, Barcelona, and Seville come alive with blooming flowers and cultural events, such as Semana Santa (Holy Week), celebrated with grand processions. Coastal areas are warming up but aren’t too crowded yet, making this a great time for sightseeing and relaxation.
Summer (June to August)
Summer is ideal for beach lovers and festival enthusiasts. Coastal destinations like Costa del Sol, Ibiza, and Mallorca are buzzing with activity. Temperatures can soar above 30°C (86°F) in southern regions, so pack light and stay hydrated. While major cities like Madrid and Seville can be uncomfortably hot, northern Spain, including Galicia and the Basque Country, offers cooler climates and lush green landscapes. Don’t miss events like the Running of the Bulls in Pamplona or the La Tomatina festival in Buñol.
Autumn (September to November)
Autumn is perfect for those who want to explore Spain’s cities and countryside without the summer crowds. The temperatures are moderate, typically ranging from 20–25°C (68–77°F), and the landscapes are stunning with autumn foliage. This is also harvest season, making it a great time for wine enthusiasts to visit La Rioja or attend food festivals like San Sebastián Gastronomika. Coastal regions still offer pleasant weather, making September ideal for late-season beach visits.
Winter (December to February)
Winter in Spain offers a mix of experiences. The southern regions, such as Andalusia, remain mild, with temperatures hovering around 15°C (59°F), making it perfect for exploring cities like Granada, Cordoba, and Seville. Ski enthusiasts can head to the Pyrenees or Sierra Nevada for snow sports. Christmas markets and Three Kings Day celebrations add a festive charm to cities like Madrid and Barcelona. Keep in mind that northern Spain can be chilly and rainy during this time.
Best Time Based on Your Interests
Beach Vacations: Late May to early September.
Cultural Festivals: Spring and summer for major events like Semana Santa and Feria de Abril.
City Breaks: Spring and autumn for comfortable sightseeing weather.
Outdoor Adventures: Spring and autumn for hiking or cycling in regions like the Camino de Santiago.
Whenever you choose to visit, Spain’s diverse regions, rich culture, and stunning landscapes ensure an unforgettable experience!
WHAT’S THE WEATHER LIKE IN SPAIN RIGHT NOW?
TOP THINGS TO SEE & DO SPAIN
Visit Barcelona including the iconic Sagrada Familia and Park Güell
Explore Spain’s inland capital, Madrid
Explore the historic streets of Seville
Visit the Alhambra, a palace and fortress complex, in Granada
Discover Valencia's futuristic City of Arts and Sciences
Step back in time in the medieval town of Toledo
Enjoy the picturesque beaches and the culinary delights of San Sebastián
Explore the Mezquita-Cathedral of Córdoba
Discover the natural beauty of the Balearic island of Mallorca
Join the world-famous tomato fight at the annual La Tomatina festival
ACCOMODATION IN SPAIN
coming soon
WHERE TO STAY SPAIN
Barcelona
Barcelona, Catalonia's capital, is a city that perfectly balances a beachy, laid-back atmosphere with a vibrant urban culture. It's known for its unique architecture, including Gaudi's masterpieces, such as the Sagrada Familia, and the colorful mosaics of Park Güell. With a plethora of boutique hotels, you can find accommodations to suit your style and budget.
Seville
Seville, in Andalusia, is a city of stunning Moorish architecture, including the Alcazar and the Giralda Tower. The city's rich history, flamenco culture, and delicious tapas make it an ideal destination. Look for charming hotels in the historic Barrio Santa Cruz for an authentic experience.
Granada
For a more intimate Spanish experience, Granada is a great choice. It's home to the world-famous Alhambra Palace and the picturesque Albaicín neighborhood. Consider staying in a quaint guesthouse within the historic center to immerse yourself in the city's unique atmosphere.
San Sebastián
Located in the Basque Country, San Sebastián offers a delightful blend of beautiful beaches and a culinary scene that's second to none. The city's elegant belle-époque architecture and the old town's narrow streets provide a charming backdrop. Explore the area and consider a boutique hotel or a guesthouse for a cozy stay.
SPAIN BY REGION
BALERIC ISLANDS
Majorca, Ibiza, Menorca are some of the top holiday destinations in Europe. Each one offers something slighlty different but all have miles and miles of beautiful sandy beaches, idyllic natural beauty and a rich history.
ANDALUSIA
Andalusia is a beautiful region in southern Spain. It includes the Costa del Sol and prime holiday locations such as Marbella, Malaga and Seville.
CATALONIA
Catalonia, a vibrant region in northeastern Spain, is known for its rich cultural heritage, stunning Mediterranean coastline, and iconic landmarks like Barcelona's Sagrada Família and the Costa Brava.
EATING IN SPAIN
The main dishes in Spain usually contain potatoes, rice, fish, meat, beans, chickpeas and a large variety of fruits and vegetables. Olive oil is one of the main ingredients in the Spanish cuisine. Garlic, paprika (called pimentón) and bread are used in most savoury dishes.
Here are my top choices of food to try when in the Spain.
Paella
The traditional rice dish is made with seafood or meat such as rabbit, chicken and snails and popular especially in Valencia
Gazpacho
Is a cold tomato soup soup or stew served with fresh vegetable toppings. It is delicious in the heat of the SPanish summer months.
Turrón
Nougat sweet cake made with honey and nuts
Empanada
Stuffed bread or pie
SPAIN ESSENTIALS
Planning a trip to the Spain? Here are some of the resources and tools I personally use to organise my travel plans in Spain.
FLIGHTS : Find the best deals on flights to Spain using Skyscanner.
VISAS : Use iVisa to check if you need a tourist visa for the Spain and apply for an expedited visa online. Use OneWayFly to obtain proof of onward travel/hotel reservation for your visa application if needed.
TRAVEL INSURANCE : Insure your trip with my preferred insurance for single trip and annual cover HeyMondo
AIRPORT TRANSFER : Pre-book your hotel transfer from Barcelona Airport or Malaga Airport
ACCOMMODATION : Find the best hotel deals in Spain on Booking.com
CAR HIRE : Book your rental car from RentalCars.com for great service and prices
BUS TICKETS : It is easy to book your bus tickets and other transport once you’re in Spain but if you’d like to book in advance you can buy these tickets online through Bookaway
DAY TRIPS : Find the best city tours and day excursions in the Spain on Viator or Get Your Guide.
SPAIN GUIDEBOOK : Pick up a copy of the latest Lonely Planet Guidebook for Spain for a good read and to help you plan your trip.
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