Guide to Spain
Spain is located in southern Europe and shares borders with France, Andorra, and Portugal. It is so close to Africa, just 14.3 kilometers, that on a clear day you can see Morocco from the Strait of Gibraltar.
The capital of Spain is Madrid and Spain has a Constitutional Monarchy, meaning it has a King and a Queen. However, they do have a parliamentary democracy so the will of the people is represented. Explore more about Spain below in our Guide to Spain.
Spain Travel Guides
Guide to Spain: Spain’s History
Spain is located on the Iberian Peninsula which has been inhabited for thousands of years. Some of the various civilizations that have settled in Spain include the Iberians, Celts, Phoenicians, and Greeks.
Around 200 BC, the Romans conquered Spain and incorporated it into the Roman Empire but by the 5th century the Roman Empire had fallen and the Visigoths established a kingdom in what is now Spain.
In the 700’s, the Moors of Northern Africa attacked the country and Spain fell under Muslim rule until the 1400’s. You can still see the architectural influence of the Moors today.
Soon after the Moors invaded Spain and established their rule, Christian kingdoms from the north pushed southward to reclaim territory from the Moors. This period is known as the Reconquista and lasted until the 15th century when the final Muslim rulers were finally pushed out. Talk about playing the long game!
In 1469 the marriage of Ferdinand II and Isabella I united the two most powerful Christian Kingdoms which led to what is now Spain. Spain became a global superpower through it’s exploration and colonization of places throughout the world.
Some of the most famous explorers from Spain are Christopher Columbus, Ferdinand Magellan, and Hernan Cortes. These explorers discovered and conquered territories that stretched to the Americas, Asia, and the Pacific.
In the 16th and 17th centuries, Spain became the world’s morst powerful empires controlling territories throughout the world. By the 18th century, Spain’s power began to decline and the instability led to the Napoleonic Wars, civil wars, and multiple versions of government that included monarchies, republics, and dictatorships.
Spain eventually fell under a dictatorship in the 1900’s up until 1975 when the country transitioned to a constitutional monarchy and democracy. Today Spain is a diverse and culturally rich country with vibrant cities, stunning architecture, and world-class contributions to art, literature, and music.
Interesting fact: There is evidence that Neanderthals once lived in Spain.
Best time to visit Spain
Spain is a very large country with a diverse range of regions. Spain has beaches and mountains so you can pretty much enjoy a variety of activities in Spain.
Summer in Spain
With the Mediterranean Sea to the south, the coastal region of Spain is a popular tourist destination during the summer. The summer is also the peak tourist season so be prepared for very large crowds and higher prices between June to August.
This not only applies to the coastal areas of Spain but to all of Spain.
Winter in Spain
If you plan on visiting Spain in the winter months between December to February, the southern region like Andalusia experiences mild weather but you still might need a sweater or jacket. The mountainous regions of Spain will have cold temperatures and even snowfall. However, cities such as Barcelona and Madrid are less crowded during the winter and prices will fall slightly.
Spring in Spain
Two of the best times to visit Spain are Spring and Fall when temperatures are mild and the crowds are smaller. Spain in the spring months, between March to May, is a great time to visit Spain when the flowers are blooming and the intense heat of the summer hasn’t arrived and neither have the crowds.
Fall in Spain
The fall, September to November, is also another great time to visit Spain. The crowds have mostly left and the intense heat of the summer is finally cooling down making exploring Spain a much more enjoyable experience. Visitors might want to enjoy outdoor activities like hiking and wine tasting tours.
Areas of interest in Spain
Spain is a massive country with a lot of different regions and things to do. You won’t be able to see everything in one trip so it’s best to break the country up into different areas and focus on the places in that area before moving on to another. Unless you have 2 weeks or more where you can see multiple major cities in different regions of the country.
- Madrid: As the capital of Spain, Madrid is a fantastic place to explore for first time visitors. Madrid a a large metopolis with many cultural treasures such as the Prado Museum, Retiro Park, and the Royal Palace.
- Barcelona: Barcelona is one of Spain’s most popular destinations and is known for it’s stunning architecture and vibrant street life. Antoni Gaudi was an architect and designer from the region and he spent his life shaping the Barcelona architectural landscape. From Parc Guell to the ongoing 140 year construction of La Sagrada Familia, Barcelona is an amazing city to visit.
- Valencia: Valencia is located in the southern region of Spain along the coastline and is a dynamic mix of old and new or past and future. Home to La Lonja de la Seda, or the Silk Exchange, and the futuristic City of Arts and Sciences, Valencia is a great place to explore. It’s also home to the famous dish paella so you have to visit now.
- Cordoba: Cordoba is a city where you can really see the impact of when the Moors ruled over Spain. It has a rich Islamic heritage and that is evident in the Mezquita, the Mosque-Cathedral, which is an excellent example of Moorish architecture. Cordoba also has a beautiful Jewish Quarter decorated with colorful patios and flowers.
- Seville: Seville is located in the southern region of Spain and is known for it’s Moorish architecture and flamenco dance. Some of the best places to visit while in Seville is Plaza de Espana, Alcazar Palace, and the Seville Cathedral and Giralda Tower. Seville is a picturesque town with a lot to explore.
- Granada: Located in the foothils of the Sierra Nevada Mountains, Granada is most famous for its iconic Alhambra Palace, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The Alhambra Palace is renowned for its Moorish architecture and beautiful gardens.
- Malaga: Another coastal city in the Andalusia region of southern Spain, Malaga is home to the historic Alcazaba fortress and also happens to be the birthplace of Pablo Picassao. Whether you wander down Malaga’s charming streets, hang out in the many outdoor patios at its restaurants, or relax on the beach.
- Bilbao: Bilbao is a city in the Basque Country of northern Spain known for it’s architecture and art museums. Some of Bilbao’s highlights is the Guggenheim Museum, Old Town (Casco Viejo) and the waterfront along the Nervión River.
- Ibiza: If you’re looking for a party atmosphere then you’ll want to make your way to the island of Ibiza. When you get tired of lounging on the beach, explore its quaint villages and anchient Phoenician ruins.
- Toledo: Known as the City of Three Cultures, Toledo is a town about 45 minutes south of Madrid known for it’s rich blend of Christian, Muslim, and Jewish influences. Toledo is a UNESCO World Heritage site that has many historic monuments and architecture. Some of the must-see places in Toledo is the Toledo Cathedral, the ancient Alcazar fortress, and picturesque streets with medieval buildings.
Guide to Spain: Visa Requirements
Spain is one of 27 European countries that are part of the Schengen Zone. That means if you’re visiting one of those countries then you can freely cross the border to other European countries in the Schengen Zone without having to go through border control.
Many countries, including the United States, do not need a visa for visiting Spain. However, when you visit Spain or any country in the Schengen zone you are not allowed to stay for more than 90 days. If you want to stay longer than that then you will need a long-stay visa.
Guide to Spain: Getting to Spain
If you’re traveling to Spain from outside of Europe you’ll likely fly into one of Spain’s many international airports such as Madrid-Barajas International Airport (MAD) or the Barcelona El Prat International Airport (BCN).
If you’re traveling from another country in Europe you might want to consider getting to Spain by train. Europe has a large train system that connects small and large cities throughout.
Guide to Spain: Budget
I wouldn’t consider Spain a budget friendly country to travel in but there are ways in which you can save money. It’s Europe after all!
Accomodations in Spain
Your hotel stay will likely be the most expensive part of traveling to Spain. Most places will average around $100 a night but you can find some cheaper places like hostels or by staying away from the big name brand hotels.
Prices will go up during the busy season of summer. There are also plenty of luxury hotels available too just in case money is no object.
The further away from the major tourist spots, the better the deal you’ll get. Just be sure to factor in subway or taxi rides to those tourist sites to be sure it’s worth staying there.
Food & Drink in Spain
Spain has an incredible and diverse food scene that is influenced by the country’s rich and diverse history. One of the most popular dishes that you will find throughout Spain is tapas.
Tapas are small appetizers that could be as small as olives or almonds or larger dishes such as garlic shrimp. Multiple tapas dishes are usually ordered and shared at the table.
Other popular dishes from Spain is Paella, Jamón Iberico (cured ham), and gazpacho. One of the most popular deserts in Spain are churros con chocolate which are crispy pastries that are dipped in hot chocolate. You don’t have to wait for dessert though as people eat these all day long!
Some popular drinks in Spain are sangria and wine. Meals in Spain, especially tapas, are generally inexpensive or at least no more than you’d find in other European countries.
Activities in Spain
There’s a pretty good mix of things that you have to pay for and activities that are free. Walking around the city and admiring the architecture is free. If you’re going into a museum, chances are it will cost something.
You can expect to pay more for entry to places that are very popular such as La Sagrada Familia in Barcelona. This is a place that you have to get tickets for in advance because it’s so popular. On the other hand, there are some really inexpensive places you can visit in less visited cities.
In Malaga you can buy a ticket to the Alcazaba and the castle of Gibralfaro for just 5,50€. Those are popular places to visit in Malaga but certainly not as popular as La Sagrada Familia in Barcelona.
Thankfully prices don’t rise during popular times of travel like in the summer although if you plan on taking a tour, those prices go up and down all the time.
Shopping in Spain
Trying to narrow the cost of shopping in Spain down to a number between X and Y is difficult. Spain is a massive country and the things you might find in one city might not be available in another.
Souvenirs in different cities and even countries are generally the same: fridge magnets, coffee mugs, t-shirts, etc… Those items will be around the same price everywhere you go.
But if you want to buy a book on the architectural works of Antoni Gaudi AND you are buying it in Barcelona at Parc Guell, you can expect to pay more than you probably would at a bookstore in the United States.
So, everything is relative and my advice is to not pass something up if you really want it. You might not ever find it again.
Guide to Spain: Getting Around
Spain, and really all of Europe, has an excellent public transportation system. Unless you have some out of the way places you want to visit then you should not need to rent a vehicle.
I’m not trying to discourage renting a car because I LOVE going out of the way to see things that most people won’t visit. It’s just not a necessity to get around Spain.
Air Travel in Spain
Spain’s larger cities have international airports and if you’re trying to make the most of a 10 day trip then you will want to consider flying to get there faster. One way flights will be fairly inexpensive, especially with discount airlines such as RyanAir.
You’ll need to consider if flying is actually faster and/or cheaper than taking another form of transportation. Take into account the price, the time it will take for the entire process like showing up early, getting through security, plane delays, and other inconveniences.
Train Travel in Spain
Traveling by train in Spain is my favorite way to get around. The train system in Spain is very reliable and it goes (almost) everywhere. You will have a harder time taking the train if you want to go to a small town out in the middle of nowhere but that’s when you might want to rent a car.
Spain train travel is fairly inexpensive but it depends on which kind of train you take. A high-speed train will cost more than a commuter train because you will get to your final destination faster.
You don’t always have a choice of which type of train is available though. The high-speed trains travel between larger cities while commuter or mid-distance trains travel between a large city and smaller cities.
The commuter trains are mainly used by people who work in the larger city but they live outside of the larger city. These will be busy during rush hour.
You can buy your train tickets online at the Renfe website or you can show up to the train station and buy them in person. Again, keep in mind that if you’re traveling during the busy season you’ll want to purchase your tickets ahead of time.
Bus Travel in Spain
Nearly every city in Spain has a public bus system. If you’re on a tight budget and don’t want to spend a ton of money on transportation then this will be the best way to get around.
It will take some time to figure out which bus goes where and you’ll want to make sure you have a map so you get off at the right spot.
You can also travel by bus from city to city. The buses that travel longer distances are generally nice and have air conditioning, WI-FI service, and will stop for bathroom breaks if it’s more than 2 hours away.
Car rental in Spain
Renting a car in Spain is a great option especially if you plan on being in Spain for a while and want to go to multiple places in the country. It’s also much more affordable if you have more than 2 people in your group.
Discover Cars is our favorite place to rent a car. They compare car rental deals from different companies so you get to see all the best deals.
If a one way plane ticket from Barcelona to Madrid costs $100 a person but you can rent a car for between the two cities for $150 AND you have 4 people in your group, you’re already saving $250. You’ll need to factor in gas and tolls and insurance but it should still come out cheaper.
Just make sure you have an International Drivers Permit or you might not be able to rent a car.
Taxis and Uber in Spain
Getting a taxi or an uber while in Spain will likely be the fastest way to get around but will cost more than taking a public bus or even the subway. Just like renting a car, it could be more cost effective if you have several people in your group.
Plus, you’ll get to enjoy some AC for a little while! It does get hot in Spain.
Subways in Spain
Larger cities in Spain such as Madrid and Barcelona have subway systems (the Metro) and it’s a great way to get somewhere fast and it’s affordable. The trains usually run every 2-5 minutes, and will cost a few dollars.
You’ll have to option to buy single journey tickets or you can buy a packet of 10 tickets which comes out to even less. I would avoid the subway during rush hour because it will be packed and just keep in mind that it will also be really hot in the summer. There’s not a lot of air flow in the subway.
Walking in Spain
When you visit Spain you will surely be doing some walking. And walking is the cheapest way to get around. Plus you get to see more of where you’re at!
You probably won’t want to walk everywhere considering some cities are pretty massive, but if you arrange your days to visit sites that are close in proximity you’ll not only save money but also time.
You can take an uber or the subway to one area of the city and be able to spend more time at those places on that day instead of criss-crossing the city.
Safety in Spain
Spain is generally safe but it’s a good idea to exercise caution. One of the biggest things you need to watch out for are pick pocketers. I say that out of experience!
We were standing in line at the Royal Palace in Madrid and an hour later we realized my husband’s wallet was no longer in his pocket. Next thing you know we got notifications of possible fraud. We spent half a day cancelling credit cards and being mad at ourselves that it happened. Ugh.
Other than that, just exercise the same caution you would anywhere else. Be careful when you walk down the street at night and try not to walk alone or venture off into seedy areas.
You’ll also want to be aware that there will always be scammers. Someone else always has a better price, an easier way, or whatever they’re trying to convince you of. I typically walk away from anyone trying to approach me with the “best deal ever”. No thanks. I’ll pay a little extra knowing that I’m actually going to get what I pay for.
Guide to Spain: Bucket List Ideas
