Spain Travel Guide
Discover the best places to visit, things to do, food and drink scene, cultural customs, and more in this ultimate guide to Spain.
- Introduction to Spain
- List of Places to Visit in Spain
- Hiking/Biking Routes of Spain
- Best Things to Do in Spain: Activities and Tours
- Week-Long Itinerary for Spain
- Food and Drink Scene of Spain
- Where to Stay in Spain: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses
- What to Buy in Spain: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home
- Local Culture and Customs of Spain
- Best Time to Visit Spain
- Do’s and Don’ts of Spain
- Safety and Health
- Getting to Spain: Transportation Options and Logistics
- How to Get Around in Spain
- Where to Go Next from Spain: Nearby Destinations and Excursions
- Conclusion
Spain is located in the southwestern region of Europe in the Iberian Peninsula. It is bordered by Portugal to the west, France to the northeast, and the Mediterranean Sea and the Atlantic Ocean.
Introduction to Spain
Spain is a country known for its rich history, culture, and stunning landscapes. From the lively streets of Barcelona to the sprawling beaches of the Costa del Sol, there is something for everyone in Spain. This guide will take you through the must-visit places, cultural attractions, natural wonders, hiking and biking routes, and more.
List of Places to Visit in Spain
Spain is home to some of the most beautiful cities and landmarks in the world. From top-notch museums to beaches and landmarks that will take your breath away. Here’s a list of the top places to visit in Spain:
Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places
Spain has a rich history, and the cultural attractions within its borders reflect that. From world-renowned museums to ancient ruins, here are some of the best historical places in Spain:
- The Alhambra in Granada
- The Sagrada Familia in Barcelona
- The Prado Museum in Madrid
- The Guggenheim Museum in Bilbao
- The Royal Palace of Madrid
- The Mosque-Cathedral of Cordoba
- The Park Güell in Barcelona
Natural Attractions of Spain: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views
Spain is blessed with stunning landscapes and natural wonders. From the Pyrenees mountain range to the sandy beaches, there is a lot to explore for nature lovers. Here are the top natural attractions in Spain:
- The Camino de Santiago
- Costa Brava
- The Pyrenees
- Sierra Nevada in Andalucia
- The beaches of San Sebastian
- Costa de la Luz
- Teide National Park in Tenerife
Hiking/Biking Routes of Spain
Spain offers some of the best hiking and biking routes in the world. Here are some of the top-rated trails to consider:
- The Camino de Santiago
- The Rota Vicentina trail in Andalucia
- The Basque Circuit
- The Andalusian trail
- The Rutas del Vino bike route in La Rioja
Best Things to Do in Spain: Activities and Tours
Spain has a long list of fun things to do and explore, from historical tours to nightclubs to food markets. Here are some of the best activities to do in Spain:
- The tomato fight festival in Bunol
- Tasting tapas in Granada
- Exploring the Gothic Quarter in Barcelona
- Flamenco dancing in Seville
- Sangria tasting in Valencia
Week-Long Itinerary for Spain
If you’re planning your trip to Spain, it’s helpful to have a rough idea of the best places to visit. Here’s a 7-day itinerary to get the most out of your trip:
Day | Place to Visit |
---|---|
1 | Madrid |
2 | Segovia and Toledo |
3 | Seville |
4 | Alhambra in Granada |
5 | Valencia |
6 | Barcelona |
7 | Costa Brava and Girona |
Food and Drink Scene of Spain
Spanish cuisine is among the best in the world. From the paella to the pintxos, there is something for everyone. Here are some of the must-try dishes when in Spain:
Must-Try Dishes
- Paella
- Tortilla Espanola
- Churros con chocolate
- Pintxos
- Gazpacho
Local Beverages
- Sangria
- Tinto de verano
- Cava
- Rioja wine
- Sidra
Where to Stay in Spain: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses
Spain offers a wide range of accommodation options, from budget-friendly hostels to luxurious hotels. Here are some of the top-rated places to stay in Spain:
- Hotel Arts in Barcelona
- Casa Gracia in Barcelona
- Parador de Santiago in Santiago de Compostela
- Hostal La Buena Vida in Madrid
- Hotel Marques de Riscal in Elciego
What to Buy in Spain: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home
Everyone loves to bring some special items to remember their trips. In Spain, there are many unique items to buy, from handmade pottery to food products. Here are some of the must-get items when in Spain:
- Jamon Iberico
- Olive oil
- Wine from La Rioja
- Handmade ceramics from Andalusia
- Fans from Valencia
Local Culture and Customs of Spain
Spain is a country that is steeped with tradition and culture. Here are some aspects of Spanish culture you should be familiar with:
- The siesta culture
- Bullfighting
- Flamenco dancing
- Spanish festivals
- Soccer culture
Best Time to Visit Spain
The best time to visit Spain depends on what you plan to do and where you want to go. The summertime, especially from June to August, is the busiest and most crowded months. Shoulder seasons, like April to May and September to October, offer milder weather and fewer crowds.
Do’s and Don’ts of Spain
Here are some tips on what to do and what not to do when you’re in Spain:
Do:
- Try the local cuisines
- Learn some Spanish phrases
- Take a siesta if you need one
- Visit local markets
- Explore hidden gems
Don’t:
- Wear your beach attire in the city
- Miss your chance to try the local wines
- Forget to tip in restaurants
- Expect everything to happen on time
- Disrespect Spanish customs
Safety and Health
Spain is generally a very safe country, with low crime rates and excellent healthcare facilities. Below are some of the safety and health tips to keep in mind when visiting Spain.
Safety in Spain
- Always be aware of your surroundings
- Don’t leave your belongings unattended
- Follow the normal safety precautions in nightlife areas
- Be cautious when using public transportation
Health in Spain
- Get your vaccinations up to date
- Drink bottled water if you’re unsure of the tap water’s quality
- Wear sunscreen when spending time outside
- Stay hydrated
Getting to Spain: Transportation Options and Logistics
Getting to Spain is an easy process, with many carriers that offer direct, non-stop flights to various airports. Here’s a quick guide on how to get to Spain:
Airports Near Spain
- Madrid-Barajas Airport
- Barcelona-El Prat Airport
- Malaga-Costa del Sol Airport
- Seville San Pablo Airport
Bus Stations Near Spain
- Estacion del Norte in Barcelona
- Estacion Sur in Madrid
- Plaza de Armas in Seville
Other Options
- Train transportation
- Ferry ride from the UK to Bilbao
- Driving across the border from France or Portugal
How to Get Around in Spain
Spain has a well-connected transportation system, from flights to trains to buses. Below are the different transportation options in Spain:
- Trains
- Flights
- Buses
- Car Rentals
Where to Go Next from Spain: Nearby Destinations and Excursions
Spain is surrounded by many beautiful countries, and there are plenty of nearby destinations to explore. Here are some of the nearby countries and destinations to consider after your visit to Spain:
- Portugal
- Morocco
- France
- Italy
Conclusion
Spain is a diverse and exciting country that offers visitors a range of attractions, historical sites, natural landscapes, and delicious food. Whether you’re exploring Barcelona or trying out Andalusian tapas, Spain has something for everyone. Use this guide to plan the perfect trip to Spain.
Spain Image Gallery
![The majestic profile of this '''Castilian Alcázar''' has soared above Segovia since the twelfth century](https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/9/94/Alc%C3%A1zar_de_Segovia%2C_situado_en_la_Ciudad_vieja_de_Segovia._Patrimonio_Mundial_por_la_UNESCO.jpg/100px-Alc%C3%A1zar_de_Segovia%2C_situado_en_la_Ciudad_vieja_de_Segovia._Patrimonio_Mundial_por_la_UNESCO.jpg)
![Alhambra and the city of Granada](https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/8/81/Alhambra_palace_and_surrounding_area.jpg/100px-Alhambra_palace_and_surrounding_area.jpg)
![Sagrada Familia, the Gaudi masterpiece in the Eixample region of Barcelona.](https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/9/91/Sagrada_Familia_Eixample_from_Montjuic.jpg/100px-Sagrada_Familia_Eixample_from_Montjuic.jpg)
![Control tower of Madrid–Barajas Airport](https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/6/61/Torre_de_control_de_Madrid-Barajas_-_01.jpg/100px-Torre_de_control_de_Madrid-Barajas_-_01.jpg)
![AVE in Spain (Spanish High Speed)](https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/c/c7/AVE_in_spain.jpg/100px-AVE_in_spain.jpg)
![Bike rental station in Valencia](https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/5/5f/Bicisvalenbisi.jpg/100px-Bicisvalenbisi.jpg)
![Mezquita in Córdoba](https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/5/57/Spain_Andalusia_Cordoba_BW_2015-10-27_13-54-14.jpg/100px-Spain_Andalusia_Cordoba_BW_2015-10-27_13-54-14.jpg)
![Segovia aqueduct](https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/4/4e/AcueductoSegovia_edit1.jpg/100px-AcueductoSegovia_edit1.jpg)
![L'Hemisfèric, in The City of Arts and Sciences (Spanish: Ciudad de Las Artes y Las Ciencias) (Valencia)](https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/a/a4/Hemispheric_-_Valencia%2C_Spain_-_Jan_2007.jpg/100px-Hemispheric_-_Valencia%2C_Spain_-_Jan_2007.jpg)
![Guggenheim Museum with Salve Bridge in the foreground (Bilbao)](https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/0/05/Museo_Guggenheim_con_el_puente_de_la_Salve_en_primer_plano.jpg/100px-Museo_Guggenheim_con_el_puente_de_la_Salve_en_primer_plano.jpg)
![Start the New Year in La Puerta del Sol (Madrid)](https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/a/a0/Nochevieja_puertadelsol_2006.jpg/100px-Nochevieja_puertadelsol_2006.jpg)
![Bank of Spain](https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/5/5c/Banco_de_Espa%C3%B1a_%28Madrid%29_06.jpg/100px-Banco_de_Espa%C3%B1a_%28Madrid%29_06.jpg)
![Gran Vía of Madrid, is a perfect place for shopping](https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/b/b3/Gran_V%C3%ADa_%28Madrid%29_25.jpg/100px-Gran_V%C3%ADa_%28Madrid%29_25.jpg)
![](https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/8/85/Chocolate_with_churros.jpg/100px-Chocolate_with_churros.jpg)
![Spanish Tapas](https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/3/34/Tapas_marte%C3%B1as.jpg/100px-Tapas_marte%C3%B1as.jpg)
![Parador de Santo Estevo, in the province of Orense (Galicia).](https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/0/04/Parador_Santo_Estevo%2C_Nogueira_de_Ramu%C3%ADn.jpg/100px-Parador_Santo_Estevo%2C_Nogueira_de_Ramu%C3%ADn.jpg)
![Police car of the National Police](https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/7/72/2019_09_19_Cotxe_de_la_Policia_nacional_aparcat_sobre_pas_de_vianants_i_carril_bici_01.jpg/100px-2019_09_19_Cotxe_de_la_Policia_nacional_aparcat_sobre_pas_de_vianants_i_carril_bici_01.jpg)
![Police car of the Guardia Civil](https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/5/52/La_Palma_-_El_Paso_-_Calle_Paso_de_Abajo_04_ies.jpg/100px-La_Palma_-_El_Paso_-_Calle_Paso_de_Abajo_04_ies.jpg)
![View of Barcelona](https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/9/9f/Barcelona_%284624904973%29.jpg/100px-Barcelona_%284624904973%29.jpg)
![Evening rush in Madrid](https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/a/a0/The_evening_rush.jpg/100px-The_evening_rush.jpg)
![The rainbow flag on Madrid's city hall](https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/9/93/Ayuntamiento_de_Madrid_-_Rainbow_flag_-_170627_204010.jpg/100px-Ayuntamiento_de_Madrid_-_Rainbow_flag_-_170627_204010.jpg)