Spain

Whether you head towards a fan favorite or go off the beaten trail, there are plenty of great places to visit in Spain. Some of the best include:

• Barcelona – Filled with Gaudi architecture, incredible markets, and some of the best nightlife in the world, Barcelona is firmly on the tourist trail for a reason.
• Madrid – The capital of Spain, Madrid is a great place to dive into Spanish history and indulge in some of the best foodie experiences in the country.
• Granada – Located in the southern Andalusia region, Granada has an exciting bohemian atmosphere and is known for being home to the Alhambra Palace.
• Almeria – Located in southeast Spain, Almeria is primarily a beach-lovers paradise, but is also known for its network of tunnels and tapas scene.
• Valencia – One of Spain’s primary port cities, Valencia is known for being home to the City of Arts and Sciences, Plaza de la Reina, and incredible beaches.

👉 See the full list of best places to visit in Spain.

🗓️ Best Time to Visit

Spring (April to May) and Autumn (September to November) are the best times to visit Spain. You have cheaper accommodations, less crowd, and perfect weather.

⚠️ Safety

Other than the occasional pick-pocketing incidents that are common to a lot of tourist destinations, Spain is a very safe place to visit. Just practice caution and common sense, and you’ll be fine. It is also a good idea to check the latest US State Department travel advisories for your destination. 

👉 Tips & Things to Know

• 🍽️ – Dinner Is a Late Affair – In Spain, it’s customary to eat dinner quite late in the day — usually around 9 or 10pm. If you can feel your blood sugar dropping reading this, then prepare with a heavier lunch.
• ⏰ – Be Aware of Siesta Times – Though not as widespread as it used to be, many businesses close for siesta between 2 and 5pm. Plan your day accordingly.
• 🗓️ – Book In Advance – Because Spain is such a busy destination, you’ll want to book most of your tours and travel in advance. Some of the major attractions book out weeks ahead of time, so don’t sleep on your plans!
• ⌚ – Things Run on Spanish Time – If your food comes out a little late or your friend doesn’t show up to lunch on the nose, don’t sweat it. Spanish time is much more relaxed than in North America, and the best thing you can do is go with the flow.
• 🚌 – Public Transportation is Excellent – If you’re not up for a road trip, then you’re in luck. Spanish public transport is excellent and you’ll be able to get to most of the sites by taking it.

🧳 What to Pack

• 📖 – Spanish Phrasebook – Not everyone in Spain speaks English, especially once you get off the beaten trail. Bring a phrasebook and leave the miming at home.
• ☀️ – Sunscreen – Areas of Spain have high UV indexes — save your skin and load up on the SPF.
• ⛱️ – Quickdrying Towel – If you plan to hit the Spanish beaches (which you should), bring a quickdrying towel along.
• 💧 – Water Bottle – Bring a water bottle that you can refill on the go. Spain’s tapwater is safe to drink, so it’s an easy way to skip the single use plastic.
• 🦺 – Travel Insurance – Though Spain is generally a very safe country, things can happen. Secure your trip ahead of time with travel insurance for Spain.

👉 See our full Spain packing list.

🤓 Facts & Info

• Population – 47.5 million
• Capital – Madrid
• Currency – Euro ($1 = ~0.91 euros)
• Language – English and Spanish
• Plugs – Type C or F, 230V / 50Hz.

💵 Budgeting & Money

Majority of establishments take credit/debit cards, but do bring enough cash just in case, and also for when you travel to more remote areas. ATMs widely available.