Did you know 115.7 million tourists went all “Viva Espana” and took a Spain vacay in 2016?
Could it be the fiery passionate culture, the delicious cuisine, the vibrant cities, the historical sites, the impressive beaches, or the tasty sangria that attracts travelers to Spain? Or maybe it’s the fact that you can take an afternoon nap and nobody will judge you!
Whatever the reason, a trip to Spain has to be on your bucket list. Keep reading for the ultimate tips and tricks for your Spain travel itinerary.
Let’s salsa on!
Viva Espana Travel Tips
Spain is one of the sunniest places in Europe, boasting 5000 km of picturesque coastlines and huge rugged mountain ranges. Check out these travel tips to help you plan a trip to Spain and make the most of your vacay.
Where to Travel in Spain
Spain can be divided into north, south, east, and central areas. The further south you go, the warmer the weather. Visiting in the summer months is the best time of year, as you’re pretty much guaranteed fantastic weather.
Although the central areas have mostly become a modern metropolis with the capital Madrid being the center, they are still home to historic walled cities such as Avila and Toledo. There are also the beautiful windmills of Consuegra and several other grand historical sites to visit.
The southern parts of Spain include famous Andalusia and other centuries-old cities such as Granada, Cordoba, Seville, and Jerez. The beaches of Costa del Sol are also well worth the visit.
The east coast is famous for its gorgeous beaches and the city of Barcelona. However, there are also many architectural sites to visit, both modern and historical.
The northern areas in Spain are generally undiscovered by the average tourist. But there’s a lot going on off the beaten track in Spain. From the Guggenheim Museum to the cider of Asturias and the wines of La Rioja, you’ll not be disappointed visiting the north.
If you’re a winter traveler, you can always visit the French border, which is home to some top ski resorts in the Pyrenees mountains.
Spain Vacation Documents
Spain is part of the European Union, which means that citizens from other EU countries can travel to Spain without a visa. This also applies to those in the European Economic Area (Norway, Iceland, and Switzerland). Citizens in several American and Oceanian countries can also visit up to 90 days without a visa.
However, most citizens from countries in Asia will need to apply for a visa. You can obtain a visa from the Spanish Consulate. Make sure you give yourself plenty of time, as it will take at least 6 weeks to go through the complete process.
Where to Lay Your Head in Spain
Accommodation in Spain is generally quite a lot cheaper than other countries in Europe. There are loads of ways to keep your accommodation costs low. For instance, you can do so by using:
- Airbnb
- Hostels (shared rooms or private rooms)
- Couch surfing
- Budget Hotels
- Campsites
For the luxury traveler, there are also several grand hotels and resorts to stay in or even private villas and apartments to rent. View here for a lush beach resort in the Costa Del Sol area.
A Foodies Delight
It’s food glorious food in Spain with tapas and paella all at your fingertips. There are cheap eats everywhere, with meals ranging between 10-13 Euros, even in the tourist hot spots. There are also some really classy restaurants in stunning locations if you’re ready for a luxury meal.
If you’re making some of your own meals, there are supermarkets just like you’d get back home. But there are also some amazing local outdoor markets where you can find the cheapest and freshest produce in the whole of Spain.
Sangria and wine are available at every turn in Spain. You can buy cheap beer everywhere for about EUR 1-2, and there are some fun cocktails by the beach. They might seem a bit more expensive at EUR 5-7, but they are generally huge!
Getting from A-B
The cheapest way to get around is by bus. The train line can be pretty expensive, but it can get you from A-B super quickly if you’re traveling here, there, and everywhere. There are also several rental car companies if you want to be an independent traveler on your Spain vacation.
If you’re staying in Barcelona or Madrid, flying with a budget airline may end up being a cheaper and quicker option when traveling between destinations within Spain.
Things to Do in Espana
As mentioned before, skiing, hiking, ancient fortresses, and lazing on the beach are all great things to add to your Spain travel itinerary.
There are also several museums, art galleries, bullfighting festivals, salsa clubs, flamenco shows, enchanting castles, and subtropical gardens to check out. The beaches themselves offer more fun things to do with surfing, jet skiing, kite surfing, snorkeling, paddle boarding, boat rides, or just drinking cocktails and enjoying the view!
There are events happening all year round in Spain. But the hottest events that attract thousands of tourists yearly include Las Fallas in March, the Tomatina Tomato fight in August, and the Pamplona Bull Run in the month of July.
Suggested Spain Travel Itinerary
A great way to see the urban hot spots of Spain is to do “The Big Three”: Madrid, Barcelona, and Valencia. Trains or flights can take you to each city in super fast time.
For a one week trip, you can see several of the sites around Madrid and still have a couple of days to relax in Valencia. You can check out the Museo del Prado, the once-royal city of Toledo, and even the Segovia the ancient monastery fortress. Finish off your vacay with a couple of days in Valencia for some chill time on white beach stretches.
For a two week trip, you can fit in a trip to both Madrid and Barcelona. In Barcelona, you can check out the Benedictine monastery of Montserrat, which is built into a jagged mountain. You might even have time to visit the lush fishing villages of Costa Brava for some amazing beach time.
Andalusia in Southern Spain is a tour in itself. Home to the flamenco, spectacular festivals, and grand cities, you can see the rich culture of Spain by sticking in Andalusia for most of your Spain travel itinerary and feel like you’ve had the full Spain experience.
Time to Plan a Trip to Spain!
Yes, it’s time to grab your passport and start planning a trip to Spain!
One of the hottest places to visit is the city of Barcelona. Click here to find out the top 10 things to do on your trip to Barcelona.
