spain description travel

• 3 Other destinations
• 4.1.1 Early Spain and Roman Era
• 4.1.2 Visigoth Spain
• 4.1.3 Muslim conquest and "al-Andalus"
• 4.1.4 Reconquista and Imperial era
• 4.1.5 Crises of the 19th century
• 4.1.6 The 20th century
• 4.1.7 21st century
• 4.1.8 Migration
• 4.2 Tourist information
• 6.1 Entry requirements
• 6.2 By plane
• 6.3 By train
• 6.5 By boat
• 7.1 By train
• 7.3 By boat
• 7.5 By thumb
• 7.6 By bicycle
• 7.7 By taxi
• 8.1 Historic cities
• 8.2 Art museums
• 8.3 Archaeological sites
• 8.4.1 Football
• 8.4.2 Basketball
• 8.4.3 Handball
• 8.4.4 Cycling
• 8.5 Itineraries
• 9.1 Festivals
• 9.2 Holidays
• 9.3 Outdoor activities
• 9.4 Scuba diving
• 11.1.1 Money exchange
• 11.1.2 Credit card
• 11.2 Tipping
• 11.3 Business hours
• 11.4.1 Designer brands
• 11.4.2 Department stores
• 11.4.3 Others
• 12.1 Breakfast, lunch and dinner times
• 12.2 Breakfast
• 12.4 Types of dishes
• 12.5.1 Fast food
• 12.5.2 Service charges and VAT
• 12.5.3 Menú del día
• 12.5.4 Non-Spanish cuisine
• 13.1 Tea and coffee
• 13.2 Alcohol
• 13.4 Alcoholic beverages
• 14.1 Small villages
• 14.2 Casa rural, the bed and breakfast of Spain
• 14.3 Hotels
• 14.4 Paradores
• 14.5 Hostels
• 14.6 Apartment rental
• 14.7 Camping
• 15.1.1 Making a police report
• 15.2 Permissions and documentation
• 15.3 Safety
• 15.5 Other things you should know
• 16.1 Healthcare
• 16.2 Climate
• 16.4 Smoking
• 17.1 Culture and identity
• 17.2 Socialising
• 17.3 Eating and drinking
• 19.2 Mobile phones and SIM cards
• 19.3 Discount calling

Spain ( Spanish : España ) is famous for its friendly inhabitants, relaxed lifestyle, its cuisine, vibrant nightlife, and world-famous folklore and festivities, and its history as the core of the vast Spanish Empire . It has the second-largest number of UNESCO World Heritage Sites after Italy and the largest number of World Heritage Cities.

With great beaches, mountains, campsites, ski resorts, superb weather, varied and fun nightlife, many cultural regions and historic cities, Spain is a popular tourist destination in Europe for any kind of trip.

Regions [ edit ]

Spain is a diverse country with contrasting regions that have different languages and unique historical, political and cultural traditions. Because of this, Spain is divided into 17 autonomous communities ( comunidades autónomas ), plus two autonomous cities. As a result, some even describe Spain as a "federation without federalism". Some of the autonomous communities—notably the ones which have other official languages alongside Spanish—have been recognised as "historical nationalities" that have a unique historical identity. These include the Basque Country, Catalonia, Galicia, the Valencian region, Andalusia, the Balearic Islands, Aragon and the Canary Islands.

Spain's many regions can be grouped as follows:

Cities [ edit ]

Spain has hundreds of interesting cities. Here are nine of the most popular:

• 40.383333 -3.716667 1 Madrid — the vibrant capital, with fantastic museums, interesting architecture, great food and nightlife
• 41.383333 2.183333 2 Barcelona — Spain's second city, full of modernist buildings, a vibrant cultural life, festivals, and beaches
• 43.256944 -2.923611 3 Bilbao — former industrial city, home to the Guggenheim Museum and other cultural features; main Basque city
• 37.883333 -4.766667 4 Córdoba — Also called Cordova, The Grand Mosque ('Mezquita') of Cordoba is one of the world's finest buildings
• 37.178056 -3.600833 5 Granada — stunning city in the south, surrounded by snow-capped mountains of the Sierra Nevada, home of La Alhambra
• 36.719444 -4.42 6 Málaga — the heart of flamenco with the beaches of the Costa del Sol
• 37.377222 -5.986944 7 Seville (Spanish: Sevilla) — a beautiful, verdant city, and home to the world's third largest cathedral
• 39.466667 -0.375 8 Valencia — paella was invented here, has a very nice beach
• 41.65 -0.883333 9 Zaragoza — also called Saragossa. The fifth largest city of Spain that held the World Expo in 2008

Other destinations [ edit ]

• 38.354 -0.408 1 Costa Blanca — 200 km of white coast with plenty of beaches and small villages
• 42.0228 3.22449 2 Costa Brava — the rugged coast with plenty of seaside resorts
• 36.79 -4.48 3 Costa del Sol — the sunny coast in the south of the country
• 27.966667 -15.6 4 Gran Canaria — known as "a continent in miniature" due to its many different climates and landscapes
• 38.98 1.43 5 Ibiza — a Balearic island; one of the best places for clubbing, raving, and DJs in the entire world
• 39.616667 2.983333 6 Mallorca — the largest island of the Balears, full of amazing beaches and great nightlife
• 37.05 -3.3 7 Sierra Nevada — the highest mountains on the Iberian Peninsula, great for walking and skiing
• 28.268611 -16.605556 8 Tenerife — offers lush forests, exotic fauna and flora, deserts, mountains, volcanoes, beautiful coastlines and spectacular beaches

Understand [ edit ]

Spain shares the Iberian Peninsula with Andorra , Gibraltar , and Portugal .

A country of large geographic and cultural diversity, Spain may come as a surprise to those who only know of its reputation for great beach holidays and almost endless sunshine. There is everything from lush meadows and snowy mountains to huge marshes and deserts in the south east. While summer is the peak season, those who wish to avoid the crowds should consider visiting in the winter as not only is it normally mild and sunny, but attractions such as the Alhambra Palace in Granada and La Gran Mezquita in Cordoba will not be overcrowded. However the ski resorts of Sierra Nevada do get very crowded. The Mediterranean climate that predominates in Southern and Central Spain is noted for its dry summers and (somewhat) wet(ter) winters, so visiting in the winter or spring brings the added benefit of the vegetation looking much more healthy. Northern Spain (e.g. Asturias) on the other hand gets quite a bit of rain year round and is ripe with lush green vegetation even in August.

History [ edit ]

Some of the earliest known remains of Homo of any kind in Europe have been found in Spain. Spain is also thought to have been the last refuge of the Neanderthals, and one of the few places that were inhabitable and inhabited throughout the ice ages.

Early Spain and Roman Era [ edit ]

The earliest inhabitants of the Iberian peninsula we have any profound knowledge of were Iberians, Celts (related to the Gaulish, Britannic and Central European Celts in language and culture) and Basques. As most of these groups had little to no written records we only know of them due to the descriptions of the Greek, Punic and later Roman settlers and conquerors, who colonised Spain from the South starting in the 3rd century BC. Roman culture lasted on the peninsula for roughly half a millennium, when in the age of migrations the Visigoths conquered the Roman province of Hispania .

Visigoth Spain [ edit ]

Most inhabitants of the area kept speaking Latin or rather Latin-derived languages/dialects and only a handful of Germanic words entered the Spanish language ( "ganso" being the most commonplace). Soon after their conquest, the Visigoths formed a number of rival "kingdoms" and petty noble states in almost constant conflict in ever-shifting shaky alliances with or against one another, giving rise to constant wars.

Muslim conquest and "al-Andalus" [ edit ]

In 711 one Visigoth ruler apparently called for the Umayyad Muslims to help in his fight against a rival. (Which one is unclear, as the historical records for this era in Spain are scarce and there are for example no contemporary Muslim sources whatsoever.) This proved more successful than he could have imagined, and by the end of the 8th century most of the peninsula was in Muslim hands. While the almost 800 years of divided rule by Christian and Muslim rulers on the Iberian peninsula was by no means peaceful, the modern narrative of a somehow concerted effort to "regain" the "lost lands" for Christendom was never the first, second or any priority for the majority of the Christian rulers. As a matter of fact, many times Christian rulers entered into alliances with Muslim rulers against other Christian rulers and vice versa. While the situation for Muslims in Christian lands and vice versa and Jews in either depended very much on the mood of the ruler and could lie anywhere on a range from benevolent ignorance to murder and expulsion, religious minorities had it a lot better in Spain than in most of the rest of Europe at that time. In fact the Sephardi Jews (named after the Hebrew word for Spain) were at that time not only one of the most important groups inside Spain in terms of science and education, but also dominant among the Jewish people, worldwide . During that time an estimated 90% of Jews were Sephardi. (In the 19th century, on the other hand, roughly 90% of Jews were Ashkenazim [German and Eastern European, and primarily Yiddish-speaking].)

However, this period ended when through conquest and marriage the kingdoms of Castile and Aragon as well as a couple of minor Christian lands were united and their rulers started a war of conquest against the Muslim rulers. The union of the numerous Christian kingdoms is commemorated in the modern Spanish coat of arms, which is an amalgamation of the coats of arms of the four main kingdoms prior to the union, namely the kingdoms of Castile, Aragon, León and Navarre. In the process of re-conquering Spain, many of the great mosques and synagogues were desecrated and converted into Christian churches.

Some of the most glorious historical attractions in Spain date from the period of Muslim rule, including The Mezquita , built as the Great Mosque of Córdoba and the Medina Azahara , also in Córdoba and now in ruins but still visitable as such and built as the Madinat al-Zahra, the Palace of al-Andalus; and the Alhambra in Granada , a splendid, intact palace. There are also two synagogues still standing that were built during the era of Muslim Spain: Santa María la Blanca in Toledo and the Synagogue of Córdoba , in the Old City.

Reconquista and Imperial era [ edit ]

This so-called "reconquista" was completed in 1492 with the fall of Granada, and all Jews were forced to leave Spain or convert that year; by 1526, all Spanish Muslims had suffered the same fate. 1492 also marks the point when Spain started to become the world's strongest empire with territories in North , Central and South America , Africa , and the Philippines (named after Spanish king Felipe II). The "new Christians" as they were called were often not sincere in their largely forced conversions and to ensure religious "purity", the notorious Spanish inquisition was set up. Genetic studies made in modern times suggest that a large percentage of modern Spaniards have at least partial Jewish and/or Muslim ancestry, which might surprise some, as the concept of being a "true Christian" (rather than a "converso") soon began to get hereditary overtones, with the expulsion of all the descendants of forced converts from Islam in 1609.

Under the House of Habsburg, Spain became a personal union with the Austrian Empire , and reached its height of power in Europe during the 16th and early 17th centuries, controlling much of Benelux and Italy . Spain was weakened as the House of Habsburg lost the Thirty Years' War in 1648. Spain was further weakened by ineffective governance, religious intolerance that drove out the erstwhile prosperous and productive Jewish and Muslim minorities and hampered free inquiry and - paradoxically - Latin American gold and silver that devalued the currency and still couldn't cover war expenses. The Spanish Habsburgs - prone to marrying inside the family, thus accumulating inheritable diseases - died out when Charles II was unable to produce an heir, which like many of his other afflictions was likely a result of incest. Most powers of Europe fought for the possibility to put one of their own on the Spanish throne, with the House of Bourbon doing it. The Bourbons would attempt a reform of their many domains gaining some successes but enraging those who had held onto old privileges of local autonomy or feudal rights.

The colonisation of Central and South America and of Mexico was particularly profound, with the deaths of millions of native people through disease, war and outright murder as the Spanish sought riches in these 'undiscovered' lands. Today many of the countries in this area are defined by Hispanic language and culture (Spanish is today the world's second most spoken native language after Mandarin and before English, and Catholicism dominates throughout the former Spanish colonies).

Crises of the 19th century [ edit ]

With the death of Charles III in 1788, Spain lost its last monarch with will, energy and capability for a long time at a crucial juncture - the French Revolution would break out the next year. His successor Charles IV tried at first to maintain some of his father's policies but ultimately saw more fun in hunting than politics. Soon politics in Spain would come to be dominated by Prime Minister Manuel de Godoy who was rumored to have an affair with the queen. Meanwhile, Charles' son, Ferdinand VII was chomping at the bit to replace his father as king, which earned him the contempt of the latter. In 1808 Ferdinand seemed to have briefly succeeded in replacing the hated Godoy and his father but Napoleon Bonaparte invited the two quarrelling kings to Bayonne under the pretext of mediating but forced both to abdicate in favor of his brother Joseph Bonaparte. Many among Spain's elites were having none of it and set up Juntas to maintain a government nominally loyal to Spanish monarchy. The liberal constitution of Cadiz 1812 was drafted in those years and as Ferdinand was willing to promise everyone everything to return to the throne, he came to be known as "the Desired One", with high hopes that he would rule as a liberal citizen-king under the constitution of Cadiz. Ferdinand never intended any such thing and his heavy-handed policies brought the wrath not only of his Spanish subjects but even of those Juntas in Latin America that had been set up without making up their mind whether to support a restoration of Bourbon rule or independence - only certain that they would oppose Napoleon and his regime. When Ferdinand died in 1833 he left a nominally absolute monarchy with an unhappy population which had lost most of its colonies to a not-yet three year old Isabella II. Immediately some hyper-conservative elements but also those in the Basque country who wanted back the old fuero autonomy refused to back Isabella's claim on account of her being female, giving birth to the "Carlist" movement. The 19th century saw independence movements fight back against the kingdom of Spain, with leaders such as Simón Bolívar and Augustín de Iturbide successfully creating new independent nations throughout Latin America. By 1898 Spain lost the majority of its remaining territories during the Spanish-American War: it lost Cuba and then sold Puerto Rico , the Philippines , and Guam to the United States . The war of 1898 was a huge shock to Spanish culture and shattered Spain's self-image of a first-rate power, and it thus inspired a whole literary movement known as the generation of '98. For much of this time, Spain was not really one realm so much as several realms which shared a monarch. While the monarch had broad powers, there was no such thing as "absolute" monarchy in Spain and the various regions - notably the Basque country - had numerous special privileges and autonomies granted either to "the people", a local lord or "free men". This proved complicated to resolve when Spain became a Republic and it is still an issue with which Spain is grappling in the 21st century.

The 20th century [ edit ]

Spain experienced a devastating civil war between 1936 and 1939 that killed half a million Spaniards and ushered in more than 30 years of dictatorship under Generalissimo Francisco Franco. The civil war began from a mostly failed coup in Spanish North Africa (today part of Morocco) against Spain's left-wing republican government supported by the popular front (a popular front was in those days a regime including communist, socialist, liberal, Christian Democrat and even conservative parties and originated in France as a response to fascism, though the parties in power in July 1936 were Izquierda Republicana and Unión Republicana, two centre-left wing republican parties, supported by PSOE; the communist party had just 17 seats). The fascist side was led by a group of generals; however, some of them soon died in plane crashes or were pushed to the side by Franco. Although the League of Nations (a precursor of today's United Nations) attempted to make intervention impossible, Mussolini's Italy and Nazi Germany ignored this by aiding the nationalist (Franco) side, while the Soviet Union and to some extent Mexico provided aid to the Republican (popular front) side. The Republican side called for volunteers in the so-called "international brigades", and around 20,000 Brits, Americans, Frenchmen and even Germans joined the fight on their side. However, the Republican side was plagued by lack of weapons and ammunition (some of their rifles were produced in the 19th century), by infighting between communists and anarchists, and by Stalinist purges ordered by the super-paranoid supporters of Republican Spain in Moscow. As many people of that generation fought in the Spanish Civil War or covered it as – often blatantly biased – war correspondents (including George Orwell, Ernest Hemingway and later German chancellor Willy Brandt) there is a lot of well-written literature (and some films), which while not always historically accurate, manage to perfectly capture the spirit of vain idealism that made many of the interbrigadistas go to Spain in the first place. Just as the American Civil War gave a breakthrough for photojournalism, World War I for news radio and World War II for the newsreel, the Spanish Civil War made its mark on journalism, literature and arts. The Reina Sofia museum in Madrid has an exhibition for artistic expressions of the war, with Picasso's Guernica – produced for the republican Spanish pavilion at the 1937 world exhibition in Paris – as its centrepiece.

The war was won for Franco through superior fire-power and with military aid from the Nazis (including the war-crime of bombing Guernica ). Franco managed to unify the not at all homogeneous nationalist forces behind his less-than-charismatic leadership and hold onto power through the Second World War (in which he stayed neutral) until his death. He was succeeded by King Juan Carlos. The Spanish Civil War is still in some sense an open wound as it was hardly ever talked about during the days of Franco's regime. To this day, conservatives and Catholics (the Republicans were pretty anti-clerical) are sometimes apologetic about Franco and the "necessity" of the war. Franco's legacy was that the historically important regional identities and languages (such as Catalan and Basque) were brutally suppressed and a policy of strong national identity under the Spanish/Castilian language was promoted. Many Republican soldiers and supported continued fighting until the mid 50s in the so-called maquis, in 1944 there was even an attempt to invade Spain from France through the Vall d'Aran in 1944 which was quickly suppressed by the Guardia Civil. Violent groups such as ETA (see below) started their activity in the 1960s during Franco's time, there was also an increasing protest movement in the last years of franquism. Franco oversaw Spain's rapid economic expansion with its industrialisation in the 1960s. Spain's messy divorce from its African colonies in the last years and days of Franco's life is also one of the reasons for the conflict in Western Sahara , a former Spanish colony.

Franco named Juan Carlos as his successor in 1969, with Juan Carlos being crowned king shortly after Franco's death. Shortly after King Juan Carlos – to the surprise of many – insisted on the country becoming a parliamentary democracy with a figurehead king as nominal head of state, right-wing generals tried to overthrow the nascent democracy on 23 February 1981 in what is now known as 23F. One of the most striking images of the coup was the general Tejero storming into the Congress of Deputies at the head of 200 Guardia Civil members and interrupting the vote to replace centre-left Adolfo Suarez with centre-right Leopoldo Calvo Sotelo for Prime Minister. The coup failed mostly due to lack of popular support and because the king – in his capacity of commander-in-chief – appeared on television in full uniform to order the soldiers back into their barracks, thus throwing his lot in with democracy. This resulted in a lot of support for the king personally even among otherwise republican-inclined Spaniards for most of his reign. However, the monarchy is rather unpopular among the autonomist or independist movements of Catalonia or the Basque Country. Spain entered NATO (though not the EU or any of its predecessors) in 1982, which Calvo-Sotelo. The ruling centre-right party UCD under Leopoldo Calvo-Sotelo badly misjudged the Andalusian desire for regional self-government and thus lost the 1982 election, in one of the biggest popular vote landslides in any modern democracy, to the leftist PSOE. This led to the formation of Partido Popular (PP) from the rubble left behind by the temporary collapse of the centre-right. PSOE was led at that time by the relatively youthful Andalusian Felipe González and enjoys a strong basis of support in Andalusia to this day.

With the peaceful transition to democracy after Franco's death, the restrictions on regional identity were lifted, with autonomy granted to several regions, and the regional languages gaining co-official status in their respective areas. The nature of the transition meant that there was little justice for those who had suffered under the Franco dictatorship and divisions still remain.

The Basque Country in Spain's north that had begun violent resistance in 1959 against Franco continued its campaign of bombings and assassinations into the democratic era with the terrorist ETA (Euskadi ta Askatasuna; Basque for Basque Country and Freedom) group, despite the region having been provided with a high degree of autonomy. The group declared a ceasefire in 2011 and the armed struggle appears over for the time being. Even in the "democratic" 1980s, (under longtime Prime minister Felipe González [PSOE 1982–1996]) the Spanish government responded with methods that are now known to have included "death squadrons" to combat terrorism.

21st century [ edit ]

In the 2000s there was more economic expansion and a housing price boom that subsequently collapsed, leaving Spain with high unemployment and economic difficulties. The economically important Catalan region has become louder in its demands for independence. In 2017/18 this conflict erupted as the central government had worked to annul key aspects of a more extensive statute of autonomy while parts of the Catalan parliament held an independence referendum, deemed "illegal" by opponents of independence. The central government cracked down heavily on the independence movement and several people involved in the referendum were sentenced to lengthy prison terms.

Migration [ edit ]

Spain holds a historical attachment to its neighbours on the Iberian Peninsula, Andorra and Portugal , to its former colonies, to former citizens and their descendants, and to a special category of former citizens, namely Sephardic Jews.

The population of Spain is growing in large part due to migration by people from relatively poor or politically unstable areas of Latin America, such as Colombia , Cuba , Ecuador , El Salvador Nicaragua , Peru or Venezuela ; other parts of Europe, especially Eastern Europe; and Africa and Asia, particularly areas that have a historical or linguistic attachment to Spain. There is also an important segment of immigration that consists mainly of retired people, and people running businesses for them and foreign tourists, coming from wealthier European countries such as the United Kingdom , France , Germany , Benelux and the Nordic countries , established all along the Mediterranean shore, especially in the Costa Blanca , Costa del Sol , the Canary Islands and the Balearic Islands , particularly in the summer months.

Internally there have always been migrations from poorer rural areas (such as Andalusia) to the cities and to jobs in construction and tourism. Due to the economic crisis of the 2000s and 2010s, youth unemployment has risen to unbearable levels in the 50% range and quite a number of young people have semi-permanently fled the country to other European Union countries such as Germany to study, work or do internships either until things get better in Spain or forever. In the latter half of the 2010s there were tentative signs of economic improvement with some economic emigrants returning to Spain.

Tourist information [ edit ]

• Tourist information website of the Spanish government.

Talk [ edit ]

The official and universal language used in Spain is Spanish ( español ) which is a member of the Romance family of languages (others include Portuguese, Italian, French, and Romanian). Many people, especially outside Castile, prefer to call it Castilian ( castellano ).

However, there are a number of languages (Catalan, Basque, Galician, Asturian, etc.) spoken in various parts of Spain. Some of these languages are dominant and co-official in their respective regions, though most people will be bilingual in their local language and Spanish. Catalan, Basque and Galician are recognised as official languages according to the Spanish constitution. With the exception of Basque (whose origins are still debated), the languages of the Iberian Peninsula are part of the Romance family and are fairly easy to pick up if you know Castilian well.

• Catalan (Catalan: català , Castilian: catalán ), a distinct language similar to Castilian but more closely related to the Oc branch of the Romance Languages and considered by many to be part of a dialect continuum spanning across Spain, France, and Italy and including the other langues d'oc such as Provençal, Beàrnais, Limousin, Auvernhat and Niçard. Various dialects are spoken in the northeastern region of Catalonia , the Balearic Islands , and Valencia (where it is often referred to as Valencià ), east of Aragon , as well as neighbouring Andorra and southern France. To a casual listener, Catalan superficially appears to be a cross of Castilian, French and Portuguese and though it does share features of all three, it is a separate language.
• Galician (Galician: galego , Castilian: gallego ), very closely related to Portuguese, Galician is spoken in Galicia and the western portions of Asturias and León . Galician predates Portuguese and is deemed one of the four main dialects of the Galician-Portuguese language family group which includes Brazilian, Southern Portuguese, Central Portuguese, and Galician. While the Portuguese consider it a dialect of Portuguese, Galicians consider their language independent.
• Basque (Basque: euskara , Castilian: vasco ), a language unrelated to Castilian (or any other known language in the world), is spoken in the three provinces of the Basque Country , on the two adjacent provinces on the French side of the Spain-French border, and in Navarre. Basque is considered a language isolate unrelated to any Romance, Indo-European, or even any known language, save for a weak theory that Basque could be related to Aquitanian.
• Asturiano (Asturiano: asturianu , Castilian: asturiano , also known as bable ), spoken in the province of Asturias , where it enjoys semi-official protection. It was also spoken in rural parts of León , Zamora , Salamanca , in a few villages in Portugal (where it is called Mirandes) and in villages in the extreme north of Extremadura . While the constitution of Spain explicitly protects Basque, Balearic-Catalan-Valencian under the term Catalan, Galician, and Castilian, it does not explicitly protect Asturian. Still, the province of Asturias explicitly protects it, and Spain implicitly protects it by not objecting before the Supreme Court.
• Aragonese (Aragonese: aragonés , Castilian: aragonés , also known colloquially as fabla ), spoken in the north of Aragon , and is not officially recognised. This language is close to Catalan (specially in Benasque ) and to Castilian, with some Basque and Occitan (southern France) influences. Nowadays, only a few villages near the Pyrenees use the language vigorously, while most people mix it with Castilian in their daily speech.
• Aranese (Castilian: Aranés , Catalan/Aranese Occitan: Aranès ), spoken in the Aran Valley and recognised as an official language of Catalonia (not of Spain), alongside Catalan and Castilian. This language is a variety of Gascon Occitan, and as such is very closely related to Provençal, Limousin, Languedoc, and Catalan.

In addition to the native languages, many languages such as English, French , and German are commonly studied in school. However, Spaniards are not known for their proficiency in foreign languages, and it is very rare to find locals conversant in foreign languages outside of tourist establishments or major international hotels. Most establishments in Spain's important tourist industry, however, usually have staff members who speak a decent level of English, particularly in popular beach resorts such as those in the Costa del Sol where you will find people who are fluent in several languages, the most common ones being German and French. As Portuguese and Italian are closely related to Spanish, if you speak either of these languages, locals would be able to puzzle you out with some difficulty. German is spoken in some areas frequented by German tourists, such as Mallorca. In general, people who speak two national languages (e.g. Basque and Castilian or Catalan and Castilian) are more likely to speak a foreign language than monolingual Spanish speakers.

Castilian Spanish differs from the Latin American Spanish varieties in pronunciation and grammar, although all Latin American varieties are easily understood by Spaniards and vice-versa. While the differences in spelling are virtually non-existent, the differences in words and pronunciation between Castilian Spanish and "Latin American Spanish" are arguably bigger than those between "American" and "British" English.

French is the most widely understood foreign language in the northeast of Spain. The Basque region and northern Catalonia in particular have sizable populations that speak French.

Locals will appreciate any attempts you make to speak their language. For example, know at least the Castilian for "good morning" ( buenos días ) and "thank you" ( gracias ).

Get in [ edit ]

Entry requirements [ edit ].

Spain is a member of the Schengen Agreement . See Travelling around the Schengen Area for more information on how the scheme works, which countries are members and what the requirements are for your nationality. In summary:

• There are normally no immigration controls between countries that have signed and implemented the treaty.
• There are usually identity checks before boarding international flights or boats entering the Schengen Area. Sometimes there are temporary border controls at land borders.
• A visa granted for any Schengen member is valid in all other countries that have signed and implemented the treaty.

EU, EEA and Swiss nationals who enter Spain on a national identity card, who are under 18 years old and travelling without their parents are required to have written parental consent.

Citizens of Antigua and Barbuda, the Bahamas, Barbados, Mauritius, Saint Kitts and Nevis and Seychelles are permitted to work in Spain without the need to obtain a visa or any further authorisation for the period of their 90-day visa-free stay. However, this ability to work visa-free does not necessarily extend to other Schengen countries.

A stay of longer than 90 days for non-EEA or Swiss citizens almost invariably requires an advance visa. If one stays for longer than 6 months, a residence permit ( Titulo de Residencia ) must be obtained within the first 30 days of entering Spain.

There are a number of ways to get into Spain. From neighbouring European countries, a drive with the car or a train ride is feasible; from a number of Mediterranean countries more or less regular ferry connections are available; visitors from further away will probably be using air travel.

By plane [ edit ]

Spain's flag carrier is Iberia , and its two other main airlines are Vueling and Air Europa . There are many airlines connecting from most European countries, Africa, the Americas and Asia. Virtually all European low cost carriers provide frequent services to Spain including: TUI Airways , EasyJet , Ryanair , Wizz Air and Jet2.com .

The busiest airports are Madrid–Barajas Airport , Barcelona El Prat , Palma de Mallorca and Malaga , followed by Seville , Valencia , Bilbao , Alicante and Santiago de Compostela .

For mainland Spain, Madrid Barajas ( MAD  IATA ), Barcelona ( BCN  IATA ) and Malaga ( AGP  IATA ) are your most likely ports of entry, as they have by far the highest number of international flights. For the islands, you will most likely directly arrive at an airport on the island, without connecting through another Spanish airport. If your destination does not have a direct flight, you can make use of Iberia's rail air alliance with Renfe. Searching for your destination directly on the Iberia website will give you flights with a connecting train service automatically.

You can also enter Spain by using an alternative airport not far away from the land border:

• To the mainland's west: Porto ( OPO  IATA )
• To the mainland's south-west: Gibraltar ( GIB  IATA ) and Faro ( FAO  IATA )
• To the mainlands's north: Biarritz ( BIQ  IATA ) and Perpignan ( PGF  IATA )
• To Ceuta : Tangier ( TNG  IATA ) and Tétouan ( TTU  IATA )
• To Melilla : Nador ( NDR  IATA )
• To Lanzarote 's south: Fuerteventura ( FUE  IATA )
• To Fuerteventura 's north: Lanzarote ( ACE  IATA )

By train [ edit ]

The train system in Spain is modern and reliable, most of the trains are brand new and the punctuality rate is one of the highest in Europe, the only problem is that not all the populated areas have a train station; sometimes small towns don't have one, in those cases you need to take a bus. Another issue with the Spanish Rail network is that the lines are disposed in a radial way so almost all the lines head to Madrid. That's why sometimes travelling from one city to another geographically close to it might take longer by train than by bus if they are not on the same line. Always check whether the bus or the train is more convenient. The Spanish high speed rail system is, however, more reliable than that of - say - Germany, because the gauge of traditional and high speed trains is different and thus high speed lines are only used by high speed passenger trains meaning fewer delays due to congested lines or technical problems. All lines that cross the border into France have either a break of gauge (thus making changing train or a lengthy gauge change necessary) or are high speed, thus making the high speed trains the vastly preferable option to cross the border. Trains between Barcelona and France are operated jointly by SNCF and RENFE and both sell tickets for any international train on that route. Spain has numerous rail links with neighbouring Portugal, none of them high speed. There are only three rail links with France, one at Hendaye on a traditional line requiring a break of gauge, a connection used for local traffic near Latour de Carol (this is the closest rail line to Andorra ) and one near Figueres for high speed trains. The former two see the occasional sleeper train while the latter sees the vast majority of passenger travel and all high speed trains. The former link through the Pyrenees near Canfranc has been abandoned but the former border station at Canfranc is still served from the Spanish site and worth a visit if you're a railway enthusiast or history buff.

By bus [ edit ]

German player Flixbus offer international routes to/from Spanish destinations. Spanish operators with international connections include Alsa and Linebus . Generally speaking the buses will be reasonably save and may even have WiFi or electric outlets at your seat, but if your main concern is anything but cost, opt for a train or plane instead as the former is both vastly more comfortable and faster and the latter is still a lot faster and can even be cheaper, if you manages to travel on carry-on only. Buses generally have greater luggage allowances than the airlines, but then again, you'd have the same advantage taking the train.

By boat [ edit ]

Spain is a popular Cruise destination being some of is main cruise ports: Barcelona , Bilbao , Valencia , Palma de Mallorca or Malaga

From the UK, Brittany Ferries offers services from Portsmouth and Plymouth to Santander and from Portsmouth to Bilbao . The journey time from Portsmouth to Santander is approximately 24 hours.

Spain is also well connected by ferry to Northern Africa (particularly Tunisia and Morocco ) and the Canary Islands which are part of Spain. Routes are also naturally available to the Spanish Balearic islands of Mallorca , Minorca , Ibiza and Formentera .

Other popular routes is from Barcelona to Genoa , Rome or Sardinia

Get around [ edit ]

• Renfe is the Spanish national rail carrier. Long-distance trains always run on time, but be aware that short-distance trains (called Cercanías ) can bear long delays, from ten to twenty minutes, and especially in the Barcelona area, where delays up to 30 minutes are not uncommon. To be safe, always take the train before the one you need. It also manages FEVE narrow-gauge trains which mainly run near the northern Atlantic coast (from Ferrol to Bilbao). Buying tickets online with a foreign credit card may be difficult, however, those with a PayPal account may find it easier to pay using the website. Renfe also operates the AVE high speed trains , whose network radiates out of Madrid to the major cities along the coasts - Spain boasts the second-longest high speed network (behind China ) and has constructed a lot of new lines until the economic downturn at the end of the 2000s. The AVE is easily the fastest option wherever it goes (faster even than flying in most cases) but can be on the expensive side. Intercity trains are slower but often substantially cheaper, and much more comfortable than the bus. Tickets don't go on sale until 30 days before departure, and few discount tickets are available.
• FGC operates several local routes near Barcelona. On these places where both Renfe and FGC operate, usually FGC provides more trains per hour, has better punctuality records and stations are closer to the city centres; on the other side, trains are slower and single fares are more expensive.
• FGV provides local services in Valencia area uncovered by Renfe and a tram service in Alicante.
• Euskotren operates affordable services from Bilbao to Gernika, Bermeo and San Sebastian plus a line connecting San Sebastian with Irun and Hendaye (France). The Bilbao - San Sebastian trip is about 2hr 40min while buses connect the cities in around just an hour, although bus tickets cost about twice as the train. All but the whole Bilbao - San Sebastian line run twice an hour with extra trains on peak hours.

The least expensive way to get around most parts of Spain is by bus. Most major routes are point to point, and very high frequency. There are many companies serving within certain autonomous communities or provinces of the country on multiple routes or on a single route going from a major city to several surrounding villages and towns. The following operators serve more than a single region:

• ALSA ( formerly Continental Auto ), ☏ +34 902 422242 . Largest bus company with point to point routes across the country and alliances with various other regional companies and/or subsidiary brands. ( updated Apr 2016 )
• Grupo Avanza , ☏ +34 902 020999 . Operates buses between Madrid and the surrounding autonomous communities of Extremadura, Castile-Leon, Valencia (via Castile-Leon). In some areas they operate through their subsidiary brands of Alosa, Tusza, Vitrasa, Suroeste and Auto Res. ( updated Apr 2016 )
• Socibus and Secorbus , ☏ +34 902 229292 . These companies jointly operate buses between Madrid and western Andalucia including Cadiz, Cordoba, Huelva and Seville. ( updated Apr 2016 )

At the bus station, each operator has its own ticket counter or window and usually a single operator from here to a particular destination. Therefore, the easiest is to ask the staff who will be happy to tell you who operates which route and point you to a specific desk or window. You can also see what is all available on Movelia.es or see "By bus" under "Getting in" or "Getting Around" in the article for a particular autonomous community region, province or locale. It is usually not necessary or more advantageous to book tickets in advance as one can show up and get on the next available bus. Most bus companies can be booked in advance online. however English translation on their websites is patchy at best.

Regular ferries travel from mainland Spain to the Balearic Islands (3-7h) and Canary Islands (36-40h). The major port serving Mallorca is Barcelona , while for Ibiza it is Denia . The Canaries are served from Huelva and Cadiz .

With a private yacht you can enjoy gorgeous scenery and distance yourself from the inevitable crowds of tourists that flock to these destinations. May is a particularly pleasant time to charter in the regions of Costa Brava, Costa Blanca and the Balearic Islands as the weather is good and the crowds have yet to descend. The summer months of July and August are the hottest and tend to have lighter winds. There is no low season for the Canary Islands, as the weather resembles springtime all year round.

If you would like to bareboat anywhere in Spain, including the Balearic or Canary Islands, a US Coast Guard License is the only acceptable certification needed by Americans to bareboat. For everyone else, a RYA Yacht Master Certification or International Certificate of Competence will normally do.

Although a skipper may be required, a hostess/chef may or may not be necessary. Dining out is strong part of Spanish custom and tradition. If you are planning on docking in a port and exploring fabulous bars and restaurants a hostess/cook may just be useful for serving drinks and making beds. Extra crew can take up valuable room on a tight ship.

By car [ edit ]

In major cities like Madrid or Barcelona and in mid-sized ones like San Sebastian , moving around by car is expensive and nerve-wracking. Fines for improper parking are uncompromising (€85 and up). Access by car has been made more difficult by municipal policies in Barcelona and Madrid in the 2010s. The positive effects on the urban fabric of those policies have proven widely popular, so expect more of this.

Having a driving map is essential - many streets are one-way; left turns are more rare than rights (and are unpredictable).

Getting around by car makes sense if you plan to move from one city to another every other day, ideally if you don't plan to park overnight in large cities. It also doesn't hurt that the scenery is beautiful and well worth a drive. With a good public transport network that connects to (almost) all points of interest for travellers, you might ask yourself whether driving is really worth the cost and the hassle, as you are often much faster by train than by car.

There are two types of highway in Spain: autopistas , or motorways, and autovías , which are more akin to expressways. Most autopistas are toll roads while autovías are generally free of charge. In some autonomous communities whether a highway is tolled depends on whether the central or regional government built and operates them. To a foreigner the system can seem rather confusing. Tolls often work out to "odd" Euro amounts leading you with a lot of copper coins if you pay cash. Speed limits range from 50 km/h (30 mph) in towns to 90 km/h on rural roads, 100 km/h on roads and 120 km/h (75 mph) on autopistas and autovías. Starting from May 2021 all roads with only one lane per direction inside built up areas will have a blanket speed limit of 30 km/h (19 mph).

Spaniards are somewhat notorious for seeing traffic infractions such as speeding, second row parking or red light infractions as "minor", but the government is increasingly cracking down on this kind of behavior and police will have a field day writing a ticket to a foreigner who doesn't speak the language.

Gasoline/petrol costs in the range of €1.60/L in Dec 2023, and diesel costs €1.55/L. Filling procedure for gas stations varies from brand to brand. At Agip, you first fill the tank yourself, and then pay inside the shop.

By thumb [ edit ]

Spain isn't a good country for hitchhiking . Sometimes you can wait many hours. Try to speak with people at gas stations, parking lots, etc. They are scared and suspicious, but when you make them feel that they don't need to be afraid, they gladly accept you and mostly also show their generosity.

In the south of Spain, in and around the Alpujarras, hitchhiking is very common and it is also very easy to get a ride. As long as you can speak a bit of Spanish and don't look too dirty or frightening, you should be able to get a ride moderately easily.

By bicycle [ edit ]

Spain is a suitable country for cycling, and it is possible to see many cyclists in some of the cities. Cycling lanes are available in a large part of North-Easter Catalonia, and elsewhere i mid-sized and large cities, although they are not comparable in number to what you can find in for example central Europe.

Depending on where you are in Spain, you could face a very mountainous area. Much of central Spain is very flat, though elevated, but towards the coast the landscape is often very hilly, especially in the north. Consider using an E-bike if your visit involves going by hilltops and you aren't used to that kind of biking or don't like the effort needed.

There are several options for touring in Spain by bicycle: guided or supported tours, rent bicycles in Spain or bring your own bike, or any combination. Supported tours are ubiquitous on the web. For unsupported tours a little Spanish helps a lot. Shoulder seasons avoid extremes of temperature and ensure hotel availability in non-tourist areas. Good hotels are €35–45 in the interior, breakfast usually included. Menú del día meals are €8–10 eating where the locals eat. Secondary roads are usually well paved and have good shoulders, and as a rule Spanish drivers are careful and courteous around touring cyclists. Road signs are usually very good and easy to follow.

Most municipalities in Spain, towns and cities are modernising their streets to introduce special lanes for bicycles. Bike share systems with usually quite reasonable prices are also being installed in cities throughout the country.

By taxi [ edit ]

All the major cities in Spain are served by taxis, which are a convenient, if somewhat expensive way to get around. That being said, taxis in Spain are more reasonably priced than those in say, the United Kingdom or Japan . Most taxi drivers do not speak English or any other foreign languages, so it would be necessary to have the names and/or addresses of your destinations written in Spanish to show your taxi driver. Likewise, get your hotel's business card to show your taxi driver in case you get lost.

See [ edit ]

The most popular beaches are the ones along the Mediterranean coast, in the Balearic Islands and in the Canary Islands. Meanwhile, for hiking, the mountains of Sierra Nevada in the south, the Central Cordillera and the northern Pyrenees are the best places. You can also visit some of the National Parks in Spain

Historic cities [ edit ]

Historically, Spain has been an important crossroads between the Mediterranean and the Atlantic, between North Africa and Europe, and as Europe began colonising the New World, between Europe and the Americas. The country thus is blessed with a fantastic collection of historical landmarks — in fact, it has the second largest number of UNESCO Heritage Sites and the largest number of World Heritage Cities of any nation in the world.

In the south of Spain, Andalusia holds many reminders of old Spain. Cadiz is regarded as one of the oldest continuously-inhabited cities in western Europe, with remnants of the Roman settlement that once stood here. Nearby, Ronda is a beautiful town atop steep cliffs and noted for its gorge-spanning bridge and the oldest bullring in Spain. Cordoba and Granada hold the most spectacular reminders of the nation's Muslim past, with the red-and-white striped arches of the Mezquita in Cordoba and the stunning Alhambra palace perched on a hill above Granada. Seville , the cultural centre of Andalusia, has a dazzling collection of sights built when the city was the main port for goods from the Americas, the grandest of which being the city's cathedral, the largest in the country.

Moving north across the plains of La Mancha into Central Spain, picturesque Toledo stands as perhaps the historical centre of the nation, a beautiful medieval city sitting atop a hill that once served as the capital of Spain before Madrid was built. North of Madrid and an easy day-trip from the capital city is El Escorial , once the centre of the Spanish empire during the time of the Inquisition, and Segovia , noted for its spectacular Roman aqueduct which spans one of the city's squares.

Further north in Castile-Leon is Salamanca , known for its famous university and abundance of historic architecture. Galicia in northwestern Spain is home to Santiago de Compostela , the end point of the old Way of St. James ( Camino de Santiago ) pilgrimage route and the supposed burial place of St. James, with perhaps the most beautiful cathedral in all of Spain at the heart of its lovely old town. Northeastern Spain has a couple of historical centres to note: Zaragoza , with Roman, Muslim, medieval and Renaissance buildings from throughout its two thousand years of history, and Barcelona with its pseudo-medieval Barri Gòtic neighbourhood.

Be prepared to have your luggage scanned airport style at the entrance of most museums. There's usually a locker where you can (or must) leave your bags.

Art museums [ edit ]

Spain has played a key role in Western art, heavily influenced by French and Italian artists but very distinct in its own regard, owing to the nation's history of Muslim influence, Counter-Reformation climate and, later, the hardships from the decline of the Spanish empire, giving rise to such noted artists like El Greco, Diego Velázquez and Francisco Goya. In the last century, Spain's unique position in Europe brought forth some of the leading artists of the Modernist and Surrealist movements, most notably the famed Pablo Picasso and Salvador Dalí.

Today, Spain's two largest cities hold the lion's share of Spain's most famous artworks. Madrid's Museum Triangle is home to the Museo del Prado , the largest art museum in Spain with many of the most famous works by El Greco, Velázquez, and Goya as well as some notable works by Italian, Flemish, Dutch and German masters. Nearby sits the Reina Sofía , most notable for holding Picasso's Guernica but also containing a number of works by Dalí and other Modernist, Surrealist and abstract painters. The Prado goes back to the former royal collection and the Reina Sofia Museum is named for King Juan Carlos' wife, in practice the dividing line between the two is largely one of era, with anything made roughly after the birth of Picasso found in the Reina Sofia and everything else in the Prado.

Barcelona is renowned for its stunning collection of modern and contemporary art and architecture. This is where you will find the Picasso Museum , which covers the artist's early career quite well, and the architectural wonders of Antoni Gaudi , with their twisting organic forms that are a delight to look at.

Outside of Madrid and Barcelona, the art museums quickly dwindle in size and importance, although there are a couple of worthy mentions that should not be overlooked. Many of El Greco's most famous works lie in Toledo , an easy day trip from Madrid. The Disrobing of Christ , perhaps El Greco's most famous work, sits in the cathedral, but you can also find work by him in one of the small art museums around town. Bilbao in the Basque Country of northern Spain is home to a spectacular Guggenheim Museum designed by Frank Gehry that has put the city on the map. A day trip from Barcelona is the town of Figueres , noted for the Salvador Dalí Museum , designed by the Surrealist himself. Málaga in the south is Picasso's city of birth, and is also home to two museums dedicated to his life and works.

Archaeological sites [ edit ]

• Ampurias, excavations of a Greek and Roman town, Roman basilica, temples of Asclepios and Serapis, (between Gerona and Figueras, Catalonia)
• Antequetera, La Menga and Viera dolmens,
• Calatrava la Nueva, well preserved medieval castle,
• Calatrava la Vieja, remains of the Arab town, castle of the order of Calatrava,
• Clunia, Roman town with forum, shops, temple, public bath houses and Roman villa,
• Fraga, Roman villa, Bronze Age settlements,
• Gormaz, Arab castle,
• Italica, Roman town with amphitheatre, city walls, House of the Exedra, House of the Peacocks, Baths of the Moorish Queen, House of the Hylas, temple complex (near Sevilla),
• Mérida, Roman city, Roman bridge, Amphitheatre, Hippodrome, House of the Amphitheatre, House of the Mithraeum with mosaics, aquaeducts, museum
• San Juan de los Banos, Visigoth church (between Burgos and Valladolid),
• San Pedro de la Nave, Visigoth church (near Zamora),
• Santa Maria de Melque, Visigoth church,
• Segobriga (Cabeza del Griego), Roman town, Visigoth church, museum (between Madrid and Albacete)
• Tarragona, Roman town with “Cyclopean wall”, amphitheatre, hippodrome, form and triumphal arch,

Sports [ edit ]

Football [ edit ].

Spain's La Liga is one of the strongest association football leagues in the world, boasting world-class teams like Real Madrid and FC Barcelona that play to sold-out crowds on a weekly basis. The rivalry between the two aforementioned clubs, known as El Clásico , is undoubtedly one of the most intense in the world as a result of the long history of political conflict behind it. Other noteworthy clubs include Atlético Madrid, Valencia, Athletic Bilbao, and Sevilla. The Spanish national team is also one of the strongest in the world, being able to draw the best players from its league. It long had a reputation of always failing to win big games, but this reputation has been pretty much shattered by its wins in the 2008 and 2012 European Championships as well as the 2010 World Cup.

Basketball [ edit ]

Spain also has a strong basketball tradition, with Spanish clubs generally doing well in European competition, and the Spanish national team also being one of the best in Europe. Many of the top football clubs in Spain also have basketball teams, and as with their football counterparts, both Real Madrid Baloncesto and FC Barcelona Bàsquet are among Europe's most successful basketball teams.

Handball [ edit ]

Spain is among the most successful Handball nations on earth, although it may not always reach the level of play of some Nordic or ex-Yugoslavian countries or Germany. The Liga Asobal , Spain's national handball league is among the toughest in the world.

Cycling [ edit ]

Spain is home to one of the three grand tours on the international cycling calendar, the Vuelta a España .

Itineraries [ edit ]

• Via de la Plata Route Historic 800-km route from Gijón to Sevilla .
• Catalan Way of St. James
• Ebro Way of St. James

Do [ edit ]

Festivals [ edit ].

Spain has a lot of local festivals that are worth going to.

• Semana Santa ( Holy week ). The week between Palm Sunday and Easter Sunday . Visit Spain when many processions take place in cities and Christians march through the streets in the evening with replicas of Jesus on their shoulders and play music. Make sure to book ahead since accommodations fill up quickly during that time and often nothing is left shortly before the celebrations. Notorious cities to see the best processions are Málaga , Girona , Cádiz , Seville and the rest of Andalusia ; but it's also interesting in Valladolid (silent processions) and Zaragoza (where hundreds of drums are played in processions). ( updated Apr 2019 )
• Córdoba en Mayo ( Cordoba in May) - great month to visit the Southern city
• Las Cruces (1st week in May) - big flower-made crosses embellishing public squares in the city centre, where you will also find at night music and drinking and lot of people having fun!
• Festival de Patios - one of the most interesting cultural exhibitions, 2 weeks when some people open doors of their houses to show their old Patios full of flowers
• Cata del Vino Montilla-Moriles - great wine tasting in a big tent in the city centre during one week in May
• Dia de Sant Jordi - The Catalan must. On 23 April Barcelona is embellished with roses everywhere and book-selling stands can be found in the Rambla. There are also book signings, concerts and diverse animations.
• Fallas - Valencia 's festival in March - burning the "fallas" is a must

• Málaga 's August Fair - flamenco dancing, drinking sherry, bullfights
• San Fermines - July in Pamplona , Navarra .
• Fiesta de San Isidro - 15 May in Madrid - a celebration of Madrid 's patron saint.
• Carnival - best in Santa Cruz de Tenerife , Las Palmas de Gran Canaria and Cádiz
• Cabalgata de los Reyes Magos (Three wise men parade) - on the eve of Epiphany, 5 January, the night before Spanish kids get their Christmas presents, it rains sweets and toys in every single town and city
• San Sebastian International Film Festival - held annually in San Sebastian , a gorgeous city in the Basque Country, towards the end of September
• La Tomatina - a giant tomato fight in Buñol
• Moros y Cristianos (Moors and Christians, mostly found in Southeastern Spain during spring time) - parades and "battles" remembering the fights of medieval ages
• In Galicia 85 festivals take place throughout the year from wine to wild horses.

Holidays [ edit ]

New Year eve : "Nochevieja" in Spanish. There's a tradition in Spain to eat grapes as the clock counts down the New Year, one grape for each of the last 12 seconds before midnight. For this, even small packs of grapes (exactly 12 grapes per pack) are sold in supermarkets before New Year.

La Puerta del Sol, is the venue for the New Year's party in Spain. At 23:59 sound "los cuartos (In Spanish)" some bells announcing that it will begin to sound the 12 chimes (campanadas in Spanish). While sounding "los cuartos", moves down from the top chime of the clock, with the same purpose as "los cuartos" sound will indicate that "las campanadas". That will sound at 24:00 and that indicate the start of a new year. During each chime must eat a grape, according to tradition. Between each chime, there is a time span of three seconds.

"Las Campanadas", are broadcast live on the main national TV channels, as in the rest of Spain, people are still taking grapes from home or on giant screens installed in major cities, following the chimes from the Puerta del Sol in Madrid.

After ringing "las campanadas", starts a fireworks extravaganza. This is a famous party in Spain and is a great time to enjoy because show is secured in the centre of the capital of Spain.

Outdoor activities [ edit ]

• Canyoning : see Spain section in the Canyoning article
• Climbing in: Los Mallos ( Aragon ) and Siurana (near Barcelona )
• Football (soccer): The most popular sport in Spain, with both the Spanish league and national team being among the strongest in the world.
• Whitewater sports in: Campo , Murillo de Gallego ( Aragon )
• Hiking in Galicia
• Downhill skiing : There are a lot of downhill skiing resorts in Spain.

Skiing in the northern region of Spain

Scuba diving [ edit ]

For a treat, try Costa Brava and the world renowned Canary Islands.

Work [ edit ]

If you are a citizen of a country that is a part of the European Union or the EFTA, or of Switzerland, you may work in Spain without any restrictions whatsoever. Everyone else, including citizens of the United Kingdom, requires a work permit to work in Spain.

Employment matters are highly sensitive in Spain, especially for Spanish citizens. The country has a high level of unemployment (13.5% as of March 2022) and for a developed country, Spain's economy is notoriously fragile. The country has long suffered from high levels of unemployment and many Spaniards have emigrated to other countries in search of better opportunities.

Tourism is the country's most important economic sector, and foreigners may be able to find jobs there, but it was badly affected by the COVID-19 pandemic.

Spain has a sunny climate and is one of Europe's largest agricultural exporters. Farmers are often looking for temporary workers, but this means really hard work and miserable pay.

Buy [ edit ]

Money [ edit ].

Spain uses the euro , like several other European countries . One euro is divided into 100 cents. The official symbol for the euro is €, and its ISO code is EUR. There is no official symbol for the cent.

All banknotes and coins of this common currency are legal tender within all the countries, except that low-denomination coins (one and two cent) are phased out in some of them. The banknotes look the same across countries, while coins have a standard common design on the reverse, expressing the value, and a national country-specific design on the obverse. The obverse is also used for different designs of commemorative coins. The design of the obverse does not affect the coin's acceptability.

€500 banknotes are not accepted in many stores—always have alternative banknotes.

Money exchange [ edit ]

Do not expect anybody to accept currencies other than euros, or to be willing to exchange currency. Exceptions are shops and restaurants in airports, which will generally accept at least US dollars – at a bad exchange rate.

Banks are the main places to exchange money. However, some banks may only exchange money for those with an account there.

Currency exchanges, once a common sight, have all but disappeared since the introduction of the euro. Again, international airports are an exception to this rule; another exception is tourist districts in the large cities (Barcelona, Madrid).

Credit card [ edit ]

Credit cards are widely accepted.

Some Spanish stores will ask for ID before accepting your credit card. Some stores may not accept a foreign driving licence or ID card, and you will need to show your passport. This measure is designed to help avoid credit card fraud.

ATM [ edit ]

Most ATMs will allow you to withdraw money with your credit card. There is a fee in addition to what your bank charges you of about €2-7 (Feb 2023), except with Unicaja Banco machines. After showing the fee they let you choose whether to continue. ATMs are abundant: You can just check the fees of 2-3 ATMs around and pick the one with the lowest fee.

Tipping [ edit ]

Tipping , or "propina" in Spanish, is not mandatory or considered customary in Spain unless there was something absolutely exceptional about the service. As a result, you may find that waiters are not as attentive or courteous as you may be used to since they don't work for tips. If you choose to tip, the tip amount in restaurants depends on your economic status, the locale and type of establishment. If you feel that you have experienced good service then leave some loose change on the table - possibly €1 or €2. If you don't, it is no big deal.

Bars expect only tourists, particularly American tourists, to leave a tip. They are aware that it is customary in the United States to leave a tip for every drink or meal. It is rare to see anyone other than Americans tipping in Spain. In major resorts tipping may be common; look around at other diners to assess if tipping is appropriate.

Outside the restaurant business, some service providers, such as taxi drivers, hairdressers and hotel personnel may expect a tip in an upscale setting.

Business hours [ edit ]

Most businesses (including most shops, but not restaurants) close in the afternoons around 13:30/14:00 and reopen for the evening around 16:30/17:00. Exceptions are large malls or major chain stores.

For most Spaniards, lunch is the main meal of the day and you will find bars and restaurants open during this time. On Saturdays, businesses often do not reopen in the evening and almost everywhere is closed on Sundays. The exception is the month of December, where most shops in Madrid and Barcelona will be open as per on weekdays on Sundays to cash in on the festive season. Also, many public offices and banks do not reopen in the evenings even on weekdays, so if you have any important business to take care of, be sure to check hours of operation.

If you plan to spend whole day shopping in small shops, the following rule of thumb can work: a closed shop should remind it's also time for your own lunch. And when you finish your lunch, some shops will be likely open again.

Shopping [ edit ]

Designer brands [ edit ].

Besides well-known mass brands which are known around the world (Zara, Mango, Bershka, Camper, Desigual), Spain has many designer brands which are more hard to find outside Spain—and may be worth looking for if you shop for designer wear while travelling. Some of these brands include:

• Custo Barcelona . Headquartered in Barcelona , has stores in Bilbao , Ibiza , La Coruna , Las Palmas de Gran Canaria , León , Madrid , Marbella , Palma de Mallorca , Salamanca , Tenerife . ( updated Dec 2023 )
• Kowalski , head office: Ctra. del Leon, km, 2; 03293 Elche , ☏ +34 966 630 612 . Designer shoes and sneakers (trademark Herman Monster and others) for women, men and unisex. ( updated Dec 2023 )

Department stores [ edit ]

• El Corte Ingles . Major national chain that can be found in nearly every city. In most cities, enjoys central location but resides in functional, uninspiring buildings. Has department for everything--but is not good enough for most purposes, except maybe for buying gourmet food and local food specialties. Tax refund for purchases at El Corte Ingles, unlike most other stores in Spain, can be returned only to a debit/credit card, even if you originally paid in cash.  

Others [ edit ]

• Casas . A chain of footwear stores that selects most popular (?) models from a dozen+ of mid-range brands.  
• Camper . Camper shoes can be seen in most cities in the country. While it may seem that they are sold everywhere, finding right model and size may be a trouble--so if you find what you need, don't postpone your purchase. Campers are sold both in standalone branded shops, and as a part of a mix with other brands in local shoe stores. Standalones generally provide wider choice of models and sizes; local stores can help if you need to hunt for a specific model and size.  
• For . Private national fashion chain featuring many premium brands. Main location is Bilbao ; some stores in San Sebastian and Zaragoza .  

Eat [ edit ]

The Spanish are very passionate about their food and wine and Spanish cuisine. Spanish food can be described as quite light with a lot of vegetables and a huge variety of meat and fish. Perhaps owing to the inquisition trying to "find out" lapsed conversos pork (religiously prohibited in both Judaism and Islam) is easily the most consumed meat and features prominently in many dishes. Spanish cuisine does not use many spices; it relies only on the use of high quality ingredients to give a good taste. As such, you may find Spanish food bland at times but there are usually a variety of restaurants in most cities (Italian, Chinese, American fast food) if you would like to experience a variety of flavors. If you are familiar with Latin American cuisines, keep in mind that many Spanish dishes may have the same name as several Latin American dishes, but actually refer to completely different dishes (e.g. tortilla , horchata and mazapán refer to completely different things in Spain and Mexico).

Like much of Europe, Spain's top tourism destinations are full of tourist-trap restaurants that serve overpriced and mediocre food. If you want a good and reasonably-priced meal, it's generally best to go to restaurants with a primarily local clientele. However, as it is rare to find English-speaking waiters in such establishments, be prepared to have to speak some Spanish.

Breakfast, lunch and dinner times [ edit ]

Spaniards have a different eating timetable than many people are used to.

The key thing to remember for a traveller is:

• breakfast ( desayuno ) for most Spaniards is light and consists of just coffee and perhaps a galleta (like a graham cracker) or magdalena (sweet muffin-like bread). Later, some will go to a cafe for a pastry midmorning, but not too close to lunchtime.

• lunch ( comida ) starts at 13:30-14:30 (though often not until 15:00) and was once typically followed by a short siesta, usually at summer when temperatures can be quite hot in the afternoon. This is the main meal of the day with two courses ( el primer plato and el segundo plato followed by dessert. La comida and siesta are usually over by 16:00 at the latest. However, since life has become busier, there is no opportunity for a siesta.
• dinner ( cena ) starts at 20:30 or 21:00, with most clientèle coming after 21:00. It is a lighter meal than lunch. In Madrid restaurants rarely open before 21:00 and most customers do not appear before 23:00.
• there is also an afternoon snack that some take between la comida and la cena called merienda . It is similar to a tea time in England and is taken around 18:00 or so.
• between the lunch and dinner times, most restaurants and cafes are closed, and it takes extra effort to find a place to eat if you missed lunch time. Despite this, you can always look for a bar and ask for a bocadillo , a baguette sandwich. There are bocadillos fríos , cold sandwiches, which can be filled with ham, cheese or any kind of embutido , and bocadillos calientes , hot sandwiches, filled with pork loin, tortilla , bacon, sausage and similar options with cheese. This can be a really cheap and tasty option if you find a good place.

Normally, restaurants in big cities don't close until midnight during the week and 02:00-03:00 during the weekend.

Breakfast [ edit ]

Breakfast is eaten by most Spaniards. Traditional Spanish breakfast includes coffee or orange juice, and pastries or a small sandwich. In Madrid, it is also common to have hot chocolate with "churros" or "porras". In cafes, you can expect varieties of tortilla de patatas (see the Spanish dishes section ), sometimes tapas (either breakfast variety or same kind as served in the evenings with alcohol).

Tapas [ edit ]

The entry level to Spanish food is found in bars as tapas , which are a bit like "starters" or "appetisers", but are instead considered side orders to accompany your drink; in some parts of Spain, a drink is still accompanied automatically by a free tapa, but in places where it's not, ask for tapa y caña to order a beer and a tapa. Some bars will offer a wide variety of different tapas; others specialise on a specific kind (like seafood-based). A Spanish custom is to have one tapa and one small drink at a bar, then go to the next bar and do the same. A group of two or more individuals may order two or more tapas or order raciones instead, which are a bit larger in order to share.

Types of dishes [ edit ]

Seafood ( mariscos ): on the coast, fresh seafood is widely available and quite affordable. In the inner regions, frozen (and poor quality) seafood can be frequently encountered outside few highly reputed (and expensive) restaurants. In coastal areas seafood deserves some attention, especially on the north Atlantic coast.

Quality seafood in Spain comes from Spain's northwestern region of Galicia. So restaurants with the words Gallego (Galician) will generally specialise in seafood. If you are feeling adventurous, you might want to try the Galician regional specialty Pulpo a la Gallega , which is boiled octopus served with paprika, rock salt and olive oil. Another adventurous option is Sepia which is cuttlefish, a relative of squid, or the various forms of Calamares (squid) that you can find in most seafood restaurants. If that isn't your style you can always order Gambas Ajillo (garlic shrimp), Pescado Frito (fried fish), Buñuelos de Bacalao (breaded and deep fried cod) or the ever-present Paella dishes.

Meat products are usually of very good quality, because Spain has maintained quite a high percentage of free range animals.

Ordering beef steaks is highly recommended, since most come from free range cows from the mountains.

Pork cuts which are also highly coveted are those known as presa ibérica and secreto ibérico , an absolute must if found in the menu of any restaurant.

Soups : the choice of soups beyond gazpacho is very limited in Spanish restaurants.

Restaurants [ edit ]

Water ( agua ) is frequently served without a specific request, and is normally charged for, unless it's included in your menu del dia . If you would like free tap water instead of bottled water, ask for agua del grifo . However, not all restaurants will offer this and you may be forced to order bottled water.

Appetisers such as bread ( pan ), cheese ( queso ), and other items may be brought to your table even if you didn't order them. You may still be charged for them. If you do not want these appetisers, politely inform the waiter that you do not want them.

World-famous restaurants : There are several restaurants in Spain which are destinations in themselves, becoming a sole reason to travel to a specific city. One of them is El Celler de Can Roca in Girona .

Fast food [ edit ]

Fast food has not yet established a strong grip on the Spaniards and you will find McDonalds and Burger King only in bigger towns in the usual places. That said, Madrid and other large Spanish cities are often the first place for North American chains to dip their toe into the European market and you'll find Taco Bell, TGI Friday's or Five Guys there but not or only rarely in central European cities. The menu can be a surprise since it has been customised to appeal to the locals and beer, salads, yogurt (primarily Danone), and wine are prominent. Pizza is increasingly popular and you will find some outlets in bigger towns but it can be their own homegrown franchises, such as TelePizza. In spite of beer and wine on the menu, fast food is often seen as "kiddie food." American franchises generally charge higher prices than in the United States, and fast food is not necessarily the cheapest alternative for eating out.

Service charges and VAT [ edit ]

No service charges are included in the bill. A little extra tip is common and you are free to increase that if you are very pleased. Obviously you don't have to tip a lousy waiter. You would typically leave the small change after paying with a note.

Menú del día [ edit ]

Many restaurants offer a complete lunch meal for a fixed price – menú del día – and this often works out as a bargain. Water or wine ( vino ) is commonly included in the price.

Non-Spanish cuisine [ edit ]

Things like schnitzel, full English breakfast, pizza, döner, and frozen fish are largely available in tourist destinations. In most cities you can also find international cuisine such as Italian, Chinese, French, Thai, Japanese, Middle Eastern, Vietnamese, and Argentinian. The bigger the city, the more variety you can find.

Unlike some northern European countries, Spain received very little immigration until after the death of Franco and the 1980s economic boom and as such there may be less variety of immigrant-owned restaurants in small- and medium-sized towns, but this is of course changing with particularly Latin American and Middle Eastern immigration to Spain leaving their mark on the restaurant scene.

Drink [ edit ]

Tea and coffee [ edit ].

Spanish people are very passionate about the quality, intensity and taste of their coffee ( café ) and good freshly brewed coffee is available almost everywhere.

The usual choices are solo , the milk-less espresso version; cortado , solo with a dash of milk; con leche , solo with milk added; and manchado , coffee with lots of milk (sort of like the French cafe au lait ). Asking for caffee latte will likely result in less milk than you are used to—it's always OK to ask for extra milk.

Regional variants can be found, such as bombón in Eastern Spain, solo with condensed milk.

Starbucks is the only national chain operating in Spain. Locals argue that it cannot compete with small local cafes in quality of coffee and visited only by tourists. It is not present in smaller cities.

If you eat for €20 per dinner, you will never be served a good tea; expect Pompadour or Lipton. It takes some effort to find a good tea if you spend most time of the day in touristy places.

Horchata is a milky non-alcoholic drink made of tiger nuts and sugar, and very different from drinks of the same name found in Latin America . Alboraia , a small town close to Valencia , is regarded as a best place where horchata is produced.

Alcohol [ edit ]

The drinking age in Spain is 18. People under this age are forbidden to drink and buy alcoholic drinks, although enforcement in tourist and clubbing areas is lax. Drinking in the streets has been banned (although it is still a common practice in most nightlife areas). A "dry law" bans supermarkets from selling alcohol after 22:00.

Try an absinthe cocktail (the fabled liquor was never outlawed here, but it is not a popular drink in Spain).

Bars [ edit ]

Probably one of the best places to meet people in Spain is in bars. Everyone visits them and they are always busy and sometimes bursting with people. There is no age restriction imposed to enter these premises, but children and teenagers often will not be served alcoholic drinks. Age restrictions for the consumption of alcohol are clearly posted at bars but are enforced only intermittently. It is common to see an entire family at a bar.

It's important to know the difference between a pub (which closes at 3-03:30) and a club (which opens until 06:00-08:00 but is usually deserted early in the night).

On weekends, the time to go out for copas (drinks) usually starts at about 23:00-01:00 which is somewhat later than in North and Central Europe. Before that, people usually do any number of things, have some tapas ( raciones , algo para picar ), eat a "real" dinner in a restaurant, stay at home with family, or go to cultural events. If you want to go dancing, you will find that most of the clubs in Madrid are relatively empty before midnight (some do not even open until 01:00) and most won't get crowded until 03:00. People usually go to pubs, then go to the clubs until 06:00-08:00.

For a true Spanish experience, after a night of dancing and drinking it is common to have a breakfast of chocolate con churros with your friends before going home. ( CcC is a small cup of thick, melted chocolate served with freshly fried sweet fritters used for dipping in the chocolate and should be tried, if only for the great taste.)

Bars are mainly to have drink and a small tapa while socialising and decompressing from work or studies. Usually Spaniards can control their alcohol consumption better than their northern European neighbours and drunken people are rarely seen at bars or on the streets. A drink, if ordered without an accompanying tapa, is often served with a "minor" or inexpensive tapa as a courtesy.

Size and price of tapas changes a lot throughout Spain. For instance, it's almost impossible to get free tapas in big cities like Valencia or Barcelona, excluding Madrid where there are several Tapa Bars although some are a bit expensive. You can eat for free (just paying for the drinks), with huge tapas and cheap prices at cities like Granada, Badajoz or Salamanca.

The tapa, and the related pincho, trace their existence in Spain to both acting as a cover ("Tapa") on top of a cup of wine to prevent flies from accessing it, and as a requirement of law when serving wine at an establishment during the Middle Ages.

Alcoholic beverages [ edit ]

The Spanish beer is well worth a try. Most popular local brands include San Miguel, Cruzcampo, Mahou, Ámbar, Estrella Galicia, Keller and many others, including local brands at most cities; import beers are also available. Spaniards often add lemon juice (Fanta limón, or lemon Fanta) to their beer. Particularly on hot summer days people will drink a refreshing "clara" which is a light beer mixed with lemon/lemonade.

Cava is Spanish sparkling wine and the name went from Spanish Champagne to Cava was after a long lasting dispute with the French. The Spanish called it for a long time champan, but the French argued that champagne can be made only from grapes grown in the Champagne region in France. Nevertheless, Cava is a quite successful sparkling wine and 99% of the production comes from the area around Barcelona . Cider (Sidra) can be found in the Galicia , Asturias , Cantabria and País Vasco .

Spain is a country with great wine -making and drinking traditions: 22% of Europe's wine growing area is in Spain, however the production is about half of what the French produce. For red wine in a bar, ask "un tinto por favor", for white wine "un blanco por favor", for rose: "un rosado por favor". Wine bars proper are more and more popular. In short, a wine bar is a sophisticated tapas bar where you can order wine by the glass. You will immediately see a blackboard with the wines that are available and the price per glass.

Sangria is drink made of wine and fruits and usually is made from simple wines. You will find sangria in areas frequented by tourists. Spanish prepare sangria for fiestas and hot summer, and not every day as seen in tourist regions like Mallorca . Sangria in restaurants aimed for foreigners are best avoided, but it is a very good drink to try if a Spaniard prepares it for a fiesta!

The pale sherry wine around Jerez called "fino" is fortified with alcohol to 15 percent. If you would like to have one in a bar you have to order a fino . Manzanilla is bit salty, good as an aperitivo. Amontillado and Oloroso are a different types of sherry where the oxidative aging process has taken the lead.

Sleep [ edit ]

There are many types of tourist accommodation, ranging from hotels, pensions and rented villas, to camping and even monasteries.

"7% VAT is not included" is a common trick for mid-range guesthouses and hotels: always check the small print when you choose your place to stay. VAT is IVA in Spanish.

Small villages [ edit ]

Besides the coasts, Spain is rich in small tourist-friendly inland villages, like Alquezar : with narrow medieval streets, charming silence and isolation, still good selection of affordable restaurants and accommodation.

Casa rural, the bed and breakfast of Spain [ edit ]

For a more homely sort of accommodation consider the casa rural. A casa rural is the rough equivalent to a bed and breakfast or a gîte. Not all houses are situated in the countryside, as the name implies. Some are situated in the smaller towns, and they are in virtually every province.

Casas rurales vary in quality and price throughout Spain. In some regions, like Galicia , they are strictly controlled and inspected. Other regions are not so thorough in applying their regulations.

Hotels [ edit ]

Many foreign visitors stay in hotels that have been organised by tour operators who offer package holidays to the popular resorts on the costas and islands. However, for the independent traveller, there are hotels all over the country in all categories and to suit every budget. In fact, due to the well developed internal and foreign tourism markets Spain may well be one of the best served European countries in terms of numbers and quality of hotels.

Paradores [ edit ]

A parador is a state-owned hotel in Spain (rating from 3 to 5 stars). This chain of inns was founded in 1928 by the Spanish King Alfonso XIII. The unique aspects of paradores are their location and their history. Found mostly in historical buildings, such as convents, Moorish castles (like La Alhambra ), or haciendas, paradores are the exact opposite of the uncontrolled development found in coastal regions like the Costa del Sol . Hospitality has been harmoniously integrated with the restoration of castles, palaces and convents, rescuing from ruin and abandonment monuments representative of Spain's historical and cultural heritage.

For example, the parador in Santiago de Compostela is located next to the cathedral in a former royal hospital built in the year 1499. Rooms are decorated in an old-fashioned way, but nevertheless have modern facilities. Other notable paradores are in Arcos de la Frontera , Ronda , Santillana del Mar (Altamira cave) as well as more than one hundred other destination all over Spain.

Paradores serve breakfast (about €10) and often have very good local cuisine typical of their region (about €25).

Accommodation prices are good value, when you consider that the hotels are often found in the heart of scenic areas, varying from €85 for a double room to €245 for a twin room (like in Granada ). Two of the most beautiful paradors are in Léon and Santiago de Compostela .

There are some promotions available:

• Over 60 year-olds can enjoy a discount.
• Youngsters under 30 can visit the paradors at a fixed rate of €35 per person.
• Two nights half board have a discount of 20%.
• A dreamweek of 6 nights is cheaper.
• 5 nights at €42 per person.

The promotions do not always apply, especially in August they are not valid, and may require advance bookings.

Hostels [ edit ]

There are plenty of hostels . Prices vary from €15 to €25 per night. Spanish "hostales" are not really hostels, but more like unclassified small hotels (with generally no more than a dozen rooms). They can vary in quality from very rudimentary to reasonably smart.

• Independent-hotels.info Spain . includes a fair number of good value independent hostales among the hotel listings.  
• Xanascat . The Regional Network of Youth Hostels of Catalonia if you are visiting Barcelona, Girona, Taragona or other locations in the region.  

Apartment rental [ edit ]

Short-term, self-catering apartment rental is an option for travellers who want to stay in one place for a week or more. Accommodations range from small apartments to villas.

The number of holiday rentals available depends on the area of Spain you are planning to visit. Although they are common in coastal areas, big capitals and other popular tourist cities, if you plan to visit small inland towns, you will find casas rurales more easily.

Camping [ edit ]

Camping is the least expensive lodging option.

Stay safe [ edit ]

As per rest of the European Union , all emergencies can be reported to the toll-free number 112 .

Police [ edit ]

There are four kinds of police in Spain:

• Policía Municipal or Local (municipal/local police), In Barcelona : Guardia Urbana. Uniforms change from town to town, but they usually wear black or blue clothes with pale blue shirt and a blue cap (or white helmet) with a checkered white-and-blue strip. Local police keeps order and rules the traffic inside cities, and they can help in case you are lost and need some directions. Although you can't directly report crimes to them, they will escort you to the local Policia Nacional headquarters if required, and they will escort the suspects to be arrested also, if needed.
• Policía Nacional (National Police) wear dark blue clothes and blue cap (sometimes replaced by a baseball-like cap), unlike Policía Municipal, they do not have a checkered flag around their cap/helmet. Inside cities, all offenses/crimes should be reported to them, although the other police forces would help anyone who needs to report an offense.
• Guardia Civil (Civil Guard) keeps the order outside cities, in the country, and regulates traffic in the roads between cities. You would probably see them guarding official buildings, or patrolling the roads. They wear plain green military-like uniform; for ceremonial duties, officers wear a black hat ( tricornio ) resembling a toreador cap, a tradition dated back to the 19th century, but most of them use green caps or white motorcycle helmets. The Guardia Civil likes to project a "tough guy" image and they are sometimes accused of excessive use of force.
• Given that Spain has a high grade of political autonomy granted to its regional governments, four of them have created regional law forces: the Policía Foral in Navarre, the Ertzaintza in the Basque Country, the Policía Canaria on the Canary Islands or the Mossos d'Esquadra in Catalonia. These forces have the almost the same competences as the Policía Nacional in their respective territories. Additionally there is BESCAM (Brigadas Especiales de Seguridad de la Comunidad Autónoma de Madrid) in the Madrid region which sit somewhere between local police and a fully autonomous police of an autonomous region but carry their own uniforms and livery on vehicles.

All kinds of police also wear high-visibility clothing ("reflective" jackets) while directing traffic, or in the road.

Some thieves have been known to pose as police officers, asking to see wallets for identification purposes. If approached by someone claiming to be a police officer only show only your ID after the person has presented theirs; do not show your wallet or other valuables.

If you are a victim of crime call 112. You can ask for a copy of the “denuncia” (police report) if you need it for insurance purposes, or to apply for replacement documents. Make sure that it is a “una denuncia” not a sworn declaration (una declaración judicial), as the latter may not be accepted as evidence of the crime for insurance purposes, or when applying for your new passport.

Making a police report [ edit ]

You can make a police report in three different ways:

1. In person. A list of police stations in the different regions of Spain is available here. English language interpreters are not always available at short notice: it may be advisable to bring a Spanish-speaking person with you.

2. By telephone: You can make a police report by phone in English ☏ +34 901 102 112 . The English language service is available 09:00-21:00, seven days a week. Once you have made your report, you will be instructed to pick up a signed copy of the report at your nearest police station. However, some crimes, particularly more serious crimes or those involving violence, can only be reported in person.

3. Online: You can also make a police report online, but in Spanish only. Some crimes, especially more serious crimes involving physical violence, must be reported in person.

Permissions and documentation [ edit ]

Spanish law strictly requires foreigners who are in Spanish territory to have documentation proving their identity and the fact of being legally in Spain. You must have that with you all the time because you may be asked by the Police to show those at any moment. If you don't carry it with you, you may be escorted to the nearest police station for identification.

Safety [ edit ]

Spain is a safe country, but there are certain security risks specific to Spain.

• Large cities like Alicante, Barcelona, Madrid, and Sevilla, in particular, report many incidents of pick-pocketing, mugging, and violent attacks, some of which require the victim to seek medical attention. Although crimes occur at all times of day and night and to people of all ages, older and Asian tourists seem to be particularly at risk.
• In Madrid and also in Barcelona, criminals often target people from East Asia (especially China, S. Korea, Japan, and Taiwan), thinking they carry money and are easy prey.

• Beware of pickpockets and thieves, especially in Madrid and Barcelona. In Madrid, known high-risk locations for thieves are the Puerta del Sol area and surrounding streets, Gran Vìa, Plaza Mayor, near the Prado Museum, the Atocha train station, Retiro Park, the Metro, and the Flea Market on the weekends. In Barcelona, thefts occur most frequently at the airport and on the airport shuttle bus (Aerobus), on Las Ramblas (often in Internet cafés), in Plaza Real and surrounding streets of the old city, on the subway, Barceloneta beach, Sagrada Familia church, and at the Sants train and bus station.
• Theft from rental vehicles is high. Be vigilant in service areas on the highways along the coast. Avoid leaving any luggage or valuables in the vehicle and use secure parking facilities.
• Avoid women offering rosemary, refuse it always; they will read your future, ask for some money, and your pocket will probably be picked. Some women will also approach you on the street repeating "Buena suerte" ("good luck") as a distraction for another woman to try to pickpocket you.
• More foreign passports are stolen each year in Spain than anywhere else in the world, especially in Barcelona. Ensure that your passport is protected at all times.
• In the event of a road-related incident, exercise extreme caution and do not accept help from anyone other than a uniformed Spanish police officer or Civil Guard in a marked vehicle. Thieves in Spain have been known to fake or provoke a flat tire on their own vehicles, and when a motorist stops to help them, the thieves steal the motorist's car or belongings. The reverse scenario has also occurred, whereby a fake Good Samaritan stops to help a motorist in distress, only to steal the motorist's car or belongings. There have been reports of thieves damaging rental cars departing major cities (especially Barcelona) in order to induce flat tires in rural areas where tourists can be more easily attacked.

Scams [ edit ]

Some people could try to take advantage of your ignorance of local customs.

• In Spanish cities, all taxis should have a visible fare table. Do not agree a fixed price to go from an airport to a city: in most cases, the taxi driver will be earning more money than without a preagreed tariff. Many taxi drivers will also demand a tip from foreign customers or even from national ones on the way to and from the airport. You might round up to the nearest euro when paying though.
• In many places of Madrid, especially near Atocha station, and also in the Ramblas of Barcelona , there are people ('trileros') who play the "shell game". They will "fish" you if you play, and they will most likely pick your pocket if you stop to see other people play.
• Before paying the bill in bars and restaurants, always check the bill and carefully scrutinise it. Some staff will often attempt to squeeze a few extra euros out of unsuspecting tourists by charging for things they did not eat or drink, or simply overcharging. This is true in both touristy and non-touristy areas. If you feel overcharged, bring it to their attention and/or ask to see a menu. It is also sometimes written (in English only) at the bottom of a bill that a tip is not included: remember that tipping is optional in Spain and Spanish people commonly leave loose change only and no more than a 5%-8% of the price of what they have consumed (not an American-style 15-20%), so avoid being fooled into leaving more than you have to.
• Many tourists have reported lottery scams whereby they are contacted via the Internet or fax and informed that they have won a substantial prize in the Spanish lottery (El Gordo), when in fact they have never participated in the lottery. They are asked to deposit an amount of money in a bank account to pay taxes and other fees before collecting the prize or coming to Spain to close the transaction.
• There have also been reports of a scam whereby a person is informed that he or she is the recipient of a large inheritance, and that funds must be deposited into a Spanish bank account so the inheritance can be processed.
• In another common scam, some tourists have received a bogus email purportedly sent from an individual well known to them and claiming that he or she is in trouble and needs funds.

Other things you should know [ edit ]

• Spanish cities can be loud at night , especially on weekends, but the streets are generally safe even for women.
• All businesses should have an official complaint form , in case you need it. It is illegal for a business to deny you this form.
• In some cases, police in Spain may target people belonging to ethnic minorities for identity checks . People who are not "European-looking" can be stopped several times a day to have their papers checked on the pretext of "migration control".

• Driving in Spain can be dangerous due to traffic congestion in urban areas, although driving is not particularly aggressive with the exception of common speeding. Be cautious when driving in Spain. Night driving can be particularly dangerous. The use of a mobile phone without a hands-free device can result in a fine and you being banned from driving in Spain. All drivers are required to carry, in the vehicle, a reflective vest and to use a reflective triangle warning sign if they need to stop at the roadside.
• Be cautious when approached by someone who claims to be a police officer. On the road, you will always be stopped by an officer in a uniform. Unmarked vehicles will have a flashing electronic sign on the rear window which reads Policía or Guardia Civil , and either Ertzaintza if in the Basque Country, or Mossos d'Esquadra if in Catalonia, or Foruzaingoa/Policía Foral in Navarre. Most times they will have blue flashing lights incorporated into the headlights. In non-traffic-related matters police officers may be in casual clothes. Police officers do not have to directly identify themselves unless you ask them to. Should they request identification, they should be shown photographic ID. Your passport or your driver's licence will do, or your national ID card if you are from the European Union, though a passport is always preferred. You can get in trouble or be fined for not having any identification on you. If in any doubt, drivers should converse through the car window and contact the Guardia Civil on 062 or the Spanish National Police on 112 and ask them to confirm that the registration number of the vehicle corresponds to an official police vehicle.
• Do not confuse Spain with Latin America and expect everyone you meet to be either uniformly friendly to foreigners or to be courteous enough to keep it to themselves if they feel otherwise. A significant minority of Spaniards are not friendly to foreigners and they are not afraid to tell you "tourist go home". Don't take such hostility personally, since such people are often also hostile towards fellow Spaniards from other parts of Spain. Unlike other peoples who think of their nationality or citizenship first, Spaniards have a unique tendency when asked "what are you" to identify first as a person of their home village, then their region or autonomous community, and then, finally, and only if repeatedly asked, as a Spaniard. Thus, as Marie Louise Graff explains in her book CultureShockǃ Spain , anyone from outside Spain is called an extranjero , "but even a Spaniard from the next village will be referred to as a forastero (stranger)". In May 2023, Voice of America reported that the number of officially investigated incidents of racism and xenophobia in Spain had risen to 639 in 2021, a 24% increase over 2019, and that a 2022 survey by the Centro Reina Sofia had discovered that 25% of Spaniards aged 15–29 hold clearly racist or xenophobic views. Unless you can pass for a local, expect an openly frosty or hostile reception from at least some people during your visit.

Drugs [ edit ]

You can smell marijuana smoke at many street corners in major cities with police apparently unperturbed by it. Still, if you don't know local customs, it is quite possible that the police make a show of enforcing the law on you.

The consumption of alcoholic beverages in the street, or when it seriously disrupts public tranquillity is fined up to €600.

These rules are actively enforced.

Stay healthy [ edit ]

Healthcare [ edit ].

• Pharmaceuticals are not sold at supermarkets, only at farmacias (pharmacies/chemists), identified with a green cross or a Hygeia's cup. Nearly every city and town has at least one 24-hour pharmacy; for those that close at night, the law requires a poster with the address of the nearest pharmacy, possibly in one of the nearby streets or towns.
• People from the European Union and a few more European countries can freely use the public health system, if they have the appropriate European Health Insurance Card. The card does not cover treatment in private hospitals. Agreements are established to treat people from a few American countries.
• Do not hesitate to go to any healthcare facility should you be injured or seriously ill, as it would be illegal for them not to treat you, even if you are uninsured. You (or your country if Spain has a treaty on the matter) will pay for the service later.

Climate [ edit ]

• Although many visitors travel to Spain for the warm climate, it can be cold in winter, especially in the Central Region and in the North, and in some places it is also rainy in summer. Remember to travel with adequate clothes.
• In summer, avoid direct exposure to sunlight for long periods of time to prevent sunburn and heatstroke . Drink water, walk on the shady side of street and keep a container of sun cream (suntan lotion) handy.

Water [ edit ]

The tap water in Spain is safe and of a drinkable quality. The water in some southern regions of the country, however, is sometimes sourced from salt water which can have a high mineral content. This can cause upset stomachs in those not used to this. While high mineral content water is safe to drink regardless, locals in these areas will often drink bottled water instead as it tastes better. Bottled water is readily available to buy in most areas and in a variety of brands.

Smoking [ edit ]

Smoking is banned in all enclosed public spaces and places of work, in public transportation, and in outdoor public places near hospitals and in playgrounds. Smoking is also banned in outdoor sections of bars and restaurants. Smoking is banned in television broadcasts as well.

Respect [ edit ]

Generally speaking, Spaniards are widely regarded as welcoming and friendly.

Culture and identity [ edit ]

Spaniards are generally neutral communicators . They're comfortable with expressing their opinions and emotions on something, and they expect the same from you. While this may give you the impression that Spanish people are confident and sociable, you should make every effort to be tactful with your words as they are sensitive to being beckoned directly.

In conversational settings, it is common for people to interrupt or talk over one another. Shouting to make oneself heard is common, as is the use of swear words. You may also find that it is common for people to give you advice on all kinds of things. For instance, you can expect people to tell you what to see and where to go. At first, this may come across as annoying, but the information that Spaniards provide is meant to help you in a good way, not lay traps for you.

Family values are important to many Spaniards. Passing unwarranted comments and/or criticisms about someone's family members is considered rude.

Spaniards, especially the young, generally feel a linguistic and cultural connection to Latin America. However, most will be quick to point out that Spain is a European nation, not a Latin American one and that all Spanish-speaking countries are different and have particularities of their own.

Spaniards are not as religious as the media sometimes presents them, and modern Spanish society is for the most part rather secular, but they are and always were a mostly Catholic country (73% officially, although only 10% admit practising and only 20% admit being believers); respect this and avoid making any comments that could offend. In particular, religious festivals, Holy Week (Easter), and Christmas are very important to Spaniards. Tolerance of all religions should be observed, especially in large urban areas like Madrid, Barcelona, Valencia, Seville or Malaga (where people and temples of all beliefs can be found) or different regions in southern Spain, which may have a sizable Muslim population (which accounts for almost 4% of the country's population).

Despite being a Catholic majority country, homosexuality is quite tolerated in Spain and public display of same-sex affection would not likely stir hostility. A 2013 Pew survey of various countries in the Americas, Europe, Africa and the Middle East found that Spain had the highest percentage of people who believed homosexuality should be accepted by society, at 88%. Same-sex marriage has been legal since 2005 and the government provides legal benefits to same-sex couples. However, this does not always necessarily mean that all Spaniards are friendly to gays; while homophobic aggressions are rare, they still happen. Cities are more tolerant of homosexuality than rural areas, Madrid, Catalonia and the Basque Country are much more tolerant but overall Spain is gay-friendly. As in any other place, elderly people do usually have far more conservative points of view. The Madrid pride parade is one of the largest in the world. Overall, Spain is one of the safest countries for LGBT tourists.

Avoid talking about the former colonial past and especially about the "Black Legend." Regardless of what you may have heard Spain had several ministers and military leaders of mixed race serving in the military during the colonial era and even a Prime Minister born in the Philippines (Marcelo Azcarraga Palmero). Many Spaniards take pride in their history and former imperial glories. People from Spain's former colonies (Latin America, Equatorial Guinea, the Philippines, Western Sahara and Northern Morocco) make up a majority of foreign immigrants in Spain (58%) along with the Chinese, Africans and Eastern Europeans. Equally, Spain is one of the main investors and economic and humanitarian aid donors to Latin America and Africa.

Bullfighting (Spanish: Tauromaquia ) is seen by many Spaniards as a cultural heritage icon, but the disaffection with bullfighting is increasing in all big cities and obviously among animal activist groups within the country. Many urban Spaniards would consider bullfighting a show aimed at foreign tourists and elderly people from the countryside, and some young Spaniards will feel offended if their country is associated with it. To illustrate how divided the country is, many Spaniards point to the royal family: former king Juan Carlos and his daughter are avid fans, while his wife and son King Felipe VI do not care for the sport. Bullfights and related events, such as the annual San Fermin Pamplona bull-runs, make up a multi-million euro industry and draw many tourists, both foreign and Spanish. In addition, bullfighting has been banned in the northeastern region of Catalonia as well as in several towns and counties all over the country.

Take care when mentioning the fascist dictatorship of Francisco Franco, who ruled Spain from 1939 to 1975 as well as the Civil War of 1936–1939. This was a painful past as Franco ruled Spain with an iron fist, executing many Spaniards who violated the anti-democratic laws of the regime. It was also a notable period of economic growth in the final years of Franco's regime, and some older Spaniards may have supportive views of him. The Republican flag (red, yellow, purple, either with or without a coat of arms) can be seen hanging from balconies and bought at some souvenir shops. However, it is not an uncontroversial symbol and associated with leftism, often showing up at leftist demonstrations. No symbols from the Franco era are officially forbidden, but using or displaying them is associated with far right extremists.

The possibilities of Catalan independence, Basque independence, and Galician independence are extremely sensitive issues among many in Spain. You should avoid discussing them where possible. If anything surrounding these subjects is brought up by someone, it's best to stay neutral.

Virtually everyone in Spain, regardless of region, is able to speak Castilian Spanish , albeit not always as a mother tongue. In Catalonia, some Catalans prefer to not speak Spanish at all, and will reply to Spanish-speaking interlocutors in Catalan; this is usually a political statement, rather than a lack of Castilian language ability. Foreigners are given a bit more leeway, but there are still some Catalans who'd rather have a conversation in English than Spanish if those are the only options for communication. While many Spaniards from Castilla consider Catalan to be a dialect of Spanish, Catalans consider it to be a separate language in its own right.

The political status of Gibraltar is a particularly sensitive issue. Most Spaniards consider Gibraltar to be Spanish sovereign territory that is illegally occupied by Britain. Most Gibraltarians on the other hand are both proud Brits and proud Europeans - a situation made infinitely more awkward by Brexit which passed against near unanimous Gibraltarian opposition.

Avoid discussing the Spanish monarchy. Many are generally opposed to the Spanish royal family, although there are some who are staunchly monarchist. Due to the Bourbon dynasty's identification with centralism, supporters of Catalan and Basque independence often don't have a good word to say about them.

Socialising [ edit ]

It is customary to kiss friends, family, and acquaintances on both cheeks upon seeing each other and saying goodbye. Male-to-male kisses of this sort are limited to family members or to very close friends; otherwise a firm handshake is expected instead (as is the same in France or Italy).

Spaniards are keen to maintain physical contact while talking, such as putting a hand on your shoulder, patting your back, etc. These should be taken as signs of friendship done among relatives, close friends and colleagues.

Spaniards will probably feel comfortable around you more quickly than other Europeans and you may even be receive an offensive comment or even an insult ( cabrón ) for a greeting shortly after meeting someone in an informal environment, especially if it is a young person or a male. You should not feel offended by this, as it is interpreted as proof that you have such a close relationship that you can mess with each other without repercussions.

You should reply with a similar comment (never anything serious or something that will genuinely hurt the person) or just greet them. Do not go around insulting people, though, as you will also find people who do not like it. It is recommended that you never do this first as a foreigner and just wait until you get it. Generally, your instinct will be able to distinguish between a joke and a genuine aggression.

When in a car, the elderly and pregnant always ride in the passenger's seat, unless they request not to.

Spaniards are not as punctual as Northern Europeans, but generally you are expected to arrive no more than ten minutes late, and being punctual will always be received positively. It is especially important to be punctual the first time you meet with someone. As a rule of thumb, you should expect people to be more punctual as you go north and less punctual as you go south.

If you are staying at a Spaniard's home, bring shoes to wear inside such as slippers. Walking around barefoot in the house is viewed as unsanitary. Walking in socks may be acceptable in a close friend's house, but you should always ask first.

It is acceptable for women to sunbathe topless in beaches, but full nudity is only practised in "clothing-optional" or nudist beaches.

Eating and drinking [ edit ]

During lunch or dinner, Spaniards do not begin eating until everyone is seated and ready to eat. Likewise, they do not leave the table until everyone is finished eating. Table manners are otherwise standard and informal, although this also depends on the place you are eating. When the bill comes, it is common to pay equally, regardless of the amount or price each has consumed ( pagar a escote ).

When Spaniards receive a gift or are offered a drink or a meal, they usually refuse for a while, so as not to seem greedy. This sometimes sparks arguments among especially reluctant people, but it is seen as polite. Remember to offer more than once (on the third try, it must be fairly clear if they will accept it or not). On the other hand, if you are interested in the offer, politely smile and decline it, saying that you don't want to be a nuisance, etc., but relent and accept when they insist.

Spaniards rarely drink or eat in the street. Bars will rarely offer the option of food to take away but "tapas" are easily available. Taking leftovers home from a restaurant is uncommon but has somewhat less of a stigma than it used to. One asks for "un taper" (derived from "Tupperware") or "una caja." Older Spaniards are still likely to frown on this. Appearing drunk in public is generally frowned upon.

Cope [ edit ]

One odd legacy of the Franco era is that Spain has been on Central European Time since 1940, even though much of the country sits directly south of the United Kingdom and Ireland. This explains why among Spaniards, lunch time is usually between 13:00 and 14:30 (it could be as late as 15:15) while dinner time is between 20:30 and 21:30. At special celebrations, dinner can be as late as 22:00. Lunch is considered the biggest and most important meal of the day.

If you see a restaurant serving breakfast at 7:00, lunch at 12:00 and dinner at 18:00, it may be a tourist trap targeting British and American tourists. The same can be said for restaurants serving paella for dinner, since the dish is traditionally served for lunch.

Almost all small businesses close between 14:30 and 17:00, so plan your shopping and sight-seeing accordingly. Shopping malls and supermarkets, however, are usually open from 09:30 to 21:00 or 22:00, and in the larger cities several shops are open 24 hours daily, usually owned by Chinese immigrants.

Spanish cities can be noisy in some areas; you might want to check before booking a room.

Connect [ edit ]

Wi-fi [ edit ].

Wi-Fi points in bars and cafeterias are available to customers, and most hotels offer Wi-Fi connection in common areas for their guests.

Be conscious of security when using a laptop in an outdoor location.

Mobile phones and SIM cards [ edit ]

Cheap mobile phones (less than €50) with some pre-paid minutes are sold at any phone operator's shop and can be purchased without many formalities (ID is usually required). Topping-up is then done by buying scratch cards from the small stores "Frutos Secos," supermarkets, vending points (often found in tobacco shops) or kiosks—recharging using the Web or an ATM does not work with foreign credit cards.

The three mobile phone networks in Spain are Vodafone , Movistar , Orange , and Yoigo.

If you have an existing subscription with an EU-based mobile provider , you should be able to use at least some of your bundled minutes, SMS, and data in Spain at no extra cost. This should save you the hassle of purchasing another SIM and a prepaid bundle. See European Union#Connect and check with the provider of the SIM.

Discount calling [ edit ]

"Locutorios" (call shops) are widely spread in bigger cities and touristy locations. In Madrid or Toledo it's very easy to find one. Making calls from "Locutorios" tend to be much cheaper, especially international calls (usually made through VoIP). They are usually a good pick for calling home. Prepaid calling cards for cheap international calls are widely available in newsagents or grocery stores around the city. Ask for a "tarjeta telefonica".

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SPAIN The Definitive Travel Guide

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Why does everyone love Spain?

There’s 1,001 reasons to love Spain. You just have to visit to find yours.

You can explore trendy Barcelona and admire the organic modernist masterpieces from architect Antoni Gaudi. Head north to the Basque Country if you want to sample some of Spain’s best gastronomy. Or discover immaculate Islamic palaces in Seville and Granada .

Once you’ve taken in enough of Spain’s vast culture, venture to the Mediterranean coast and the islands (Balearic and Canary) where you can relax on some of Europe’s best beaches.

• Quick Facts About Spain
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More of the best of spain.

• Hotels in Spain
• What languages are spoken in Spain?
• Business Hours
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• Bar Culture
• Coffee Culture
• Menu del Dia
• Driving in Spain
• Parking in Spain
• Avoid Speeding Tickets
• Highways in Spain

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Best Places to Visit in Spain

FLAMENCO IN SPAIN

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Travel to Spain – What You Need to Know

What languages are spoken in spain.

The official and universal language in Spain is Spanish (español). However, in Spain, the language is most commonly called Castellano , referring to the region of Castile where it comes from.

The Basque language is known as euskara in Basque and vasco in Español. In addition to being spoken in the Basque Country, it can also be heard in northern Navarre and a small area in France just on the other side of the border.

Basque is the only surviving pre-indo-european language , which means that it isn’t related to Spanish at all – or any other known language in the world for that matter. To this day, no one is quite sure how Basque survived or where it comes from.

Catalan and Galician (gallego in Spanish) are both romance languages and much more similar to Spanish. The Catalan language encompasses several dialects that are spoken in Catalonia, Valencia and the Balearic Islands – basically the whole eastern Mediterranean coast of Spain. From an outside perspective, Catalan may seem like a mixture of Spanish and French.

Galician, on the other hand, is much more closely related to Portuguese. In fact, it is a Portuguese sister language with some Castellano influences. Galician is spoken in the northwestern corner of Spain in Galicia and to a lesser extent in western Asturias.

BUSINESS HOURS IN SPAIN

Spain has a schedule all of its own. From Monday to Friday, most businesses close between 2 and 5 pm, give or take. On Saturdays, they don’t reopen in the afternoon. And on Sundays, pretty much everything is closed.

There are also some exceptions to these strange business hours. Shopping malls don’t close in the middle of the day. Many chain stores don’t either. You really just have to check – but be aware.

In larger cities such as Barcelona and Madrid , some stores open on particular Sundays which are specially declared shopping days. This usually happens in December, just before Christmas.

Then there are the Chinese-run shops that can be found in even the most obscure locations in Spain. Los chinos, as they are referred to, have found a permanent place in Spanish society with stores selling just about everything imaginable – a little bit like a dollar store. The Chinese are open when no one else is, including Sundays.

EATING TIMES IN SPAIN

Spanish eating times are probably the hardest thing to adjust to when visiting Spain. Their time is off by several hours when compared with most of the world. Breakfast isn’t usually much of an issue. A typical Spanish breakfast is often not much more than a coffee and a small bite to eat, such as a muffin or a biscuit.

Lunch and dinner times are the tricky ones. A typical lunchtime in Spain is 1:30 to 2 pm during the week, and on the weekend, it is not uncommon to start lunch even after 3 pm.

Dinner is also a late affair. No Spaniard would ever eat dinner before 8 pm. And again, the weekend is even later. Friday and Saturday night restaurant reservations for 11 pm are very common.

Because of that, we recommend adapting as much as possible to the Spanish eating times when visiting. For example, if you are shopping and notice that stores are closing, that is your cue to get some food!

If you unfortunately miss lunchtime, you may be lucky and find a bar that is serving some small tapas or sandwiches (bocadillos).

BAR CULTURE IN SPAIN

Bar culture in Spain is unique compared to other parts of the world. It is an integral part of the social sphere and not just a place to get drunk. Although people of course do get drunk, it is not a common sight to see patrons getting wasted.

It’s totally normal to see families with young kids and grandparents all out together in the bar. That’s because the Spanish bar offers much more than just alcoholic drinks.

It’s a place to go for a coffee with friends or family. You can go for a mid-morning/afternoon snack (tapa) or have a sandwich (bocadillo) for lunch. It’s also where you meet up in the evening to have a drink and something small to eat with friends.

You can even make a tapas crawl out of it – going to one bar, having a drink with a tapa, and then moving on to the next.

COFFEE CULTURE IN SPAIN

Spaniards love their coffee. And when they want a coffee, they go to a bar, not a cafe. There are 3 typical ways coffee is served in Spain: 1.) solo - straight espresso, 2.) cortado - espresso with a dash of milk 3.) café con leche - espresso with milk. For those who like lattes or cappuccinos, a café con leche is the closest thing you will find.

There are international chains such as Starbucks starting to appear in big cities, particularly around tourist areas. But we recommend supporting the small family-owned bars which are an essential part of the local culture and in our opinion serve far superior coffee at a very low price.

MENÚ DEL DÍA

Lunch is the biggest and most important meal of the day in Spain. Restaurants will often have a set menu of the day. Look for menú del día being advertised on the boards outside and take note – this is the best way to eat like a king for a very reasonable price.

Normally, you can select between a few different options for each course. Wine (or water) is even thrown in and it’s all included in a set price.

On weekends, menú del día is typically a little bit more expensive with even better course options.

TIPPING IN SPAIN

Tipping in Spain isn’t such a big thing. Receiving a tip is not expected but definitely appreciated. As a general rule, you would only tip on meals in a restaurant where you were satisfied with the service.

Some Spaniards might leave some change – rounding up or leaving a euro here or there - all depending on how nice the restaurant is and of course how satisfied you were with the service. But something like a 15 - 20% tip would be far too much.

To get an idea, if a meal costs €30, then you could leave a euro or two if you were very satisfied. If you are in a fancier place and the meal was €90 then a €5 tip would be plenty.

A tip is pretty much never expected for something small like a coffee or drink. That also includes any light food that you would order at a bar. If your bill is €3.75 then you could round up to €4.

Tipping in taxis is also not very common. But again, if the driver is friendly and helpful, you can round up or give an extra euro or two.

In general, unless someone goes far out of their way for you or you are treated like royalty, then a tip is not needed. Use your intuition and remember that a tip is for excellent service and by no means ever expected.

How to get around Spain

Spain has a fairly extensive rail network and taking a train can be a great way to move around the country. RENFE , the Spanish rail company, has several high-speed train lines called AVE.

These lines are a fast way to move between some cities and can be quicker than traveling by plane. For example, you can go from Madrid to Malaga in 2 h 20 min or Madrid to Barcelona in just under 3 hours. If you were to go by car or bus, it would easily take double the time.

Ticket prices are comparable with those of other European countries but usually travel by bus is the cheapest option. Travel by train in Spain is quite reliable and comfortable.

Depending on your destination, traveling by train might be your best option, but that is not always the case. Check out our map of train routes . For more general Spain train information, check out this beginner's guide to train travel in Spain .

Travel by bus is very common in Spain, especially in regions where the train network is slow or not very complete. Bus fares are very cheap and departures are frequent.

The largest bus operator in Spain is Alsa , followed by Samr and Avanza. You can buy tickets directly through the operators' website or on a booking site such as Omio . It is also common to buy tickets at the bus station on the day of the trip.

There are plenty of large airports in Spain and cheap flights are easy to come by. Low-cost airlines such as Vueling, EasyJet and Ryanair offer the most flights between Spanish cities, followed by Spain’s national airline, Iberia.

In some instances if can even be cheaper to fly than to take the train. See our transportation map of Spain to find out where the busiest airports are located.

Renting a car is very affordable in Spain, especially compared to many other European countries. However, it is still probably not your cheapest transportation option.

If you only plan on visiting the larger cities such as Madrid and Barcelona, then a car would not be needed or recommended. But if you want to have extra convenience and get off the beaten path, then a rental car is a great option .

DRIVING IN SPAIN

Driving in Spain is pretty easy going for the most part. However, driving in Spanish cities can be very stressful. Besides heavy traffic, there are many one-way streets and finding parking is often complicated.

If you find on-street parking, then you will need to know the parking laws. Parking tickets are given out a lot in larger cities and they can be pricey.

We only recommend driving if you are traveling between cities, not in them. We like to look up a parking garage in a city on google maps and then head straight there. Once you are in the city you can explore it on foot or with public transportation.

AVOID SPEEDING TICKETS

In Spain, the speed limit is 50 km/h in towns and cities, 90 km/h on rural roads, 100 km/h on main roads and 120 km/h on highways. Speed cameras are pretty common and tickets aren’t cheap.

HIGHWAYS IN SPAIN

There are two types of highways in Spain called “autopistas” (“AP-” followed by a number) and “autovías” (“A-” followed by a number). Autopistas (AP) are usually toll roads, while autovías (A) are always free.

To get an idea of Spain’s weather, see the temperature chart of Barcelona below. It is a good example of what the weather is like in Spain.

WEATHER IN BARCELONA

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Drinking in Spain

Your Trip to Spain: The Complete Guide

 TripSavvy / Daniel Gioia

What draws nearly 90 million visitors to Spain—the second most-visited country in the world—year after year? Some of them might come for the wild hustle and bustle of the country’s largest and most dynamic cities, Madrid and Barcelona. Others, for the idyllic whitewashed villages set against craggy hills, or the thousands of miles of glittering shoreline gracing both the Mediterranean and the Atlantic. Throw in a warm, welcoming culture and excellent food and wine throughout the country, and it’s easy to see why Spain would be anyone’s dream destination.

If any or all of the above sound like your cup of tea (or, more accurately, glass of "tinto de verano"), it’s time to start planning your Spanish getaway. Here’s everything you need to know before you catch your flight. 

Planning Your Trip

• Best Time to Visit : Spring and fall both promise mild weather and fewer crowds than the summer high season, making for an enjoyable experience.
• Language : Spanish is the official national language. Galician, Basque, Catalan, and Valencian are all co-official languages alongside Spanish in their respective regions. If you’re visiting a region with a co-official language, making an attempt to say a few words in said language will be appreciated, but Spanish is also spoken and understood everywhere.  
• Currency : Euro
• Public Transportation: Large cities like Madrid , Barcelona , and Seville have multiple forms of public transportation, which may include metros, buses, trains, and trams. Smaller cities such as Cordoba may not have a metro but might have bus lines. Villages do not tend to have their own public transportation system. As far as inter-city travel, Spain’s extensive bus and train networks make getting from one place to another a breeze.
• Travel Tip: Don’t be afraid to brave a crowded restaurant or bar on your own. It’s easy to make new friends in Spain where people are naturally friendly and interested in getting to know visitors from other places. It’s very possible that you’ll walk out with a new local friend (or several). 

Things to Do

No matter where you are in Spain, one thing’s for sure: you’ll never be bored. Almost everywhere in the country—even in smaller cities—you’ll be able to get your dose of culture at a museum, enjoy the fresh air by strolling through the parks and plazas, and see history up close at any of the country’s many fascinating monuments.

• Visit the “Golden Triangle of Art” in Madrid, formed by the Prado, Reina Sofía, and Thyssen museums.
• Marvel at the colorful wonderland that is Seville’s Plaza de España in the heart of the idyllic Parque María Luisa.
• Take a tour of Barcelona’s modernist architecture scene, the crown jewel of which is Gaudí’s Sagrada Família .

For more ideas, check out our picks for the top things to do in Spain , as well as the top free things to do throughout the country.

What to Eat and Drink

If there’s one thing that comes to mind when you picture Spanish food, it’s probably tapas. You might be thinking of tapas as small plates, but in Spain, the concept of “tapas” refers more to the style of eating than the size of the dishes—it’s all about heading out with friends or family and ordering multiple dishes to share. Many menus will offer three different sizes of a dish—"tapa" (enough food for one person), "media ración" (enough for two or three people), and "ración" (enough for about four people to share comfortably). However, it’s still considered “tapas” even if your group is ordering nothing but full-sized raciones.

And of course, we can’t forget about Spain’s rich and varied drinking scene . From the late morning vermouth hour, to glasses of excellent wine with lunch and dinner, to the post-meal digestif, and Spain’s famous gin and tonics, alcohol comes with its own schedule in Spain. In some places, it’s even completely acceptable to order an alcoholic drink with breakfast (such as in Catalonia, where the most important meal of the day often comes accompanied with a glass of cava). But no matter what you do, just don’t order sangria—the locals don’t really drink it, so if you do see it available at a bar, it’s likely a subpar beverage made for tourists.

Where to Stay

In just about any mid- to large-sized city in Spain, you’ll want to do your research about where to stay, and just about every neighborhood has its pros and cons. Central areas are obviously closer to the heart of the action, but also more crowded, more touristy, and more expensive, which could make them less enjoyable for some. On the other hand, off-the-beaten-path ones might be more of a trek to get to the main sights—thus cutting into valuable sightseeing time—but provide a more authentic experience and better bang for your buck. Deciding which area of the city you decide to stay in on your Spain trip depends on your plans, style, and budget, and your choice of home base can make or break your trip depending on whether or not it aligns with those needs.

Once you decide on a neighborhood, you’ll want to narrow down which Spanish accommodation style best suits you. From luxury private apartment rentals to scrappy backpacker’s hostels, most urban areas in Spain will have a wealth of choices fitting all styles and budgets. For more information on the specific types of accommodation available in Spain, check out our complete article on where to stay on your Spanish vacation .

Getting There

Spain’s two largest airports, Madrid-Barajas and Barcelona-El Prat , are both among Europe’s best-served, so finding flights into and out of the country is easy. If you’re coming from elsewhere in Europe, you might also be able to fly into one of the many other smaller airports in Spain . Coming to Spain by land from elsewhere in Europe is also a possibility, with Barcelona serving as the main hub for international trains and buses from places like Paris and London.

Culture & Customs

Spanish people are known for their warm, friendly, and welcoming manner. When meeting someone new in a friendly situation, don’t be surprised if they lean in to give you the standard "dos besos," or two kisses (one on each cheek). Likewise, the amount of personal space given in Spain tends to be smaller than in countries like the U.S. and the U.K., so be aware that people—even strangers—may stand more close to you than you’re used to. 

Money Saving Tips

• Almost all museums in Spain offer free admission on certain days, or at certain times of the day, such as 6 to 8 p.m. most days in the case of the Prado in Madrid. Get a dose of culture and save some euros while you’re at it. Just be sure to plan your visit accordingly, as these free visiting hours understandably draw big crowds that make navigating the museum a bit trickier than under normal circumstances.
• When traveling between cities in Spain, ride-sharing services like BlaBlaCar will often be cheaper than taking the bus or train. Plus, you’ll get to meet a cool new friend and maybe even practice your Spanish while you’re at it.
• Avoid touristy restaurants and head for the local joints instead—ideally at least several blocks away from the nearest major attraction. That doesn’t mean that every restaurant in the immediate vicinity of any monument or museum in Spain is a soulless tourist trap, but generally speaking, you’ll get much better quality food for a fairer price by heading further out. Plus, you can rest assured knowing that the money you spend is going back into the local economy. 
• Once you arrive in Spain or are on your way out, take public transportation to the airport rather than a taxi, which can cost several times what you’d pay for the metro, train, or bus to get there. For example, even with the supplemental charge, a metro ticket between central Madrid and the airport costs less than 5 euros, whereas the flat rate for a taxi on the same route is 30 euros.
• If your travel dates are flexible, consider traveling during the low season or “shoulder season” when accommodation prices are lower. These times of year also see fewer crowds than high seasons, so the rest of your trip will be more enjoyable as well. 
• Keep an eye out for restaurants offering the "menú del día" at lunch, which gives you multiple courses (usually with a range of options for each), bread, and a drink for an incredibly fair price. In Madrid or Barcelona, prices usually range from 10 to 15 euros, but you’ll pay even less in smaller cities and towns.
• Speaking of food, don’t forget that many places in Spain will give you a free tapa with your drink order—sometimes it's a simple dish of olives or potato chips, but other times, it's more substantial, making it very possible to eat a full meal in some places while only paying for your drinks. Granada, for example, is perhaps the city in Spain with the most generous free tapas.
• If you’re coming from outside the EU and plan on relying on your phone a lot, consider buying a prepaid Spanish SIM card. You can get a decent amount of data, texts, and calls for much less than what you’d pay for an international plan from your home carrier.

For even more Spain budget tips, check out our complete guide to budget travel in Spain .

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Welcome to our comprehensive Spain tourism and visitor information guide, your ultimate resource for planning the perfect trip to one of the world's most beloved holiday destinations. Whether you're a first-time visitor or a seasoned traveller, we've got you covered with all the information you need.

We've carefully curated a selection of the best destinations , top attractions, things to do, and must-try experiences to help you make the most of your time in Spain. From the vibrant streets of Barcelona to the tranquil beaches of the Costa del Sol , the historical sites of Madrid to the charming whitewashed villages of Andalusia , Spain offers something for everyone.

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We've handpicked the best-guided tours and activities to ensure that you have an unforgettable holiday. Immerse yourself in the rich history and culture of Spain with visits to iconic landmarks like the Sagrada Familia in Barcelona , the Alhambra Palace in Granada, and the Seville Cathedral. Indulge in captivating cultural activities such as flamenco shows and tapas crawls, experiencing the essence of Spanish traditions.

For beach lovers, our guide to the best beaches in Spain has it all. Whether you seek a secluded cove for a serene escape or a lively resort for sun-soaked adventures, we provide all the information you need to find your ideal coastal haven.

Foodies, get ready to tantalise your taste buds and learn all about Spanish cuisine . From traditional tapas bars to Michelin-starred restaurants, Spain's gastronomy is renowned worldwide. Indulge in a culinary journey, savouring authentic flavours and regional specialities that will leave you craving for more.

We understand the importance of finding the right accommodation, and that's why we've curated a selection of the best luxury hotels , eco-friendly accommodations, rural retreats and converted palaces . And if you're on a budget, our comprehensive guide on finding cheap hotels in Spain will help you save without compromising on quality.

But that's not all. By subscribing to our newsletter , you gain access to exclusive content, including free eGuides and travel tips that you can read online or download for free. We strive to provide you with the most up-to-date information and insights to enhance your Spain travel experience .

Get ready to explore Spain like never before. With our insider tips, expert recommendations, incredible destinations, mouth-watering cuisine and the best-guided tours, your journey through Spain will be nothing short of extraordinary. Start planning your adventure today, and remember to sign up for our newsletter and receive your first free exclusive eGuide today!

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• WHY VISIT SPAIN?
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Best places to visit in spain.

Spain's dynamic metropolises, breathtaking beaches and cultural offerings are second to none, making the country an undisputed stop on many travelers' European vacation itineraries. With so many varied destinations, each with its own celebrated sites and unique hidden gems, it may be hard deciding which cities are worth visiting. U.S. News factored in sights, culture, seasonality and expert opinion to come up with the best places to visit in Spain for all types of travelers – from city slickers to beach bums to outdoorsy types. Have an opinion? Vote below to influence next year's ranking.

Santiago de Compostela

Costa brava, san sebastian, canary islands.

In addition to being one of Europe's top travel destinations , Barcelona is without a doubt Spain's cultural capital. The Catalonian city's urban sprawl is dotted with Antoni Gaudí's whimsical architecture, including Basílica de la Sagrada Família and Park Güell, as well as museums carrying world-renowned artists, such as the Picasso Museum. You can also explore centuries-old neighborhoods like Barri Gòtic, which dates back to the Roman Empire. Don't forget to take advantage of the city's equally magnificent outdoor offerings, too, including La Barceloneta beach.

The final stop on an ancient pilgrimage route called Camino de Santiago (or Saint James' Way), this medieval city in northwestern Spain attracts hundreds of thousands of travelers every year. With centuries-old architecture and a UNESCO World Heritage-listed Old Town, Santiago de Compostela is an ideal destination for history buffs and culture hounds. First up on your to-do list should be a tour of the awe-inspiring Santiago de Compostela Cathedral, a massive Romanesque structure said to house the remains of Saint James the apostle. Then, take advantage of the city's number of beautiful parks, museums, restaurants and nightlife.

You won't want to skip this romantic Spanish city about 55 miles northwest of Madrid on your next trip to Spain. See for yourself what makes Segovia special while you stroll through the enchanting Plaza Mayor, home to a mix of restaurants and shops, or soar high above the city on a hot air balloon ride. Can't-miss sights include the two-tiered Aqueduct of Segovia, one of the world's best-preserved Roman aqueducts, and Alcázar De Segovia, a massive, fairy-tale fortress dating back to the 12th century.

Stretching from the idyllic resort town of Blanes all the way to the French border, this coastal region in northeastern Spain offers miles of shoreline along the Mediterranean Sea. After spending the day with your toes in the sand at one of Costa Brava's gorgeous cove beaches, indulge in a delicious dinner at one of the region's many seaside restaurants. But Costa Brava is not just for beach bums. Whether you're touring the unique Dalí Theatre-Museum in Figueres or exploring the Santa Clotilde Gardens in Lloret de Mar, Costa Brava is a can't-miss destination on any Spain itinerary.

The UNESCO-listed historic center of Cordoba is the stuff of Spanish dreams. Its winding, compact cobblestone streets are lined with whitewashed inns, shops, restaurants and homes that feature stunning Andalusian accents, including wrought-iron balconies, bright blue planters and painted archways. Visitors can also enjoy all of the city's famous historical sites, such as the Castle of the Christian Monarchs and the Mosque-Cathedral of Cordoba, commonly referred to as the Great Mosque, which is one of the best-preserved structures in Spain.

Mallorca's smaller sister island is a solid option for travelers wanting to visit the Balearic Islands without the crowds of Ibiza and Mallorca. Menorca offers the same kind of jaw-dropping beaches (think: white sands overlooking clear turquoise waters) you'd expect to find on other Balearic Islands – travelers say Cala Mitjana, Cala Macarelleta, Cala Turqueta and Cala Pregonda are some of the island’s most popular shorelines. You'll also discover several architectural marvels throughout Menorca. Head to Ciutadella (the island's original capital) to see old-world structures like the Catedral de Menorca and the Convent of Sant Agusti, which houses the Diocesan Museum.

Travelers who want to experience small-town Spain without venturing far from a big city will love visiting Toledo. This UNESCO World Heritage-listed city, which sits 45 miles southwest of Madrid, is breathtaking thanks to its location on a hilltop overlooking the Tagus River and its historical architecture. For the best views, visit Mirador del Valle, a scenic overlook boasting breathtaking panoramic vistas. Then, get a sense of Toledo's rich history by checking out attractions like Catedral Primada and San Juan de los Reyes Monasterio. Don't forget to try some of the city's famous marzipan before you leave.

Of all the cities in Spain, Madrid is the one that knows how to show travelers the best time. The city's party-hard reputation is really all it's cracked up to be, but that's not all Spain's capital has going for it. Madrid is filled with varied, vibrant neighborhoods, plus stunning parks, enviable shopping and some of the best art institutions in Europe, including the world-renowned Prado Museum and the Thyssen-Bornemisza National Museum. Not to mention, the city’s grandiose architecture – showcased by structures like the Royal Palace and Plaza Mayor – makes the perfect backdrop for a romantic getaway.

Mallorca is easily one of Spain's greatest assets. This dreamy island getaway features sun-kissed beaches, picturesque small towns and outdoor pursuits that draw tourists and lovebirds in droves. Revel in the see-through blue waters of Playa de Muro and Cala Llombards, then hop in a car and drive around the striking mountains that make up Serra de Tramuntana, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Make sure you spend your downtime taking leisurely strolls along the darling streets of Alcúdia's old town and by the water to admire the awe-inspiring Palma Cathedral (La Seu).

This beautiful Andalusian city in southern Spain is awash with romantic allure. During the day, you'll find outdoor cafes along cobblestone streets and horse-drawn carriages meandering through pastel-colored plazas. And when night falls, flamenco dancing comes out in full force. Seville is the kind of place you should allow yourself to get lost in, but don’t forget to carve out time for must-see sites such as the Plaza de España, the Real Alcázar and the Catedral de Sevilla, the largest Gothic cathedral of its kind in the world.

Situated along Spain’s northern coast in Basque Country, San Sebastian is one of the most underrated destinations in Spain. Locals understand its majesty and every summer flock to this beach destination for its breathtaking shorelines, hiker-friendly mountains and unmatched foodie scene. For a quintessentially Basque experience, travelers suggest pintxo bar hopping in San Sebastian’s city center, Parte Vieja, or signing up for a pintxos (Basque tapas) food tour. Don’t leave without taste testing San Sebastian’s world-famous anchovies and txuleta, a specialty steak that is made from aged grass-fed beef.

Granada's Arabic influence makes this destination different from the rest of Spain. Thanks to its history as part of the Moorish Empire, Granada is home to tapas bars and flamenco venues that rub elbows with Moroccan tea cafes and Arab bathhouses. This confluence allows you to experience two cultures simultaneously. And you must make time to behold the breathtaking local treasures, including the Alhambra, the white-washed caves of the Sacromonte district and the snow-capped mountains of Sierra Nevada National Park.

A popular daytrip destination for travelers visiting Barcelona, Girona stands out for its medieval architecture and wealth of attractions. From the magnificent Girona Cathedral to the city's famous 12th century Arab baths, travelers are sure to find something to suit their interests in this Spanish city. Spend some time in La Devesa Park, one of the largest green spaces in Catalonia. Don't forget to pack your walking shoes – whether you're exploring the winding, cobblestone streets of Girona's Jewish Quarter or strolling the Passeig de la Muralla path atop Girona's ancient city walls, the best way to enjoy this historic city is on foot.

Rioja is Spain's wine country. Like France's Champagne, winemakers can't label a wine "Rioja" unless it is produced and distributed from the Spanish region of La Rioja. As such, you'll want to sample plenty of vino while you visit, which will be pretty easy to do since there are more than 500 wineries plus many restaurants that serve large selections of Rioja wine. If you're looking for other things to do, take advantage of Rioja's Michelin-starred restaurants and lively tapas bars when you're not hiking or skiing its surrounding mountains.

This northern city in Spain’s Basque Country sits in the middle of a beautiful valley, affording incredible views of the city and its rolling hills. Visit Casco Viejo (the city's old town) for authentic pintxos and to explore Parque Etxebarria, where you'll find some of Bilbao's best vistas. Or, ride the Funicular de Artxanda for even more spectacular panoramas. No visit would be complete without checking out the world-renowned Guggenheim Museum Bilbao and other local cultural institutions, such as the Museo de Bellas Artes de Bilbao.

Plan a trip to this small Andalusian town if you enjoy visiting destinations with unique geography and stunning architecture. Ronda sits atop a striking gorge that separates the town. To cross the gorge, walk across the Puente Nuevo, a beautiful bridge built in the 18th century. Below, you'll get an eyeful of El Tajo canyon and the Guadalevín River. After admiring your surroundings from the Puente Nuevo, visit the Plaza de Toros de Ronda, the historic old town and the Baños Árabes, well-preserved 13th- and 14th-century Arab baths.

Spain’s third-largest city stands out for offering a little taste of both the old and the new. You'll get to experience classic architecture at the Gothic-style Valencia Cathedral and the Plaza del Ayuntamiento, as well as modern sites like the City of Arts and Sciences and the Valencia Institute of Modern Art. After you've gotten your fill of city life, take a detour to breathe in some fresh air at the Albufera Natural Park or unwind at nearby beaches. What's more, with plenty of free attractions to choose from, Valencia is one of Europe's most affordable travel destinations . 

If you live to party, Ibiza is a great place to dust off your dancing shoes. This Spanish island is known worldwide for its nightlife scene, so much so that people often say you must visit during the peak summer months. However, one look at Ibiza's natural offerings and you'll understand how this island stands on its own outside of its party-hardy reputation. Beaches here are so clear that you can see your feet touch the sand as they enter the ocean. Plus, the historical charm found in Dalt Vila, Ibiza's old town, will certainly stop you in your tracks.

This cluster of Spanish islands located off the northwestern coast of Africa is one of Spain's premier beach destinations. In addition to picturesque shorelines, the Canary Islands are also teeming with outdoor attractions that will make any adventurer swoon, including four national parks. In between hiking and relaxing on the beach, take some time to stroll the neighborhoods of Santa Cruz de Tenerife, located on the largest of the Canary Islands, or Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, the archipelago's most populated city, to get a taste of local life.

Situated in southwestern Spain, Cádiz is one of the country's most underrated travel destinations. As one of the oldest inhabited cities in Europe, travelers can expect a bevy of historic attractions, from the Torre Tavira watchtower to the grandiose Cádiz Cathedral. Plus, there are several beautiful outdoor spaces to explore, including Genovés Park and the laid-back beaches of La Victoria and La Caleta. When you want to wind down, Plaza de España and Plaza de San Juan de Dios are excellent places to people-watch.

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Hailing from Spain, Marco Suarez is an enthusiastic globetrotter driven…

Spain is a fascinating country with a rich history, diverse culture, and beautiful landscapes. Known for its delicious cuisine, vibrant cities, and stunning beaches, Spain has become a popular destination for both tourists and business travelers. In this guide, you will find out useful information on Spain’s history, culture, geography, transportation, and more, to help you navigate the country with ease and make the most of your trip. Whether you’re a first-time visitor or a seasoned traveler, this guide will provide you with valuable insights into this wonderful country.

In This Article 

The autonomous communities of spain.

• What Is The Capital City Of Spain?
• What Is The Population Of Spain?

Geography Of Spain

Popular landmarks in spain, landscape and biodiversity, foods and drinks, social and cultural customs, famous people from spain, festivals of spain, family-friendly country, solo female traveler-friendly country, lgbt-friendly country, visa requirements.

• What Is The Best Time To Visit Spain?
• What Is The Climate Like In Spain?

What Is The Currency Used In Spain?

Payment options accepted in spain, opening hours of establishments, a good place for shopping, health and safety, fun facts about spain, don’ts:, introduction and brief history of spain.

Spain is a country located in southwestern Europe, occupying the majority of the Iberian Peninsula . It is the fourth largest country in Europe. Its diverse landscape includes everything from snow-capped mountains to pristine beaches.

Spain is known for its vibrant culture and rich history, shaped by various civilizations and cultures over the centuries. However, the Romans , the Moors , and the Catholic Church are the most notable influences on Spanish culture.

Spain has a rich and complex history that stretches back thousands of years. Prehistoric groups, including the Celts , Iberians , and Basques , first settled the region. Later, the Romans established a powerful presence in the region, followed by a period of Visigothic rule in the 5th century CE.

In the 8th century, the Moors, a Muslim group from North Africa, invaded and established a powerful empire in Spain that lasted for several centuries. Spain was known for its scientific, medical, and cultural advances during this time. As a result, it became a significant center of learning in Europe.

In the late 15th century, Spain emerged as a significant colonial power. Explorers like Christopher Columbus set out to discover new lands and establish colonies in the Americas. Instead, Spain’s empire grew over the following centuries, establishing colonies in Africa, Asia, and the Pacific.

In the 20th century, Spain experienced significant political upheaval, including a civil war from 1936 to 1939 and the dictatorship of Francisco Franco , who came to power after the war and ruled the country until he died in 1975. Since the end of Franco’s rule, Spain has undergone a political and social transformation, becoming a modern democracy and a leading member of the European Union.

Spain is divided into 17 autonomous communities, each with its own distinct culture, language (in some cases), traditions, and government. Spain also has two Spanish enclaves located named Ceuta and Melilla located on the north coast of Africa. Here’s a brief overview of each community:

• Andalusia (Andalucía) : Known for its flamenco music, beautiful beaches, and historic cities like Seville and Granada .
• Aragon (Aragón) : Home to the stunning Pyrenees mountain range, as well as medieval towns and villages.
• Asturias : Known for its rugged coastline, green valleys, and traditional cider-making.
• Balearic Islands (Islas Baleares) : An archipelago in the Mediterranean Sea, popular for its stunning beaches and vibrant nightlife.
• Basque Country (País Vasco/Euskadi) : Has its own unique language (Basque) and culture, known for its gastronomy and mountainous landscapes.
• Canary Islands (Islas Canarias) : A volcanic archipelago in the Atlantic Ocean, known for its year-round warm climate, beaches, and outdoor activities.
• Cantabria : A region in northern Spain known for its beautiful coastline and mountainous terrain.
• Castile and León (Castilla y León) : Known for its historic cities like Salamanca and Segovia, as well as its wine regions.
• Castilla-La Mancha : Home to the historic city of Toledo and the famous La Mancha region, known for its windmills and Don Quixote.
• Catalonia (Cataluña/Catalunya) : Has its own distinct language (Catalan) and culture, known for its art, architecture, and cuisine.
• Extremadura : A region in western Spain known for its rich history and natural beauty.
• Galicia : A region in northwestern Spain known for its seafood, wine, and rugged coastline.
• La Rioja : A small region known for its world-renowned wine production.
• Madrid : The capital city of Spain and a hub for art, culture, and business.
• Murcia : Known for its mild climate, beautiful beaches, and unique gastronomy.
• Navarre (Navarra) : A region in northern Spain known for its picturesque landscapes and historic cities.
• Valencia (Comunidad Valenciana) : Home to the city of Valencia and known for its beaches, festivals, and traditional paella dish.
• Ceuta and Melilla : Ceuta and Melilla are two Spanish enclaves located on the north coast of Africa. They are officially part of Spain and are the only two European Union territories located on the African continent. Both Ceuta and Melilla have a complex history, with various civilizations, including the Phoenicians, Carthaginians, Romans, Arabs, and Portuguese, having occupied the region at different times.

What Is The Capital City Of Spain? 

Spain’s capital city is Madrid, located in the center of the country. Madrid is the largest city in Spain and one of the most populated cities in the European Union. It has a rich history, cultural heritage, world-class museums, art galleries, and vibrant nightlife. Some of Madrid’s most popular tourist attractions include the Royal Palace of Madrid , the Prado Museum , the Reina Sofia Museum , and the Puerta del Sol.

What Is The Population Of Spain? 

As of 2021, the population of Spain is estimated to be around 47 million people. Most of the population is concentrated in urban areas, with Madrid and Barcelona being the two largest cities. Spain has a diverse population, with people of different ethnicities, religions, and cultures living there.

The Mediterranean Sea borders the mainland of Spain to the east and south and the Atlantic Ocean to the west and north. Spain has a diverse landscape, including mountain ranges such as the Pyrenees and the Sierra Nevada , as well as plains, rivers, and coastal areas. The country is also home to several islands, including the Balearic Islands in the Mediterranean and the Canary Islands off the coast of Africa. The Balearic Islands are a popular tourist destination known for their beaches, nightlife, and culture. In contrast, the Canary Islands are known for their natural beauty and warm climate. In addition, the geography of Spain makes it a popular destination for outdoor activities such as hiking, skiing, and water sports.

The Most Popular Destinations In Spain

Spain is a country with many popular destinations, ranging from vibrant cities to beautiful beaches, charming towns, and historical landmarks. Some of the most popular destinations in Spain include:

• Barcelona: Known for its stunning architecture, delicious food, and vibrant culture.
• Madrid: The capital city of Spain, known for its world-class museums, historic landmarks, and lively nightlife.
• Seville : A beautiful city in southern Spain known for its stunning Moorish architecture, flamenco dancing, and delicious tapas
• Valencia: A coastal city known for its futuristic architecture, beautiful beaches, and delicious paella.
• Granada: Home to the famous Alhambra Palace, a stunning example of Moorish architecture, and the vibrant neighborhoods of the Albaicín and Sacromonte.
• Costa del Sol : This popular tourist destination is known for its beautiful beaches, warm climate, and many resorts and tourist attractions.
• Basque Country: Located in the north of Spain, the Basque Country is known for its unique culture, beautiful landscapes, and delicious cuisine.
• Balearic Islands: Including Mallorca, Menorca, Ibiza, and Formentera, known for their beautiful beaches, crystal-clear waters, and vibrant nightlife.
• Canary Islands: Located off the coast of Africa, including Tenerife, Gran Canaria, and Lanzarote, known for their volcanic landscapes, year-round warm weather, and unique culture influenced by Spanish, African, and Latin American traditions.

Spain is home to numerous landmarks and tourist attractions, such as the Sagrada Familia and Park Guell in Barcelona, the Alhambra Palace in Granada , the Royal Palace of Madrid, the Mezquita of Cordoba , the Guggenheim Museum in Bilbao, and the beaches of the Costa del Sol.

Some other popular landmarks in Spain include:

• The Park of the Retiro in Madrid : a beautiful park with gardens, lakes, and sculptures, which is perfect for a relaxing stroll or picnic.
• The Cathedral of Santiago de Compostela : a UNESCO World Heritage Site and the final destination of the Camino de Santiago pilgrimage.
• The Plaza de España in Seville : a grand square with a fountain, bridges, and a tiled alcove representing different Spanish provinces.
• The La Concha beach in San Sebastian : a crescent-shaped beach with golden sand, clear water, and a backdrop of green hills.

These landmarks showcase the diverse history, culture, and natural beauty of Spain, and are definitely worth a visit for anyone traveling to the country.

Spain has a diverse natural landscape, with mountains, beaches, forests, and deserts. In addition, the country has several national parks, including the Picos de Europa National Park , the Sierra Nevada National Park , and the Tablas de Daimiel National Park . Spain also has a rich biodiversity, with many plant and animal species.

Languages Spoken In Spain

Spain’s official language is Spanish, also known as Castilian. However, other regional languages are also spoken in different parts of the country, such as Catalan , Galician , and Basque .

Spain is known for its diverse and flavorful cuisine, which includes paella, tortilla española, gazpacho, chorizo, jamón ibérico, and a variety of seafood dishes. Spanish cuisine is heavily influenced by the country’s geography and climate, with ingredients such as olive oil, tomatoes, and garlic featuring prominently in many dishes. Spain also offers a variety of popular drinks to enjoy, including the classic sangria, refreshing Tinto de Verano, sparkling wine known as Cava , vermouth, sherry, and local beers such as Estrella Galicia, Mahou, and San Miguel. Coffee culture is also prevalent with espresso drinks like cortados and cafes con leche.

Spain has a rich cultural heritage, with several customs and traditions that are unique to the country. Some popular customs include the annual Running of the Bulls festival in Pamplona, the Flamenco dance and music style, and the siesta. This midday nap is typical in many parts of the country.

Spain has produced many famous people, including artists such as Pablo Picasso , Salvador Dali , and Francisco Goya , writers such as Miguel de Cervantes and Federico Garcia Lorca , and sports figures such as Rafael Nadal , Andres Iniesta , and Fernando Alonso .

Spain is known for its lively and colorful festivals, which are celebrated throughout the year. Some of the most popular festivals in Spain include La Tomatina , a massive tomato fight held in Buñol in August, the Running of the Bulls in Pamplona in July, and the Feria de Abril , a week-long celebration in Seville that takes place in April. Other notable festivals include Las Fallas in Valencia , Carnival in Sitges , and the Holy Week processions that take place in many cities and towns throughout Spain.

Is It Safe To Travel To Spain? 

Spain is considered a safe destination for travelers, with a low crime rate and a well-developed tourist infrastructure. However, as with any travel destination, it is essential to exercise caution and take common-sense precautions to ensure your safety.

Yes, Spain is a family-friendly country that welcomes visitors of all ages. Spanish culture places great importance on family, and there are plenty of activities and attractions that cater to children and families. Many restaurants offer children’s menus and high chairs, and it is common to see families out and about in the evenings enjoying dinner or a stroll. Additionally, there are many theme parks, zoos, museums, and beaches that are perfect for family outings. Spain also has a strong tradition of celebrating festivals and holidays, which can be a great opportunity for families to experience the culture together.

Spain is generally considered a safe and welcoming destination for solo female travelers. In general, Spanish culture is quite hospitable, and locals are often happy to help travelers with directions or recommendations. Spain has a well-developed tourism industry, and many hotels, hostels, and other accommodations cater specifically to solo travelers. Additionally, there are plenty of solo-friendly activities to enjoy, including museums, art galleries, and historic sites.

Spain is generally considered to be one of the most LGBT-friendly countries in the world. The country has a long history of LGBT rights and activism, and has been a leader in advancing legal protections for the LGBT community.

In 2005, Spain became the third country in the world to legalize same-sex marriage, and has since enacted a range of other protections for LGBT people, including anti-discrimination laws and hate crime legislation. The country also hosts a number of pride events and festivals throughout the year, including the annual Madrid Pride parade, which is one of the largest in the world.

How To Get To Spain?

Spain is well-connected to the rest of Europe and the world, with many international airports and high-speed train connections. Madrid and Barcelona are the main entry points to Spain by air, with both cities served by major airlines worldwide. Other airports in Spain, such as those in Mallorca, Malaga, Alicante, and Valencia, are famous for tourists visiting the southern coast. Spain also has an extensive network of trains and buses, making it easy to travel.

Visa requirements for Spain vary depending on your country of origin and the length of your stay. Citizens of the European Union and The border-free Schengen Area have free movement and can enter Spain without a visa. However, if you are from outside the EU you’ll probably need to apply for a visa before your trip.

What Is The Best Time To Visit Spain? 

The best time to visit Spain depends on your preferences and where you plan to go. Generally, spring and fall are the best times to visit, as the weather is mild and there are fewer crowds than during the peak summer months. However, if you plan to visit the beaches, summer may be the best time to go.

What Is The Climate Like In Spain? 

Spain has a diverse climate due to its size and geographical location. The coastal areas have a Mediterranean climate, with hot summers and mild winters, while the interior regions have a more continental climate with hot summers and cold winters. The northern coast experiences a maritime climate with mild temperatures and rainfall throughout the year, while the Canary Islands have a subtropical climate with warm temperatures year-round.

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In general, Spain is a sunny country, with more than 300 days of sunshine per year, making it an ideal destination for those seeking warm weather. However, visitors should be aware that temperatures can vary greatly between regions and seasons, with some areas experiencing extreme heat in the summer months. It is important to check the weather forecast before traveling and pack appropriate clothing for the season and region.

How Is Public Transportation In Spain? 

Public transportation in Spain is generally reliable and efficient, including buses, trains, and the metro in larger cities. Spain also has a high-speed train network that connects many major cities.

The currency used in Spain is the Euro (EUR). It is the official currency of Spain and is used throughout the European Union.

Cash is widely accepted in Spain and the preferred payment method for many smaller businesses. Credit and debit cards are also commonly accepted, especially in larger establishments and tourist areas. Contactless payment methods, such as Apple Pay and Google Pay, are becoming increasingly popular in Spain. However, carrying some cash is always a good idea, especially if you plan on visiting smaller towns or rural areas.

In Spain, the opening hours of establishments can vary depending on the region and the type of business. Generally, shops and stores are open from 9 or 10 in the morning until 1 or 2 in the afternoon and then reopen from 5 or 6 in the evening until 8 or 9 at night. Many businesses close for a few hours in the afternoon for a siesta. However, this practice is becoming less common in larger cities. Restaurants and bars often stay open late into the night, with dinner service typically starting around 8 or 9 in the evening.

Spain is a great place for shopping. From high-end luxury boutiques to traditional street markets, there is something for everyone. The country is known for its fashion industry and many Spanish designers have gained international recognition. Major cities like Madrid and Barcelona offer some of the best shopping experiences in Spain, with a mix of local and international brands. Some of the popular shopping areas in Madrid include Gran Via, Salamanca, and Chueca, while Barcelona has Passeig de Gracia, Rambla de Catalunya, and El Born. Other cities like Seville, Valencia, and Malaga also offer great shopping opportunities.

Before traveling to Spain, it is recommended to take basic health precautions to avoid illness. Tap water in Spain is generally safe, but bottled water is widely available and may be a safer option. Visitors should also be aware of the sunburn risk and should wear sunscreen and protective clothing when spending time outdoors. 

Spain’s well-developed healthcare system provides high-quality medical care to residents and visitors. The country has both public and private hospitals and clinics. However, visitors are advised to obtain travel health insurance before their trip to ensure they are covered in medical emergencies.

Interesting Facts And Trivia

Some interesting facts about Spain include that it is the second largest producer of wine in the world, that it has the highest number of bars per capita of any country in Europe, and that it is home to the oldest restaurant in the world Casa Botin , which has been in operation since 1725.

Here are some fun facts about Spain:

• Spain is the second-largest country in the European Union after France.
• Spanish is the second-most spoken language in the world after Mandarin.
• The tomato fight festival, La Tomatina, is held annually in Buñol, Spain.
• Spain is home to the oldest restaurant in the world, Restaurante Botín, which has been in operation since 1725.
• Spain is famous for its wine production, with the Rioja region being particularly well-known for its red wines.
• The Spanish Steps, a famous landmark in Rome, Italy, were designed by a Spanish architect, Francesco de Sanctis.
• The world’s most significant food fight, La Batalla de Vino , is held annually in Haro, Spain.
• The Basque language, spoken in the Basque Country region of Spain, is one of the oldest languages in Europe and is unrelated to any other known language.

Dos And Don’t in Spain

Here are some dos and don’ts to keep in mind while traveling in Spain:

• Do try to speak some Spanish. Even if it’s just a few basic phrases, attempting to talk about the language is appreciated by locals and can make your interactions more pleasant.
• Do dress appropriately when visiting religious sites. Cover your shoulders and knees out of respect for cultural and religious norms.
• Do try the local cuisine, such as tapas, paella, and churros. Spain is known for its delicious food, so be sure to indulge in some of the local specialties.
• Do take a siesta during the afternoon. Many shops and businesses close during the hottest part of the day, so it’s a good time to rest or nap.
• Do keep an eye on your belongings, especially in crowded areas such as markets and public transportation.
• Don’t ignore the smoking ban in public places. Smoking in enclosed public spaces, such as restaurants, bars, and public transportation, is illegal.
• Don’t leave a small tip or no tip at all. In Spain, tipping is not mandatory, but leaving a small amount, such as 5-10% of the total bill, is customary.
• Don’t assume that all of Spain is the same. Each region of the country has its own unique culture and traditions, so be open to experiencing the local customs wherever you go.
• Don’t assume that everything will be open or on time. Spain has a more relaxed attitude towards punctuality, so be prepared for things to run a bit later than scheduled.

Spain is a diverse and captivating country with something for everyone. Its rich history, culture, and stunning natural beauty make it a popular destination for tourists and business travelers alike. From the bustling cities of Madrid and Barcelona to the sandy beaches of the Spanish islands, Spain has much to offer. Visitors can enjoy delicious food and drink, explore fascinating landmarks and museums, and immerse themselves in the vibrant local culture. It is important to keep in mind the dos and don’ts of Spanish customs. With its convenient transportation options and friendly locals, Spain is a fantastic choice for any traveler looking to experience the best of what Europe has to offer.

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Hailing from Spain, Marco Suarez is an enthusiastic globetrotter driven by a thirst for adventure and remarkable encounters. With a fervor for wildlife and nature, Marco seeks out destinations with hot and arid climates. His journeys are an ode to unique experiences, inspiring readers to embrace the world's untamed wonders.

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33 Top Attractions & Things to do in Spain

Spain is a surprise to those who have the image of having to fight for towel space at one of its crowded beaches or sipping sangria while watching a bull fight or flamenco. From the ancient monuments left by the Romans and Moors, the medieval castles of the interior, the white villages in inland Andalucía or the vibrant cities of Barcelona and Madrid, there is a great mixture of things to do in Spain.

The landscape varies just as widely. The evergreen estuaries of Galicia could hardly be more different from the deserts of Almería or the rugged mountains of the Sierra Nevada. And then there are the countless glittering beaches that dot the Spanish coast. Although busy in summer even along the coast of the big tourist Costas some enjoyable beaches can easily be found.

With delicious tapas and seafood dishes to try and unique tourist attractions in Spain like Alhambra and the Sagrada Familia to see, it is no surprise millions head here each year on holiday.

33. Avila Walls

Most known for its massive medieval walls, the small city of Avila lies roughly ninety minutes drive northwest of Madrid. Surrounding its atmospheric Old Town, the imposing ring of fortifications make for an impressive sight.

Very well-preserved, the sturdy stone walls and 88 semicircular towers were completed between the eleventh and fourteenth centuries. Stretching 2.5 kilometers in length, they are studded by nine huge gates, the most eye-catching of which is Puerta del Alcazar.

Just over half of their old ramparts are now open for visitors to amble along. From atop the twelve meter-high walls, there are fine views over Avila’s roofs and the surrounding countryside. An astounding feat of engineering, they are majestically lit up at night.

32. Seville Cathedral

One of the largest churches in the world, Seville Cathedral can be found right in the heart of town, not far from the Guadalquivir River. Asides from ogling at its staggering size and splendid artwork, you can enjoy phenomenal panoramas from atop La Giralda – its ginormous 105 meter-high belltower.

Absolutely enormous, it was built on the site of the city’s former great mosque following the Reconquista. To highlight Seville ’s wealth and the triumph of the Christian faith, no expense was spared. Exhibiting some gorgeous Gothic architecture, the important place of worship has lovely facades and flying buttresses to admire.

Inside is even more arresting as vaulted ceilings overlook intricately carved choirs and colourful stained-glass windows. It also houses the tomb of Christopher Columbus while its 37 meter-high main altar is considered one of the finest in the world.

See also: Where to Stay in Seville

31. Roman Theater of Mérida

Head two hour’s drive directly north of Seville and you’ll come across the remarkable Roman Theater of Mérida; another of Spain’s most iconic landmarks. Fascinating to explore, its elaborate stage area, statues and semicircular seats now create some fantastic photo opportunities.

As Merida was the cultural and economic capital of the Roman Empire’s westernmost province, a large theater was erected here in 16 BC. Still in excellent condition, its stage consists of two floors of blue-veined marble columns flanking a central arch. Between them are sculptures of Ceres, Pluto and Proserpina among other gods and characters.

After snapping some photos, you can stroll about its peaceful peristyle or the equally old Roman amphitheater alongside it. In summer, plays, concerts and flamenco shows are still held on its 2000 year-old stage.

30. Ordesa y Monte Perdido National Park

Home to lots of stunning landscapes, scenery and nature, Ordesa y Monte Perdido National Park is located high up in the Pyrenees, right on the French border. Offering up some absolutely epic hiking, its soaring mountains and sweeping valley views are out of this world.

Founded in 1918 to protect the unique fauna and flora of the Ordesa Valley, it was later enlarged to encompass more of the rugged mountain range. Amidst its dramatic karst landscapes run rivers and waterfalls with the cacophonous Cascada del Cinca being the most breathtaking.

As you hike along its trails, you can enjoy unbelievable views of the seemingly endless valley and its resplendent greenery. Particularly keen mountaineers won’t want to miss summiting the 3,355 meter-high Monte Perdido – the third-highest peak in the Pyrenees.

29. Salvador Dali Museum in Figueres

Impossible to miss, the Salvador Dali Museum in Figueres is immediately recognized by its extravagant exterior. Set right in the center – the hometown of the surrealist artist – it holds the world’s largest collection of his works.

Actually designed by Dali, its bright red castle-like building is topped by both giant eggs and a geodesic dome. Opened in 1974, its galleries are packed with thought-provoking installations and artworks. Fantastical furniture pieces also lie next to surreal sculptures while its unusual layout makes the whole experience even more immersive.

Full of unique paintings and sculptures, the museum is among the most visited in Spain. While everything was incredible, we really loved the humongous hall beneath its dome and the gold statues studding the walls of its courtyard outside. The only downside was that it was hard to get good photos as everywhere was packed when we visited.

28. Corralejo Sand Dunes, Fuerteventura

Covering a vast swathe of the northeast of the island is the spectacular Corralejo Sand Dunes. One of Fuerteventura and the Canary Islands’ most captivating parts, its white sand beaches and sparkling waters offer all kinds of fun outdoor activities.

Bordered by craggy volcanoes and craters to one side and the immense Atlantic to the other, its rolling dunes were protected as a nature reserve in 1982. Formed over many millennia out of small shells, its sands are ever-changing due to the strong winds that strike the coast.

As you trudge across all its bleak yet beautiful landscapes, you can capture their striking formations and colors on camera. Apart from lounging on its beaches and swimming in the sea, there is exciting surfing and kitesurfing to enjoy.

27. Medieval City of Cuenca

One of the most attractive medieval cities in the country, Cuenca has an atmospheric old center to explore. Built atop a rocky spur overlooking the Jucar and Huecar rivers, it is most famous for the ‘hanging houses’ clustered along its cliff edge.

Due to its strategic setting, it was founded by the Moors in the eighth century, between Madrid and Valencia. Visitors can see the crumbling ruins of their former fortress after having strolled along its charming cobble streets, past rows of pretty old buildings.

The highlight though is of course its gravity-defying hanging houses. For the best views, venture across the high-up San Pablo Bridge which itself is also quite impressive. The medieval city’s precarious position has often seen Cuenca called the ‘Eagle’s Nest. It’s easy to see why once you head up there yourself!

26. Alcázar of Segovia

Appearing almost as if out of a fairytale, the Alcázar of Segovia rises majestically above the city and countryside surrounding it. Said to be the inspiration for Cinderella Castle at Disneyland, its ornately decorated rooms and armory are now open to tour around.

One of the most-visited tourist attractions in Spain, it has remarkably stood atop its rocky crag since at least the twelfth century. Over the years, twenty-two kings and countless other nobles resided in the castle with Isabella I having been crowned here. Representing the power and authority of the Castilian monarchs, its impenetrable walls are bordered by a deep moat with elegant towers rising towards the heavens.

Inside, the royal residence is lavishly furnished with fine tapestries, paintings and suits of armor. Aside from inspecting its artworks and architecture, commanding views can be enjoyed from its keep.

25. Prado Museum, Madrid

One of Madrid’s must-see sights , the Prado boasts one of the world’s biggest and best collections of European art. Located in a expansive palace-like building dating to 1785, it is most known for exhibiting El Greco, Velazquez and Goya, who represent the golden age of Spanish art.

Opened to the public in 1819, the Neoclassical-style museum’s endless galleries display tens of thousands of paintings, prints and sculptures. Assembled by the Hapsburg and Bourbon monarchs of Spain, its artworks now span from the twelfth to twentieth century.

Wandering about its impeccably presented rooms really is an amazing experience if a bit exhausting! We couldn’t believe the huge size of the museum and absolutely loved The Garden of Earthly Delights by Hieronymous Bosch.

24. City of Arts and Sciences, Valencia

With enough attractions to keep you occupied for days, the City of Arts and Sciences is Valencia’s standout site . One of the ‘12 Treasures of Spain’, the state-of-the-art complex has everything from an aquarium and IMAX to various arts venues and entertainment areas to check out.

Built on the drained riverbed of the river Turia, the futuristic-looking science park boasts some of the most eye-catching contemporary architecture around. Each building and bridge showcases a unique, interesting design with their curved metal and glass frames creating astonishing shapes. This alone and the pretty pools around them already make the complex worth visiting.

Other than admiring its architecture, you can attend plays, concerts and sporting events. Hundreds of species of animals, plants and fish are also displayed in its oceanographic park and the enclosed L’Umbracle garden.

See also: Where to Stay in Valencia

23. Costa del Sol Resort Towns

If instead of city trips and sightseeing you’re after some sun, sea and sand, then heading to the Costa del Sol is one of the best things to do in Spain. Strung out along its gorgeous coastline are countless resort towns with pristine beaches also dotted everywhere.

One of the country’s most important tourist areas, the ‘Sun Coast’ stretches around 150 kilometers, from Nerja in the east to Gibraltar in the west. Quite built up, the main spots people go include Benalmadena, Fuengirola and Marbella. Here you can sunbathe and swim or enjoy some nice seafood restaurants and nightlife.

Should you tire of the beach, you can hit up museums and historic sites in the region’s capital Malaga . The white towns of Andalusia near here are also ideal for day trips due to their scenic settings and cute centers.

22. Timanfaya National Park, Lanzarote

Covering an entire quarter of Lanzarote, Timanfaya has lots of Martian-like landscapes for you to explore. The island’s main attraction, its volcanic cones, soils and lava fields have exciting coach tours and camel rides to take through the inhospitable area.

Now a national park, its wasted reaches were created between 1730 and 1736 when over a hundred volcanoes erupted. Completely destroyed by the force of everything, its bleak black and red rocks are a testament to Mother Nature’s awesome power.

Although quite touristy, we really enjoyed our lurching camel ride up the side of a crater. We also got some great selfies with our sturdy steed and loved the spellbinding vistas of the volcanoes’ striking silhouettes.

21. Camino de Santiago

Crisscrossing their way about northwestern Spain and even further afield are a series of pilgrims’ paths known as the Camino de Santiago. Very rewarding to hike, they lead you to Santiago de Compostela ; the ornate cathedral which houses the shrine of James the Apostle.

Known in English as the ‘Way of St. James’, the network of pilgrimages has now been in use for well over a thousand years. Popular with medieval Christians, the trails meander their way through peaceful countryside or by steep coastal cliffs. Yet others still start in either France or Portugal with the end goal always being the cathedral in Galicia.

After days of hiking through quiet forests and fields and staying in rather rudimentary accommodation, arriving at the thirteenth-century shrine is an unforgettable experience.

20. Toledo Old Town

Up until the sixteenth century, the hilltop city of Toledo served as the capital of Spain. As such, its Old Town is packed with important palaces and churches while its immense Alcazar presides over everything. Numerous buildings also date back to the Moors and several synagogues lie in its Jewish quarter.

Known as the ‘City of the Three Cultures’ due to these influences, it was established in Roman times. Surrounded on three sides by the Tagus River, its narrow streets are a treat to get lost amongst. After becoming disoriented, you’ll suddenly emerge in front of its large Gothic-style cathedral or the vibrant Plaza de Zocodover.

Some of the best views we found of the picturesque town were from the Alcantara and San Martin’s bridges. From down by the river, you can capture some great shots of their old stone bridges with the city’s romantic walls, houses and towers rising behind them.

19. Ibiza Nightlife

Notorious for its pulsating nightlife scene, Ibiza is the place to go if you want to dance the night away. Each summer, hordes of partiers pour into its pounding clubs, ready for a wild time. With famous venues like Pacha, Amnesia and Ushuaia all to hit up, it is no wonder the island is called the ‘Party Capital of the World’.

Mainly focussed around Ibiza Town and Sant Antoni to the west, the isle’s reputation is well-founded as rows of bars and clubs line their lively streets. Inside, big-name DJs put on high-energy sets which keep people dancing til dawn.

To recover from thrilling shows by Calvin Harris or David Guetta, roll your way to the beach and lie in the sun until the next night comes around. A must for music enthusiasts and party-goers, Ibiza really needs to be experienced!

18. La Rambla, Barcelona

One of the city and country’s most renowned streets, La Rambla cuts a line right through the center of Barcelona . Humming with life, the tree-lined walkway takes you past tons of shops, restaurants and some tourist attractions too.

Starting from Plaza Catalunya, the pedestrian street stretches 1.2 kilometers until Port Vell and the Christopher Columbus Monument down by the waterfront. Dividing the Gothic Quarter from the El Raval district, the busy boulevard is often referred to as Las Ramblas as it actually consists of a series of shorter streets blending into one another.

As you wander along, you’ll come across musicians, caricaturists and street performers doing stunts – just watch out for pickpockets along the way! Although touristy, the vibrant La Boqueria market bordering it is yet another must-see site. While it and La Rambla’s atmosphere are infectious, we would suggest eating in the streets off them if you’re after a more authentic (and affordable!) experience.

17. New Bridge, Ronda

Set in one of the most stunning spots imaginable, Ronda sprawls atop a rugged ridge amidst all the mountains inland from the Costa del Sol. Its defining feature though is the gaping gorge that cuts the town in two. Across its deep, dramatic drop spans the New Bridge – its most photogenic and famous landmark.

Separating its Moorish Old Town from the new town (which ‘only’ dates to the fifteenth century!!) are the plummeting walls of the 120 meter-deep El Tajo Gorge. Known as the Puente Nuevo in Spanish, the bridge was built in 1793 to connect the two. Standing 93 meters in total, its three sturdy spans look absolutely spectacular sandwiched between the canyon’s colossal cliffs.

From both the bridge and ridge of the gorge, you can enjoy phenomenal views over the town’s houses clustered along its rim. The countryside below and the mountains in the distance also create some fantastic photo opportunities.

16. Burgos Cathedral

Most known for its massive and majestic cathedral, the small city of Burgos lies in the northwest in Castile and Leon. Exhibiting exquisite French Gothic-style architecture, the large landmark has extraordinary artworks and El Cid’s ornate tomb to admire.

Rather reminiscent of the great cathedrals of Paris or Reims, its flamboyant facade and fetching rose window are flanked by two lofty bell towers. While work first began on the basilica in 1221, its elegant spires were only added centuries later.

Inside is arguably even more impressive as its dozens of chapels are all decorated with carvings, paintings and sculptures. Besides the final resting place of Spanish military hero El Cid, its gigantic, glittering altarpiece is definitely the cathedral’s standout attraction.

15. Picos de Europa National Park

Boasting some of Spain and Europe’s most awe-inspiring landscapes is the Picos de Europa National Park. Actually home to three distinct mountain ranges, its wild reaches lie just inland from the Bay of Biscay, in the northwest of the country.

The country’s first national park, it was founded in 1918 to protect the area’s river-filled gorges, rearing peaks and rare wildlife. Formed throughout millennia by slow-moving glaciers, its jagged mountains and glimmering lakes make for some fabulous viewing.

Sure to delight nature lovers, the picturesque park has a myriad of trails, rock climbing routes and camping sites to make use of. All its stupendous scenery and cute mountain towns are enthralling to explore with cable cars and ski resorts dotted here and there.

14. Plaza Mayor, Salamanca

One of the largest squares in Spain, Plaza Mayor in Salamanca is surrounded by lots of lovely architecture and important buildings. Now home to heaps of shops, restaurants and cafes, it is the heart and soul of life in town.

Although now hard to believe, the plaza was constructed in 1755 on the orders of Felipe V to host bullfighting spectacles. Thankfully stopped in the mid-nineteenth century, all its broad paving stones are bordered by brilliant arcades and Baroque-style facades. The finest of these is its Town Hall, adorned with allegorical figures and the medallions of various monarchs.

Due to the gorgeous glow of its sandstone buildings, Salamanca is delightfully known as ‘La Dorada’ or the Golden City. While its warm hues already look arresting during the day, in the evening the entire plaza is magically illuminated by hundreds of lights.

13. White Towns of Andalucia

Scattered about the rolling hills and rugged mountains of southern Andalucia are a series of small settlements known as the White Towns. Standing out against the rocks, fields and vineyards, their historic centers are a treat to explore with their mesmerizing settings and views being just as good.

Known in Spanish as the Pueblos Blancos, the twenty or so scenic villages are strung about the provinces of Cadiz and Malaga. Known for their buildings’ bright whitewashed walls, they are often set in heartachingly beautiful spots. Add in their charming plazas, churches and fortresses, and it is no wonder so many visit each year.

While you really can’t go wrong, some of the most popular are Ronda and Arcos de la Frontera for their precipitous settings and views. Zahara de la Sierra also attracts plenty of visitors due to the craggy rocks and castle rising above it. Then again, Setenil de las Bodegas which is partially built into the side of overhanging cliffs is also pretty special!

12. Mallorca Beaches

Each summer, thousands upon thousands of sun worshipers descend upon Mallorca to relax on its beaches. Long one of Europe’s most popular holiday destinations , it has more than enough great resorts, good food and glorious stretches of sand to go around.

The largest of the Balearic Islands, its coastline stretches a whopping 550 kilometers with over 260 beaches studding its shores. While some are very lively and offer tons of amenities and watersports, others lie well off the beaten path.

Particularly idyllic, yet isolated, ones include Calo del Moro and Sa Calobra due to their soaring cliffs and stunning turquoise waters. If you’re after a bit more life, the towns of Alcudia and Cala Millor contain numerous shops, restaurants and hotels. Asides from swimming and splashing around in the Med, both lie under an hour’s drive from Palma, should you want a bit of culture.

11. Plaza de Espana, Seville

Another of the country’s most iconic and elegant squares is Plaza de Espana in the heart of Seville. Recognized the world round, the semi-circular pavilion’s gently curving pool and graceful colonnades create some fabulous photos.

Erected for the Ibero-American Exposition of 1929, its brick building exhibits an eclectic array of architectural styles. A mix of Art Deco, Baroque Revival and Neo-Mudejar, it is accessed via four bridges across a moat. Each represents an ancient kingdom of Spain while panels of colourful decorative tiles account for each province.

After snapping some pics of its facades from across the water or taking selfies in front of its tiles, it’s nice to stroll around the lush, leafy Parque de Maria Luisa alongside it.

10. Mount Teide, Tenerife

When visiting Tenerife , it’s almost impossible not to spend some time exploring Mount Teide’s incredible volcanic landscapes. Dominating the island, Spain’s highest peak is now protected as a national park – one of the most-visited in the world.

Another of the ‘12 Treasures of Spain’, the vast volcano’s fiery reputation led to Tenerife being known as ‘Isla del Infierno’ or ‘Hell Island’ in the fourteenth and fifteenth centuries. Towering 3,715 meters, its sprawling lava-scarred slopes make it the third-largest in the world.

While hiking or driving about, you’ll enjoy astonishing scenery and see remarkable rock formations. The most noteworthy is the 27 meter-high Roque Cinchado which makes for some great photos with Teide in the background. You can also take a long cable car ride up to its summit for breathtaking panoramas over the whole isle.

9. Guggenheim Museum Bilbao

Housed in one of the most unique buildings you’re likely to come across, the gleaming Guggenheim Museum is Bilbao’s top tourist attraction . Lying by the Nervion River, its extraordinary architecture attracts just as many people as the contemporary installations within.

Unveiled in 1997, the twisting, turning shapes of its titanium and glass transformed the city’s image with thousands now visiting just to see it. Created by Canadian-American architect Frank Gehry, its daring Deconstructivist design saw the Guggenheim instantly hailed as an architectural masterpiece.

Although its sensuous curves and striking silhouette steal the show, inside you’ll find lots of interesting installations. Constantly changing, these focus on everything from Cubist creations and contemporary prints to sculptural pieces that defy definition. Highlights of its permanent collection include works by Andy Warhol and Jorge Oteiza among others.

8. Palacio Real, Madrid

One of the largest and most lavish palaces in Europe, Palacio Real covers an enormous area, just west of Madrid’s main square Plaza Mayor. Surrounded by grand gardens and squares, it boasts over 3,400 decadently decorated rooms, fifty of which are open to the public.

Now only used for state ceremonies, the over-the-top Rococo palace was the official residence of the Spanish royals for centuries. Completed in 1755, its imposing facade is lined by Ionic columns with various statues and their coat of arms adorning it.

On tours of the palace, you can explore its sumptuously decorated state rooms full of art and antiques. Other than ogling at frescoes and examining fine tapestries and carvings, there are also the Throne Room and Hall of Mirrors to admire. The audio guide provides more information on the history of the palace, its armory and the royal family too.

See also: Where to Stay in Madrid

7. Running of the Bulls, Pamplona

An exhilarating event like no other, the Running of the Bulls in Pamplona sees a dozen big bulls let loose and chaos break out. From boarded-off areas and balconies, you can watch thousands of thrill-seekers sprint through the streets before the stampeding toros.

Held every July during the San Fermin festival, the tradition is thought to have begun in the northeast in the fourteenth century. Known in Spanish as the ‘encierro’, it has eight electrifying bull runs to watch or take part in.

Each starts at 8 AM and ends just under a kilometer away in the arena where the bulls fight later that evening. Before that though, both they and the bright white-and-red clad participants have to navigate the Old Quarter’s narrow, winding streets.

Watching them tear down alleys with a bellowing bull breathing down their necks really is a sight that will live long in the memory! Street parties, firework shows and traditional parades also take place alongside Basque sporting events and bullfights.

6. La Concha, San Sebastian

Regularly listed among the most beautiful beaches in Spain , La Concha curves its way gently about the large bay of the same name. Bordered by lush, green hills and bright white apartment buildings, it lies in the north of Spain, right next to the French border.

San Sebastian’s defining sight , its soft sands are so named due to their distinctive shell shape. Lying along the Bay of Biscay in the Basque Country, the beach is protected from the open sea so has some splendid swimming, kayaking and water skiing.

Besides basking on its sands or trying watersports, there are tasty seafood restaurants and beachside cafes to stop at. For unbelievable views over the beach, bay and its little island offshore, take a ride in its vintage funicular. At its summit, the historic amusement park offers sweeping panoramas over San Sebastian’s spectacular coastal scenery.

5. Aqueduct of Segovia

One of the best-preserved Roman monuments in Spain, the Aqueduct of Segovia makes its way from the mountains south of town right to the historic center. The city’s main sight, it is still in remarkably good shape, having been used up until the seventies.

Dating to around 50 AD, the ancient aqueduct extends seventeen kilometers in length across valleys, hills and fields. Impressively made of 24,000 hulking great granite blocks wedged together without mortar, its 167 arches tower 28,5 meters at their highest point.

A magnificent feat of engineering, it channeled water from the Rio Frio in the mountains to the city’s public baths, fountains and private homes. The best view of the enormous aqueduct is in Plaza del Azoguejo in the heart of the Old Town. This is where it reaches its maximum height and the best photos can be had.

4. Sagrada Familia, Barcelona

Barcelona’s most popular and famous attraction, the iconic Sagrada Familia is unlike any other church in the world. Full of fantastical features inspired by nature, its immense facades and intricate spires need to be seen to be believed.

Designed by the revered Catalan architect Antoni Gaudi, work on the basilica began in 1882 with its soaring towers and two of its facades still yet to be completed. Incredibly imaginative, it includes Art Nouveau, Gothic and Catalan Modernist elements – just not like you’ve seen before.

While we baulked at the steep admission, we’re so thankful we went in as its colossal tree-like columns and colourful stained-glass windows create quite the ambience. Its audio guide also provides more info on its history, architecture and Gaudi’s inspirations.

One of the best buildings we’ve seen, its dramatic size, sculptures and dancing colors make for some brilliant photos. From atop its tall towers, you can enjoy unrivaled views over all of Barcelona before you.

3. El Escorial

Once the political center of the Spanish Empire, El Escorial exhibits some exquisite architecture with priceless artworks and frescoes decorating its rooms. Nestled amidst the foothills of the Sierra de Guadarrama, it can be reached just in an hour from Madrid, either by car or public transport.

The largest Renaissance building in the world, it was constructed in 1584 on the orders of King Philip II. To reflect Spain’s influential role at the center of the Christian world, no expense was spared on its resplendent royal palace and marvelous monastery.

As you tour its lavish apartments, basilica and pantheon, you’ll find a plethora of pretty old artworks and intricately-painted ceilings. In the latter, 26 kings and queens are also buried in majestic marble sepulchres, highlighting El Escorial’s historic importance.

Besides gasping at phenomenal frescoes in its library, you can examine masterpieces by Durer and El Greco in its art gallery.

2. Mezquita of Cordoba

Not to be missed out, the Mezquita of Cordoba is without a doubt one of the country’s finest buildings (and that’s really saying something!). Yet another of the ’12 Treasures of Spain’, its elegant prayer hall and airy courtyard are hemmed in by the narrow medieval streets of the Old Town.

One of the most important examples of Islamic architecture, the Great Mosque was built in 785. Following the Reconquista, it was converted into a cathedral though most of its ornate, Moorish-era elements still remain. This is because its nave and transept were inserted into the center of the building, preserving its original look, style and feel.

Almost appearing like a fortress, it is most famed for the forest of red-and-white striped pillars and arches in its main hall. Decorating its basilica are an elaborate altar, carvings and dozens of chapels full of religious treasures and artworks. Its courtyard also has a lovely orange grove to amble about while delightful views can be enjoyed from its tower.

1. Alhambra

Another of Andalusia’s architectural gems is the expansive palace and fortress complex of Alhambra which sprawls across a hill in Granada . One of Spain’s top attractions, its courtyards, halls, gardens and citadel are utterly captivating (if exhausting!) to explore.

Once home to the Nasrid sultans, its ornamental architecture and gorgeous gardens represented the epitome of culture and civilization in Europe at the time. While work first started on the site in 1238, most of its standout features date to the fourteenth century.

Needing at least half a day to see, its highlights include the picturesque Patio of the Lions and the Generalife’s immaculate orchards, gardens and water features. The ruins of the Alcazaba – its former Moorish fortress – and the Renaissance palace of Emperor Charles V also need to be seen. An amazing place, Alhambra boasts loads of beautiful Islamic architecture with its spellbinding natural setting being just as impressive.

Map of Tourist Attractions in Spain

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Reader interactions.

April 17, 2017 at 12:18 pm

It was an amazing country with lots of beautiful places

February 9, 2016 at 9:56 am

I would love to go to spain some day

May 16, 2014 at 5:25 am

wow! i never knew how absolutly beautful spain is,one day i have to be there my self.

January 3, 2014 at 8:27 am

i think that you should do the best top Twenty & include photos of Valencia! & windmills of Don Caote. Regards steve

November 5, 2013 at 7:57 am

wow! I never knew how absolutely beautiful Spain was

October 30, 2013 at 1:39 pm

wow! I never knew how absolutely beautiful Spain was!

October 17, 2013 at 2:40 am

wow spain is amazing ….i love this place great options of atractions

May 14, 2013 at 6:40 am

wow! spain is amazing…… i love this place

April 13, 2013 at 7:22 am

I love Spain! I’d go there in a whiff.

March 3, 2013 at 3:19 am

Spain is just such a beautiful country. I think a top 500 could be made of Spain and all 500 things would be great 🙂

October 13, 2012 at 10:04 am

Wow i love all these attractions !!!

March 2, 2012 at 7:53 am

Awesome article. I will add your article to resources page in Travel in Spain

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Spain Travel Tips: 33 Things to Know Before Visiting Spain

Posted on Last updated: December 8, 2023

These Spain travel tips will help you have the best experience possible. If you are planning a trip, there are definitely some things you should know before you go to Spain.

What do you imagine when you think of Spain? Beaches? Yes. Heritage architecture? Yes. Bullfights? Yes.

But Spain is much more than this. I have been to Spain many times, and lived in a few different cities as well. During my times here, I have been able to acquaint myself with the friendly Spaniards and learn so much about what has become one of my favorite countries.

Spain is easily enjoyed – with such wonderful landscapes and climate, it’s hard not to! But these tips for traveling to Spain should iron out any issues and explore the country like a true expert.

Make Sure You Have a Valid Visa

Yes, that’s right, Europe is starting to implement visas. Whether you are traveling from the USA, Australia, or the UK (or anywhere else), make sure you are familiar with when the ETIAS will be implemented .

From 2025, everyone traveling to Spain and the EU will need and ETIAS visa, which is valid for 3 years once issued and allows a stay of 90 days in every 180 days in Europe (just like before).

Venture Beyond the Standard Tourist Circuit

Which Spanish cities are on your itinerary?

• Barcelona? Yes.
• Madrid? Yes.

But Spain is much more than these. Check out some small towns like:

• San Sebastian

And the list goes on and on! Don’t be afraid to venture beyond the biggest cities, because that’s where the true culture and authentic magic lie. When you move away from the popular tourist circuit, you experience the real Spain.

Get Ready to Delay Your Appetite Because Spaniards Eat Late

Natives in Spain eat extremely late compared to other cultures. Mornings in Spain are very different from the rushed mornings in Australia or the USA. For example, breakfast in Spain is usually around 8-9 am, followed by lunch at 2 pm (then siesta… see below) and a late dinner at 10 pm.

People love to stay up late in Spain. Among my many Spain travel tips , this one will probably save you the most heartache. As a pro tip: In Spain, it’s a good idea to have some light snacks in the evening to keep you full till dinner.

Siestas are a Real Thing

I just mentioned that people LOVE to stay up late in Spain, and this goes hand in hand with having a long afternoon nap after lunch, too. This is the Spanish siesta.

Siesta time in Spain is usually between 2 and 5 pm. But, no, the entire nation doesn’t sleep at that time. It means shops and restaurants will likely be closed during this time, especially in smaller towns and cities.

It’s basically the lunch and nap time of the entire nation, where things slow down. Before making any plans, factor siesta time in because there’s nothing more disheartening than waltzing out for a late afternoon meal and figuring out that everything is closed!

Tipping is Not the Norm

Tipping isn’t the norm in Spain, neither is it expected unless you get exceptional service. If you tip, ensure the restaurant hasn’t already added it to the check in the form of a service charge. If not, rounding up or a 10% tip is a good figure to go with.

Keep Your Belongings Close

Violent crime is rare in Spain (thank God for that!). However, that doesn’t mean petty theft or pickpocketing doesn’t happen – similarly to most big cities in Europe. To combat this:

• Always keep an eye on your belongings.
• Be extra cautious in crowded spaces like metros.
• Dress casually, and don’t be flashy.
• Wear your backpack in the front.
• Keep your phone on a cord ( this is the one I bought for Spain and have used ever since) or a zipped pocket
• Have a purse that zips
• Try to blend in.

Use the Public Transport

Almost every big city in Spain, like Madrid, Barcelona, Bilbao, and Seville, has a good public transit system. Such a transportation system is affordable and reliable. You might not find metros in smaller towns, but buses are common.

Intercity bus travel in most big cities in Spain usually costs you 2€, whereas cabs usually cost 1-2€ per kilometer. So, as a top Spain budget travel tip, it’s better to stick to public transport. Just keeps your belongings close, as I mentioned above.

Don’t Miss Paella when in Valencia

Paella is a rice-based dish that consists of rice, veggies, chicken, saffron, and seafood that is decidedly most popular dish in Spain.

Sounds delicious, doesn’t it?

It can be found all over the country, but if you want to enjoy authentic Paella, try it in Valencia. Not only will the taste be authentic, but you can find numerous variations of it.

Order the Local Beverages

You may be excited to drink copious amounts of sangria in Spain, and I don’t blame you. Order some sangria by all means, but make sure to expand your horizons a little bit!

Tinto de Verano is a local cocktail that more people should know about. It’s a combination of red wine and lemon soda – giving you some refreshment with your buzz.

Similarly, when in the Basque region, don’t skip Kalimotxo, which is red wine and coke. Don’t knock it until you try it! Vermouth is also an integral drink to Spanish culture, and you can even find it on tap in some places in Spain (and some small bars in Madrid). Theres white and red vermouth. but red ( vermut rojo ) is more popular.

Be Ready for the Festivals

Did you know Spain has over 800 annual festivals? Yes, that means every day you are in Spain, a festival of some kind is being celebrated.

Make sure to know about such festivals in advance and incorporate them into your itinerary. It’s always a shame when you find out the city you are in had a festival – yesterday!

Some of the most popular festivals in Spain include:

• La tomatina (Anyone wanna hurl tomatoes?)
• Las Fallas (Enjoy the huge bonfires when mache figures are burned)
• Semana Santa (Citywide feasts & bands)
• Sitges Carnival (LGBTQIA carnival)
• San Fermin (Running with the Bulls, anyone?)

There are also TONS of amazing music festivals- check my list of the top music festivals in Spain here. From all travelling in Spain tips I have covered in this post, this one is the most effective tip to experience Spanish culture.

Learn Some Basic Spanish Phrases Before You Go

Want to socialize with the locals? If so, the best way to do so is to learn basic Spanish phrases to get you by. Some of the best Spanish phrases to know before visiting Spain are:

• Hola means Hi.
• Buenos días means Good morning.
• ¿Hablas inglés? means Do you speak English?

Such rudimentary knowledge of Spanish will help you navigate and explore the country better, and also be more respected by locals (they are usually encouraging if you try)! In the big cities you can definitely get by with English. but it’s always helpful to know a bit of the local language no matter where you go.

Explore Barcelona Like a Pro

Since I know Barceona the best, I have to share all the resources I have compiled from my first hand experience living and exploring there. Here are my articles:

• Best Tapas Bars in Barcelona
• Unique Places to Stay in Barcelona for all Budgets
• Barcelona Hidden Gems
• Barcelona Outdoor Activities
• Best Rooftop Bars in Barcelona
• Best Views in Barcelona
• Barcelona’s Best Brunch & Breakfast
• Where to Find the Best Coffee in Barcelona

Spain is a Great Place to Work and Travel

Many travelers like to work as they travel these days, and Spain is a great country for that. Many people like to work as an au pair in Spain to learn the culture/language and live with a local family. There are also a lot of positions available to teach English in Barcelona /Spain too!

Summer is Not the Best Time to Visit Spain

Wait, what?

If you have researched the best time to visit Spain or looked at other travel tips for Spain, chances are most websites would have suggested summer. However, conditions are a lot different in much of Spain in summer. We are speaking about daily temperatures upwards of 95°F/35°C.

This is not exactly pleasant, and creates difficulty exploring during the middle of the day. That is NOT what you want when you are trying to make the most of your trip.

A better time to visit Spain would be in the shoulder season, between September to November and March to May. During these times the country will have better weather and also will also be less crowded.

There’s More to Spain than Spanish

Take a guess: How many official languages does Spain have?

The answer is FIVE! The point is, don’t expect Spanish to help you everywhere. Do learn some phrases in Castilian, Galician, Basque, Aranese, and Catalan, depending on the region you are visiting. Yes, most people speak Spanish (and English in bigger cities), but as I mentioned above, knowing a little goes a long way.

Pintxos to the Rescue

Above, I spoke about having a little snack because Spaniards dine late. But which snack? Pintxos (peen-chos) are a great option. They go well along with a drink and are relatively inexpensive. 

You can get them in bars for as little as 2€. Usually, Pintxos consist of small snacks held together with a toothpick. With numerous variants available, finding one that goes well with your taste buds is easy.

Tapas are a Must Have

Pintxos aren’t the only snack worth trying. Tapas are another great option. For those who aren’t aware, Tapa is similar to a miniature meal and widely regarded as Spain’s most significant contribution to the culinary world. Pintxos are smaller bite-sized snacks. C heck out the difference between the two here.

Some Tapas which you should definitely try include:

• Jamon Iberico
• Boquerones en Vinagre
• Patatas Bravas
• Padron Peppers/Pimientos de Padron

After living in Barcelona for a few months, I created a list of the best tapas bars in Barcelona here (and what to order/more of the best tapas to try).

Roads are a Great Way to Explore

Public transport is a great way to travel within city limits. It’s best to rent a car to travel between cities, since the roads (especially the toll roads) are in great condition. It helps you explore the country at your own pace so you can stop along the way.

Note: Before you follow these travel tips in Spain, ensure you download offline maps so that you don’t get lost if the network reception is poor.

Take it Slow

By now, you already know Spain offers hundreds of different things. That, however, doesn’t mean you should jam-pack your entire schedule.

It’s best to take it slow to enjoy the experience when in Spain. Instead of rushing from one attraction to another, have a scrumptious meal, socialize with the locals, take part in siesta, and take it all in. Take it slow, and you can really connect with the Spanish culture, which does the same.

Don’t Forget About Warm Clothes

You might be confused about why you would need warm clothes for Spain. Let me explain.

Spain is spread across a large geographic area. Seasons and temperatures can vary greatly from one part to another. For example, Spain is home to 11 mountain ranges (covered below). Wouldn’t it be cold up there? You bet!

That’s why you should always pack warm clothes if you plan to explore around the country. Moreover, instead of searching for the general seasons in Spain and packing accordingly, it’s best to check the seasons in individual parts of Spain. That will help you better prepare for your trip.

Book Tickets in Advance (and Remember Free Hours)

Most tourist attractions in Spain require an entry ticket. These are often sold out weeks in advance for popular attractions, especially during peak season. A prime example is the Alhambra (the most visited castle in Spain), whose tickets are often sold out one month in advance.

Besides booking the tickets in advance, ensure you arrive at the designated time; otherwise, you can be denied entry. You can also book ‘skip-the-line’ tours and tickets for many famous attractions such as:

• The Sagrada Familia in Barcelona
• The Alhambra in Grenada
• The Prado Museum in Madrid
• Alcazar in Seville

Note: Before booking the tickets, find out about free hours. Some attractions like the Madrid Royal Palace do have some free hours on certain days. However, be warned that the places get pretty crowded during these free hours.

Don’t Worry About Wifi

In Spain, it’s common for cafes and restaurants to provide WiFi. Besides, public WiFi hotspots are also available, and all hotels and vacation rentals will also have wifi. Staying connected isn’t an issue in Spain. Problems arise when you head to the mountains or countryside. Therefore, it’s best to download maps offline before embarking on such trips.

You Can Pay with a Credit Card

The good news about exploring Spain is that you won’t have to worry about payments. Carry a credit or debit card, and you can use it in cities and villages along the coast. ATM’s are everywhere if you need cash, but usually a card will suffice. The only exceptions are small transactions, so do carry some change for those.

Remember: The dominant transactional currency is Euros(€), but some merchants do provide the option of charging your card your local currency. Make sure to always stick to €; otherwise, you might incur extra charges.

Don’t Forget the Islands

For most tourists, Spain consists of beautiful cities, small towns, beaches, and mountain ranges. But did you know Spain has some of the most beautiful islands as well? When exploring Spain, don’t skip:

The Balearic Islands

Menorca, Mallorca, and Ibiza are the most well-known of the Balearic archipelago, located in the middle of the Mediterranean Sea. These islands have incredible climates, beautiful beaches and cliffs, and plenty of historic places to visit to continue learning about Spanish culture- but make it island life. Ibiza is, of course, one of the party capitals of the world!

The Canary Islands

Tenefire, Lanzarote, Gran Canaria, and more make up the 7 Canary Islands. You wouldn’t think them to be in Spain as they are actually out in the Atlantic Ocean closer to West Africa/Morocco, but they are an autonomous Spanish community. They are one of the sunshine capitals of Europe and have incredible volcanic landscapes that feel like another world.

Important Spain Travel Tips: Note Down the Emergency Number

This Spain travel tip is applicable to any country you are visiting. Spain has a single emergency number, which is 112 . Whether you are facing a health, accident, or any other emergency, this number will help you gain assistance.

Socialize After Meals

In Spain, meals are a means to socialize. So, don’t complete your meal in a hurry and leave, because meal time is the best time to socialize.

After your meal, stick around for some chit-chat or another drink (or five). Spaniards even have a word for it: Sobremesa . It means “over the table” and refers to the conversations that happen after the meal.

Choosing a Good Restaurant is an Art in Spain

The best way to enjoy great food in Spain involves choosing a restaurant that not only has great reviews but also is frequented by locals.

In addition to reviews, check the menu, and if it’s in Spanish and the restaurant isn’t close to tourist attractions, it’s probably a good one to sample authentic Spanish cuisine.

Do Visit the UNESCO Heritage Sites

Spain is a paradise for history and heritage lovers. With 49 UNESCO World Heritage Sites , you will be spoilt for choice. This makes Spain tied for 4th with time most UNESCO heritage sites in the world. That’s a LOT of history!

Whether you love heritage buildings, cities, rock art, or landscapes, there are numerous places to visit that are just as beautiful as they are fascinating.

Take Advantage of all Coastlines

Do You Know: Apart from the Mediterranean sea, which other water bodies touch Spain?

The answer is the Atlantic Ocean and the Cantabrian Sea. The Mediterranean Sea does offer some great attractions like Costa del Sol, Costa Brava, and Costa de Valencia, but the beaches in Cantabria are known for their pristine waters and sparse crowds.

As for the Atlantic coastline, it offers some of the biggest surfing waves in the world and is a surfer’s paradise. In a nutshell, don’t limit your trip to a single coastline.

Opt for Fixed-Price Lunches

Most other bloggers covering Travel tips for Spain won’t highlight this hack, but it can help you save a lot of money. Lunch is the most lavish meal of the day in Spain. However, don’t burn a hole in your pocket while having lunch.

Instead, go with fixed-price lunch-only menus that most popular restaurants offer. Usually, the menu offers you a choice between 3 to 5 appetizers, 3 to 5 main course options, and desserts. A drink and bread are usually included. This is a great way to enjoy different foods without breaking the bank!

Tap Water is Safe for Drinking

Tap water in Spain is potable and fine to drink. However, the taste can vary from one city to another. As long as you are in a city or town, it’s best to avoid spending money on bottled water. However, when I was in Barcelona some people said they did not like the tap water. It IS safe, but it’s up to you.

Tip: I do recommend trying Vichy Catalan when in Spain, which is a naturally sparkling water sourced in Spain . Even though it isn’t exactly cheap, it has healing properties due to its source.

Spain Can Be Very Affordable

Even though the dominant currency in Spain is Euros(€), it’s not as expensive as France or Germany. It’s definitely one of the more affordable countries in Western Europe. However, if you compare it to Portugal, it’s more expensive.

Spain budget travel tips : The trick is to plan your trip in advance, avoid expensive food (there are many Michelin restaurants in Spain!), and opt for affordable accommodation.

Don’t Miss the Nightlife

When it comes to nightlife, western Europe is the place to be, and Spain surely does not disappoint.

Since Spaniards like to eat late (dinner at 10 pm), the parties go on till dawn. The bigger venues might have a deadline of 4 am, but many smaller venues don’t. As for club options, you will be spoilt for choice, especially in cities like Barcelona.

You can enjoy the nightlife in Spain in numerous ways like:

• Hanging out at a local bar
• Drinking in public (It’s legal!)
• Experiencing a flamenco performance while drinking
• Enjoying nightlife at clubs and discos
• Attending music festivals

Visit at Least One Michelin-Star Restaurant

Up until now, I have spoken about local Spanish snacks, but Spain is also home to many Michelin-star restaurants. So, if you feel like splurging on a nice meal during your trip, there are plenty of options. MAny of them also have tasting menus and very creative dishes. Head over to any of the options below:

• Noor (Cordoba)
• Canabota (Sevilla)
• Quique Dacosta (Denia)
• La Salita (Valencia)

Make Sure to Explore The Mountains

Did you know Spain is home to 11 Mountain ranges? The most popular ones include:

• Sierra Nevada
• Picos de Europa
• Sistema de Gredos

If you have time to explore only 1, I would recommend to explore the Sierra Nevada range because of its:

• Scenic roads (Hint: Road to Pico de Veleta – the highest paved road in Europe )
• Beautiful villages (Capileira)
• Ski resorts
• Hiking trails (Pico de Veleta, El Chullo, Laguna de las Yeguas)

Spain Travel Tips to Save on Attractions: Try City Passes

Do you plan to explore a city extensively? If yes, most large cities in Spain allow you to buy a city card that provides you access to attractions within the city limits. A primary example is the Madrid City Card which costs only 8€ for one day. Or you can get city passes that include admission to main attractions. For example:

• Madrid Go City Pass
• Barcelone Go City Pass

Some sightseeing passes also provide free transportation. Do check out such city cards before booking the individual venue tickets.

Plan your trip keeping these Spain travel tips in mind, and I am sure you will have a memorable trip. These travel tips for Spain should help you avoid most tourist pitfalls and explore this beautiful country at its best. Let me know your thoughts in the comments below!

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19 Top-Rated Tourist Attractions in Spain

Written by Michael Law , Lana Law , and Lisa Alexander Updated Aug 31, 2023

Spain is a dream destination for travelers. The grandeur of a caliph's palace, the sun-drenched days spent on Mediterranean beaches, and the stamp of a flamenco dancer's heels. You can find the soul of Spain in tourist experiences like these, which represent the country's rich history, fascinating culture, and enchanting natural beauty.

From the bustling street life of La Rambla in Barcelona and Plaza Mayor in Madrid to the forest of columns and Moorish arches disappearing into the silent expanse of Cordoba's Great Mosque, Spain exudes a vibrant energy and a captivating blend of past and present. And if you get off the main tourist routes and venture into less tourist-oriented towns, you'll be pleasantly surprised by what you find.

Plan your sightseeing and find interesting things to do with our list of the top attractions in Spain.

1. The Alhambra and Generalife Gardens, Granada

2. barcelona's sagrada familia and gaudí sites, 3. the great mosque of córdoba (la mezquita), 4. seville cathedral and alcázar, 5. the prado and paseo del artes, madrid, 6. san lorenzo de el escorial, 7. guggenheim museum, bilbao, 8. santiago de compostela cathedral, 9. plaza mayor, madrid, 10. plaza de españa and parque de maría luisa, seville, 11. ciudad de las artes y las ciencias, valencia, 12. beaches of gran canaria, 13. la rambla, barcelona, 14. the costa del sol, 15. el teide, tenerife, 16. toledo's old city, 17. the white towns of andalucía.

No matter how much you have read or how many pictures you have seen of Granada's Alhambra palaces, this Moorish pleasure palace will still take your breath away. The Nasrid dynasty's royal palace is the artistic highlight of Spain's Islamic period, when Al-Andalus - as they called Andalucía - represented the epitome of culture and civilization in medieval Europe.

The Alhambra complex includes several buildings, towers, walls, gardens, and a mosque, but it's the indescribably intricate stone carvings, the delicate filigrees, the magnificent tile-lined ceilings, the graceful arches, and serene courtyards of the Nasrid palace that will haunt your dreams.

That said, the adjoining palace built for the Emperor Charles V, even in its unfinished state is the finest example of High Renaissance architecture in Spain. And Generalife's terraced gardens offer a peaceful respite from the grandeur, and splendid views back at the rest of the Alhambra.

Author's Note: The Alhambra is large, requires a great deal of walking, and takes time to see. Don't plan on a quick visit. Be sure to book tickets well in advance. This is Spain's most visited tourist attraction and tickets sell out weeks in advance during busy times.

Travelers should set aside at least a half day to visit the Alhambra palaces and several days to explore the tourist attractions of Granada . Besides the Alhambra, other highlights of Granada include the UNESCO-listed Albaicín , the medieval Moorish quarter; the 16th-century Capilla Real de Granada (Royal Chapel); and the Sacromonte quarter, where flamenco performances take place in gypsy caves.

Antoni Gaudí took the architectural style known as Art Nouveau a step further, even, some have argued, into absurdity. The fanciful and outrageous buildings he created in Barcelona have become landmarks, the most emblematic tourist attractions of this Catalan city.

Foremost is the Basílica de la Sagrada Família, officially the Temple Expiatori de la Sagrada Família or the Holy Family Church of the Atonement. One of Europe's most unconventional churches, it is also unfinished, so as you look down from its tower, you can see the work in progress below.

You may search in vain for absolute straight lines in Gaudí's Casa Milà , his last and most famous secular work; it resembles a piece of sculpture more than a functional building. Be sure to ascend to its roof – the chimneys are said to have inspired the image of Darth Vader from Star Wars .

The fantastic Casa Batlló, an iconic Gaudí building with mask-shaped balconies and an undulating façade, presents Magic Nights outdoor concerts on the building's rooftop terrace.

Parc Güell overlooks the city from a hillside, the views and gardens framed by fantastical creatures – salamanders, fish, an octopus – and designs in bright ceramic-chard mosaics. A fanciful towered house near the entrance is largely covered with colorful ceramic pieces.

Gaudí's monuments appeal even to children and to adults who don't care a thing about architecture, for one simple reason: they are just plain fun to look at.

Once the principal mosque of western Islam and still known as La Mezquita, Córdoba's Great Mosque is one of the largest in the world and the finest achievement of Moorish architecture in Spain.

In spite of later alterations that carved out its center to build a Catholic cathedral at its heart, the Great Mosque ranks with the Alhambra in Granada as one of the two most splendid examples of Islamic art and architecture in western Europe.

Building materials from Roman and Visigothic buildings were used in the construction, which began in 785, and by 1000, it had grown to its present dimensions, its prayer hall with no fewer than nineteen aisles. No matter where you stand or in which direction you look, its rows of columns and rounded Moorish arches line up in symmetrical patterns.

La Mezquita is found in the city center, close to many major attractions in Cordoba . Stroll down to the Puente Romano (Roman Bridge) and the Puerta del Puente , or find a place to eat along the riverfront.

Some of the other highlights include the flower-bedecked patios in the Judería (old Jewish quarter) near the Great Mosque; the Palacio de Viana , a 15th-century aristocratic palace; and the Alcázar de los Reyes Cristianos , the former Caliphal Palace that Catholic king Fernando III took over in the 13th century. Narrow, winding streets; small squares; and low whitewashed houses fill the Judería, lending a Moorish atmosphere inherited from its past.

You can't miss the Seville Cathedral. This enormous structure is the largest Gothic cathedral in the world and dominates the city center.

The Catedral de Sevilla , the La Giralda tower, and the Alcázar combine to form a UNESCO World Heritage Site . These three exceptional historic landmarks are the top tourist attractions of Seville .

While you can appreciate the cathedral from the outside, you need to step inside and walk beside the massive columns to really get a sense of the size. The Cathedral of Seville has more interior space than St. Peter's in Rome. The 37-meter main altar consists of carved statues completely covered in gold. The monumental tomb of Christopher Columbus is held aloft by a quartet of larger-than-life figures.

A masterpiece of Almohad architecture, La Giralda began life as a minaret and is all that's left of the city's Great Mosque, destroyed to build the cathedral.

The Alcázar opposite the cathedral was begun by the Moors in 712 and redesigned after the Christian Reconquest by Pedro I in ornate Mudéjar style (blending Gothic and Muslim architectural elements). The rooms and salons are breathtaking, with fanciful embellishments such as intricate tiled walls and patterned ceilings.

Shaded by fragrant orange and lemon trees, the dreamy Alcázar gardens were pictured in the Game of Thrones series. Fans of this show may recognize the fountains from the Kingdom of Dorne's Water Gardens.

Bordering the Alcázar on the east is the Barrio de Santa Cruz , the former Judería (Jewish quarter), a neighborhood of whitewashed homes, iron balconies, and flower-filled courtyards.

One of the top tourist attractions in Madrid , the Prado alone ranks with the world's top art museums for the riches of its collections. But add the Reina Sofía National Art Museum , the Thyssen-Bornemisza National Museum, and the CaixaForum , all along Madrid's mile-long, tree-shaded boulevard, and you have what may be the world's highest concentration of priceless art treasures. It's no wonder this is known as El Paseo del Arte, Boulevard of the Arts.

The Prado has the world's largest collection of Spanish art, an impressive continuum from 12th-century medieval works through the avant-garde movement of the early 20th century, and is especially noted for its works from Spain's golden age by El Greco, Velázquez, and Goya.

But its riches are not all Spanish; other highlights are the medieval murals and retablos, paintings by Flemish and Dutch artists (be sure to see the fantasy world of Hieronymus Bosch and works by Rubens and Brueghel), and Italian art (Botticelli, Raphael, Correggio, Titian, and Tintoretto).

Highlights of the Museo Reina Sofía's impressive 20,000-piece collection are Picasso's Guernica and works by Miró, Dalí, Dubuffet, Braque, Serra, Calder, and Magritte.

San Lorenzo de El Escorial, about 45 kilometers northwest of Madrid, was the summer home of Spain's kings, and in 1563, work was begun here on a huge complex, which would include a monastery, church, royal palace, mausoleum, library, and museum, all conceived as a monument to Philip II and his reign.

The result is a staggering collection of attractions, built around 16 courtyards, its rooms and structures connected by 16 kilometers of corridors. At its core is the church, the highlight of which is Herrera's 30-meter-high retablo, made of jasper and red marble and approached by a flight of 17 steps.

Along with the vaulted and frescoed ceilings by Tibaldi in the rooms off the lower cloister, highlights of the monastery are the Panteón de los Reyes (the Baroque burial vault of the Spanish kings) and the library , a grand room also adorned with Tibaldi frescoes .

In the palace, be sure to see the Bourbon Suite, where the state apartments of Charles IV are decorated with rare furnishings and 338 tapestries. Beyond are the art-filled private apartments of Philip II. The Picture Gallery below has a large collection of fine paintings, including works by Hieronymus Bosch, Albrecht Dürer, Titian, Tintoretto, Veronese, Velázquez, and El Greco.

Official site: https://el-escorial.com

You really have to see this building to believe it - no photograph has ever done justice to this symphony of shapes, so alive that they seem ready to take wing. American architect Frank Gehry used blocks of limestone and undulating sheets of titanium to turn the notion of modern architecture on its ear.

So thoroughly did he succeed that two new terms were born from it: "The Bilbao Effect" - the ability of a city to turn its fortunes around by constructing a single world-class building - and "architourism," a whole segment of the travel industry revolving around landmarks of contemporary architecture.

Inside the 24,000-square-meter galleries of the museum are temporary exhibitions and rotating displays of its own collections of modern art. Highlights include works by Anselm Kiefer, Willem de Kooning, Mark Rothko, and Andy Warhol.

Besides the Guggenheim Museum, Bilbao has other interesting cultural attractions : the Museo de Bellas Artes de Bilbao (Museum of Fine Arts), the Casco Viejo (Old Town), and the gourmet dining scene. Bilbao is renowned for its Michelin-starred gastronomic restaurants, including Nerua in the Guggenheim Museum; Ola Martín Berasategui, which serves contemporary Spanish cuisine based on fresh market ingredients; and Atelier Etxanobe, which offers creative haute cuisine.

The magnificent cathedral of Santiago (St. James) in Santiago de Compostela was built to house and honor the relics of the saint, and it has been the ultimate destination of pilgrims since the Middle Ages. (Today, the historic town of Santiago de Compostela still draws modern-day pilgrims and also is a top travel destination in the Galicia region of Northern Spain ).

One of the outstanding monuments of Early Romanesque architecture, the cathedral was built between 1060 and 1211, and despite the Baroque transformation of the exterior in the 16th to 18th centuries, the interior is still in the purest Early Romanesque style.

You'll see both of these periods at play as you enter the west front, through one of Spain's most impressive church facades. Step inside to face the Pórtico de la Gloria , part of the old west front now concealed by the 18th-century facade. This triple doorway is one of the largest and most magnificent collections of Romanesque sculpture in the world.

The focal point of the interior is the elaborately decorated Capilla Mayor , built over the Apostle's tomb. In the center of the high altar of jasper, alabaster, and silver is a 13th-century wooden figure of the Apostle, richly adorned in precious metals and gems.

On either side, narrow staircases lead up behind the figure so that pilgrims can kiss the Apostle's cloak - culminating their pilgrimage. In a crypt under the altar, the Apostle's remains are in a silver casket.

The throbbing heartbeat of Spain's vibrant capital city, Plaza Mayor has played an important part in Madrid's everyday life since the 16th century, when Philip II entrusted the task of designing it to his favorite architect Juan de Herrera, builder of San Lorenzo de El Escorial.

Today one of the top cultural attractions of Madrid, the Plaza Mayor has for centuries served as the stage for ceremonial events – the proclamation of a new king, the canonization of saints, the burning of heretics – and public entertainment such as chivalric tournaments and bullfights.

The cafés spilling out onto the plaza's pedestrian-only stone pavement, and the restaurants shaded under its arcades are Madrid's living room, popular meeting places for Madrileños and tourists alike.

As the center of Madrid's social life, the area around the Plaza Mayor is one of the best places to stay in Madrid.

Built for the Ibero-American Exposition of 1929 to celebrate the various regions of Spain, the Plaza de España is an impressive semi-circular pavilion surrounded by colonnades. Beautiful panels of colorful decorative tiles representing each of Spain's provinces are set overlooking the long pool, which is crossed by bridges. It's a popular place to visit for a stroll or to row a rental boat around the pool and under the bridges.

The Plaza de España is the focal point of the vast Parque de María Luisa, a half mile of gardens, lawns, and shaded walks stretching alongside the river opposite central Seville. You can rent a pedal car or ride though in a horse-drawn carriage. Busy any day, on Sundays the park overflows with families.

The best way to see the giant trees, flower beds, pools, gazebos, and the man-made rock mountain with a waterfall is to stroll through the park, following the side paths into hedge-surrounded gardens. At the far end of the park, you'll find a small but rich archeology museum with Visigoth jeweled crosses and ancient gold work.

When Valencia diverted the course of the river that had repeatedly flooded the city, it was left with a broad, flat riverbed spanned by bridges. It was upon this clean palette that the brilliant Spanish architect Santiago Calatrava created a breathtaking ensemble of structures that have become a magnet for aficionados of contemporary architecture.

Not only the buildings, but the museums, arts venues, and aquarium (by Félix Candela and the only building not designed by Calatrava) form a series of tourist attractions in Valencia that rank among Spain's most popular.

Europe's largest oceanographic aquarium, L'Oceanogràfic, was built in the shape of a water lily with buildings dedicated to different aquatic environments from the tropics to the poles.

The largest of the Canary Islands, Gran Canaria is best known for the golden-sand beaches that line most of its southern coast. Playa de Las Canteras is in the capital city of Las Palmas, popular with families for its calm waters, protected by a natural breakwater of volcanic rock.

The largest beach, and the liveliest, is the Playa del Inglés at Maspalomas, which abounds with cafés, restaurants, shops, play parks, and other amusements. At one end is one of the archipelago's natural wonders, a vast protected area of gigantic sand dunes. These reach as high as 12 meters and are constantly shifting as they are shaped by the wind and the sea. To complete the desert illusion, you can ride through this desolate and other-worldly landscape on a camel.

The water is relatively warm on this coast, and so clear that it's popular with divers. There's an underwater park at Arinaga and diving schools at Playa del Inglés and several other places along the coast. Or you can see the fish and other sea life from a cruise on a glass-bottomed boat. The south coast is also popular for windsurfing and sailing.

Read More: Top Things to Do on Gran Canaria

Strolling along La Rambla on a summer evening, you might think that every single one of Barcelona's inhabitants was there with you. It's definitely the place to be after work on a summer evening or on a weekend. This tree-lined boulevard cuts a green line - not a very straight one - through the city center, stretching northwest from the Columbus Memorial near the port.

The section to the Plaça de Catalunya is lined with plane trees, its wide pedestrian zone flanked by a narrow road on each side. Along with its flower and bird markets, La Rambla has a number of book and newspaper stands, as well as restaurants and cafés with open-air tables. Pavement artists, street musicians, living statues, and impromptu performers all add to its lively atmosphere.

One of the highlights of La Rambla is the Mercat de la Boqueria (91 Rambla), a traditional covered marketplace that sells fresh produce, meat, fish, bread, cheese, and other specialty foods. Locals come here to shop for ingredients to prepare home-cooked meals. Tourists will appreciate the chance to sample regional delicacies served at the market's tapas bars.

Long a destination for sun-starved northern Europeans, the Costa del Sol is a seemingly unending stretch of beaches and cities along Spain's southwestern Mediterranean coastline. The summer weather here is exceptional, with long, hot days, and steamy fun-filled nights.

Must-see cities along this stretch include the glitzy and glamourous Marbella with its famous harbor chock full of luxury yachts, and Malaga , with its restored downtown and the stunning Alcazaba perched on the hilltop. If you prefer something a bit smaller, check out the small-town charms of Neerja.

Fun cities aside, it's the beaches that are the major draw here. The soft, golden sand lapped by azure waters makes it almost impossible not to go swimming. In fact, the Costa del Sol is home to many of Spain's best beaches , each with their own special vibe.

One of the highlights of the Canary Islands, Tenerife has many attractions . But El Teide is what makes the island truly special.

The highest peak in Spain, this ancient - but still simmering - volcano is also one of Europe's top natural wonders. The Pico del Teide and the Caldera de las Cañadas, a gigantic volcanic crater, together form the Parque Nacional del Teide , at the center of the island of Tenerife. In listing the park in 2007, UNESCO cited its natural beauty and "its importance in providing evidence of the geological processes that underpin the evolution of oceanic islands."

You can explore El Teide in several ways. You can drive or hike across the inside of the caldera - the crater floor - 12 miles in diameter and a barren moonscape of colored rock formations that's like driving into the center of the earth. You can climb El Teide's cone, but an easier way to get close to the top is by an eight-minute cable car ride . On a clear day, views cover the entire archipelago and can extend to North Africa - the nearest land mass to the Canary Islands.

Read More: Best Beaches on Tenerife

Toledo is a fantastic city to wander around and get lost in its narrow streets. The layout of the town, with its irregular pattern of streets and numerous blind alleys, reflects its Moorish past, and the architecture of the Christian period is represented by the numerous churches, convents, and hospices. This makes the Casco Histórico (Old Town) a kind of open-air museum, illustrating the history of Spain, and it has been listed by UNESCO as part of mankind's cultural heritage.

Moorish, Gothic, and Renaissance architecture mingle and blend into a city that El Greco captured in one of his most famous paintings. High on a granite hill and surrounded on three sides by the deep gorge of the Tagus River, the medieval city of Toledo presents a stunning profile; approaching it from below is an unforgettable sight.

With its richly decorated interior, the splendid Gothic Catedral de Toledo is one of Toledo's top tourist attractions , and the two synagogues in the atmospheric old Judería (Jewish quarter) are ornate in the Moorish style. While in the Judería, be sure to see the church of Santo Tomé for its El Greco masterpiece.

You can easily visit Toledo as a day trip from Madrid (just an hour away by train), but it's also a nice place to spend a night, so you can linger later into the day and soak up the atmosphere in the evening.

Poised like dabs of white frosting atop the steep crags of southern Andalucía, the White Towns (Pueblos Blancos) are not just beautiful, they speak of this region's long and fascinating history. West of Gibraltar, mountains rise straight from the sea, and among them hide these hilltop whitewashed towns.

Most spectacular is Arcos de la Frontera , whose plaza beside the Gothic church ends vertiginously in a 137-meter cliff, affording views across a valley of olive, orange, and almond orchards. Its maze of winding cobbled streets lead past cafes and craft shops selling ceramics and pottery to a Moorish castle.

A total of 19 of these villages of small white houses are in the area around the Grazalema Nature Reserve. Grazalema and Zahara de la Sierra are two others worth seeing. A good base in the region is Jerez de la Frontera , home of flamenco and Andalucian thoroughbreds. Watch these horses' precision ballet at the Royal Andalucian School of Equestrian Art, and for authentic flamenco, visit Centro Cultural Flamenco .

One of the most photographed towns is Setenil de las Bodegas , where many of the buildings are built into or beneath the rock walls.

• Read More: Top Pueblos Blancos (White Villages) of Andalusia

Ibiza is well known the world over as a place to come to have a good time in the sun. Blessed with exceptional beaches and lively towns, the island has been attracting a youthful set for decades. During the day Ibiza's beaches are packed with people enjoying the sun and surf, and at night certain areas are entertainment hotspots where DJs spin the latest tunes.

However, what many people don't know is that Ibiza is also a great place to soak up some history. Take a stroll along the cobblestone streets into the UNESCO-listed old quarter of Dalt Vila where you'll find a surprising number of well-preserved Gothic Catalan buildings. Up above it all is the fortress, offering stunning views.

If you up for a bit of adventure away from the crowds, head to the tranquil coves of Portinatx. Lay your towel out on the soft sand and enjoy the peace and quiet.

The ancient city of Ronda is one of the highlights of a visit to Spain's Andalucia region. Perched impossibly on a rocky outcrop complete with a historical bridge and well-preserved old town, this city just begs to be photographed.

Ronda is exceptionally easy to walk around, many of the major sights are a short stroll from one another including the Puente Nuevo bridge over the 100-meter-deep Tajo de Ronda gorge, the Plazas de Toros bullring, and La Cuidad, the old Moorish town center.

Spend a day wandering the sights and then settling into a prime patio seat on the Plaza del Socorro. Fans of Ernst Hemingway may recognize certain areas from his book For Whom the Bell Tolls.

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Update April 12, 2024

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Travel Advisory July 26, 2023

Spain - level 2: exercise increased caution.

Reissued with obsolete COVID-19 page links removed.

Exercise increased caution in Spain due to  terrorism  and  civil unrest .

Country Summary:  Terrorist groups continue plotting possible attacks in Spain. Terrorists may attack with little or no warning, targeting tourist locations, transportation hubs, markets/shopping malls, local government facilities, hotels, clubs, restaurants, places of worship, parks, major sporting and cultural events, educational institutions, airports, and other public areas.

Demonstrations are common. They may take place in response to political or economic issues, on politically significant holidays, and during international events.

Read the  country information page for additional information on travel in Spain.

If you decide to travel to Spain:

• Avoid demonstrations and crowds.
• Be aware of your surroundings when traveling to tourist locations and crowded public venues.
• Follow the instructions of local authorities.
• Monitor local media for breaking events and adjust your plans based on new information.
• Enroll in the  Smart Traveler Enrollment Program  ( STEP ) to receive Alerts and make it easier to locate you in an emergency.
• Follow the Department of State on  Facebook  and  Twitter .
• Review the  Country Security Report  for Spain.
• Visit the CDC page for the latest Travel Health Information related to your travel.
• Prepare a contingency plan for emergency situations. Review the  Traveler’s Checklist .

Embassy Messages

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Quick Facts

6 months recommended, 3 months beyond your date of departure is required

1 page per stamp

None required for less than 90 days

Embassies and Consulates

U.S. Embassy Madrid Calle Serrano, 75 28006 Madrid, Spain Telephone: (34) 91-587-2200 Emergency after-hours telephone: (34) 91-587-2200  Fax: (34) 91-587-2303 E-mail: [email protected]

U.S. Consulate General Barcelona Paseo Reina Elisenda de Montcada, 23 08034 Barcelona, Spain Telephone: (34) 93-280-2227 Emergency after-hours telephone: (34) 91-587-2200  Fax: (34) 93-280-6175 E-mail: [email protected]

U.S. Consular Agency Fuengirola (Málaga) Avenida Juan Gómez "Juanito", 8 Edificio Lucía 1º-C 29640 Fuengirola (Málaga), Spain Telephone: (34) 95-247-4891 Fax: (34) 95-246-5189 E-mail: [email protected]

U.S. Consular Agency Las Palmas Edificio Arca Calle Los Martinez de Escobar 3, Oficina 7 35007 Las Palmas, Gran Canaria, Spain Telephone: (34) 92-827-1259 Fax: (34) 92-822-5863 E-mail:   [email protected]

U.S. Consular Agency Palma de Mallorca Edificio Reina Constanza Porto Pi, 8, 9-D 07015 Palma, Islas Baleares, Spain Telephone: (34) 97-140-3707  Fax: (34) 97-140-3971 E-mail: [email protected]

U.S. Consular Agency Seville Plaza Nueva 8-8 duplicado 2nd Floor, Office E-2 No.4 41101 Sevilla, Spain Telephone: (34) 95-421-8751 Fax: (34) 95-422-0791 E-mail:   [email protected]

U.S. Consular Agency Valencia Doctor Romagosa 1, 2-J 46002 Valencia, Spain Telephone: (34) 96-351-6973 Fax: (34) 96-352-9565 E-mail:   [email protected]

Destination Description

See the Department of State’s Fact Sheet on Spain for information on U.S.-Spain relations.  

Entry, Exit and Visa Requirements

U.S. citizens traveling to Spain are not subject to any COVID-19 entry restrictions.

Spain is a party to the  Schengen Agreement . This means that U.S. citizens may enter Spain for up to 90 days for tourism or business without a visa. Your passport should be valid for at least three months beyond the period of stay. You must have sufficient funds and a return airline ticket. Visit the  Embassy of Spain  website for the most current visa information.

Traveling Through Europe : If you are planning to visit, transit and/or travel through European countries, you should be familiar with the requirements of the Schengen Agreement. 

• Your passport should be valid for at least three months beyond the period of stay. If you plan on transiting a Schengen country, review our U.S. Travelers in Europe page .    
• You will need sufficient proof of funds and a return plane ticket .  
• For additional information about visas for the Schengen area, see the Schengen Visa page.

Students and athletes:  Students, prospective students, and athletes should visit the  Embassy of Spain  website for additional information on entry requirements. You should not travel to Spain as a student or for an athletic/study program without the appropriate Spanish visa. U.S. citizen students and athletes have been denied entry and held in immigration detention at Spanish airports awaiting return flights to the United States because they lacked the appropriate visa. If your coach or sponsoring program says that you do not require a visa to study, play for a sports team, or participate in a sports training program in Spain, you should confirm this information with the nearest Spanish consulate in the United States before you travel.

U.S. citizen minors living in Spain:  Spanish law mandates that all Spanish minors traveling internationally without their parents or legal guardians must have written notarized permission from a parent or guardian. The law also applies to foreign, minor residents if their country of nationality also requires parental permission. While U.S. law does not require minors traveling without a parent/guardian to have the parents’/guardians’ written permission, Spanish authorities and airlines have occasionally misinterpreted the law and stopped U.S. citizens minors from departing the country. Therefore, parents/legal guardians should consider preparing a notarized, written permission for their U.S. citizen minor children to travel abroad unaccompanied or with a third party.

HIV/AIDS restrictions: The U.S. Department of State is unaware of any HIV/AIDS entry restrictions for visitors to or foreign residents of Spain.  

Find information on dual nationality , prevention of international child abduction , and customs regulations on our websites.

Safety and Security

Terrorism:  Terrorist groups and those inspired by such organizations are intent on encouraging or conducting attacks worldwide, including within Europe. Terrorists are increasingly using less sophisticated methods of attack – including knives, firearms, and vehicles – to target crowds more effectively. Frequently, their aim is unprotected or vulnerable targets, such as: 

• High-profile public events (sporting contests, political rallies, demonstrations, holiday events, celebratory gatherings, etc.)
• Hotels, clubs, and restaurants frequented by tourists 
• Places of worship 
• Schools 
• Parks 
• Shopping malls and markets 
• Public transportation systems (including subways, buses, trains, and scheduled commercial flights)  

Spain’s open borders with its Western European neighbors allow the possibility for terrorists to enter and exit the country anonymously. Additionally, Spain’s enclaves in Melilla and Ceuta on the North African coast allow for entry into Spain from the African continent. Spain has taken robust actions to guard against terrorist attacks, including arrests of suspected extremists allegedly involved in terrorist plots. Credible information indicates terrorist groups continue to plot potential attacks in Europe, including Spain.

For more information, see our Terrorism page.  

Crime:  Pickpocketing and other minor crimes, such as theft, are very common in Spain including instances where the victim is purposefully distracted to facilitate the theft. Street crimes against U.S. citizens usually occur in  tourist areas, including airports, train stations, and both urban and beach destinations .

Violent crimes, including robberies, have also been reported. Some instances have required the victim to seek medical attention. Car break-ins are also frequent in Spain.

Use common sense, awareness and the same personal security measures you would normally use in any large city or tourist destination.

Keep track of your passport at all times, including on flights and other modes of transportation. There have been reports of passports being stolen on planes en route to Spain. Do not leave bags unattended. Keep them in sight and avoid placing passports, cash, cell phones, or other valuables in the outer pockets of backpacks or purses on tables or floors, grounds in public places. Do not leave bags slung over the backs of chairs, on hotel or store counters, on top of your suitcase or travel bag, or out of your physical control in hotel lobbies, car rental locations, train stations, restaurants, and other public places. Avoid carrying your passport unless needed for travel, especially in tourist areas. Instead, carry a photocopy or photo of your passport’s biographical information page and consider leaving your passport in a secure location, such as a hotel safe. Your passport will be required to check in into any hotel in Spain and may be required for trains or tourist sites.

Sexual Assault:  The U.S. Mission in Spain has received numerous reports of sexual assaults affecting U.S. citizens, especially younger travelers, students, and exchange teachers.

Navigating the Spanish criminal justice system after surviving a sexual assault has been difficult for many U.S. citizen victims, who report feeling judged and re-victimized throughout the very lengthy process.

Although it is not required, many U.S. citizen victims of sexual assault in Spain have found it helpful to hire a local attorney to be their advocate and defend their rights during any judicial process or use the help of the local Office of Victim’s Assistance. Information about the local victim’s assistance program is given out at the police station when the report is filed.

There have been numerous reports alleging sexual assaults against U.S. citizen students by Manuel Blanco Vela, a representative of a tour operator based in Seville, Spain. Conduct research online to determine who owns and operates tour companies to make informed choices.

Many sexual assaults occur at night or during the early morning hours. In most cases, assailants take advantage of alcohol or drugs to make victims more vulnerable.

Domestic Violence:  U.S. citizen victims of domestic violence should call the toll-free emergency number in Spain, 016, for assistance, and the U.S. Embassy in Madrid at (34) 91-587-2200 or U.S. Consulate General Barcelona at (+34) 93-280-2227. Note that the local authorities are responsible for investigating and prosecuting crimes.

Victims of Crime:  U.S. citizen victims of domestic violence, sexual assault or other violent crimes are encouraged to report crimes to the local emergency services at 112 and contact the U.S. Embassy, Consulate, or consular agency for assistance . Note that local authorities are responsible for investigating and prosecuting crime.

See our webpage on  help for U.S. victims of crime overseas .

• Help you find appropriate medical care  
• Assist you in reporting a crime to the police 
• Contact relatives or friends with your written consent 
• Provide general information regarding the victim’s role during the local investigation and following its conclusion 
• Provide a list of local attorneys  
• Provide information on  victim’s compensation programs in the United States
• Provide an emergency loan for repatriation to the United States and/or limited medical support in cases of destitution 
• Help you find accommodation and arrange flights home 
• Replace a stolen or lost passport 

Demonstrations  occur frequently. They may take place in response to political or economic issues, on politically significant holidays, and during international events. 

• Demonstrations can be unpredictable, avoid areas around protests  and demonstrations .  
• Past demonstrations have turned violent.   
• Check local media for updates and traffic advisories. 

International Financial Scams:  See the  Department of State  and the  FBI  pages for information.

Financial scams are prevalent in Spain. Beware of anyone asking for money, particularly people who establish a “romantic” relationship online or anyone who claims the Spanish authorities are asking them for money. Scams are often initiated through Internet postings/profiles or by unsolicited emails and letters. Scammers almost always pose as U.S. citizens who have no one else to turn to for help. Common scams include:   

• People claiming to be U.S. military personnel
• Romance/Online dating 
• Money transfers 
• Grandparent/Relative targeting 
• Free Trip/Luggage 
• Lotteries 
• Inheritance notices 
• Work permits/Job offers 

Tourism: The tourism industry is generally regulated, and rules [with regards to best practices and safety inspections] are regularly enforced. Hazardous areas/activities are identified with appropriate signage, and professional staff is typically on hand in support of organized activities. In the event of an injury, appropriate medical treatment is widely available throughout the country. Outside of a major metropolitan center, it may take more time for first responders and medical professionals to stabilize a patient and provide life-saving assistance. U.S. citizens are encouraged to purchase medical evacuation insurance . 

Local Laws & Special Circumstances

Criminal Penalties:  You are subject to local laws. If you violate local laws, even unknowingly, you may be expelled, arrested, or imprisoned. Individuals establishing a business or practicing a profession that requires additional permits or licensing should seek information from the competent local authorities prior to practicing or operating a business. 

Furthermore, some violations of laws are also prosecutable in the United States, regardless of local law. For examples, see our website on  crimes against minors abroad  and the  Department of Justice  website.

Penalties for possessing, using, or trafficking illegal drugs in Spain are severe and convicted offenders can expect long jail sentences and heavy fines.

Most cities in Spain have banned the consumption of alcohol in the street, other than in registered street cafes and bars. You could be arrested or fined if you break the law.

Local police, sometimes dressed in plain clothes, can require you to produce identification to establish your identity upon request and detain you for further questioning. Carry a photocopy of your passport with you as proof of your identity. If you are stopped by someone who claims to be a plainclothes police officer, ask to see their law enforcement identification.

Arrest Notification:  If you are arrested or detained, ask police to notify the U.S. Embassy Madrid or U.S. Consulate General Barcelona immediately. See our webpage for further information.

Counterfeit and Pirated Goods: Although counterfeit and pirated goods are prevalent in many countries, they may still be illegal according to local laws. You may also have to pay fines or have to give them up if you bring them back to the United States. See the U.S. Department of Justice website for more information. 

Faith-Based Travelers:  See the following webpages for details:

• Faith-Based Travel Information
• International Religious Freedom Report – see country reports
• Human Rights Report – see country reports
• Hajj Fact Sheet for Travelers
• Best Practices for Volunteering Abroad

LGBTQI+ Travelers:  There are no legal restrictions on same-sex sexual relations or the organization of LGBTQI+ events in Spain. 

See our LGBTQI+ Travel Information page and section 6 of our Human Rights report for further details.  

Travelers with Disabilities: The law in Spain prohibits discrimination against persons with physical, sensory, intellectual or mental disabilities, and the law is enforced. Social acceptance of persons with disabilities in public is as prevalent as in the United States. In general, public transportation, lodging, communication/information, and general infrastructure are accessible. Taxis that can accommodate wheelchairs are available, but usually must be booked in advance.

In historic areas and older areas, sidewalks can be narrow and have uneven surfaces. Take this into account when planning your visit.  There may be differences in small towns and villages, where accessibility may be more limited.

Rental, repair, replacement parts for aids/equipment/devices, or service providers, such as sign language interpreters or personal assistants are widely available in Spain.

Students:  Follow the tips below and exercise caution and good judgment to make your study-abroad experience a positive and safe one. If you are coming to Spain to participate in a sports program, please check with the  Embassy of Spain  that you have the correct visa.

Do your research before contracting a tour operator or other service provider, including coaches and organizers of sports camps, schools, and training centers.

Exercise caution when agreeing to an internship or to serve as a recruiter for a specific organization or company. Most arrests, accidents, and violent crimes U.S. citizens suffer in Spain involve excessive alcohol. Drink in moderation and stay in a group of friends when in clubs, bars, or traveling.

See our  Students Abroad  page and  FBI travel tips .

Women Travelers : The U.S. Mission in Spain has received numerous reports of sexual assaults affecting U.S. citizens, especially younger travelers, students, and exchange teachers. Please see more information under Safety and Security.  See our travel tips for  Women Travelers .

Good medical care is available in Spain. However, regulations regarding medications vary from those in the United States. Spanish regulations do not permit the international shipment of medication . Do not ship medication from the United States to Spain . Spanish customs authorities will reject and return to the shipper medication mailed from the United States. This may cause a significant delay in receiving your medications. The U.S. Embassy cannot help you retrieve medications stopped by Spanish customs.

Medications requiring prescriptions in the United States also require a local doctor’s prescription in Spain. In some instances, a medicine prescribed in the United States will not have a local equivalent. It is important that travelers research this on the  European Agency for Medication  website prior to travel.

For emergency services in Spain, dial 112. You may ask for an English-speaking attendant.

Ambulance services are widely available. 

We do not pay medical bills . Be aware that U.S. Medicare/Medicaid does not apply overseas. Most hospitals and doctors overseas do not accept U.S. health insurance. Medical care is not free in Spain. If you require medical attention, you will incur expenses, even if you are treated in a public healthcare facility. Lack of payment may bar future travel to Spain.

Medical Insurance:  Make sure your health insurance plan provides coverage overseas. Most care providers overseas only accept cash payments. See  our webpage  for more information on insurance overseas. Visit the  U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention  for more information on type of insurance you should consider before you travel overseas. We strongly recommend supplemental insurance to cover medical evacuation. 

Always carry your prescription medication in original packaging, along with your doctor’s prescription. Check with the embassy to ensure the medication is legal in Spain. 

Vaccinations:  Be up-to-date on all  vaccinations  recommended by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Further health information:

• World Health Organization
• U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention  (CDC)  

Air Quality:  Visit  AirNow Department of State  for information on air quality at U.S. Embassies and Consulates.

The U.S. Embassy maintains  a list of doctors and hospitals . We do not endorse or recommend any specific medical provider or clinic. 

Health facilities in general:

• Adequate health facilities are available throughout the country. Private hospitals usually require advance payment or proof of adequate insurance or funds before admitting a patient.  Medical staff may speak little or no English. Patients may be asked to bear costs for transfer to or between hospitals. 
• Patients have to pay their medical treatment in public hospitals.

Medical Tourism and Elective Surgery:

• U.S. citizens have suffered serious complications or died during or after having cosmetic or other elective surgery.
• Medical tourism is a rapidly growing industry. People seeking health care overseas should understand that medical systems operate differently from those in the United States and are not subject to the same rules and regulations. Anyone interested in traveling for medical purposes should consult with their local physician before traveling and visit the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention website for more information on Medical Tourism.

Pharmaceuticals: U.S. Customs and Border Protection and the Food and Drug Administration are responsible for rules governing the transport of medication back to the United States. Medication purchased abroad must meet their requirements to be legally brought back into the United States. Medication should be for personal use and must be approved for usage in the United States. Please visit the  U.S. Customs and Border Protection  and the  Food and Drug Administration  websites for more information.

Assisted Reproductive Technology and Surrogacy: If you are considering traveling to Spain to have a child through use of assisted reproductive technology (ART) or surrogacy, please see our  ART and Surrogacy Abroad page . 

Surrogacy is illegal in Spain and subject to complex local regulation. 

Adventure Travel: Visit the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention website for more information about  Adventure Travel .

Travel and Transportation

Road Conditions and Safety : Road conditions in Spain can differ significantly from those in the United States. Drivers and pedestrians should exercise increased caution as traffic in Madrid and Barcelona is often faster-paced than in the United States and can be unnerving because of unfamiliar signs and traffic lights and different driving habits, including motorbikes weaving between traffic lanes.

Obey the traffic light located at your stop line, as there are separate traffic lights for each side of the intersection. Be alert when driving at night in urban areas; you may encounter drivers or pedestrians under the influence of alcohol.

Night driving in isolated rural areas can be dangerous because of farm animals and poorly marked roads.

Rural traffic is generally heavier in July and August as well as during the Christmas and Easter seasons.

Emergency services, including roadside assistance, are plentiful, competent, and can be easily accessed by dialing 112 from any phone.

Traffic Laws: You must obtain an International Driving Permit prior to your arrival if you plan to drive in Spain. The permits are only valid for one year.

It is illegal to rent a vehicle if you don’t have an International Driving Permit. Your rental car may be impounded, and you will be required to pay a fine if stopped by the police.

It is against the law to use a mobile phone without a hands-free device while driving. There is a €300 fine for violating this regulation, and you may also lose your license.

All drivers and passengers are required to buckle up (even in taxis and in the backseat) and wear a reflective vest if they need to stop on the roadside. A reflective triangle warning sign is also mandatory if you stop on the roadside.

You must have liability insurance to operate any car or motorcycle.

If you are stopped by the Spanish National Police or the Guardia Civil, they may levy fines on the spot and issue a receipt for payment. This ensures that foreigners pay their fines while still in Spain.

Public Transportation:  Public transportation in large Spanish cities is generally excellent.

Only use clearly identified cabs, ensure that taxi drivers always switch on the meter (except for fixed-fare trips originating to and from the Madrid airport), and ask for a receipt.

Private transportation companies (such as Uberor Cabify) are often used in Madrid and Barcelona but check private transportation websites for operating status before arrival.

Official taxis to and from the Madrid airport to the city center charge a €30 flat rate.  Official taxis to and from the Barcelona airport to the cruise ship terminal charge a €39 flat rate.

Rail service is comfortable and reliable but varies in quality and speed. Intercity buses are usually comfortable and inexpensive.

See our  Road Safety page  for more information. 

Aviation Safety Oversight:  The U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has assessed the Government of Spain’s Civil Aviation Authority as being in compliance with International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) aviation safety standards for oversight of Spain’s air carrier operations. Further information may be found on the  FAA’s safety assessment page . 

Maritime Travel:  Mariners planning travel to Spain should also check for  U.S. maritime advisories and alerts . Information may also be posted to the   U.S. Coast Guard homeport website  and the  NGA broadcast warnings .

For additional travel information

• Enroll in the  Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP)  to receive security messages and make it easier to locate you in an emergency.
• Call us in Washington, D.C. at 1-888-407-4747 (toll-free in the United States and Canada) or 1-202-501-4444 (from all other countries) from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m., Eastern Standard Time, Monday through Friday (except U.S. federal holidays).
• See the  State Department’s travel website  for the  Worldwide Caution  and  Travel Advisories .
• Follow us on  Twitter  and  Facebook .
• See  traveling safely abroad  for useful travel tips.

Review information about International Parental Child Abduction in Spain . For additional IPCA-related information, please see the International Child Abduction Prevention and Return Act ( ICAPRA ) report.

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See how jamón gets made in the heartland of Spanish pork

In jabugo, travelers can visit ibérico pigs in the pasture and learn how to carve some of the world’s finest cured ham.

ARACENA, Spain — “How do you like the ham?” asked Manolo Romero de la Ossa, the owner of Casas, a popular restaurant here in Andalusia.

All week long around the village of Jabugo, my wife and I had been eating jamón Ibérico de bellota, the sweet, nutty, salty and creamy product of black-hoofed, free-range pigs that consume a special diet.

“It’s great,” I said. Then I mentioned just how much ham we’d been eating.

“What does that matter?” Romero de la Ossa said, dismissing me with a wave of his hand. “You’re in the ham capital of Spain, even the world, and when it’s this good, you can’t stop. You eat it for breakfast, lunch and dinner.”

He was right. To mistake cured Spanish jamón (pronounced “hahm-ohn”) with the packaged, sliced ham you find at your local supermarket would be like comparing a fast-food burger to a wagyu steak, or Pabst Blue Ribbon with a Czech bottle of Pilsner Urquell. Even Italian prosciutto is not in the same league.

Jamón Ibérico de bellota is a whole other beast. For about three months out of the year, Iberian pigs graze on acorns (or bellotas in Spanish), giving the jamón a rich taste that some Spaniards have likened to a drug.

Jabugo is synonymous with the highest-quality jamón in Spain — and, some would argue, the world. I came here because my Spanish friends would whisper in irreverent tones when anyone uttered the phrase “jamón de Jabugo.” I felt like I was let in on some culinary secret: the best cured ham on the planet comes from a village of about 2,200 people nestled in the mountains of southern Spain.

Pasture tours and jamón museums

Is there such a thing as pork tourism? There is in Jabugo.

The town is so ham-centric that the main square is called Plaza del Jamón, and there is an array of bronze sculptures of jamón-cutters. There are also museums dedicated to Spanish jamón in Jabugo and Aracena.

Jabugo boasts a handful of jamón producers. The most famous is Cinco Jotas. The company offers several services for visitors to literally get their hands dirty and have their palates dazzled. I signed up for the full experience, including a visit to the oak tree-studded pastures to hang with the hogs, a tour of the 19th-century ham-curing cellars, a lesson in how to carve jamón like a pro, and, of course, a tasting.

It all gave me a much better insight into how much time and effort it takes to nurture an unparalleled product, and why it’s so expensive. A leg of black-label jamón Ibérico can cost as much as $1,700 . Acorns are rich in fatty acids and nutrients. You could say they are a porcine superfood.

Spain has a handful of main jamón-producing regions, including Salamanca, Extremadura, the Los Pedroches Valley and Jabugo. But not all jamón Ibérico is created equal.

In 2014, the Spanish government created a color-coded system to inform consumers of the percentage of the pig’s Iberian ancestry. A white label, for example, means the breed of pig is at least 50 percent Iberian; it eats mostly fodder (a random mixture of grain, hay, and vegetables); and is not free range.

On the other end is black label, meaning the pig is 100 percent Iberian (or pata negra), it feeds from November to February on acorns, and is free range. There are also dozens of strict regulations about weight, size and the amount of free-range space the pigs should have, among other factors. Only 6 percent of the jamón Ibérico produced in Spain gets a black label designation.

Iberian pigs have fewer offspring than other breeds, produce less meat and take longer to mature. For those reasons, many ham producers in Spain crossbreed them. Cinco Jotas only uses 100 percent Iberian pigs, making it one of the few jamón-producing companies in Spain that gets the black label designation.

What makes jamón de Jabugo so special

People have been curing jamón in southwestern Spain for a very long time. Even the Romans recognized the area as particularly beneficial for the task of curing pork.

In A.D. 77 Roman writer Pliny the Elder wrote of Iberian pigs , “There is no animal that affords a greater variety to the palate of the epicure; all the others have their own peculiar flavour, but the flesh of the hog has nearly fifty different flavours.” On Christopher Columbus’s second voyage, in 1493, his ships were said to be loaded with Ibérico pigs as they crossed the Atlantic.

Until the late 19th century, ham production in Jabugo was small-scale, limited to a few small family-run slaughterhouses. It was only when a jamón-obsessed businessman, Rafael Sánchez Romero, recognized a growing demand for the high-quality ham from Jabugo that the product started to spread to cities like Seville and beyond. He started Cinco Jotas in 1879.

In 1994, jamón de Jabugo got DOP status — Denominación de Origen Protegida (literally “Protected Designation of Origin”) — a European Union certification that ensures a certain product comes from a specific geographic zone. The zone in question here extends beyond Jabugo to 30 other villages in the surrounding area where the ham produced is officially “jamón de Jabugo.”

“One of the most important factors in shaping the taste of jamón de Jabugo is the microclimate here,” said José Antonio Pavón, the Director General of DOP Jabugo, an the organization that maintains Jabugo’s DOP status. “We get 1,000 liters of rain here — that’s far more than any other ham-producing region in Spain.”

To add to that, something called the Foehn effect — a meteorological term for what happens when there’s a warm, dry condition on one side of a mountain and a cold, wet condition on the other, resulting in extreme temperature change — is caused by the wind from the Atlantic Ocean hitting the high-altitude mountains in Jabugo.

“The daytime temperature in summer can be at 105 degrees, and then at night it can go all the way down to 65 degrees,” said Maria Castro Bermúdez Coronel, the director of communications for Cinco Jotas. “This affects that taste, compared to other jamón-producing regions, in that the warm weather creates a strong flavor in the meat.”

The pigs are slaughtered — or “sacrificed” as Spaniards prefer to say — when they’re around 22 months old. Then the back legs (called “jamón”) and front legs (called “paleta,” or shoulder) sit in salt for a few weeks (one day per kilogram).

Next, they spend time in the drying process, hanging in a temperature-controlled room before being moved to a windowless cellar for a few years. The entire process can take up to five years before a leg of jamón is ready to be sliced and savored.

How to get your hands on jamón Ibérico

Look around your local supermarket — or pretty much any supermarket in the United States — and you likely will not find jamón Ibérico de bellota.

It’s not particularly hard to find jamón serrano, the most commonly produced jamón in Spain, which is good but does not possess the “wow” factor compared to black-label jamón Ibérico de bellota. If you want it, you have to go to a specialty food shop, buy it online or, like me, come to the source.

Antonio Cabrera, a sales manager at Covap, a jamón producer in Los Pedroches Valley near Córdoba, and the grandson of the company’s co-founder, said, “Italian culinary culture is so cemented in the United States, especially on the East Coast, that many people have a cultural attachment to prosciutto.”

Jamón Ibérico was approved for import by the U.S. government only in 2005 , and its emergence in the United States — particularly the black-label variety — has been crawling at a Mediterranean pace. “We have some catching up to do,” he said.

If you’re in Spain and you want to bring back some black-label jamón Ibérico de bellota (or other pork products, Spanish or otherwise), you might want to think twice: It’s illegal.

However, there are plenty of ways to buy it online: You can go straight to the source at Cinco Jotas or visit the websites for Spanish gourmet websites for the U.S. market, including La Tienda , Campo Grande or Despaña .

For a 3-ounce packet of sliced black-label jamón Ibérico de bellota, expect to pay around $40. If you want to splurge and get your own leg, prices vary depending on the weight and if it’s the front leg or the heavier back leg.

Where to go

Our favorite destinations: These 12 destinations are at the top of our wish list for where to go this year, without crowds. In 2023, we explored an Alaskan bear paradise, Brooklyn’s famous pizzerias and a hidden gem in Italy, among other highlights .

Travel like a local: Residents share their favorite places in our top city guides: New Orleans , Rome , Tokyo and Mexico City .

National parks: This comprehensive guide has details on all 63 U.S. national parks. For a deep dive into five of the most well-known, you can listen to the Field Trip podcast . Then explore tips from locals for visiting Yosemite , Glacier and Everglades .

Tales from the road: Dolly Parton has opened a new resort at her theme park complex in Tennessee, while “Fixer Upper” stars Chip and Joanna Gaines have a new hotel in Waco . Road-trippers may be just as excited to see the cartoon beaver at Buc-ee’s , and bargain-hunters should consider a stop at the Unclaimed Baggage store in Scottsboro, Ala.

Want to see the next total solar eclipse in 2026? An expert recommends booking travel now.

• 2026 will be Europe's first total solar eclipse in 27 years.
• Travelers worldwide will likely head to Spain, Iceland, and Greenland for the event.
• A hotel expert encouraged travelers to start planning and booking their trips now.

It'll be two decades before the next total solar eclipse hits the US .

Another option: hop on a plane to Europe and turn the 2026 total solar eclipse into a viewing vacation.

Eclipse cartographer Michael Zeiler at GreatAmericanEclipse.com told Space.com that up to 3.7 million people likely traveled for the solar eclipse on Monday.

HotelPlanner's chief communication officer, Philip Ballard, told Business Insider that the eclipse was a major revenue generator for many cities. For places like Austin, Texas, and Rochester, New York, it could have created $1 billion in revenue, Vox reported.

"I would say the total solar eclipse has become a global phenomenon," Ballard said.

Ballard added that the next solar eclipse , which will pass through Iceland, Greenland, and Spain on August 12, 2026, could result in similar tourism and revenue influxes.

And if travelers are considering a trip to Europe for the solar eclipse, Ballard recommends planning your trip now.

Determine your eclipse viewing destination

According to Space.com , 2026 will be Europe's first total solar eclipse in 27 years. Its path will go through Greenland, parts of western Iceland, and northern Spain.

Choosing where to watch the eclipse will be a tough and important decision for travelers.

Iceland and Greenland have some positives. These regions will experience longer totality times, so viewers can watch the eclipse longer. Plus, the sun will be higher in the sky, so finding a spot to watch the eclipse will be less challenging, Space.com reported.

The downside is that these regions are more likely to be cloudy, according to the outlet.

Related stories

While parts of Spain are likely to offer clearer skies, the eclipse's timing will be shorter and closer to the horizon, which means travelers will need to plan and track down a viewing location with unobstructed views of the western horizon, Space.com reported.

Regardless of the destination, according to the outlet, one bonus is that the strongest meteor shower in the Northern Hemisphere will happen the following night, so travelers can pack two events into one trip.

Book flights and hotels far in advance

Ballard encouraged people to book their hotels in their destination of choice as far in advance as possible.

"You should start looking now and booking hotels now because those cities in the path are already going to be at peak season," Ballard said.

Ballard said it's similar to when a Super Bowl city is determined or a Taylor Swift tour date is announced — you immediately see spikes in bookings. He predicts hotel occupancy rates will hit near-record highs, and room prices may double around the solar eclipse date.

Ballard's general rule of thumb is to book international travel at least three months in advance, but since this is such an anticipated event, booking earlier is smart. His advice is to start discussing plans with friends and family. If you decide on a destination, book a refundable room to keep your options open if plans change.

Regarding purchasing a plane ticket, a study from Expedia states that international travel's sweet spot is at least six months in advance.

According to Expedia, travelers who book six months in advance save an average of 10% more than travelers booking within two months or less.

Skip the hassle of planning altogether and book a solar eclipse tour

Another option is to let a tour operator do the work for you. A handful of tour companies have seen the increased interest in the solar eclipse and launched tours designed around the event.

These tours will have predetermined locations to view the eclipse, hotel blocks reserved, and itineraries highlighting both the region and the eclipse.

However, these can sell out quickly. For example, Space and Telescope created an 11-day tour of Spain around viewing the 2026 solar eclipse. The tour has already sold out as of Wednesday, and the waitlist is full.

Other operators, such as Wilderness Travel and Eclipse Traveler, have similar itineraries for the total eclipse in 2026.

Watch: A small Australian town was treated to a rare hybrid solar eclipse

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Fjords, Pharaohs or Koalas? Time to Plan for Your Next Eclipse.

If you can’t get enough of totality, or missed out this time, you’ll have three more chances in the next four years in destinations like Iceland, Spain, Egypt and Australia.

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By Danielle Dowling

Are you still a little giddy from the magical moments of totality during Monday’s solar eclipse? Or did clouds swoop in to block your view? Maybe you just couldn’t make it to the path of totality this time. No matter what, the question now is “ Where and when will it happen again?”

“People who have never seen it before, the first words out of their mouth after the totality ends is ‘I’ve got to see another one, this is incredible, this is unbelievable.’ That is when you become addicted to these things and end up traveling no matter where the next one is,” said Joseph Rao, an eclipse chaser and guest lecturer at the Hayden Planetarium.

So, if like Mr. Rao, you’ve developed a raging case of umbraphilia — the love of eclipses — you’ll have three chances over the next four years to see the moon blot out the sun. The first, on Aug. 12, 2026, will start above Greenland, then strafe the west coast of Iceland and move along the Atlantic Ocean and over Spain. Almost a year later, on Aug. 2, 2027, another will skirt the Mediterranean coast of North Africa then cross Egypt and part of the Arabian Peninsula. The third, on July 22, 2028, will cut across Australia and the southern tip of New Zealand.

Future Eclipses

Eclipse chasers will have several more chances this decade to view a total solar eclipse .

Last week, as Victoria Sahami , the owner of Sirius Travel , was preparing to guide a group of tourists in Mazatlán, Mexico, for Monday’s big event, she was also planning for these other upcoming eclipses. Ms. Sahami joined the ranks of the eclipse-obsessed when she witnessed one in Venezuela in the 1990s. “Like many people, I was hooked. There was no going back,” she said.

Total solar eclipses happen fairly regularly — about every one to two years — in locations scattered around the world. “That’s the great thing about them: You wind up in places that you don’t normally go,” Ms. Sahami said.

A major spoiler is weather, which will be a big variable in the 2026 eclipse — one Greenland, Iceland and Spain will see.

“Iceland normally has a lot of cloud during that time of year,” said Paul Maley , who runs Ring of Fire Expeditions . “The data shows Spain to have the higher good-weather prospects of all three. However, the sun is low in the sky and the eclipse ends as the sun hits the horizon at sunset.”

Because of Iceland’s mercurial meteorology, Ring of Fire Expeditions is going all in on Spain, with a 10-day excursion on the mainland. Sirius Travel is offering not only a five-day trip to Majorca but also an eight-day tour around Iceland. It will be based in Reykjavik, and the itinerary will remain flexible on the day of the eclipse so the tour can easily pivot toward the location with the least cloud cover. Ms. Sahami recommends the trip for those who already have a few eclipses under their belt and would be happy just to take in the sights of Iceland if the weather doesn’t cooperate.

The 2027 eclipse, on the other hand, promises to be truly stellar: Luxor, Egypt — the site of numerous ancient temples as well as the Valleys of the Kings and Queens — sits right in the middle of the path of totality and will be bathed in darkness for a full 6 minutes 23 seconds. Weather-wise, it is what Ms. Sahami called “a slam dunk.” “You know you’re going to see it. You know that you’re not going to get any clouds,” she said.

But for all its potential, those considering Egypt should be aware that the State Department has a Level 3 “Reconsider Travel” warning for the country because of the risk of terrorism.

The 2028 eclipse will darken the skies over Sydney, Australia, for 3 minutes 49 seconds. It will be the first time the city has experienced a total solar eclipse since 1857. Ms. Sahami has her eyes on a trip based out of there, while Mr. Maley has chartered a cruise ship off the northwest coast of Australia. It will be winter there, he said, but that isn’t likely to mean bad eclipse-viewing weather.

If you want to see any (or all) of these eclipses, you should get started on planning and booking now, particularly if you want to sign up for a trip organized by a tour company. One of Sirius Travel’s excursions to Luxor is already full.

Scrutinize refund policies and look into insuring your trip. Several companies will fully refund your deposit if you cancel a year in advance. A lot can happen, Ms. Sahami said, “but if you think you’re going to go, why not?”

Follow New York Times Travel on Instagram and sign up for our weekly Travel Dispatch newsletter to get expert tips on traveling smarter and inspiration for your next vacation. Dreaming up a future getaway or just armchair traveling? Check out our 52 Places to Go in 2024 .

Tourists to Spain’s Catalonia may soon see water restrictions in the dry season

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Spain’s drought-stricken northeastern Catalonia is considering imposing water restrictions on tourists in the driest parts of the region if domestic consumption is not curtailed. Photo / AP

Spain’s drought-stricken northeastern Catalonia is considering imposing water restrictions on tourists in the driest parts of the region if domestic consumption is not curtailed, the Catalan government said Tuesday.

The restriction of 100 litres per tourist per day for hotels would go into effect if a municipality fails to keep domestic water use by residents below established limits for three consecutive months under the current “drought emergency” for Catalonia, officials said.

Barcelona, Spain’s second largest city and the regional capital, uses 160 litres of water per resident per day — well below the current limit of 200 litres, Catalonia’s water agency said. That includes uses by residents for both washing and drinking.

Tourism represents nearly 12 per cent of Spain’s economy. But there has been growing pressure by water conservationist groups to limit the use of water by tourists during the drought.

According to Barcelona’s hotel guild, the average tourist to Barcelona in 2022 used some 163 litres per day, while the figure rose to over 240 litres for luxury hotels.

The limits for tourists would not include the water used to fill swimming pools.

Also Tuesday, the Catalan government loosened restrictions that prohibited the filling of swimming pools with fresh water. Under the new measure, a privately-owned swimming pool can be refilled in a severe drought if authorities declare it a “climate refuge” open to residents seeking relief from the heat.

The regional government also made modifications to its drought restrictions to allow for the private use of desalination installations, a move hotel owners have demanded.

Catalonia has borne the brunt of a drought driven by climate change that has also impacted parts of southern Spain, though a wet spring this year has helped the situation. The reservoirs for Barcelona and surrounding areas that were at 15 per cent of their capacity are now 18 per cent full.

Even so, Catalonia has kept in place its restrictions under a water emergency declared in February to combat a drought regional authorities call historic. Those limitations include reducing average water use by 80 per cent for crop irrigation, 50 per cent for herd animals and 25 per cent for industry.

This follows news of Spanish people performing hunger strikes in protest against overtourism.

Residents of the Spanish Canary Islands have begun striking to raise awareness about tourism’s negative impacts on locals. Some claim the rapid growth of the tourism industry on islands including Tenerife, Lanzarote and Gran Canaria, have priced residents out.

Associated Press with additional reporting.

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Barcelona is an enchanting seaside city with boundless culture, fabled architecture and a world-class drinking and dining scene.

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La Sagrada Família

L'Eixample

The Temple Expiatori de la Sagrada Família (Expiatory Temple of the Holy Family) is considered to be the symbol of Barcelona by many residents, and the…

Visitors and locals alike love Park Güell. The waving balcony and the colorful Guard’s House, with the imposing Barcelona skyline and sea in the…

Casa Batlló

One of Europe's strangest residential buildings, Casa Batlló (built 1904–6) is Gaudí at his fantastical best. From its playful facade and marine-world…

In the top tier of Gaudí's achievements, this madcap Unesco-listed masterpiece, with 33 balconies, was built in 1905–10 as a combined apartment and office…

Mercat de la Boqueria

La Rambla & Barri Gòtic

Barcelona's most central fresh-produce market is one of the greatest sound, smell and colour sensations in Europe. It's housed in a packed-out Modernista…

Museu Picasso

Located along the grand, medieval street of Carrer de Montcada, the Museu Picasso is dedicated to one of the world’s greatest artists, Pablo Picasso. Born…

Fundació Joan Miró

Joan Miró was a Catalan painter and sculptor born in Barcelona who combined abstract art with surrealism. He is considered one of the most influential…

La Rambla is a tree-lined boulevard featuring a wide array of architectural delights, beautifully decorated flower stalls and particularly talented (and…

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The 17 best things to do in barcelona in 2024.

Gran Teatre del Liceu

If you can’t catch a night at the opera, you can still take in the awe-inspiring architectural riches of one of Europe’s greatest opera houses. Opened in…

Palau Güell

Built off La Rambla in the late 1880s for Gaudí's wealthy patron the industrialist Eusebi Güell, the Palau Güell is a magnificent example of the early…

Casa Delfín

One of El Born's culinary delights, Casa Delfín is everything you dream about Catalan–Mediterranean cooking in a traditional-style. Lined with wine…

Museu Nacional d’Art de Catalunya

The spectacular neobaroque silhouette of the Palau Nacional can be seen on Montjuïc's slopes from across the city. Built for the 1929 World Exhibition and…

Recinte Modernista de Sant Pau

Domènech i Montaner outdid himself as architect and philanthropist with the Modernista Hospital de la Santa Creu i de Sant Pau, renamed the 'Recinte…

El Poblenou Platges

A series of beautiful, broad, sandy golden beaches dotted with xiringuitos (seasonal beach bars) stretches northeast from the Port Olímpic marina. They're…

Casa Vicens

A Unesco-listed masterpiece, this angular, turreted 1885-completed private house was Gaudí’s inaugural commission, when the architect was aged just 30,…

La Catedral

Barcelona’s central place of worship presents a magnificent image. The richly decorated main facade, dotted with gargoyles and the kinds of stone…

Mercat de Santa Caterina

Come shopping for your tomatoes or pop in for lunch at this extraordinary-looking produce market, designed by forward-thinking architects Enric Miralles…

Platja de Sant Sebastià

At the far southern end of the beach fronting La Barceloneta, this is a handy stretch of white-gold sand for a bit of sun and surf action when you need a…

Palau de la Música Catalana

A fantastical symphony in tile, brick, sculpted stone and stained glass, this Unesco-listed, 2146-seat concert hall is a high point of Barcelona’s…

The massive stadium of Camp Nou ('New Field' in Catalan) is home to the legendary FC Barcelona. Attending a game amid the roar of the loyal crowds is an…

Bellesguard

An entrancing work that combines Gothic and Modernista elements, this lesser-known Gaudí masterpiece was rescued from obscurity and opened to visitors in…

Barça Stadium Tour & Museum

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Mercat de Sant Antoni

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Plaça Reial

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Font Màgica

Originally created for the 1929 World Exposition, this huge colour-lit fountain has again been a magnet since the 1992 Olympics, shimmering on the long…

Mercat de la Llibertat

Opened in 1888, the ‘Market of Liberty’ was covered in 1893 by Francesc Berenguer i Mestres (1866–1914), Gaudí’s long-time assistant, in typically fizzy…

Castell de Montjuïc

Enjoying commanding views over the Mediterranean, this forbidding fortress dominates the southeastern heights of Montjuïc. It dates, in its present form,…

Parc de Joan Miró

This palm-filled park is worth a look for its massive phallic 1980s Miró sculpture, Dona i Ocell (Woman and Bird), whose red, yellow, blue and green tiles…

Parc de la Ciutadella

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Casa Lleó Morera

Domènech i Montaner’s 1905 contribution to the Illa de la Discòrdia, with Modernista carving outside and a bright, tiled lobby in which floral motifs…

Born Centre de Cultura i Memòria

Launched in 2013 as part of the events held for the tercentenary of the Catalan defeat in the War of the Spanish Succession, this cultural space is housed…

Dona i Ocell

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Mercat dels Encants

In a gleaming open-sided complex near Plaça de les Glòries Catalanes, the ‘Market of Charms’ is Barcelona's biggest flea market, and one of Europe's…

Bunkers del Carmel

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Jardins de Laribal

Opened in 1922, these soothing terraced gardens just west of the Fundació Joan Miró are linked by paths, stairs and wisteria-clad walkways, with pretty…

An extraordinary all-white, glass-fronted creation by American architect Richard Meier, opened in 1995, the MACBA has become the city's foremost…

Casa Amatller

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Barcelona and beyond

Already planning to see the next solar eclipse in 2026? What travelers need to know.

Umbraphiles feeling the post-eclipse blues should start checking the expiration date on their passports.

The next total solar eclipse is set to happen on Aug. 12, 2026, over Greenland, Iceland, Spain, Russia and a small part of Portugal, according to NASA . 

In North America, only a partial eclipse will be visible, so if April’s event made you an eclipse chaser and you want to see totality, you’ll need to head overseas.

Here’s what you’ll need to know before packing your bags:

Do you need a passport or visa for the best destination?

The path of totality for the 2026 eclipse mostly goes through places Americans can travel visa-free with their passport, so long as they’re planning to stay for less than 90 days.

Spain, Portugal, Iceland and Greenland all allow visa-free tourist travel for U.S. passport holders.

Spain, Portugal and Iceland are also members of the Schengen Area, which allows for visa-free travel in much of Europe, meaning if you decide to make a multi-country trip out of your eclipse adventure, you won’t need to clear customs if you’re coming from much of the rest of Europe, either.

One major change for travelers to Europe from the U.S., however, is that electronic preauthorization will become a requirement beginning in mid-2025. The European Travel Information and Authorization System (ETIAS) requirement will apply to all four open countries in the path of totality. 

Depending on the state of the Ukraine war, travel to Russia may or may not be an option for most Americans by 2026, so it’s unclear what the paperwork requirements will be by then.

Is it better to see it from the beach?

Beaches can be a great place to see the eclipse because there are few natural obstacles blocking observers’ views of the sky. The 2026 path of totality passes over beaches on Spain’s northern and southeastern coasts, as well as over islands in the Mediterranean Sea including Mallorca, Menorca and Ibiza. The eclipse will also pass over coastal areas in Greenland and Iceland, according to the National Solar Observatory . 

Cruising Altitude: What it was like to see the eclipse from a plane

Will there be eclipse cruises or flights?

Almost certainly, although most operators have not announced specific plans yet. 

Cruise lines will also offer more viewing opportunities. Princess Cruises “has created a bespoke itinerary aboard Sky Princess to position the ship near Spain on that date,” according to a spokesperson for the line. The cruise will open for bookings on Princess’s website on May 23.

Cunard Line has sailings on its Queen Mary 2 , Queen Victoria and Queen Anne vessels that will put passengers in prime spots to watch .

'The ship can move': Why you should watch next solar eclipses from a cruise ship

Holland America Line is also planning multiple sailings around the event, though details are still to be announced. “Guests have reacted positively to our 2024 eclipse cruises and with the next full eclipse in 2026 we plan to have three sailings in Europe that will align with the path of the eclipse,” Paul Grigsby, the line's vice president of Deployment & Itinerary Planning, previously told USA TODAY in an email.