Spain
Spain, a country on Europe’s Iberian Peninsula, includes 17 autonomous regions with diverse geography and cultures. Capital city Madrid is home to the Royal Palace and Prado museum, housing works by European masters. Segovia has a medieval castle (the Alcázar) and an intact Roman aqueduct. Catalonia’s capital, Barcelona, is defined by Antoni Gaudí’s whimsical modernist landmarks like the Sagrada Família church
With festivals, breathtaking beaches, and renowned nightlife, Spain is impressive the whole year. I have returned to Spain over and over. From Madrid to Barcelona to Girona to Bilbao, it’s such a vibrant country. Whether you wander the vineyards of Rioja, or bask in the Canary Islands sun, Spain is guaranteed to impress you 365 days of the year.
Best Time To Visit
The best time to visit Spain is in late spring (April to May) or early autumn (September to October), due to the pleasant temperatures and less crowds. However, the country’s diverse offerings mean you can find something to enjoy at any time of year.
Spring and fall offer the best combination of good weather, light crowds, long days, and plenty of tourist and cultural activities.
Spain has a mild climate, staying mostly dry year-round. Summers can be quite hot, especially in the south, and see an influx of European visitors heading to the popular beach resorts. Lower temperatures in the north make it a great option during the summer if you are worried about it being too hot.
For a month by month look click here
What To Expect
Capital: Madrid
Language: The official language of Spain is Spanish. ‘Hello’ and ‘Thank You’ in Spanish: “Hola” and “Gracias”
Currency: The official currency of Spain is the Euro (EUR). £1 GBP is equivalent to 1.18 EUR and $1 USD is 0.88 EUR. Check the latest rates here
Credit Cards & ATMs: You won’t have trouble finding ATMs around Spain unless you go really off the beaten track. If you are in country or a little village, it’s best to keep enough cash on you. Mastercard and Visa are accepted at most restaurants and shops. You will find that most ATMs have a fixed withdrawal fee.
Plugs: In Spain there are two associated plug types, types C and F. Plug type C is the plug which has two round pins and plug type F is the plug which has two round pins with two earth clips on the side. Spain operates on a 230V supply voltage and 50Hz. I recommend buying a universal adapter
Safety: Spain ranks number 38 out of 163 countries when it comes to safety and peace in the country. In Europe overall, Spain ranks 25 out of 36 countries. Violent crime is rare, and Spanish locals are usually very accommodating to tourists.
Random useful tips: Indulge in tapas culture. Travel by bus to save money. Try to take in at least one big festival. Look out for local celebrations and festivities. Explore the different neighborhoods. Try regional dishes and drinks.
Travel Guides
Below you will find guides on places in Spain and reasons to visit Spain.
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Top 5 Things to See and Do in Spain
Seville, the heart of Andalusia, pulsates with the fiery rhythms of flamenco. This intricate dance, punctuated by rapid footwork, clapping, and soulful guitar, is deeply woven into the city’s cultural tapestry. The historic Triana district, with its traditional ‘tablaos’ (flamenco venues), offers an authentic backdrop to immerse oneself in this captivating art form. As the night deepens and the flamenco singer’s voice resonates, visitors are enveloped in the raw emotion and passion that define Seville.
Barcelona, Catalonia’s vibrant capital, is a playground of architectural wonders, with Antoni Gaudí’s creations reigning supreme. The Sagrada Família, Gaudí’s unfinished basilica, is a hypnotic blend of Gothic and Art Nouveau forms, with its spires reaching towards the heavens. Park Güell, another of Gaudí’s masterpieces, is a colourful mosaic wonderland offering panoramic views of the city. From the undulating Casa Milà to the dragon-inspired Casa Batlló, Gaudí’s imaginative vision shines through, making Barcelona an essential pilgrimage for design enthusiasts.
Each July, the city of Pamplona comes alive with the exhilarating Festival of San Fermín. While most famed for its ‘Encierro’ or the Running of the Bulls, this festival is a vibrant amalgamation of tradition, music, and dance. Participants, dressed in white with red bandanas, navigate the city’s cobblestoned streets, either running ahead of or alongside the charging bulls. Beyond the adrenaline rush, the festival provides a deep dive into Navarrese tradition, with its parades, fireworks, and folkloric events.
San Sebastián, located in Spain’s Basque Country, is a gastronomic paradise, renowned for its ‘pintxos’ — the Basque answer to tapas. The city’s Old Town (‘Parte Vieja’) boasts an array of pintxos bars, where visitors can sample bite-sized morsels ranging from traditional Iberian ham to avant-garde culinary creations. Paired with a glass of local txakoli wine, these pintxos offer a flavourful journey through Basque cuisine. With its coastal charm and culinary prowess, San Sebastián promises an epicurean adventure like no other.
The Alhambra, perched atop Granada and set against the backdrop of the Sierra Nevada mountains, is a mesmerising ode to Moorish Spain. This palatial complex, with its intricate tilework, cascading water gardens, and arched doorways, evokes tales of sultans and poets from bygone eras. The Nasrid Palaces, with their delicate stucco work, and the Generalife gardens, with their tranquil pools, provide a serene escape from the modern world. As the sun sets and the Alhambra’s walls glow in the amber light, one is transported to the enchanting world of ‘One Thousand and One Nights’.
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