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’.
Spain Travel Costs
Accommodation
- Hostel Dorms – €15–30 / £13–26 / $17–34
- Hostel Private Rooms – €35–60 / £31–53 / $40–70
- Budget Hotels – €45–80 / £40–70 / $50–90
- Airbnb Private Rooms – €40–70 / £36–62 / $45–80
- Airbnb Apartments – €70+ / £62+ / $80+
- Campsites – €10–20 / £9–18 / $12–24
Transportation
- Local Bus/Metro Ticket – €1.50–2.50 / £1.30–2.20 / $1.70–2.70
- Intercity Bus Ticket – €25–40 / £22–35 / $28–45
- Taxi (per km) – €1.10–1.50 / £1–1.30 / $1.20–1.65
- Car Rental (per day) – €30–50 / £26–43 / $33–55
Food
- Budget Meal – €8–15 / £7–13 / $9–17
- Mid-Range Restaurant Meal – €20–40 / £18–35 / $22–45
- Coffee – €1.50–3 / £1.30–2.60 / $1.70–3.30
- Beer – €2–4 / £1.70–3.40 / $2.20–4.40
Activities
- Museum Entry – €8–15 / £7–13 / $9–17
- Guided Tours – €20–50 / £18–44 / $22–55
- Boat Tours – €30–70 / £26–61 / $33–77
- Guided Hiking Tours – €20–45 / £18–39 / $22–50
Spain Suggested Budgets
Backpacker – 40 EUR / £35 / $44 Per Day
A backpacking budget in Spain lets you stay in a hostel dorm, cook some of your meals, and rely on affordable public transportation—whether you’re navigating the winding alleys of Barcelona’s Gothic Quarter or taking a free walking tour in Madrid. Enjoy low-cost activities like exploring local markets, strolling along Mediterranean beaches, or hiking in national parks. If you plan to sample local tapas and drinks, add an extra 5–10 EUR per day for food and beverages.
Midrange – 90 EUR / £78 / $99 Per Day
A midrange budget provides the comfort of a private room in a budget hotel or Airbnb, along with more flexibility in dining out at local restaurants and enjoying regional specialties. This budget allows you to explore Spain’s rich cultural heritage—from museums and historic landmarks in cities like Seville and Granada to day trips along the Costa del Sol—while also covering occasional taxi rides or short car rentals for extra convenience.
Upscale – 150+ EUR / £130+ / $165+ Per Day
A luxury budget in Spain ensures you stay in boutique hotels or high-end Airbnb apartments located in the heart of vibrant cities. You can indulge in gourmet dining, premium wines, and exclusive experiences such as private guided tours, culinary classes, or spa treatments. This budget also offers seamless transportation options—whether you choose taxis or rental cars—to effortlessly explore everything from the modern architecture of Madrid to the historic charm of Andalusia.
Spain Money-Saving Tips
Spain offers a fantastic blend of vibrant culture, rich history, and stunning landscapes. Whether you’re exploring bustling cities like Madrid and Barcelona or relaxing along the Mediterranean coast, there are plenty of ways to stretch your budget without missing out on the authentic Spanish experience. Here are some updated tips to help you save money during your trip:
1 – Bring a Reusable Water Bottle – Tap water in Spain is safe to drink in most regions, so save money and reduce plastic waste by refilling a reusable bottle throughout your journey.
2 – Take Advantage of Free Walking Tours – Many Spanish cities, including Madrid, Barcelona, Seville, and Valencia, offer free walking tours that provide insights into local history and culture; just remember to tip your guide for their expertise.
3 – Cook Your Own Meals – Hostels and Airbnb accommodations in Spain often come with kitchen facilities; shopping at local markets like La Boqueria in Barcelona or Mercado de San Miguel in Madrid allows you to prepare delicious meals at a fraction of the cost of dining out.
4 – Stay with Locals via Couchsurfing – Couchsurfing is popular in Spain and provides free lodging with the added bonus of local tips, helping you discover hidden gems and budget-friendly eateries.
5 – Bunk in Hostels – Spain offers a wide range of affordable hostels from Hostelworld, particularly dormitory-style rooms in tourist hotspots, which are ideal for meeting fellow travellers and keeping accommodation costs low. Use Booking.com for hotels.
6 – Walk Everywhere – Many Spanish cities have compact, walkable centers, so exploring on foot—whether it’s the historic streets of Barcelona’s Gothic Quarter or the charming alleys of Seville—not only saves money on transport but also enhances your travel experience.
7 – Use Local Public Transportation – Take advantage of efficient and economical metro, bus, and tram systems in Spanish cities; purchasing multi-day passes or travel cards can significantly reduce your daily commuting costs.
8 – Enjoy Free Outdoor Attractions – Spain is home to many free outdoor activities, from hiking in national parks like Sierra de Guadarrama to lounging on public beaches or exploring city parks, allowing you to experience its natural beauty without spending a fortune.
9 – Travel Off-Season – Visiting Spain during the shoulder seasons (spring and autumn) means lower prices for accommodations, fewer crowds, and discounted attractions, making your trip more affordable and relaxed.
How to Get Around in Spain
Spain has a well-developed transportation system, making it easy to explore its cities, countryside, and coastal regions. Whether you’re hopping between major cities or venturing off the beaten path, here’s how to navigate the country efficiently and affordably.
Walking
Spanish cities, especially historic centers like Madrid, Seville, and Barcelona, are highly walkable. Many major attractions are within short distances, making walking one of the best (and cheapest) ways to explore.
Public Transportation
Public transport in Spain is efficient and budget-friendly, with extensive metro, tram, and bus networks in major cities.
- Metro & Trams – Madrid, Barcelona, Valencia, and Seville have well-connected metro systems. A single metro ride typically costs €1.50–2.50 / £1.30–2.20 / $1.70–2.70, while a day pass costs around €5–10 / £4.30–8.50 / $5.50–11.
- Buses – City buses are widely available, with fares similar to metro rides. Multi-day or rechargeable travel cards can offer discounts.
- Regional Buses – Longer routes between towns are serviced by ALSA, Avanza, and FlixBus, providing affordable travel options. Use BusBud for cheaper fares.
Airport Transfers
- Madrid-Barajas Airport to City Centre – Take the Metro Line 8 (€5) or Aerobús (€5–6) for a 30-minute ride to central Madrid. Taxis cost around €30 / £26 / $33 flat rate.
- Barcelona El Prat Airport to City Centre – The Aerobús (€6–7) runs every 5–10 minutes, while a taxi costs €30–35 / £26–30 / $33–39.
- Other Airports – Many Spanish cities have affordable airport shuttles or metro connections; always check public transport options before booking a taxi.
- Recommended Airport Transfer: Welcome Pickups
Taxis & Ride-Sharing
- Taxis are available in all major cities, with starting rates of €3–4 / £2.60–3.40 / $3.30–4.40 and additional charges per kilometer.
- Ride-hailing apps like Uber, Cabify, and Bolt operate in Spain, often offering cheaper fares than traditional taxis.
Buses and Intercity Travel
- High-Speed Trains (AVE) – Spain’s Renfe AVE trains are the fastest way to travel between cities. A Madrid to Barcelona train takes 2.5–3 hours and costs €50–120 / £43–102 / $55–132, but booking in advance can secure tickets as low as €30.
- Long-Distance Buses – Companies like ALSA and FlixBus offer budget-friendly intercity travel, with prices starting at €15–30 / £13–26 / $17–34 for routes like Madrid to Seville.
- Regional Trains (Cercanías & Media Distancia) – Slower but affordable, regional trains connect smaller towns and cities efficiently.
Car Rental
- Renting a car is ideal for exploring rural Spain, the Basque Country, or Andalusia. Prices start at €30–50 / £26–43 / $33–55 per day.
- EU drivers need only their license, but non-EU travelers should carry an International Driving Permit (IDP).
- Be aware of toll roads, especially in northern Spain, which can add extra costs to your journey.
- Recommended Car Rental: DiscoverCars Spain
Hitchhiking
- Hitchhiking in Spain is uncommon but possible, especially in rural areas. It’s more common among backpackers on routes like the Camino de Santiago.
Cycling
- Spain is becoming more bike-friendly, with cities like Seville, Valencia, and Barcelona offering public bike-sharing programs.
- Popular cycling routes include the Camino de Santiago and the Mediterranean coast, though road conditions vary.
With a combination of public transport, budget travel options, and scenic routes, Spain offers multiple ways to get around, whether you’re in a bustling city or exploring the countryside.
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