Why Spain, Why Now
We keep going back to Spain. That's the thing about it, you go once for Barcelona and tapas, then you go again for the south, then you go again because you heard about San Sebastian's food scene and it turns out the rumours were underselling it. The country has this ability to feel completely different depending on where you are. Catalonia doesn't feel like Andalusia. The Basque Country doesn't feel like the Balearics. Madrid has an energy that's entirely its own.
And somehow it all costs less than most of Western Europe, the weather's better than it has any right to be, and the wine rarely costs more than a coffee does back home. This guide covers all of it, city by city, cost by cost, with everything we've learned from years of going back.
Best Time To Visit
Spain has a mild climate that stays mostly dry year-round, so there's rarely a genuinely bad time to go. Here's how each season actually feels.
Spring (Apr to Jun)
Warm, thinner crowdsOne of the two sweet spots. Pleasant temperatures, light crowds, long days, and plenty of cultural activity without the July heat.
Summer (Jul to Aug)
Hot, peak seasonSummers get properly hot, especially in the south, and beach resorts fill up with European visitors. The north, Basque Country, Galicia, Asturias, stays noticeably cooler and is a great option if the heat isn't for you.
Autumn (Sep to Oct)
Warm, quietThe other sweet spot. Good weather, light crowds, and long days without the summer crush. Genuinely one of the best windows to visit anywhere in the country.
Winter (Nov to Mar)
Mild, coastal escapeMild on the mainland and genuinely warm in the Canary Islands, which work brilliantly as a winter sun escape. City breaks in Madrid or Seville stay comfortable year-round.
See Spain in 60 Seconds
Sixty seconds of Gaudi rooftops, white villages, and golden coastline. Then read on for the full story.
Spain is a country where vibrant cities, golden beaches, historic landmarks, and world-famous cuisine come together to create one of Europe’s most diverse destinations. In just 60 seconds, we’ll explore the streets of Barcelona and Madrid, the fairytale architecture of Seville, the dramatic peaks of the Picos de Europa, the sun-soaked Costa del Sol, and islands that feel like paradise. Whether you’re travelling for the history, the food, the culture, or the Mediterranean sunshine, Spain is a destination that has something for everyone.
Book The Essentials
The exact booking sites we use ourselves. Nothing here we wouldn't personally recommend.
What To Expect
The practical stuff, minus the waffle.
Capital
Madrid anchors the centre with its own energy entirely, while Barcelona and the coastal cities give Spain its postcard reputation.
Language
Spanish is official nationwide, alongside regional languages like Catalan, Basque, and Galician. Quick wins: "Hola" (hello) and "Gracias" (thank you).
Currency
The Euro (EUR). Rough ballpark: €10 is about £8.55 or $11.40. Rates move around, so check XE before you go.
Cards & ATMs
ATMs are easy to find unless you're really off the beaten track, and most carry a fixed withdrawal fee. Visa and Mastercard are accepted almost everywhere, but carry cash in smaller villages.
Plugs
Types C and F, two round pins, 230V and 50Hz. A standard European adapter works fine. Grab a universal adapter if you're coming from further afield.
Safety
Ranks well on global safety indexes, and violent crime against tourists is rare. Locals are generally very accommodating, and the usual big-city caution covers most of what you need to know.
Random Useful Tip
Indulge in tapas culture, explore the different neighbourhoods, and try to catch at least one big local festival while you're there.
Never Ever
Don't book a dinner reservation before 8:30pm. Most kitchens don't even open until then, and you'll be eating alone in an empty restaurant.
Live Weather in Madrid
Straight from the source, updated as you read this.
31°C
- Temperature
Spain Travel Guides
The essentials, city by city, so you can plan the trip without wading through everything we've ever written.
Discovering the Best of Barcelona: A Local's Guide to the City
The full Barcelona breakdown, where to stay, what to prioritise, and how the city fits together.
Read the guide3 Days in Barcelona: Tapas, Gaudi & Gothic Glory
A tight three-day Barcelona route covering the tapas, the architecture, and the Gothic Quarter properly.
Read the guideAndalusia White Villages Road Trip + Map: 5 Days Through Spain's Pueblos Blancos
The classic white-village loop through Andalusia, mapped stop by stop.
Get the routeSpain's Top 10 Must-See Spots: Ultimate Iberian Adventure
The places that actually earn their spot on a Spain itinerary, from Barcelona to Andalusia.
Read the guideDiscover the Magic of Spain: The Best Time to Visit
A proper season-by-season breakdown, so you land at the right time for the trip you want.
Read the guideYour Ultimate Guide with the Best Spain Travel Tips For First-Timers
Everything we wish we'd known before our first visit, the practical stuff that makes a real difference.
Get the tipsLatest Spain Articles
Every Spain guide we publish lands here automatically.
City Guides
Itineraries + Maps
Best Places to Visit & Things to Do
Best Time to Visit
Travel Tips
Everything Else
How Much Does Spain Cost?
One of the best-value countries in Western Europe. Here's what to actually expect, in euros with pounds and dollars alongside.
Backpacker
- Hostel dorms from €15 a night
- Supermarkets, bakeries, and menu del dia
- Metro, buses, and walking
- Free beaches, parks, and cathedral plazas
Mid-Range
- Budget hotels and Airbnb apartments
- Restaurants, tapas bars, local wine
- Mix of public transport and occasional taxi
- Museum entries, guided tours, day trips
Upscale
- Boutique hotels and paradores
- Fine dining and Michelin-starred restaurants
- Private tours and VIP experiences
- Car rental, AVE high-speed rail, domestic flights
Detailed Cost Breakdown
Real prices in euros, with pounds and dollars alongside. Pick a category.
Budget
Mid to Luxury
City Travel
Long Distance
Eat Cheap
Eating Out
Budget Fun
Big Experiences
Tips for Saving Money in Spain
Ten easy ways to keep a Spain trip cheap without missing the good stuff.
Tap water is safe across mainland Spain. Skip the overpriced bottled water entirely.
Spanish city centres are compact. Barcelona's Gothic Quarter to the beach is 15 minutes on foot.
Most restaurants do a fixed-price lunch for €10-14 including drink and dessert. Absolute steal.
T-Casual in Barcelona (10 rides for around €12), Multi card in Madrid. Way cheaper than single tickets.
Spain has over 3,000 miles of coastline, and most beaches are public and free.
April to May and September to October get better weather than July/August, cheaper flights and hotels, and fewer crowds.
House wine at restaurants is usually €2-3 a glass, and it's often excellent. No need to order by the bottle.
A 15-minute metro ride from central Barcelona or Madrid can cut your hotel cost by 30-40 percent.
Sagrada Familia, Alhambra, and Park Guell all sell out. Online tickets are often cheaper and skip the queue.
ALSA and FlixBus run most routes. Madrid to Seville from around €20, way cheaper than the AVE if you're not in a rush.
Getting Around Spain
Spain's transport network is genuinely impressive for the price. Here's how to use it without overpaying.
Domestic Flights
Best for island hops and opposite-coast trips. Vueling, Ryanair, and Iberia Express all run cheap routes if you book ahead.
- Quick for long distances (Madrid to Canaries: 3 hrs)
- Budget airlines from €25 one-way
- Luggage fees add up fast
Car Rental
Best for road trips along the coast, rural Andalusia, or anywhere the trains don't go. The Costa Brava and Basque Country are brilliant by car.
- Total freedom, especially in rural areas
- From €30/day with booking ahead
- City driving and parking in Madrid or Barcelona is a nightmare
City Public Transport
Best for getting around within cities. Madrid, Barcelona, Valencia, Seville, and Bilbao all have solid metro and bus networks.
- Cheap with a multi-ride card
- Reliable and frequent
- Late-night gaps between midnight and 6am in some cities
High-Speed Rail (AVE)
Best for city-to-city travel on the mainland. Madrid to Barcelona in 2.5 hours. Madrid to Seville in 2.5 hours. Comfortable, punctual, genuinely pleasant.
- Fast and comfortable
- City-centre to city-centre, no airport faff
- Peak prices can match flights
Intercity Bus
Best for budget travel between cities. ALSA and FlixBus cover most routes. Takes longer but costs a fraction of the AVE.
- Cheapest option from around €10
- Covers routes trains don't
- Slower, Madrid to Barcelona is 7-8 hours by bus
Ferries
Best for reaching the Balearic Islands from the mainland. Trasmediterranea and Balearia run regular routes from Barcelona and Valencia to Mallorca, Ibiza, and Menorca.
- Cheaper than flying if booked early
- You can bring your car
- Crossings take 4-8 hours depending on route
Which Is Right For You?
Metro plus walking. Get a multi-ride card.
AVE trains or budget flights.
Rent a car, book ahead for best rates.
Intercity bus. ALSA and FlixBus are your friends.
Quick Tips
Prices quadruple closer to departure. 4-6 weeks out is the sweet spot for the cheapest fares.
T-Casual in Barcelona, Multi in Madrid. Way cheaper than buying single tickets every time.
Lunch is 2-3pm, dinner is 9-10pm. Eat when locals eat and you'll find better restaurants at better prices.
Seville, Granada, San Sebastian, Valencia, and Bilbao are all worth your time, and they're cheaper.
Related Resources
Because good trips still hit bumps. Here's the backup plan.
Travel Problems
Missed flights, lost luggage, dodgy hotels. It happens. Here's how to handle all of it without losing your mind.
Read the GuidesTheft & Scams
Pickpockets, tourist traps, and cons you won't see coming. We break down the most common ones and how to dodge them.
Protect YourselfTravel Insurance
Don't skip this one, especially travelling solo. We compare the best policies and explain what you actually need.
Find the Right PolicySpain Travel FAQs
The questions we get asked most, answered honestly.
Do I need a visa to visit Spain?
Is Spain safe for tourists?
How many days do I need in Spain?
What's the best time to visit Spain?
Is Spain expensive?
What is the menu del dia and why should I care?
How do I get around Spain?
Do I need travel insurance for Spain?
Can I drink the tap water in Spain?
What's the tipping culture in Spain?
Travel Hubs Worth A Look
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