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Complete Spain Travel Guide, What You Need To Know
Spain is a popular travel destination. In fact, 58 million tourists visit Spain each year. The country is large and diverse. Planning international travel can be overwhelming and time-consuming while working full time. Use this Spain travel guide and the following Spain blog posts to plan your perfect vacation. The top destinations in Spain are Barcelona, Madrid, Toledo, Seville, Cordoba, Granada, Ronda, Costa del Sol, and Malaga.
If you are planning a trip to Spain, do not miss this Best of Spain Travel Itinerary for First-Timers
Barcelona Spain Travel Guide
Barcelona Spain is known for Gaudi’s modernist architecture but there is much more to this cosmopolitan city. You will find a Gothic Quarter, Picasso’s art, tapas, a magic fountain, and a man-made beach.
READ Top Things to Do in Barcelona Spain
Madrid Spain Travel Guide
Madrid is the Capital of Spain, the seat of government, and full of history. You will find a palace, gardens, plazas, fountains, tapas, and the best churros and chocolate in Spain.
Toledo Spain Travel Guide
Toledo Spain is a city of three cultures (Christian, Muslim, and Jewish) resulting in a medieval mix of Roman, Moorish, Jewish, and Christian architecture, food, and people. Toledo is like stepping into a museum. The city is full of tiny cobblestoned streets, stone buildings, small hidden squares, medieval gates, city walls, incredible bridges, and is famous for sword making.
Seville Spain Travel Guide
Seville Spain is the birthplace of flamenco. You will find the Alcazar, cathedral, plazas, flamenco shows, the tomb of Christopher Columbus, palaces, panoramic views, orange wine, and traditional tapas.
READ 48 Hours in Seville Spain
Cordoba Spain Travel Guide
Cordoba Spain is full of gorgeous flower patios. But that’s not all, there is also a candy cane striped Great Mosque, Alcazar garden, dancing horses, and whitewashed alleyways to explore.
READ Day Trip to Cordoba Spain from Seville
Granada Spain Travel Guide
Granada Spain is a medieval town at the foot of the Sierra Nevada Mountains. You will find Spanish balconies, Moroccan lamps, shisha pipes, dog flutes, tapas, flamenco guitar, winding alleyways, cave homes, arched footbridges, and the famous Alhambra Palace and Gardens.
READ Granada Spain Two Day Itinerary for First-Timers
Ronda Spain Travel Guide
Ronda Spain is ‘the dream city’ known for its iconic Puente Nuevo Bridge and El Tajo Gorge. You will find deep gorges, panoramic views, alleyways, cobblestone streets, city walls, whitewashed homes, iron balconies with large wooden doors, bougainvillea, and fountains.
READ Top Things to Do in Ronda Spain
Costa del Sol Spain Travel Guide
Spain’s Costa Del Sol is a popular Southern Spain travel destination. The area is known for its sunshine and a Mediterranean coastline full of rocky cliffs, crystal clear water, and beaches of fine golden sand. The area is full of must-see cities including Spain’s famous Pueblos Blancos. You will find whitewashed cliffside villages, winding cobblestone streets, stepped alleys, wrought-iron balconies, hanging flower pots, red-tiled roofs, bougainvillea, geraniums, little azure doors, fountains, olive trees, vineyards, sweet wine, and tapas.
READ Must-See Cities In and Around Spain’s Costa Del Sol
Malaga Spain Travel Guide
Málaga Spain is the Capital of Costa del Sol and the birthplace of Pablo Picasso. This Andalusian town averages 300 days of sunshine and has 16 beaches to explore. Málaga has something for everyone: a gothic cathedral, Moorish palace, tapas, street art, amazing museums, flamenco, churros and chocolate, rooftop bars, and Andalusian architecture.
READ Top Things to Do in Malaga Spain
What You Need to Know When Planning a Trip to Spain
Where is Spain?
Spain is in southwestern Europe. It is bordered by France, the Bay of Biscay, Portugal, and the Mediterranean Sea. Madrid, Barcelona, Valencia, Seville, Bilbao, and Malaga are the largest cities in Spain. Madrid is Spain’s capital.
What is the language in Spain?
The official language of Spain is Spanish (Castilian). Catalan, Basque, Galician, Asturian, Aragonese, and Aranese are also spoken. Be sure to learn a few key phrases as well as some slang. FluentU offers a helpful list of common words and phrases to learn before you travel.
Do I need a visa to visit Spain?
According to Project Visa, you can stay in Spain for up to 90 days without a visa unless you are from EU countries that are not part of the Schengen agreement.
What is the currency in Spain?
The currency in Spain is the euro. US dollars are not accepted at restaurants, attractions, or stores. Be sure to download a free currency calculator before you arrive.
Can I use credit cards and ATMs in Spain?
ATMs are widely available in Spain. Avoid large fees by using your bank’s international partner in Spain and google its location before you travel. Visa and Mastercard are widely accepted in Spain, you will need a 4 digit PIN from the bank. Save money on fees with a credit card that waives foreign transaction fees and make purchases in euro. Most small businesses and villages are cash only.
How much should I budget per day in Spain?
According to Budget Your Trip, the average daily cost of traveling in Spain is $136. Expect to pay $1,868 + airfare for a one-week trip for 2.
When is the best time to visit Spain?
The high season is July and August. It will be hot, prices are at their highest, there are many festivals and large crowds. The shoulder season is mid-March through April and mid-September through October. The weather is moderate, prices decrease and there will be fewer crowds. November is the rainiest season in Spain and it is chilly from January and February into March.
What transportation does Spain use?
Iberia is a discount airline in Spain and RENFE is the high-speed train system. Major cities in Spain have good public transportation. Car rental is the easiest way to explore Southern Spain, the roads are well-maintained and safe.
What kind of adaptor do I need in Spain?
The plugs in Spain are type C and F. The standard voltage is 230 V, and the standard frequency is 50Hz. I recommend buying a universal adapter with surge protection. You will need a converter if you plan to use an electric razor or blow dryer from the US.
What should I pack for Spain?
Clothing styles are conservative in muted colors. Sweatsuits and yoga pants are not common, sandals and sneakers are. Sunglasses and sunscreen are a must.
Is Spain a safe country for solo travelers?
Spain is one of the safest European countries. While there is a low crime rate, you’ll need to be aware of pickpockets in the metros and in crowded areas that are popular with tourists. Dial 112 in an emergency. Contact the US Embassy for non-urgent emergencies, such as a lost passport.
What Spanish food do I need to try?
Tapas, paella, gazpacho, churros and chocolate. And drink lots of sangria!
What are the main holidays and festivals in Spain?
- Carnival is celebrated in February and March.
- Seville’s Feria de Abril is held in April.
- Los Patios de Córdoba occurs at the beginning of May.
- The Running of the Bulls in Pamplona is at the beginning of July.
- Tomatina Festival in Buñol occurs at the end of August.
- Barcelona’s La Mercè is at the end of September.
Be sure to check the Spain Office of Tourism website for upcoming festivals, special events, and what’s happening during your stay.
What are some important Spanish traditions?
- Flamenco is an important musical style with dance.
- Going for tapas is a common social outing.
- Although controversial, bullfighting still occurs in many cities.
- Siestas remain common from 2-4 in the afternoon.
- Soccer and jai alai are popular sports.
Tips for Traveling in Spain
- Lunch begins at 1:30 pm, tapas at 9 pm, sit down dinner around 10 pm
- Tipping is not expected, servers earn living wages and benefits in Spain.
- Nightlife begins well after 10 pm
- Flicking the teeth with the thumbnail, wiggling fingers from the nose, or grabbing the left arm with the right while making a left-handed fist are offensive gestures.
Top Things to See and Do in Spain
- See Gaudi’s Architecture
- Browse the Works of Picasso
- Watch Flamenco in Seville
- Tour the Alhambra
- Visit the Patios of Cordoba
- Wander the Pueblos Blanco
Interesting Facts About Spain
- Spanish is the second most spoken language in the world.
- Spain is the European Union’s EU’s second-largest country and has the second-highest unemployment rate.
- Spain is home to over 5,000 miles (8,000km) of beaches and nudity is legal.
- Spain has 47 UNESCO World Heritage Sites.
- Spain is said to have more bars than any other country in the EU.
- The world’s oldest restaurant, Restaurante Botín, is in Madrid.
- The first novel, Don Quixote by Miguel de Cervantes, was written in Spanish.
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Best Booking Resources for Spain Travel
Spain Travel Guide
Download an ebook, phrasebook, map, or bundle directly from Lonely Planet, or pick up a Spain Travel Guide from Amazon.com to browse on the plane.
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Spain Attractions and Day Tours
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Have a great vacation!
