Overview

Spain is a feast for the senses: Moorish palaces, Gaudí’s surreal architecture, flamenco dancing, sun-drenched coasts, and tapas at every turn. From Madrid’s museums to Andalusia’s white villages, Basque Country’s culinary scene to the beaches of the Balearics, Spain offers nonstop cultural, historical, and gastronomic thrills.

Quick Facts

• Language: Spanish (Castilian); regional languages include Catalan, Basque, Galician

• Currency: Euro (€)

• Capital: Madrid

• Main Airports: Madrid (MAD), Barcelona (BCN), Málaga (AGP)

• Visa: Schengen Zone

• Climate: Mediterranean (hot summers, mild winters), alpine in north

• Plugs: Type C & F

• Top Apps: Renfe (trains), Glovo, Cabify, Omio, ElTenedor

Best Time to Visit

• Spring (Apr–Jun): Ideal weather, blooming festivals (like Feria de Abril)

• Summer (Jul–Aug): Lively beach scenes; inland cities are hot

• Fall (Sep–Nov): Great for wine regions and harvest festivals

• Winter (Dec–Feb): Ski in the Pyrenees or enjoy mild southern weather

Budget

• Budget: €50–70/day – hostels, tapas, trains

• Mid-range: €100–150/day – boutique stays, guided tours

• Luxury: €200–350+/day – fine hotels, Michelin dining, private experiences

Top Places to Visit

🏙 Cities

• Barcelona – Gaudí’s architecture, beaches, Gothic Quarter

• Madrid – Art museums, tapas bars, royal palace

• Seville – Flamenco, Alcázar, orange-scented streets

• Granada – Alhambra, Moorish quarters, snow-capped views

• San Sebastián – Pintxos, surfing, and elegance

🌄 Nature & Islands

• Andalusia – White villages, olive groves, hilltop castles

• Costa Brava – Rugged Mediterranean coast

• Basque Country – Green mountains, dramatic cliffs

• Mallorca, Menorca, Ibiza – Balearic Islands for all vibes

• Canary Islands – Volcanic beaches, hiking, year-round sun

What to Eat & Drink

• Tapas – Small savory dishes (some free with drinks)

• Paella – Valencia’s iconic rice dish, best with seafood

• Tortilla Española – Potato omelet, served everywhere

• Jamón Ibérico – Dry-cured ham, often acorn-fed

• Pintxos – Basque-style skewered tapas

• Churros con Chocolate – Breakfast or late-night snack

• Sangría & Tinto de Verano – Fruity, refreshing drinks

• Cava – Spain’s answer to Champagne

• Sherry – Particularly in southern Spain (Jerez)

Where to Stay

• Budget: The Hat (Madrid), Kabul Hostel (Barcelona)

• Mid-range: Casa Camper (Barcelona), Hotel Amadeus (Seville)

• Luxury: Hotel Alfonso XIII (Seville), Hotel Ritz (Madrid)

• Unique: Paradores (luxury stays in castles & monasteries), cave houses in Granada

Getting Around

• Train: Renfe AVE for high-speed routes (Madrid–Seville in 2.5 hours!)

• Metro: Efficient in major cities

• Bus: Alsa and FlixBus for budget intercity travel

• Car Rental: Ideal for Andalusia, northern Spain, Costa Brava

• Domestic Flights: Quick and cheap between regions/islands

Suggested Itinerary (10 Days)

1. Madrid – Museums, Retiro Park, Royal Palace

2. Toledo – Historic day trip from Madrid

3. Seville – Alcázar, flamenco, tapas nights

4. Granada – Alhambra, Albaicín

5. Barcelona – Sagrada Família, Park Güell, beach time

6. Optional: Add Valencia, Bilbao, or San Sebastián for variety