Spain — travel information

Meet Spain

Spain is a country that deserves every bit of attention. Here, you will meet diversity every step of the way — starting with the big cities in the South, the sunny islands, even the sky-high mountain regions. In Spain, you will find beautiful sceneries, but also extreme climate changes. Every city is very different: It has unique colours and you can feel the cultural differences; some are urbaner, others a bit more practical.

The fiesta in a city or town is something common and appreciated by all locals. You’ll have the opportunity to take part in different festivals, religious or not, that will make you feel like you’re part of the community; drink with the locals, eat with them and dance — simply put, feel good.

The first visit in Spain

Spain has a special place in our heart since we first visited the country. The country seems to be constantly moving and immediately upon arrival, you can feel a positive atmosphere. If you prefer a quiet time and you want to relax, don’t visit the big cities; go to smaller towns or the not so touristy parts of the islands. Enjoy walking through narrow streets with other tourists, but also locals? Pick one of the big cities. However, we recommend not visiting during the high-season in summer.

Another recommendation is to choose the small wild beaches, especially in towns like Valencia, Alicante, Girona, Santander, San Sebastian or the other ones in the South.

Do you travel light? If not, you should consider it. Choose a few clothes and comfortable shoes — you will thank us later! Eating in Spain is a bit unusual for people from the North. Spanish like to eat pretty late. Make an exception from time to time and eat, like them, after eight o’clock in the evening. Visit a local restaurant and enjoy the atmosphere.

Destinations

Food, drinks and people in Spain

Spain has undergone a tremendous development in the last years regarding food. Next to the beautiful beaches, the superb architecture and welcoming people, the food is one of its kind. Spanish cooks use very refined, local ingredients that are handpicked by them; they also like to cook with ingredients that are freshly available, depending on the season. A decade ago, the food was simple and hearty; now it is sophisticated and inventive.

Of course, basic ingredients have not changed: extra virgin olive oil, jamón, anchovy, tomatoes, seafood, fish, lamb, cheese; you will always find these ingredients in every restaurant you go. The best known Spanish food is tapas, an entrée served in small bites, usually with wine, beer or sherry. Small bites are important because you’re supposed to taste as many tapas as possible. Tapas, however, are more than a snack. It’s a way to socialise with locals and tourists.

A good way to save some money is eating the food of the day (usually around noon). The specials are made from fresh ingredients and are usually pretty cheap.

Eating out in Spain is always a great experience. You’ll find some of the most innovating restaurants in all of Europe. The culinary experience is usually very special and you’ll quickly learn why people in Spain love to eat so much.

Besides food, Spanish people like to drink, of course. Beer is definitely important, but so is sherry and wine. Speaking of wine: Spain is the third largest wine producer after France and Italy. Every Spanish region has superb wines you can choose from: sweet, dry, red or white. Try to visit the local wineries and do some wine tasting.

The people in Spain are very cheerful and welcoming; even the ones who don’t speak English or any other of the well-spoken languages. Spanish people love to have fun, and they feel good wherever they are. There are however differences between people from Catalonia, Basic, Galicia, Andalusia and the rest of Spain; not only regarding the languages and culture but also traditions and attitude. Still, most of them have two things in common: the love for their families and the authentic Spanish spirit. The passions can also be found in the daily routine of a Spanish person: Good food, lovely music, traditions, siesta and celebrating the simple things in life.

Culture and art in Spain

Besides art, architecture and movies, the Spanish creativity is represented by other things. Spain has a diverse culture that is very interesting and rich.

Try to discover the style every region has to offer; explore the mauric culture and listen to the flamenco sounds in Andalusia; admire Gaudi’s architecture, modern buildings like Ciudad de las Artes y las Ciencias in the city Valencia or the impressive creations of Salvador Dali and Picasso. If you’re near the sea, go surfing, visit festivals and enjoy everything Spain throws at you.

Articles about Spain

Find below some articles we’ve written about Spain. Read all of them to gather important information about the country.

Resources for reservations in Spain

The resources below will help you have a great time in Spain and make your travel through the country much easier.

Credit for Airbnb in Spain

Are you looking for a special experience in Spain? Book a room or a flat through Airbnb. Sign up using our link* and receive some credit for your first booking.

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Try to learn a few phrases in Spanish and spent as much time as possible with locals. Be curious and discover the culture in different parts of Spain.

Questions and answers about Spain

What is the best time to travel to Spain?

Thanks to its climate, Spain is a joy to travel to all year round. The summers can be very hot, so if you don’t like temperatures north of 40 degrees Celsius (104 degrees Fahrenheit), we’d recommend visiting Spain around May or from September to October. We went to Valencia in February and enjoyed our stay a lot. Temperatures even reached 25 degrees Celsius (77 degrees Fahrenheit).

What are the best places to travel to in Spain?

Spain is an incredible diverse country, that has something to offer for every traveller. Barcelona, for example, is a great city for people who want to experience a very diverse culture; if you like to mingle with the locals, we recommend Valencia, because it’s not as crowded with tourists; if you love great food, go south to Málaga or Sevilla.

Can I travel to Spain without a passport?

If you’re a member of the European Union, you can travel with your national ID card only.

Is Spain safe to travel to?

Spain has been a very safe country to travel to for years. The only exception was the 2017 terrorist attacks in Barcelona. Otherwise, you might watch out for wildfires, which are quite common in summer.

Can I travel on a budget to Spain?

Of course! Spain is a great destination for budget travellers. Start by booking your flight early and fly in with budget airlines, which operate from all over Europe. Accommodation is cheap, if you use Airbnb, Hostels or find a nice flat that isn’t very close to the city centre.

What is the best way to travel around Spain?

If you need to travel big distances, choose the bus instead of the train — it’s much cheaper. Within cities, we recommend the metro.