Spain – Destination Guide

Spain is a captivating blend of sun-drenched coastlines, passionate culture, rich history, and world-famous cuisine. From Gaudí’s architectural masterpieces in Barcelona to flamenco dancing in Seville, tapas hopping in Madrid to beach escapes in the Balearic Islands – Spain is a destination that offers something for everyone. Whether you’re chasing art, adventure, or just a good siesta, Spain delivers with charm and style.

🏙️ Regions to Explore

🌆 Madrid & Central Spain

Spain’s capital is a cosmopolitan hub of art, nightlife, and gastronomy. Explore the Prado Museum, relax at El Retiro Park, and enjoy rooftop tapas with views over Gran Vía.

• Visit Toledo or Segovia on an easy day trip
• See Picasso’s Guernica at Reina Sofía Museum
• Join a walking tapas tour through Lavapiés or La Latina

🎨 Barcelona & Catalonia

A coastal gem known for its modernist architecture, sandy beaches, and creative energy.

• Marvel at Gaudí’s Sagrada Familia and Park Güell
• Wander the Gothic Quarter and El Born
• Hit the beaches of Barceloneta or Costa Brava

💃 Andalusia

The heart of flamenco, Moorish palaces, and sun-baked villages.

• Tour the Alhambra in Granada and the Mezquita in Córdoba
• Watch live flamenco in Seville
• Explore whitewashed villages like Ronda and Mijas

🏖️ Balearic Islands

Sun, sea, and style await in this Mediterranean island group.

• Dance the night away in Ibiza
• Relax on turquoise beaches in Formentera
• Discover bohemian markets and art in Mallorca

⛰️ Northern Spain

Green hills, world-class cuisine, and epic pilgrim trails.

• Walk a stretch of the Camino de Santiago
• Eat your way through San Sebastián’s pintxos bars
• Visit Bilbao’s Guggenheim Museum and surf the Basque coast

🍽️ Food & Drink

Spanish cuisine is all about bold flavors, social dining, and regional variety.

• Sample tapas in every city — from patatas bravas to jamón ibérico
• Try paella in Valencia and fresh seafood on the coast
• Drink Rioja wine, Basque cider, and cava from Catalonia
• Don’t miss churros and chocolate, especially for breakfast

🎉 Culture & Events

Spain’s calendar is packed with fiestas, traditions, and local celebrations.

• La Tomatina (Buñol) – Tomato-throwing festival in August
• Semana Santa – Holy Week parades in Seville and Granada
• Feria de Abril – Seville’s iconic spring fair
• San Fermín (Pamplona) – The Running of the Bulls in July

🚉 Getting There & Around

Major International Airports

• Madrid-Barajas Airport (MAD) – 20 mins by metro or taxi to the city
• Barcelona-El Prat (BCN) – 30 mins by Aerobus, metro, or taxi
• Málaga-Costa del Sol (AGP) – 20 mins by train or taxi to Málaga city
• Valencia Airport (VLC) – 15 mins by metro or taxi to the centre
• Palma de Mallorca Airport (PMI) – 15 mins by bus or taxi to the old town

Getting Around

• High-speed AVE trains connect major cities in hours
• Metro systems in Madrid, Barcelona, and Valencia
• Buses for regional and rural travel (ALSA, Avanza)
• Rideshares like BlaBlaCar and car hire for countryside exploration

🔌 Electricity & Connectivity

• Plugs – Type C & F (European standard), 230V
• Internet – Excellent in cities and towns; reliable Wi-Fi in most accommodations
• Water – Tap water is safe to drink across the country
• SIM/eSIM – Affordable prepaid SIMs from Orange, Vodafone, Movistar; eSIMs available. Using an eSIM is our recommended choice while travelling anywhere in the world, and our recommended provider is Holafly. For more information on eSIMs, check out this blog.

🗣️ Language

• Primary Language – Spanish (Castellano)
• English is widely understood in tourist areas, less so in rural towns

💶 Currency & Payments

• Currency – Euro (€)
• Cards – Debit/credit cards widely accepted
• Cash – Useful in small towns, markets, and for tipping
• ATMs – Readily available in cities and airports

🤝 Etiquette & Customs

• Greetings – Handshakes are standard; cheek kisses common in informal settings
• Dining – Dress well when eating out; it’s polite to say “buen provecho” (enjoy your meal)
• Tipping – Not mandatory but appreciated; round up or 5–10% in restaurants
• Time – Punctuality is relaxed; meals are later (lunch 2–3pm, dinner 9–10pm)
• Siesta – Many small shops close in the afternoon, especially in rural areas

🛂 Visa Requirements

• Short Visits –

  • No visa required for stays up to 90 days for citizens of Australia, USA, UK, Canada, New Zealand, and most of Europe

  • Spain is part of the Schengen Area

• ETIAS –

  • A new travel authorisation for visa-free visitors, required from mid-2025

  • Apply online before travel: https://etias.com or https://visa.vfsglobal.com

🛡️ Safety

• General Safety – Spain is very safe for travelers
• Petty Theft – Watch out for pickpockets in crowded areas (especially in Barcelona and Madrid)
• Emergency Number – Dial 112 for police, fire, or medical help
• Women Travelers – Solo travel is common and generally safe; standard precautions apply

📌 Why Visit Spain?

Spain enchants with its diversity – from sun-drenched islands to medieval towns, world-class cuisine to contemporary design, rich traditions to modern flair. Whether you’re sketching Gaudí’s curves in Barcelona, feasting on seafood in Galicia, or dancing until dawn in Ibiza, Spain is a destination that lingers long in the memory.