Are you dreaming of sun kissed beaches, vibrant landscapes and tantalizing tapas? If you’re planning your next big adventure to Spain and need insider tips to make the most of your trip, without overloading you with too much information. Then you’re in the right spot.
With such a diverse country, it’s a question of where should you start your research?
In this Spain travel guide, we’ll share some of the best places to visit, tips on how to navigate the country, budget travel hacks, how to avoid tourist traps and more.
As seasoned travellers to Spain, we understand the difficulties of navigating an unfamiliar location for the first time, staying safe and the limited time available. Which is where we come in.
So, let’s dive into and start planning your next adventure to Spain.
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Table of Contents
Spain travel guide
Whether you’re a first-time traveller to Spain or, a seasoned explorer, we have everything you need to know, to help you plan your epic adventure.
Visa Requirements
You may need to apply for a visa to Spain prior to departure depending on your nationality.
Citizens from the European Union, UK, Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway and Switzerland can visit Spain for up to 90 days within a 180-day period without needing a visa.
The same also applies to Citizens of the USA, Australia, New Zealand, Canada and South Africa.
Citizens from other countries not mentioned above, will need to apply for a visa to Spain for tourism.
Currency
Spanish currency is the €(Euro).
Credit and debit cards are widely used across Spain, although some small places may only accept cash.
Many places may not use AMEX, so having alternative payment options is recommended.
We have used Revolute for around 1 year for all our travel transactions and love how we can change our local currency into Euros or any other currency and spend like we would normally back home.
Once we have set a budget, we transfer those funds into our Revolute account and use the funds while travelling.
We love that we can monitor our budget on the go and the convenience of paying in local currency rather than the foreign transaction fees we would pay using our normal debit or credit card.
There are fees for converting your currency during weekends only, weekdays it’s free. So, make those conversions on a Friday or Monday to save money.
Helpful resources
We use various tools to help us research and plan our trips and we want to simplify your research and travel planning.
Our 1# tip to help you plan your Spanish itinerary, is a travel planner. We have curated a travel planner to help you overcome the hurdle of planning, with everything in one place.
You can download your FREE travel planner here.
We also use Pinterest, google searches and Get Your Guides for great tours in a specific location.
If you need more resources to help you plan your Spanish adventure, then check these out:
Planning and researching your trip to Spain
Without planning and researching your trip to Spain, how do you know what you want to visit, where you’re going to stay and eat?
If you don’t plan and research, you’ll spend more money and the entire trip will be disorganised.
So where to start with planning and researching?
Best time to visit Spain
The best time to visit Spain, depends on what planned activities you want to do and where you’ll visit.
Southern Spain is the ideal location all year round, due to its mild winters and hot summers. While the northern regions of Spain are better during the summer months with warmer climates.
We visited Valencia in the summer and during the winter and both seasons offered different activities.
During the summer the beaches are packed with locals and tourists soaking up the sun, while winter was mild and a great opportunity to explore the city and the architecture.
As seasoned budget travellers, we are always sharing budget travel hacks. Now if you’re looking to visit Spain on a Shoestring, the best time to visit Spain is during the shoulder months.
Airfares and accommodation prices often drop and you’ll experience reduced crowds.
So, depending on your budget, location and activities, choosing the right time to visit Spain is essential.
How long to spend in Spain
This is very much dependent on how much vacation time you have available and how long you would like to spend in Spain.
If you are planning a gap year to travel around Europe, then we would recommend spending anything between one month andthree months, before crossing boarders into Portugal or France.
But for most of you, like us, you will probably have a tight schedule of one-two weeks, as your work vacation allows.
In our experience, we would recommend one week if you’re visiting a major city like Madrid, Valencia or Barcelona with a short-day trip to Montserat for example.
If you’re planning on city hopping, then two-three weeks would be ideal. Spending a longer period of time, gives you the opportunity to really dive into the sights and experiences of a country without rushing.
We love to slow travel around a country, so spending between two-four days in a city, gives us time to explore the region without feeling overwhelmed with the experience.
What to pack for a trip to Spain
Packing for any holiday can be a stressful experience and we understand that more than anyone.
You need the right balance of essentials, yet you don’t want to over pack or leave anything behind.
Understanding what to pack depending on the activities and weather conditions is fundamental.
As Spain is a seasonal country, during the winter months the conditions are mild, yet in the summer it can get very hot.
If you’re arriving into Spain via an airline, be aware of their baggage restrictions. Many budget airlines will impose an additional fee for cabin bags or checked in bags, so you’ll need to pack light to minimize any additional fees and stay on budget.
Need help with what to pack for a trip to Spain? Stress no more, with our detailed guide on essential packing tips and hacks. You can also download a FREE packing check list, to help you pack effectively. Get your hands on a copy here.
How to get to and around Spain
Spain is easy to reach from many destinations around the world, with options of flying, travelling via train, bus or driving.
Air travel
If you are travelling from outside of Europe, you may find the easiest and quickest way to reach Spain is by flying.
Most direct flights land in Madrid and Barcelona from the USA or Australia, while you’ll need to make at least 1 connection for other cities such as Valencia and Seville.
You can reach all major cities in Europe with direct flights from budget airlines.
We use Easy Jet and Ryanair, who are reasonable and budget friendly. However, with all budget airlines they have a tiered pricing system.
You can pick up flights from Europe for as little as €30 one way, BUT you’re limited to how much baggage you can take on board.
You can upgrade your ticket to include a small carry-on bag, but at a price.
TIP: To keep costs to a minimum, choose the lowest fare possible. This is where an organised and minimalist packing system is required, to fit all your essentials into a small bag that fits under the seat in front of you.
Couples should take advantage of cutting costs on budget airlines by one person booking the premium seat which includes a carry-on bag and a small piece of hand luggage, while the other books a standard fare with only a small piece of hand luggage.
Train
With train connections from around Europe, it makes it an easy option to travel via train to Spain.
However, it is expensive and a slower way of travelling. If you’re limited on time, then travelling via train may not be an option.
If we were to travel to Spain via train from the UK, it would take us over 24 hours, with more connections and more expensive, than if we were to fly.
But, if you’re travelling from a neighbouring country such as Portugal or France as an example, you may find train travel a convenient method.
Getting to Spain via train may be an advantage, depending on where you are travelling from in Europe.
Residents from outside of Europe may prefer to fly into Spain, unless you’re planning an epic European trip via train.
There are great train connections from most major and small towns in Spain. For example, if you were planning a 2-3 week trip, you could take the train from Barcelona to Valencia and then from Valencia to Madrid etc.
Plan your train travel around Spain, then check out the Train Line. You can also book train or bus tickets to most locations in Spain and Europe.
Bus
Bus is another excellent travel option to get to Spain. It is a cheaper option, but will take longer.
Same scenario as above, travelling from the UK to Valencia as an example, it would take nearly 48 hours and multiple connections. Compare this with flying, it is around the same price give or take depending on the time we travel.
Countries closer to the border with Spain will be cheaper and quicker.
If you’re travelling from the USA or Australia, you’ll need to fly into Europe, before travelling via bus, which wouldn’t be economical, unless you plan to travel around Europe via bus.
Regular and great bus connections, can take you from one large city or smaller town to another. If you plan to city hop around Spain, the bus would be the cheapest option.
To plan you bus journeys to and around Spain, then check out the Train Line here. You can book bus or train tickets.
Driving
Driving to and around Spain can offer a mix of convenience but can also be challenging.
We love the flexibility of jumping in the car and just driving to our next destination. We don’t need to rely on public transport and it means we can explore more off the beaten path destinations and beautiful towns and villages that public transport doesn’t cover.
By planning a road trip, you could discover more in a short period of time.
There is no reliability on public transport and the possibilities of delayed bus or trains, yet you can stop anywhere at any time, providing there are no restrictions in the area.
Spain can offer some amazing scenic routes, which you may not get to see if you had to travel via public transport.
The only things that would hold us back from driving in Spain is the cost of fuel, insurances and the cost of hiring a vehicle if we choose not to take our own.
Parking could be a challenge, especially in large cities or towns where parking is limited or expensive.
Navigating the Spanish road signs and the strict Spanish road laws could cause some stress. AND that the roads are different to what we are used to in the UK. We drive on the left, yet in Spain it’s on the right. Which could cause confusion.
Would the negatives put us off from driving to Spain, no because the advantages far outweigh the negatives. It would just require more planning, do more research on how to drive in Spain and if the price of driving is cheaper than using public transport.
Cycle
This is a fantastic way to get around the major cities such as Madrid, Valencia, Barcelona etc.
Cycling is encouraged in Spain, with plenty of cycle paths and getting around on two wheels will offer a different perspective.
You can hire bikes in most major cities and is a free way to get around.
If you are adventurous, you could cycle around Spain, although you would need an extensive level of fitness and experience of cycling long distances from city to city and town to town.
Tips for finding the affordable transport
Choosing affordable transport options will help to keep you on a tight budget. Here are some practical tips to help you navigate Spain as cheaply as possible.
Use budget airlines
Budget airlines provide excellent connections with Spain and the rest of Europe. By utilising budget airlines, you could pick up cheap flights to most cities. To get the best deals on flights, we would recommend the following tips:
- Book in advance: While it is possible to pick up good deals last minute, it is recommended to book in advance to pick the best affordable rate. Rates are normally at their lowest a few months ahead.
- Be flexible with dates: To pick up the best deal, you should be flexible with your dates. Weekdays are generally cheaper than weekends. Use comparison websites such as Skyscanner or Omio to compare prices, find the best dates to travel and best deals that are suitable to you.
- Avoid additional extras: Watch out for the additional extras and keep it simple. It won’t take long for the cost of a flight to double, simply because you have included additional baggage etc. Limit your packing to just an under the seat bag, as this will save you money in the end.
Travel by train or bus
Spain’s bus and train network is extensive and efficient. For affordable public transport:
- Book in advance: Take advantage of cheaper deals by booking in advance.
- Look for discounts: Many bus and train companies offer discounts for young travellers under 26 and seniors.
- Compare prices: Use comparison websites such as Omio or Rome2Rio to get the best price and to check schedules
- Book on an overnight bus or train: Save on accommodation costs by booking an overnight bus or train.
Ridesharing or carpooling
Ridesharing and carpooling can be a cost-effective way of getting around. Apps such as BlaBla Car offer ridesharing services, where you’ll share a ride with someone heading to the same direction or destination as you are travelling.
Before booking your ride, always check the reviews and be mindful of your safety, especially if you are a solo traveller.
While we haven’t used the services ourselves, our nephew uses it frequently and a ride from Valencia to Granada can cost as little as €30 one way.
Tips for booking affordable accommodation
Finding affordable accommodation, can significantly reduce your travel budget.
If you are a budget traveller like us, you’ll want to stay in hostels or cheap hotels.
Hostels offer dormitory rooms with shared bathroom facilities. Some hostels may offer limited private rooms with private bathrooms, but these are more expensive.
Hostels are not only cheap but a great way to meet likeminded travellers.
Guesthouses or BnB’s are a little more comfortable with private rooms, some may have shared bathroom facilities. A little more expensive than a hostel but still affordable.
If you are prepared to spend a little more money on accommodation, then a mid-range hotel or luxury hotel could be an option.
We stayed in the Holiday Inn and Ibis budget in Valencia and both were mid-range hotels. We would recommend Holiday Inn, as the customer service was outstanding and we loved the clean rooms and awesome facilities.
Book accommodation in advance
Pick up more affordable deals by booking accommodation in advance. Many hotels offer discounts for early reservations.
Take advantage of this to get the best and affordable accommodation options.
Tip: Always read the reviews, with the most recent first. Make sure you are completely satisfied with the cleanliness, safety and amenities.
Travel off peak or the shoulder months
We rarely travel during peak season or during school holidays, because we know that accommodation prices are so much more expensive. And there are far too many crowds.
We love travelling during the shoulder months, as we can still benefit from the mild weather conditions, the reduced crowds, but save money on accommodation prices.
If you do a little research and plan your trip, you really can find cheap deals on accommodation.
Use comparison websites
Never book accommodation at the first website you come across, as you could miss out on a cheaper price elsewhere.
Do some research and compare prices with different websites such as booking.com, Expedia, Kayak and the hotel website directly.
Want our recommendations on comparison websites we would recommend and use, then check out these links to help you book your accommodation in Spain:
Stay further away from the tourist areas
Accommodation that’s closer to the main tourist hotspots or areas will be more expensive, compared to a neighbourhood that are further away, yet have excellent transport links to the main attractions.
Tip: Use maps to check the accessibility and location of the accommodation to the places you want to visit.
Best destinations to visit in Spain
We have drawn from our experiences of visiting Spain, to recommend the best places for you to visit.
Valencia
The third largest city in Spain and home to paella. The vibrant city is located in the southern regions, which is ideal to visit all year round, with mild winters and hot summers.
It’s unique blend of historical charm and modern innovation, making this one of our top cities to visit.
We visited Valencia twice and loved the narrow-cobbled streets of the old town, the new world of the City of Arts and Sciences, to the beautiful cathedrals, tapas and paella.
The authentic paella includes rabbit and chicken. You can even learn how to cook authentic paella with a cooking class.
Need more help on planning a trip to Valencia, you may find these helpful:
Helpful tips on visiting Valencia
- 8 Free or cheap things to do in Valencia
- 3 Day Valencia itinerary
- Foodie guide to Valencia
- How to get around Valencia
Barcelona
One of the most visited cities in Spain, Barcelona is a city rich in cultural heritage, stunning architecture and a bustling atmosphere.
We only visited Barcelona for a short few days and wish we had longer. La Sagrada Familia is a popular tourist hotspot, so make sure you book your tickets in advance to avoid disappointment.
Although Barcelona was incredible, we just fell in love with Montserat. A monastery in the mountains, with amazing hiking trails, cable car and funicular rides.
The best way to get to Montserat is via train which is affordable and can be done on a day trip from Barcelona. Yet, in our opinion we could have stayed in the tranquil location for a few days.
Salobrena
This small town, is a destination that’s off the beaten path.
If you really want to experience tapas, sandy beaches and to dive in with the locals, then this is a must.
A little challenging to reach, unless you have a car, but navigating public transport just to get here is worth it.
We flew into Madrid, before catching a 2-hour bus journey to this small town, but once we got there, we relaxed on the beach and explored the region.
Spanish cuisine
Spanish cuisine is a mix of vibrant and diverse flavours, ingredients and regional specialities. This reflects the countries rich history, geography and cultural influences.
We were in foodie heaven with the various paella and tapas dishes available.
So, to prepare you for what to expect from Spanish cuisine, here are some of our recommended dishes.
Paella
Paella originates from Valencia, with the rice sourced from L’Albufera region just south of the city.
Traditional Valencian paella is made with chicken, rabbit and sometimes snails along with vegetables and saffron.
There are other variations of the paella dish such as a seafood paella or a vegetarian paella, although many Valencians will claim that you’re not eating a traditional paella from the region.
We had to try different paella dishes; Shams favourite was the seafood paella.
Paella is a great dish for sharing and if ordered in restaurants, a minimum person requirement is normally 2+ persons. For us, we had to try it, although it is a little on the expensive side and we couldn’t eat it all.
However, there are local supermarkets such as Carrfour that you can purchase a small 1-person paella at a fraction of the cost.
Tapas
This is probably the most iconic dish known to Spain apart from paella. These small, flavourful appetizers are enjoyed with a drink and shared with friends and family.
But, in some regions tapas comes free with a drink from the bar. Normally you can’t choose the dish, while in other regions, tapas are not complimentary with drinks.
We noticed this in Salobrena, were the bar tender served tapas free with our drink, yet head to tourist hotspots of Valencia and Barcelona tapas was charged separately.
Typical tapas in Spain are:
- Patatas Bravas: Fried potatoes with a spicy tomato sauce.
- Seafood: Commonly cooked prawns
Sangria
A fruity punch that’s perfect during summer.
A combination of red wine, fruit, sweeteners, liquor, ice and sometimes soda or sparkling water.
In top tourist hotspots and beaches, Sangria is expensive. If you want to try authentic Spanish Sangria, go off the beaten path for affordability.
Budget travel tips
It may seem that Spain is an expensive country to visit, but with some careful planning, setting a budget and looking at ways to save money, it really is possible to travel on a shoestring budget.
Here are our simple tips to keep your budget to a minimum while visiting Spain.
#1 – Travel during off peak season
We have mentioned this a few times throughout this Spain travel guide, but we felt it important to mention this again.
Travel during the shoulder months of spring and autumn can reduce costs on flights, accommodation and reduced crowds.
The weather is still mild in the shoulder months, which is perfect for a more comfortable travel experience.
#2 – Budget friendly accommodation options
If you are looking to keep to a shoestring budget, then cheap accommodation options are a must.
Hostels are the cheapest accommodation, with a dorm room costing as little as €20.00 per night depending on the region and dates of travel.
#3 – affordable transport options
Choose budget airlines to get the best possible rates and discounts. Opt for just a small under the seat bag to keep costs to a minimum. Always use comparison websites and be flexible with dates.
When we booked our flights to Spain, we are flexible with the destination and dates. This gives us some spontaneity while selecting the cheapest option.
Utilise public transport as often as you can and consider buying rechargeable travel cards, that allows you to travel on any mode of public transport for a given number of trips for over a period of days.
You can check out our video on YouTube about how to purchase a Metro Card.
Also consider the travel pass, which offer unlimited travel within a given period of time and free entry to many tourist attractions at discounted prices.
#4 – Dine on a dime
Take advantage of tapas. These small bites will cost you nothing in some regions when you purchase a drink.
Purchase fresh produce and cook your own meals at your accommodation. Such as bread, cheese and other picnic essentials. Or purchase sandwiches and salads, which are cheaper than restaurants.
The first time we had a Poke bowl, was in Valencia and for the rest of our trip, this was all we ate for lunch. Made from sushi rice, broad beans, pickle and salmon with a soya dressing. This was less than €5.00 and enough for one person.
Hot food is available in many markets and supermarkets, such as paella, roast chicken with roast potato’s, burgers and so much more.
Avoid restaurants and cafes close to tourist hotspots and find affordable eateries where locals eat.
#5 – free and low-cost activities
Take advantage of free entry to some museums and attractions. Some paid for attractions offer free entry days on certain days during a month.
Purchase the tourist card, that combines unlimited travel on public transport within a given period and free entry or discounts on many tourist spots in the city.
You can purchase the travel cards here, based on the destination you’re visiting.
Need more tips on how to visit Spain on a budget. Check out our detailed post on budget tips and money saving hacks.
Safety and security tips
Spain is a safe country to visit, whether you’re a solo traveller, LGBTQ traveller, or travelling as a family.
That said, mishaps can happen from time to time. If you travel with common-sense, do-good research and planning, then it should help to prevent any mishaps from happening.
As experienced travellers to Spain, we have some practical safety tips, so your trip goes without a hitch.
Be aware of pickpockets and scams
Take extra caution around popular tourist hotspots for pickpockets and scams. It isn’t uncommon for thefts to occur.
While there are high levels of police presents in most of the top tourist spots such as La Sagrada Familia, it is always important to secure your belongings.
While travelling, we have a money belt, or a small cross over bag that we keep all our important documents and cash. This is kept across the front of our body.
Any additional bags or backpacks should be kept in front of you where you can see it.
Pickpockets will use distraction techniques and work in teams. Be more vigilant of your possessions if someone approaches you asking for directions or spill something over you.
Stay vigilant around ATMs
If you need to get more cash from an ATM, use ATMs inside a bank or somewhere well lit.
Cover your hand over the pin pad, to protect your pin and be aware of anyone getting too close or watching you.
Place the cash safely within your bag before walking away from the ATM.
Use reliable transportation
Only ever book licenced taxis, or ride sharing apps, such as Uber or BlaBla Car. And always tell friends or family which taxi you are getting into, so they can monitor your departure and arrival time.
Share your ride progress with friends and family with the use of ride sharing apps such as Uber, you can share a link with someone you trust and they can monitor you in real time.
Keep an eye on your belongings while travelling on public transport and avoid travelling alone at night or on public transport.
If you are travelling alone at night, enter train carriages where there is a crowd of other travellers and move if they get off.
Know the emergency numbers
In the event of an emergency call 112, for non-emergency, call the local police on 092. They will assist you in the event of a theft, traffic offences, disputes and other crimes.
There is a dedicated tourist police, available on 902 102 112 between 9am and 9pm. They can assist you with reporting a crime.
Health precautions
It is unlikely that you’ll become seriously ill and suffer an injury. But you can be as cautious as you like, but sometimes things can happen.
For minor injuries and illnesses, we carry a small first aid kit, this helps us to get back on our feet as quickly as possible.
We have a specific post on what to pack in your travel first aid kit, check it out, to help you stay on the road.
However, should the worst happen, we would recommend purchasing travel insurance before leaving. Not only will it cover illnesses while away, but will cover you for theft, cancellation and so much more.
Need some advice on travel insurance. Don’t worry, I work in the insurance industry and have all the information you need in this post on essential guide to purchasing travel insurance.
If you need to seek some professional advice, in the event that you become unwell, or you just need to stock up on some over the counter medication, then Spanish pharmacies (farmacias) can help you out.
Need more advice on staying safe while travelling in Spain, such as how to stay hydrated and protected from the sun, accommodation safety, how to stay safe while travelling at night and so much more. Then check out our guide on how to stay safe while travelling.
Conclusion
Spain is a vibrant country rich in history, culture and some incredible landscapes that makes this a dream destination. Get lost among the cobbled streets of Valencia, to relaxing on serene beaches on the southern coast of the country, there is something for everyone.
However, it can get a little overwhelming with the planning, balancing a budget while maximising your experience and deciding where to visit.
We and many other travellers have faced the same challenges. How do you maximise the most of your time, while keeping to a tight budget and creating an action-packed Spanish itinerary?
Firstly, to find affordable flights and accommodation, consider travelling during the shoulder months or off-peak season and use budget airlines as much as possible. Take advantage of the less popular destinations such as Valencia and Granada over cities such as Barcelona and Ibiza.
We would recommend destinations such as Valencia, Salobrena and a day trip to Montserat from Barcelona. They all offer a unique and rich cultural experience and we can’t wait to head back to eat more tapas, paella and embrace the local life.
As experienced travellers to Spain, we can assure you that it is possible to have an unforgettable experience without spending excess money for it. Our adventures in Spain have taught us how to maximise our trip in a limited time, how to save money while travelling, which we have shared in this Spain travel guide.
Ready to Plan Your Dream Trip to Spain?
We know that planning a trip can feel overwhelming, especially when you’re trying to pack as much adventure and culture into your itinerary as possible. That’s why we’ve created a Free Travel Planner Checklist just for you!
Whether you’re wandering through the vibrant streets of Barcelona, exploring the historic wonders of Seville, or relaxing on the stunning beaches of Costa del Sol, our checklist will help you organize every detail of your trip with ease. From booking flights and accommodations to making sure you don’t miss any must-see sights, this planner is designed to take the stress out of your travel prep.
With our planner, you’ll stay organized, avoid common pitfalls, and make the most of your budget. We know how important it is to stretch every penny while traveling. Whether you’re juggling work, family, or just life in general, this checklist is designed to be quick to use and easy to follow.
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