Spain travel guide
Spain Tourism | Spain Guide
You're Going to Love Spain
As soon as you arrive in Spain, you will be rewarded with a diverse landscape and great cuisine. Do it like a local: take a siesta in the afternoon before partying late into the night.
What to do in Spain
1. Visit Barcelona
One of the most visited Spanish cities, travelers can admire several architectural wonders by Gaudi, such as the famous Sagrada Familia cathedral and Casa Batlló.
2. Discover Traditional Andalusia
The region in the south of Spain is a melting pot of cultures that have left their mark over the years. Explore cities like Seville, Granada and Córdoba.
3. Make Your Way to the Capital
Madrid has a special energy and amazing nightlife. It's also a great cultural destination, boasting great museums such as the Prado and Reina Sofia.
4. Party in Ibiza
If you like to party, you can't miss the island of Ibiza, renowned for its lively beaches and nightclubs. You can catch some of the world's biggest DJs during the summer.
5. Explore Spanish Culture and Cuisine
Head to San Sebastian and enjoy the picturesque beaches, restaurants offering innovative food, and the San Sebastian Film Festival. Nearby, there is the Guggenheim museum in Bilbao.
When to visit Spain
The busiest and most expensive time to visit Spain are the summer months, from June to August. It's possible to visit outside the high season and save money, since the weather is pleasant from March to October.
How to Get to Spain
Entry Requirements
Travelers from over 60 countries, including the US and Canada, can enter Europe visa-free for a stay of up to 90 days. You need a valid passport for 6 months from your date of travel.
Plane
The biggest airports in Spain are in Barcelona, Madrid and Palma De Mallorca. Most main airlines service these airports, including the national airline, Iberia, and low-cost airlines Vueling, easyJet, Ryanair and BlueAir.
Train
You can get to Spain by train from Portugal or from France. Trains from France are faster and more frequent – the route from Paris to Barcelona takes about 6h.
Car
Driving to Spain is also possible from Portugal and France. If you're arriving from Portugal, take the A6 freeway from Lisbon to Madrid. From France, you travel via the A9 freeway to get to Barcelona or the A63/A64 freeway to get to Madrid.
Bus
Bus companies, such as Flixbus and Blablabus, provide bus travel to Spain from both Portugal and France. This is a cheap way to travel, although you can expect long journeys.
Boat
From England, get a ferry from Portsmouth or Plymouth to Santander or Bilbao. From Italy, ferries leave from Savona, Genova and Civitavecchia and arrive in Barcelona. There are also regular ferries between Morocco and various ports in southern Spain.
Popular airports in Spain
Popular airlines serving Spain
Where to stay in Spain
There are plenty of hotels to choose from in Spain, from budget options to luxury ones. For more budget options, look for hostels, bed & breakfasts and short-term rentals.
Where to stay in popular areas of Spain
Most booked hotels in Spain
How to Get Around Spain
Public Transportation
Larger cities, such as Madrid and Barcelona, are well served by a metropolitan underground system. Buses are widely available throughout the country, as are trams in some locations. A single trip on public transport will cost around €2 ($2.20).
Trains
The national Spanish rail operator is RENFE, and they offer travel throughout the country. For travel during the high season and holidays, book your tickets in advance.
Bus
Buses are the most convenient and affordable way to travel around Spain, with a trip from Madrid to Barcelona costing around €20 ($22). You can choose from a variety of providers.
Car
If you do not have an EU driver's license, you need an International Driver's Permit to drive in Spain. Car sharing is also a very popular way to travel, with BlaBlaCar being the most widely used service.
Plane
Planes are a great option for long distance travel, as they are quick and affordable. A flight from Barcelona to Malaga costs around €120 ($135) and takes about 1h 30m.
The Cost of Living in Spain
Madrid and Barcelona have the highest cost of living in Spain when it comes to rent, but if you stay outside of the big cities you can expect to pay as little as half of what you would pay in the city. Buying groceries will cost around €50 ($55) a week, while eating out is generally cheap and can cost as little as €10 ($11) a meal. Paying by credit or debit card is easily available throughout the country.