Spain offers everything from amazing food and vibrant cities like Barcelona, Madrid, and Sevilla, to beautiful nature. With a coastline of more than 5000 km, you can relax at stunning beaches and explore stunning landscapes, while strolling through cities the next day.
As you explore the cities, you can observe everything from the country’s Moorish past that is still so present in the architecture, to the artful buildings of Gaudi in Barcelona. Visit local festivals like the Las Fallas Festival in Valencia, walk along the old pilgrim routes to Santiago de Compostela, or marvel at the stunning Alhambra in Granada.
The Canary and Balearic Islands only add to the beauty and variety of the country and are great for everyone that loves hiking. After all, the Canary Islands are volcanic and add the seemingly endless appeal of the country.
Ultimately, you are bound to have a great time in Spain. So do not skip it when you explore Europe. Be sure to drink a glass of good wine while eating tapas and enjoy the Mediterranean charm as the day ends while there.
I first flew to Spain for a conference and fell in love with the country, its food, and its people. And thankfully I have been able to return there several times, which allowed me to explore different cities and even islands. It is a country that just compels you to return there over and over again.
Places to see in Spain
.
- BARCELONA
- MADRID
- VALENCIA
- SEVILLE
.
- ALICANTE
- GRANADA
- MALAGA
- COSTA BRAVA
Islands
- GRAN CANARIA
- MALLORCA
- IBIZA
- TENERIFE
Check out these bucket list experiences in Spain.
Things to Know before you visit Spain
Language
The official languages are Spanish and Castilian. Another commonly spoken language in parts of the country is Galician.
In most cities, you’ll be perfectly fine if you only speak English. In some regions, it is best to have a translation app as a backup.
Currency
The currency of Spain is the Euro.
As of January 2024, the exchange rate for the euro is as follows: 1 euro equals 1.08 USD, 1.64 AUD, or 0.85 GBP.
Credit Cards & ATMs
In the cities, you can use a credit card at most locations. In regional Spain, it is best to have some cash on hand as some businesses do not accept card payments.
It is best to bring a MasterCard or Visa card, as AMEX is not yet generally accepted.
Plugs
Type C and Type F
The voltage is 230 V and the frequency is 50 Hz.
Visa
Whether or not you need a visa to enter the country and how you can get one depends on a lot of factors. Citizens of EU countries, Switzerland, Iceland, Norway, and Liechtenstein can stay in the country for 90 days without any kind of visa or paperwork.
You can find all information about the entry requirements of Spain on the website of the Spanish Foreign Ministry.
Safety
Spain is a relatively safe country and perfect for solo female travelers. Beware of pickpockets and scams in bigger cities. It is recommended to keep your valuables close and to try to lock your bag.
While unlikely, it is best to always be aware of your surroundings as Europe as a whole has been the target of terrorist attacks.
When to Visit Spain
Generally speaking, Spain is a great destination year-round. With its mild climate and due to being a relatively dry country with hot summers, you could explore the country whenever you want.
If you want good, warm weather, the best time to visit Spain is from May to September. During these months, the temperatures tend to stay above 20°C (68°F) and peak in late July with an average of 30°C (86°F).
However you should keep in mind, that July and August are the prime tourist season in central and southern Spain, so everything is more crowded and expensive. Therefore, it is recommended to visit Spain from late April to June or from September to October if you want to escape the crowds.
The best time to visit northern Spain is July to August. The winter in the region is usually cold and wet, while the rest of the country experiences mild winters.
Things to do in Spain
This post may contain affiliate links(*), which means I may receive a commission, at no extra cost to you if you make a purchase through a link. Please see the full disclosure for further information.
Spain Travel Guides
The Best Countries for Foodies – A Gastronomic Journey around the World
The Best Cities in Spain
Best Hotels in Gran Canaria
Roque Nublo hike in Gran Canaria
Amazing Bucket List Experiences in Spain
6 Amazing Hidden Gems in Gran Canaria
Barranco de las Vacas, Gran Canaria – Should you visit it?
