With stunning architecture and beaches to match, while this may seem like all that Spain has to offer, this only scratches the surface. Whether you came across this looking for the perfect Canary Islands guide or are looking for things to explore in Barcelona, what many do not expect to discover is that Spain is a melting pot of ancient cultures.
Beneath the surface of Spain’s top attractions, when you are travelling across the country, you’ll begin to get the feeling of travelling to lots of little countries in one.
While on a northern Spain tour, you’ll pass through regions that have a history, culture and language of their own. Similarly, while taking the back roads of Spain, you’ll go through regions that tap into familiar aspects of Spanish culture such as flamenco and paella along with little historical snippets that perhaps you would not expect.
United with a love for food and being out on the street socialising, the key to any trip to Spain is to take it easy and do as locals do! In Spain, being on time is not a particularly high priority; mealtimes are later than other European countries and taking an afternoon nap, a siesta, is customary – you can expect your travels in Spain to follow suit!
Truth be told, the best Spain travel guide would be a novel; there is no end to the possibilities of this country. However, in this guide to Spain, we will bring you the best of the best. Expect good food, architecture, the best walks in Spain and plenty of opportunities to relax on the beach.
No matter how you choose to travel, there is a part of Spain and a trip for you, this guide will introduce you to what this country is capable of.
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When to Go to Spain
When you choose to go to Spain is dependent on what region you plan to visit.
Southern and Central Spain enjoy moderate temperatures throughout the year. With a Mediterranean climate, rainfall occurs in the winter months from December to February. The best time to visit is in the European shoulder seasons of spring, from March to May and autumn, September to November as the temperatures are moderate and crowds are smaller.
When travelling in the summer months, from June to August, Spain is jam-packed with European travellers and their families.
The north of Spain has a much cooler climate with more rain than the Mediterranean south. However, it is also incredibly unpredictable! With much less tourism in the north, you can visit in the summer months without feeling like prices are higher and there are no unbearable temperatures to put you off.
The European summer, from May to August, is the best time to visit northern Spain when temperatures are favourable. Although don’t be surprised if you experience cold rain and scorching hot days in quick succession – anything is possible in this part of Spain!
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Unique Experiences & Places to Visit in Spain
Barcelona & Catalonia
Nestled in the easternmost corner of the country, Barcelona is synonymous with Spain. Fronted by a long beach, Barcelona is a vast and hectic city, known for its nightlife and art, of course, not forgetting one of Spain’s most celebrated football teams, FC Barcelona.
Most of Barcelona’s tour packages will be spent in the historic centre, like in this 7-day Madrid and Barcelona. During this city tour of Barcelona, you’ll see the architectural works of Gaudi at every turn, sample tapas in local tavernas that spill out onto the street, and of course, catch some essential beach time!
Barcelona is the capital of Catalonia, a historic autonomous region of Spain that encompasses the southern Pyrenees, Costa Brava and down to Valencia. Exploring Barcelona, or any city or town in this region, you’ll experience a distinctly different culture and language that is essential for grasping the essence and identity of the Catalonia region.
El Camino: the Santiago de Compostela Trek
El Camino is one of the most famous pilgrimages in Europe and the ultimate go-to when looking for walking holidays in northern Spain. With various trails to follow, the most famous routes on the “Way of St James” are the French Way and the route that crosses northern Spain, one of the most spiritual hikes in Spain.
No matter what way you choose to complete El Camino, your trail will finish at the Cathedral of Santiago de Compostela in the curious Galician city of the same name, where the remains of Saint James are buried.
Away from being Spain’s top walking trip, Santiago de Compostela is a worthy stop in its own right. Despite being famed as the final location of the pilgrimage, away from the old quarter filled with hikers and pilgrims, the city is known for its creative Galician Celtic flair where summers are filled with festivals and locals fill the streets to watch their favourite artists. An essential stop after your Santiago de Compostela trek is some of the gardens that the city is home to where maizes, curious architectural features and art galleries await like in this 6-day Galicia and Santiago de Compostela trip.
Granada
If you ask any Spanish person what the most beautiful city in Spain is, they will passionately and confidently tell you it is Granada.
One of the most important jewels in Spain’s architectural crown, Granada was the former capital of Moorish Andalusia, centred by the 13th-century Alhambra and the Generalife Gardens. An Alhambra, Granada tour is staggering and will easily take a day, as in this 8-day highlights of Andalucia tour, however, the masterpiece is not the only evidence of Granada’s history.
The Arab Quarter, where after the Christian Reconquista, Muslim people resided, is one of the best presented Moorish areas in Spain. Despite the mosques being converted to churches after the Arabs were expelled, evidence of hand-painted Moorish tiles and the Medina layout remains.
Madrid
The capital of the country, Madrid is a fast-paced city where you can keep your finger on the pulse. As the heart of Spain, the city lives by the national motto of living life to the fullest.
While Madrid lacks architectural masterpieces, the city is far from ugly. As the royal centre, Madrid has everything from artworks to architecture, culinary treasures to a euphoric party scene that will make your time here quite like anywhere else in Spain – to say that Madrid packs a punch is almost an understatement. Madrid day trips like those found in this 5-day Madrid city break take you from Renaissance to Baroque architectural marvels to unravel the history of the city’s old town.
Bilbao and the Basque Country
Sitting in the northeast of Spain, Bilbao is the capital of the Basque country that sits between rolling hills and quaint villages and is a must in any guide to northern Spain. The heart of Bilbao is in the old town, made up of seven streets and centred by a square filled with small bars that front the pride of Bilbao, the Basque Language Institute.
Formerly an industrial town, Bilbao’s winding river will take you towards the sea, but not before you pass the Guggenheim, claimed to be at the centre of Bilbao’s transformation from an industrial city to an administrative and creative centre. Away from the pastel tones of the city, the Guggenheim Museum stands out from the otherwise quaint architecture.
The Basque Country is an autonomous region of Spain and southwestern France with a language and culture that are some of the oldest in Europe. The region is dotted with mountains and beaches that take you to the Basque country’s second city, San Sebastian, known in Basque as Donostia.
A magnet for tourism, San Sebastian is known for its food, particularly pintxos. A small taster served on a slice of crusty bread, skewered for convenience, pintxos are a little similar to tapas and are the main event when bar hopping in the city like on this 12-day Barcelona, Madrid and Sebastian tour.
Seville
The cradle of Andalusian culture, Seville is your ultimate stop on a southern Spain road trip. At the centre of it all is two complexes that sit opposite each other, the Alcazar de Sevilla and Seville’s Gothic Cathedral.
The charms of Seville are not limited to its historic centre. No matter where you go in the city, you’ll be seduced by the laid-back local atmosphere and soothed by the scent of lemon trees lining the streets. As the home of flamenco and bull rings, Seville is where tradition and history meet; where the kings and queens ruled from the Alcazar including the ultimate decision that would change the fate of Spanish history, giving the go-ahead of Cristopher Columbus’ expedition to the “New World”.
Your typical Seville, Spain tour will be predominantly on foot, and predominantly jaw-dropping just like in this 8-day Madrid and Andalusia tour. Starting from the Plaza de Espana, you’ll immediately understand what the hype is about as local flamenco dancers perform in the cloisters, setting the tone for your time in the city, punctuated by sangria and tapas.
Sierra Nevada
Just moments from Granada, Sierra Nevada is the tallest mountain range and the number one location for a walking holiday in Spain.
With snow-capped peaks from November through to June, Sierra Nevada is home to ski resorts, which, given the tropical temperatures that Andalusia otherwise experiences, may surprise you! Outside of the winter months, Sierra Nevada is fringed with thriving olive groves, rolling hills and lush valleys dotted with old Moorish whitewashed houses that will punctuate one of the best walks in Spain you can find.
From the bohemian village of Orgiva and the idyllic Alpujarras to the mountainous Pico de Veleta and Camino Real de las Hoyas; this mountain range will introduce you to remote natural landscapes, sometimes challenging terrain and a more rural side to Andalusian culture. If hiking holidays in Spain are what you are looking for in this Spain guide book, then look no further.
Toledo
Set in the very heart of Spain, Toledo is the capital city of the province of the same name. Despite frequently being completely missed on the tourist trail, Toledo’s history never fails to impress as one of the oldest cities in the country and former capital before Madrid.
Dating back to the Roman era, Toledo has long been referred to as the city of three cultures having welcomed everyone from the Visigoths to the Moors over the centuries. With this in mind, your typical tour, such as this 22-day complete guide to Spain, will take you from old mosques to Baroque churches and synagogues within a ten-metre radius, all of which are set to impress with their architectural style and preservation. With such close proximity, this historic town is a favourite on the list of trips from Madrid.
Toledo is as much a national heritage as it is a World Heritage. The pride and joy of Spain is Toledo’s world-renowned swordsmithing; many of Toledo’s products were used in Roman battles which most recently extended to Hollywood’s prop-makers hunting out the craft.
How to Get around Spain
Spain is well-connected and easy to get around, it’s just a matter of choosing your mode of transportation and you’ll find yourself getting from A-to-B with ease in no time!
Bus
Spain has several different bus companies that leave regularly from every destination you could possibly think of. The bus routes are well designed to include a multitude of stops to achieve this. However, they can fill up fast and are willing to leave without you!
Buses to popular destinations can be hectic; however, they are comfortable, make regular stops and are incredibly cheap. To add to the benefits of taking the bus, if you are looking for a trip that goes from Spain to Portugal or vice versa, buses make this incredibly easy.
Private Car and Self-Drive
With so much to see and so many places to explore, hiring a private car for the duration of your trip allows you to explore absolutely everything that Spain has to give.
Alternatively, if Spain’s private tours seem too regimented, the country is incredibly easy to navigate by yourself. Allowing you to travel at your own pace, opting for a self-drive tour with Designer Journeys will include recommended top sites to stop at along the way and advice on how many days you should spend in each location. However, with a self-drive trip in Spain, only you can decide!
High-Speed Train
Perhaps the most convenient way of travelling around Spain, high-speed trains zip across the country connecting lesser-known locations with big names like Barcelona and Madrid. Essentially, if you are looking to go from a central location to the beach quickly, the train lines are your best bet.
Ferry
While numerous ferries leave from the UK to the north of Spain, this does not come highly recommended as it can take over a day. However, if you are looking to connect with a Gibraltar tour from Malaga, the ferry is convenient and a great way to extend your trip from Spain into Morocco.
Where to Stay in Spain
As a country that is hot on the list of places to explore in Europe, Spain has a plethora of accommodation options that suit all manner of budgets.
Barcelona
For first-timers in Barcelona, staying in iconic locations such as the Gothic Quarter, within reaching distance of Las Ramblas and Sagrada Familia Cathedral in Barcelona, is highly recommended.
Alternatively, for those looking for more variation in budget options, the Exiample district is a little further from the beachfront yet still within close proximity to all of the attractions that you will want to tick off on your first trip.
Seville
As one of the most popular destinations in Spain, there are a host of accommodation options in Seville’s most central districts.
While Barrio Santa Cruz is reserved strictly for luxurious accommodation, El Arena is a great area offering a range of options with many shopping opportunities and all of the Sevillian vibes that you were looking for. Across the river, Triana is a much more traditional atmosphere where accommodation will put you right next to all of the tapas you could possibly want.
Madrid
As the city with the largest population in Spain, and the capital, choosing where to stay in Madrid is not only challenging but it can also affect your trip significantly.
First-timers looking to tick the boxes should stick to the Centro district where there are a host of smaller areas to choose from. Luxurious travellers should look no further than the up-market area of Salamanca. If you are travelling on a budget, Centro has the greatest range of prices and options, particularly around the La Latina area which is popular with backpackers.
Granada
This stunning city is small, rustic and quaint, so no matter what area you find yourself in, you’ll be instantly immersed in the crown jewel of Spain!
If you don’t want to miss a beat, the historic centre has hotels and apartments that are a stone’s throw from all of the attractions that you cannot miss, although a slightly larger price tag comes with such a convenience.
A little further away but more authentic is Albaicin where you still have your rustic cobblestone streets and sandstone white-washed houses but with a longer walk to the attractions, bars and restaurants. With this, comes everything from backpacker hostels to boutique hotels for a very reasonable price.
San Sebastian
Small yet popular, San Sebastian’s residential population is out-weighed by its travellers during the summer months. With this in mind, it is advised that you book far in advance before visiting!
While the old town may seem like the go-to, San Sebastian’s most central location can get crowded, so staying on the outskirts in Centro district comes recommended. Centro is the centre of the city, yet is overlooked for the more attractive Old Town.
Food & Drink in Spain
Tip: In Spain, everything is done later. You can expect breakfast to start at 10am, lunch at 2 or 3pm and dinner from 10pm until midnight, depending on where you go. You may think “I can’t do that”, however, you’ll be surprised by how quickly you catch on to the Spanish way of living.
Tapas
The quintessential cuisine of Spain, tapas are small delicious plates of Spanish food that are served in a way that is to be enjoyed at a leisurely pace. Ranging from pickles to fish, meats cheese and egg-based dishes, tapas can be just about anything.
According to some, tapas started in a small local bar in Seville when a bartender served up some cheese, hams and olives on a saucer. However, there is much debate among locals about whether or not this is true.
Today, tapas are served across the Central and Southern regions of Spain. In most parts of Spain, you will be expected to pay for the tapas, however, there are some more local regions and areas where a small plate will be given to you when you order a drink.
Pintxos
Traditionally found in northern Spain across the Basque Country, Cantabria and Asturias, pintxos are small bites served on a thin-crusted bread held together with a skewer or “spike” as pintxos roughly translates to.
Pintxos can be light with little toppings or huge with layer after layer of meat, vegetables or fish, or a combination of them all. Among the other choices with pintxos are traditional Spanish omelettes and croquettes. Your typical pintxos bar will have all of the dishes presented at the front of the bar, and has very few seats, so be prepared to stand!
Galicia
Often overlooked, Galician cuisine is far from what you would traditionally consider “Spanish food” because it’s not. Sitting between the Celtic Asturias and the border of Portugal, Galician cuisine embraces its coastal location and cooler climate with rich seafood dishes and hearty stews.
Galicia is particularly well-known for its octopus dish ‘pupla a la Gallega’ which is octopus boiled with potatoes and sprinkled with paprika; a simple yet delicious dish and a staple in almost every restaurant.
Paella in Valencia
Arguably Spain’s most famous dish, paella is best eaten in Valencia; the only place in the world where the rice is grown.
Paella started with farmers making a quick and easy dish with whatever they got from the day cooked with saffron, which seems like a bizarrely luxurious addition. Typical ingredients included snails, green beans and rabbit, like an abstract surf and turf.
Today, your paella will include a mix of shellfish like prawns and muscles with chicken. An authentic paella should be made to order and served in the pan it was cooked in using short-grain fresh rice, not frozen. There are no exceptions for the real deal!
Festivals & Events in Spain
La Fallas Festival, Valencia
Celebrating the arrival of Spring, La Fallas is a festival where traditionally, people would burn pieces of wood that were used to prop up lights in winter. The festival has turned into a week-long celebration of traditions old and new with bonfires, gunpowder, paella, and most recently, temporary works of art ready to be burned. The festival recently became a cultural heritage of humanity.
Festival of Sant Jordi, Barcelona
Regarded as one of the original festivals of Catalonia, Sant Jordi is the patron saint of the region that is surrounded by curious traditions. The festival combines street celebrations around the centre with World Book Day and Valentine’s Day, just in April. Locals will exchange gifts of books and roses to both men and women, in the spirit of equality, and celebrate with traditional dances and music.
Haro Wine Festival
In the spirit of summer, Haro Wine Festival is a celebration of the region of La Rioja in a way that perhaps you wouldn’t expect. Set in the town of Haro, the festival starts with a ceremonial wine fight; that’s right, like a water fight but with wine. Wine fight over, participants head to a bull ring to chase a calf before returning to a slightly more normal party.
Traditionally, thousands of people turn up to this little Basque town to take part in what is known locally as “La Batella del Vino”. Not to worry, the good wine is saved purely for consumption.
International Festival of Music and Dance, Granada
Dating back to the late 19th century, the International Festival of Music and Dance was originally a contest. However, it was denoted to a festival in the 20th century aiming to showcase the latest talent in the region with ballet, flamenco and classical music being the central focus. The festival takes part in the Arab courtyards and Generalife gardens of Alhambra, creating an incredible scene to witness the arts festival.
Aste Nagusia, Bilbao
Simply referred to as “The Great Week” across the Basque Country, Aste Nagusia is Bilbao’s most anticipated festival. Spread over ten days, Bilbao’s old town and beyond explodes with festivities, entertainment and food with live music at every turn. At the same time, to add to the magic, Bilbao hosts the international firework festival which lights up the riverside every night.
Quick Tips and Fact for Spain Travel
Currency: The currency used in Spain is Euros. At the time of writing, November 2020, 1 Euro is equal to 1.17 USD.
Language: The main language in Spain in Spanish (officially known as Castellano), however, Galician, Basque, Catalan and Aranese are spoken in their respective regions.
Visa: If you are travelling in Spain for less than 90 days, few people require a visa.
Religion: The majority of people in Spain are Catholic.
Tipping and Service: While tipping is not essential in Spain, it is greatly received. In tourist areas, the service quality may be called to question. You can expect to only be allowed a table if you are eating with several additional service charges that make tipping unnecessary.
Best Spain Travel Guide in Hand, Are You Ready to Travel to Spain?
Now that we have walked through what Spain has to offer, you may be feeling a little overwhelmed by just what this country has in store for you. Not to worry, we have a host of Spain trip planners, our trusted Local Designers in Spain who are on the ground, at hand and ready to create your next trip. By browsing our range of fully-customisable Spain tours, our Local Designers are available to answer any questions you may have.
If you already have an idea in mind, select ‘design your own trip’ and specify your travel interests and budget to get the ball rolling! No matter what you are looking for in Spain, we really believe you’ll find it with Designer Journeys!
