Spain might look easy – sunshine, sangria, and a few Gaudí buildings – but it’s more layered than it seems. You’ll hop between ancient cities, tapas bars that never close, high-speed trains, and sleepy siestas. Madrid and Barcelona get all the attention, but there’s way more to explore: white villages in Andalucía, green mountains in the north, volcanic islands off the coast of Africa, and beaches that stretch for days.
Public transport is solid, regional food changes every hour, and locals aren’t shy about telling you when you’re doing it wrong (usually with a smile). Expect long lunches, late dinners, and plenty of noise. And no, you can’t just show up and get a table at 8 pm – that’s not how Spain works.
To help you avoid rookie mistakes, eat well, and travel smarter, these Spain travel tips will keep you ahead of the crowds – and in sync with the country’s rhythm.
Spain doesn’t run on one climate or one speed. Beach days in October, snow in April, and 10 pm dinners year-round. The best time to visit Spain depends on where you're going and what you want from the trip: city buzz, mountain air, or a towel on the sand.
What to pack: Layers. Spain’s weather shifts fast between regions and seasons. Bring good walking shoes, something warm for inland nights, and don’t bother with swim gear in Madrid – unless your hotel has a rooftop pool.
Tossa de Mar, Costa Brava, Spain © Shutterstock
Spain isn’t dirt cheap – and it hasn’t been for a while – but it’s still good value if you know how to navigate it. Big cities like Madrid, Barcelona, and San Sebastián can get pricey, especially in high season. But head to smaller towns, eat like a local, and skip the tourist traps, and your money stretches surprisingly far.
Some of the best things to do in Spain don’t cost much: a menú del día (three-course lunch with wine) for under €12, intercity buses that beat the trains on price, and tapas that often come free with your drink, especially in Granada or León. Museums are generally affordable too, with entry around €5-12 and plenty of free hours each week.
Spain is a safe country to travel in. Big cities buzz late into the night, solo travel is common, and violent crime is rare. Whether you're walking through Madrid at midnight or catching a train across the country, you'll generally feel secure. But that doesn’t mean you can switch off completely.
The main issue? Petty theft, especially in tourist hotspots. Barcelona has a reputation for pickpocketing – and it’s earned. Busy metro lines, beach promenades, and crowds around La Rambla or Sagrada Família are prime spots. Madrid sees less of it, but places like Puerta del Sol and the metro still draw opportunists.
Smaller towns and rural areas feel very different. In the white villages of Andalucía, the Basque coast, or Castilla-La Mancha, crime is rare, and locals are often more protective than suspicious.
Some practical Spain travel tips:
Public beach of Puerto Rico on Gran Canaria. Spain © Shutterstock
For most travelers, no. Spain is part of the Schengen Zone, which means visa-free entry for citizens of many countries – including the EU, UK, US, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, and much of Latin America. But don’t assume you’re covered – here’s what to know before you go.
If you’re from a visa-exempt country, you can stay in Spain for up to 90 days within any 180-day period for tourism, business, or family visits. You’ll need a passport that’s valid for at least three months beyond your departure date. No paperwork is usually required – just a passport check on arrival.
That’s where it gets more complicated. You can’t just extend your tourist stay beyond 90 days – unless you’ve applied for a long-term visa or residency permit. A quick trip to Portugal or France doesn’t reset the clock – Schengen rules still apply, and overstaying can result in fines or bans.
You’ll need to apply for the appropriate visa before arriving in Spain. That includes digital nomad visas, student visas, and work permits – none of which can be sorted out once you’re in the country.
Check the Spanish consulate website in your home country for the latest info – the rules are clear, but they don’t bend.
Spain is an easy place to stay healthy – clean tap water, high food standards, and solid medical care across the board. You're not dodging dodgy street food or fighting off tropical bugs here. Still, don’t underestimate the local hazards: dry heat, serious sun, late-night eating, and a tendency to walk miles on stone streets without realizing it. One of the most overlooked Spain travel health tips is to pace yourself – the country runs late, walks far, and doesn’t go easy on the wine or the walking.
Spain’s healthcare system is reliable, especially in cities. Pharmacies (look for the green cross) are everywhere – including in small towns – and most pharmacists speak enough English to help with common issues. Many are open late, and at least one pharmacy per area stays open 24/7 on a rotating schedule.
For anything urgent, public hospitals are good, but private clinics are faster. If you’re from the EU, bring your EHIC or GHIC card; otherwise, travel insurance is essential – especially if you want to avoid long queues or need specialist care.
What to bring:
No special vaccines are required for Spain. Just make sure your regular jabs are up to date.
Tap water is safe to drink across Spain, though it might taste a bit mineral-heavy in some areas like Madrid or parts of the south. Bottled water is easy to find if you prefer it.
Spainish food is a dream. Tapas, seafood, and stews – all generally safe and freshly prepared. Street food isn’t a huge part of the culture, but you'll find markets and bars serving snacks all day. Avoid anything that’s been sitting out in the sun (especially seafood), and ease into heavy local dishes if your stomach’s sensitive – fabada asturiana (bean stew) or callos (tripe) aren’t exactly beginner meals.
Tapas for sale in Mercado de La Boqueria Market in Barcelona, Spain © Shutterstock
Spain is relaxed in many ways – dinner at 10 pm, casual dress, naps in the afternoon – but there’s still an undercurrent of tradition, social structure, and regional pride that first-time visitors often miss. Knowing how to act, greet, and eat will earn you smoother service, friendlier interactions, and fewer raised eyebrows. These Spain travel tips will help you blend in, not blunder through.
You don’t need to dress up to go to the supermarket, but looking sloppy won’t get you far either. Spaniards care about appearance – clean, well-fitted clothes go a long way. Beachwear belongs on the beach, and gym gear is for the gym, not lunch in a plaza.
In churches and rural areas, cover your shoulders and skip short shorts. Big cities are more flexible, but it’s still worth erring on the side of neat.
Even in laid-back regions like Andalucía or the Canary Islands, people take pride in how they look – think casual, not careless.
Spaniards are friendly, expressive, and physical. A quick handshake works for formal settings, but among friends or acquaintances, two cheek kisses (right first) are standard – even if it’s your first time meeting.
In shops, restaurants, and local bars, always greet staff with a quick “Hola” or “Buenos días”. Walking in without acknowledging anyone is seen as rude.
In more formal situations, use Señor or Señora with surnames, especially with older people. Respect for age and title still matters.
Spain is loud – but it’s a social loud, not an obnoxious one. People talk with their hands, stay out late, and fill plazas with conversation. But even here, there are limits. Being drunk, shouting, or disruptive on public transport or in quiet neighborhoods will get you the wrong kind of attention.
Queues are respected (even if they look chaotic), and personal space shrinks dramatically once you’re at a bar or festival. Go with the flow, but don’t assume rowdy equals rude – it usually doesn’t.
Public affection is common – kissing, hand-holding, even dancing in the street. Just keep it PG in rural areas.
Meals in Spain are long, late, and social. Lunch is the big one – often a two-hour affair with multiple courses. Dinner rarely starts before 9 pm, especially in cities. Showing up early can make you look like you’re lost.
Say “Buen provecho” before eating. Wait until everyone’s served before diving in. In someone’s home, it’s polite to finish everything on your plate – and don’t skip the offer of a second glass of wine.
Use cutlery even for casual meals, unless you’re at a tapas bar and everyone’s standing.
If invited over, bring wine, dessert, or something thoughtful from your home country.
Spain is officially secular, but Catholicism still runs deep, especially during festivals like Semana Santa or local saints’ days. Churches are active places of worship. Dress modestly inside, lower your voice, and check before taking photos.
Regional pride is strong. In Catalonia, the Basque Country, and Galicia, expect signs in the local language. It’s not just for show – it’s part of identity. Being respectful of local culture and not making jokes about independence movements will earn you respect.
Shrines, roadside chapels, and religious statues are common – treat them with quiet respect.
Tipping in Spain is low-key. It’s not expected everywhere, but appreciated when service is good.
Waterfall and fountain of Parc de la Ciutadella, Barcelona, Spain © Shutterstock
Absolutely – if your idea of a family trip includes castles, beaches, boat rides, and late-night churros. Spain with kids is easy, fun, and packed with variety. You can explore Roman ruins one day, splash in the sea the next, and squeeze in a cable car or flamenco show before dinner. It’s not all theme parks and mascots, but it hits that sweet spot between cultural and kid-friendly, without the stress.
Trains and buses in Spain are clean and reliable. High-speed AVE trains are fast and comfortable, with discounted fares for kids. Metro systems work well in big cities, though stations aren’t always stroller-friendly. If you’re heading into the countryside or beach towns, renting a car gives you more freedom, especially in rural Andalucía or the Costa Brava.
Strollers work fine in most places, but old towns like Toledo or Córdoba come with narrow streets and cobbles. Bring a carrier if you’re exploring hilly or historic areas.
Spain's accommodation for families is varied and well-equipped. You’ll find spacious holiday apartments, family-run guesthouses, beach hotels with kids’ clubs, and the occasional rural stay with a pool and space to run. Bigger cities often have serviced apartments with kitchens – a lifesaver if your kids are picky eaters or need downtime between museum trips and tapas.
Spain is brilliant for family meals. Kids will love tortilla, croquetas, grilled chicken, and pan con tomate. Many restaurants offer half portions or are happy to adapt dishes. While formal kids’ menus aren’t standard, portions are generous, and most places are relaxed about young eaters.
Don’t expect an early dinner – locals rarely eat before 9 pm, but it’s fine to show up earlier with kids. Family-owned spots will usually welcome you without a fuss. Cafés and bakeries are good daytime backup plans if hunger hits between Spanish mealtimes.
Supermarkets and pharmacies are everywhere, even in small towns. You’ll find everything from diapers to baby food to over-the-counter meds. In rural areas, stock up before you go if your kids need specific brands.
High chairs (tronas) are common in mid-range and family-focused restaurants, but rarer in tiny bars or countryside spots – bring a clip-on seat or booster if that’s essential.
Exterior and garden of Real Alcazar in Sevilla, Spain © Shutterstock
Spain isn’t just flamenco and sangria – it’s Roman ruins, Basque bars, Moorish palaces, and volcanic islands with lunar landscapes. From mountain villages to high-speed cities, here are some of the best places to visit in Spain – and what makes each one worth your time.
View of Playa de las Catedrales in Ribadeo, Galicia, Spain © Carlos Sanchez Benayas/Shutterstock
Spain is bigger – and more varied – than it looks. From tapas in Madrid to surf towns in the north, Moorish palaces in the south, and volcanic islands off Africa, it’s not a place you want to rush through. Whether you're here for food, beaches, architecture, or all three, how long you stay shapes your experience, and trying to do it all in one trip is a fast track to burnout.
Ask yourself:
Benidorm, Valencia, Costa Blanca, Spain © Shutterstock
Spain isn’t the kind of place you race through. It’s big, diverse, and best enjoyed at half-speed – with a glass in one hand and zero rush in the other. If you’re planning a trip to Spain, don’t aim to tick off every cathedral and coastline. The best Spain itinerary picks a few great regions and gives them space to shine. This is a country built for late starts, long lunches, and unexpected detours – plan for less, and you’ll get more.
Spain isn’t one thing – it’s a lot of things done well. Cities, beaches, food, art, hiking – pick your priorities.
Love cities and culture?
Chasing landscapes?
Into food and wine?
Want to chill?
Getting around Spain is generally easy – the transport network is excellent – but some routes need early planning.
Spain, Balearic Islands, Menorca, Ciutadella, Historic Old Harbour and Old City centre
Spain was made for slow travel – long lunches, late mornings, and landscapes that ask you to stick around. Forget the checklist. Pick a place, unpack, and let the rhythm of the country pull you in.
In Madrid, don’t just sleep near the sights. Some of the best places to stay in Madrid are in neighborhoods like Malasaña, La Latina, or Chamberí – full of everyday life, local cafés, and late-night terrazas. Wander the Retiro, linger in museums, and let your evenings stretch out over vermouth and tapas.
Barcelona moves fast, but you don’t have to. Skip the tourist drag and base yourself in Gràcia, El Born, or Poble-sec – some of the best places to stay in Barcelona if you want charm without the chaos. Walk, don’t rush. Eat lunch at 3 pm. Watch the city slow down with you.
The Balearic Islands aren’t just for beach clubs. Some of the best Balearic islands for slow travel are Menorca and Formentera, where days are quiet, beaches are wild, and schedules don’t matter. Even Mallorca has its peaceful corners if you avoid the obvious resorts.
Andalucía does it slowly, better than most. Park yourself in a white village like Vejer or Grazalema. Wake up to church bells, walk the hills, and spend afternoons doing nothing in a shady square.
Northern Spain is a slower kind of green. Basque Country, Asturias, and Galicia are made for long drives, coastal walks, cider poured from a height, and sleepy fishing towns where life runs on its clock.
Some of the best beaches in Spain aren’t where the crowds are – try the Costa de la Luz near Cádiz, the coves around Begur on the Costa Brava, or untouched stretches in Asturias and Galicia.
Spain keeps things straightforward – but a few smart moves will save you from fees, confusion, or the dreaded “cash only” sign when you’re dying for a coffee.
The currency is the euro (€), and cards are widely accepted, especially in cities. Visa and Mastercard are your safest bets. Most restaurants, hotels, and shops take contactless payments, and even taxis in larger cities are tap-friendly. Still, carry some cash – smaller towns, market stalls, or local tascas might not have working card machines, or simply prefer cash.
One more tip: always choose to be charged in euros when paying with a foreign card. If you pick your home currency, the exchange rate will usually be worse every single time. Say no to “helpful” dynamic currency conversion.
La Manga del Mar Menor, Cartagena, Murcia, Spain © Shutterstock
Spain is generally safe and welcoming, but popular destinations come with the usual handful of petty scams and tourist traps. Most are easy to spot once you know the signs – and even easier to avoid with a little awareness.
Spain is incredibly welcoming – but that doesn’t mean it’s a theme park. Traveling responsibly here means respecting local rhythms, cultures, and communities, especially in places that are feeling the pressure of overtourism. These Spain travel tips will help you show up thoughtfully – and travel with the kind of respect locals appreciate.
Almeria medieval castle panorama with blue sky from the air in Andalusia Spain former Arab stronghold © Shutterstock
In rural Spain and smaller cities, many shops and restaurants close in the afternoon, often from 2 pm to 5 pm or later. Don’t expect to buy groceries, souvenirs, or even a coffee during those hours. Plan around it: do your shopping in the morning, book lunch for 2 pm, and use the quiet time to relax like the locals. Bigger cities power through, but in Andalucía, Castilla-La Mancha, or Extremadura, the siesta is still alive and well.
Visiting Granada? Don’t assume you can walk up to the Alhambra. This is one of Spain’s most popular sights, and daily entry to the Nasrid Palaces is limited. In summer or peak season, tickets can sell out weeks in advance. Book online before your trip – and double-check the time slot. Show up late, and you might not get in. Don’t leave this to chance. It’s worth the effort, and then some.
Spain doesn’t do early dinners. Most locals don’t sit down to eat before 9 pm, and in cities like Madrid or Barcelona, kitchens may not open until 8 pm. Show up at 6:30 pm expecting a full meal, and you’ll be stuck with bar snacks or empty dining rooms. Embrace the shift: have a late afternoon tapa, take a walk, and eat like a local. If you're traveling with kids, look for places that serve all day – but don't expect that everywhere.
From travel safety to visa requirements, discover the best tips for visiting Spain
