Spain Travel Guide

The Mediterranean's most vibrant culture offers tapas that are genuinely excellent, flamenco that genuinely moves, architecture that is truly inspired, and beaches that are really crowded but remarkably worth it.

Updated · On BootsnAll since 1999 · History

Overview and Things to Consider

Spain is notably passionate about food, art, and celebration. Barcelona is seriously creative with Gaudí architecture. Madrid is distinctly energetic with museums and nightlife. The Basque Country is especially distinct. Southern coast is truly touristy but really beautiful. The culture is remarkably warm and notably social.

Tapas culture is seriously central - bar hopping and eating small plates is distinctly how people dine. The pace is slower than Northern Europe - siestas are especially practiced. English is increasingly spoken but less universally than Western Europe. The weather is truly hot in summer.

Getting There and Around

Madrid and Barcelona airports handle most international flights. Trains (Renfe) are excellent and connect major cities. High-speed AVE trains are modern and really efficient. Buses are cheaper but slower. Flights between major cities are affordable. The country is remarkably large - distances can be significant.

Renting a car is useful for regional exploration but driving is chaotic in cities. Buses are cheap and comprehensive. Cycling is growing in cities. Taxis are reasonable. The metro systems in major cities are notably efficient. Ferries connect islands - Balearics are accessible by ferry or flight.

What's Changed Since 2016

Barcelona tourism has seriously exploded - Sagrada Familia has hour-long waits, Gothic Quarter feels touristic. Madrid remains more genuine but improving. Southern coast has continued development. Restaurant scene has distinctly improved. Political tensions around Catalan independence remain present.

Digital infrastructure is excellent. Environmental consciousness is increasing. Regional pride is especially strong - Catalonia and Basque Country maintain distinct identities. Economic recovery has improved services. Overtourism is becoming a genuine issue in major cities.

Ideas to Consider for Your Visit

Barcelona's Gaudí architecture is truly unique - Sagrada Familia is really awe-inspiring despite crowds. Park Güell offers views and creativity. The Gothic Quarter is remarkably medieval. Madrid's museums are notably world-class - Prado, Reina Sofía are seriously excellent. Flamenco is distinctly passionate.

Granada's Alhambra is especially stunning - Islamic architecture is truly intricate. The Sierra Nevada mountains are really beautiful. Seville's flamenco culture is remarkably authentic. The Basque Country (San Sebastián) is notably different - food culture is seriously exceptional. Ibiza offers beach and nightlife culture.

Tapas are distinctly excellent and especially affordable - bar hopping is truly how people eat. Paella is really iconic. Seafood is remarkably fresh. Wine is notably good quality and affordably priced. Jamón ibérico is seriously delicious.

Realities to Be Aware Of

Barcelona is distinctly overcrowded - Sagrada Familia requires advance booking, Gothic Quarter feels touristy. Summer heat is especially intense. Pickpocketing happens in crowded tourist areas. English is less universal than Western Europe - Spanish is truly useful. Restaurant quality varies wildly in tourist areas.

The pace is slower - shops close for siesta, many places don't open until 9 PM for dinner. Regional trains can be slow. Some museums have limited hours or closure days. Crowds in summer are really massive. Political tensions around Catalan independence occasionally disrupt traffic.

If Spain Is Part of a Longer Trip

Spain pairs naturally with Portugal - the Iberian Peninsula circuit is natural and efficient. Morocco is accessible from Spain by ferry. France is close to Barcelona and the north. Italy is accessible from the southeast.

A week covers Barcelona and Madrid basics. Two weeks allows regional exploration. The country is remarkably large - comprehensive travel requires 3 - 4 weeks.

Yearly Things to Consider

April through June are ideal - mild and fewer crowds. September through October are pleasant with manageable tourism. July and August are notably hot and seriously crowded. November through March are mild but rainy in some regions. Winter is coldest in the north.

Easter is celebrated significantly. San Fermín festival in Pamplona (July 7-14) brings crowds and energy. Summer fiestas populate the calendar. Christmas markets and holiday atmosphere are pleasant. Spring offers wildflower blooms. Beach season is June - September.

Ideas for Itineraries

Five Days: Barcelona Focus

Days 1 - 3: Sagrada Familia (advance booking), Park Güell, Gothic Quarter, museums. Days 4 - 5: Beach day or Montserrat monastery day trip.

Seven Days: Barcelona and Madrid

Days 1 - 4: Barcelona as above. Train to Madrid. Days 5 - 7: Prado Museum, Royal Palace, nightlife in neighborhoods.

Ten Days: Spain Triangle

Days 1 - 4: Barcelona. Days 5 - 7: Madrid. Days 8 - 10: Granada (Alhambra) or Seville (flamenco) or San Sebastián (food).

Fourteen Days: Comprehensive Spain

Days 1 - 4: Barcelona. Days 5 - 7: Madrid. Days 8 - 10: South (Granada, Seville). Days 11 - 14: Basque Country (San Sebastián) or return to regional focus.

From the BootsnAll archive

48 stories and articles about Spain, 1999 to 2019

Show all 48

Cities in Spain

Barcelona

Bilbao

Ibiza

Lloret de Mar

Madrid

Malaga

San Sebastián

Seville

Valencia

FAQ

Yes, distinctly. Gaudí's architecture is especially unique. Book Sagrada Familia in advance. Visit early morning or off-season for fewer crowds.

Moderately expensive but cheaper than Northern Europe. Tapas make dining affordable. Budget 70 - 100 euros daily for comfortable travel.

Yes, really. Many shops close 2 - 5 PM. Dinner doesn't start until 9 PM. The pace is remarkably slower than Northern Europe.

Increasingly English is spoken but Spanish is notably useful. Learning basic phrases is appreciated. The Basque Country has its own language.

Jamón ibérico, patatas bravas, croquetas, gambas al ajillo, and pan con tomate are seriously excellent. Bar hopping for tapas is how people eat.

Yes, especially passionate and emotionally moving. Genuine performances in smaller venues offer authenticity. Tourist shows exist but genuine experiences are worth seeking.

A week covers Barcelona and Madrid basics. Two weeks allows regional exploration. The country is large - comprehensive travel needs 3 - 4 weeks.

Yes, truly. Beaches are beautiful despite crowds. Granada's Alhambra is stunning. Southern towns offer relaxed atmosphere.

Update history (24)▸

  1. · Rewrite

    Updated for modern frameworks, with content updates and changes

  2. · Update

    Annual update by Adam Seper, including traveler dispatches and AirTreks returnees

  3. · Update

    Annual update by Adam Seper, including traveler dispatches and AirTreks returnees

  4. · Update

    Annual update by Adam Seper, including traveler dispatches and AirTreks returnees

  5. · Update

    Annual update by Adam Seper, including traveler dispatches and AirTreks returnees

  6. · Contributors

    1 member blog post from 1 blogger

    • 2014: 1 post from 1 traveler on BootsnAll Travel Blogs (source)

  7. · Update

    Annual update by Adam Seper, including traveler dispatches and AirTreks returnees

  8. · Update

    Annual update by Adam Seper, including traveler dispatches and AirTreks returnees: all content and prices updated September 2013

  9. · Contributors

    1 article, by Alexandra Sagan Pope, plus 26 member blog posts from 3 bloggers

    • November 2012: From Maine to Spain & Everything In Between - Alexandra Sagan Pope (article) (source)
    • 2012: 26 posts from 3 travelers on BootsnAll Travel Blogs (source)

  10. · Update

    Annual update by Adam Seper, including traveler dispatches and AirTreks returnees

  11. · Contributors

    9 member blog posts from 2 bloggers

    • 2011: 9 posts from 2 travelers on BootsnAll Travel Blogs (source)

  12. · Update

    Annual update by Adam Seper, including traveler dispatches and AirTreks returnees

  13. · Contributors

    2 articles, by Frank Guertler and Robin Graham, plus 18 member blog posts from 4 bloggers

    • February 2010: Andalusian Memories - Reflections on Travels in Spain - Frank Guertler (article) (source)
    • August 2010: The Next Table - An Encounter in the Shadow of the Alhambra in Granada, Spain - Robin Graham (article) (source)
    • 2010: 18 posts from 4 travelers on BootsnAll Travel Blogs (source)

  14. · Contributors

    1 article, by Christian Celind, plus 46 member blog posts from 14 bloggers

    • December 2009: Riot In Basque Country - San Sebastian, Spain - Christian Celind (article) (source)
    • 2009: 46 posts from 14 travelers on BootsnAll Travel Blogs (source)

  15. · Archive

    Travel guide on BootsnAll, at a new address

    Archived copy of /Europe-Spain

  16. · Contributors

    5 articles, by Anne Paige Austin and Norman P. Goldman, plus 77 member blog posts from 20 bloggers

    • August 2008: Camino de Santiago (1 of 2) - Santiago de Compostela, Spain … - Anne Paige Austin (article) (source)
    • August 2008: Camino de Santiago (2 of 2) - Santiago de Compostela, Spain … - Anne Paige Austin (article) (source)
    • August 2008: Festival Internacional de Benicassim (1 of 2) - Spain - Anne Paige Austin (article) (source)
    • August 2008: Out of the Mainstream in Madrid - Spain - Anne Paige Austin (article) (source)
    • August 2008: Planning a Trip to Spain With the Help of the Internet - Norman P. Goldman (article) (source)
    • 2008: 77 posts from 20 travelers on BootsnAll Travel Blogs (source)

  17. · Contributors

    2 articles, by Stephen A. Bugno and A. Rob Conde, plus 122 member blog posts from 33 bloggers

    • May 2007: Europe: Step by Step - El Camino de Santiago, Spain, Europe - Stephen A. Bugno (article) (source)
    • August 2007: Pilgrimage Route to Santiago de Compostela - France, Spain, Europe - A. Rob Conde (article) (source)
    • 2007: 122 posts from 33 travelers on BootsnAll Travel Blogs (source)

  18. · Contributors

    226 member blog posts from 35 bloggers

    • 2006: 226 posts from 35 travelers on BootsnAll Travel Blogs (source)

  19. · Contributors

    92 member blog posts from 18 bloggers

    • 2005: 92 posts from 18 travelers on BootsnAll Travel Blogs (source)

  20. · Contributors

    1 member blog post from 1 blogger

    • 2004: 1 post from 1 traveler on BootsnAll Travel Blogs (source)

  21. · Contributors

    24 Insider dispatches, 1 story, 7 articles, by Anne Paige Austin, Jeanette Bergman and Bid and Renée

    • January 2002: Camino de Santiago Part 1 of 2- Santiago de Compostela, Spain - Anne Paige Austin (article) (source)
    • January 2002: Camino de Santiago Part 2 of 2- Santiago de Compostela, Spain - Anne Paige Austin (article) (source)
    • June 2002: Introduction - Oviedo & Asturias, Spain Travel Guide - Anne Paige Austin (Insider dispatch, archived copy) (source)
    • June 2002: Sidra (Cider) - Oviedo & Asturias, Spain Travel Guide - Anne Paige Austin (Insider dispatch, archived copy) (source)
    • June 2002: Somiedo - Oviedo & Asturias, Spain Travel Guide - Anne Paige Austin (Insider dispatch, archived copy) (source)
    • July 2002: Daylight Robbery Part 1 of 4 - Madrid, Spain - Jeanette Bergman (article) (source)
    • July 2002: Daylight Robbery Part 2 of 4 - Madrid, Spain - Jeanette Bergman (article) (source)
    • July 2002: Daylight Robbery Part 3 of 4 - Madrid, Spain - Jeanette Bergman (article) (source)
    • July 2002: Daylight Robbery Part 4 of 4 - Madrid, Spain - Jeanette Bergman (article) (source)
    • August 2002: Chasing the Sun #5: Spain & Portugal - Bid and Renée (story) (source)
    • August 2002: Food - Places to Eat - Oviedo & Asturias, Spain Travel Guide - Anne Paige Austin (Insider dispatch, archived copy) (source)
    • August 2002: Hiking & Walking - Oviedo & Asturias, Spain Travel Guide - Anne Paige Austin (Insider dispatch, archived copy) (source)
    • August 2002: Monuments - Oviedo & Asturias, Spain Travel Guide - Anne Paige Austin (Insider dispatch, archived copy) (source)
    • August 2002: Nightlife - Oviedo & Asturias, Spain Travel Guide - Anne Paige Austin (Insider dispatch, archived copy) (source)
    • August 2002: Transportation & Orientation - Oviedo & Asturias, Spain Travel Guide - Anne Paige Austin (Insider dispatch, archived copy) (source)
    • September 2002: Carnaval in Asturias - Oviedo & Asturias, Spain Travel Guide - Anne Paige Austin (Insider dispatch, archived copy) (source)
    • September 2002: Festivals - Oviedo & Asturias, Spain Travel Guide - Anne Paige Austin (Insider dispatch, archived copy) (source)
    • September 2002: Internet Cafes & Coffee Shops - Oviedo & Asturias, Spain Travel Guide - Anne Paige Austin (Insider dispatch, archived copy) (source)
    • September 2002: Outside Oviedo - Oviedo & Asturias, Spain Travel Guide - Anne Paige Austin (Insider dispatch, archived copy) (source)
    • October 2002: Festival Internacional de Benicassim Part 1 of 2 - Spain - Anne Paige Austin (article) (source)
    • October 2002: Prince of Asturias Awards - October 2002 Update - Oviedo & Asturias, Spain Travel Guide - Anne Paige Austin (Insider dispatch, archived copy) (source)
    • November 2002: Beaches - Tarifa, Spain Travel Guide - Anne Paige Austin (Insider dispatch, archived copy) (source)
    • November 2002: Ferries - Tarifa, Spain Travel Guide - Anne Paige Austin (Insider dispatch, archived copy) (source)
    • November 2002: Heating up the Asturian Winter - November 2002 Update - Oviedo & Asturias, Spain Travel Guide - Anne Paige Austin (Insider dispatch, archived copy) (source)
    • November 2002: Intro: Tarifa's a Breeze - Tarifa, Spain Travel Guide - Anne Paige Austin (Insider dispatch, archived copy) (source)
    • November 2002: Kitesurfing & Windsurfing - Tarifa, Spain Travel Guide - Anne Paige Austin (Insider dispatch, archived copy) (source)
    • November 2002: La Feria Tarifeña - Tarifa, Spain Travel Guide - Anne Paige Austin (Insider dispatch, archived copy) (source)
    • November 2002: Whale Watching - Tarifa, Spain Travel Guide - Anne Paige Austin (Insider dispatch, archived copy) (source)
    • December 2002: Bars & Clubs - Places to Grab a Drink and Party - Tarifa, Spain Travel Guide - Anne Paige Austin (Insider dispatch, archived copy) (source)
    • December 2002: Daytrips - Tarifa, Spain Travel Guide - Anne Paige Austin (Insider dispatch, archived copy) (source)
    • December 2002: Parque Natural Los Alcornocales - Tarifa, Spain Travel Guide - Anne Paige Austin (Insider dispatch, archived copy) (source)
    • December 2002: Restaurants - Places to Grab a Bite - Tarifa, Spain Travel Guide - Anne Paige Austin (Insider dispatch, archived copy) (source)

  22. · Contributors

    1 Insider dispatch, by Renu Chitkara

    • February 2001: Morocco: Madrid (Spain) - Renu Chitkara (Insider dispatch, archived copy) (source)

  23. · Contributors

    1 Insider dispatch, 1 article, by Norman P. Goldman

    • November 1999: Planning a Trip to Spain via the Internet - Norman P. Goldman (article) (source)
    • November 1999: Planning a Trip to Spain With the Help of the Internet - Norman P. Goldman (Insider dispatch, archived copy) (source)

  24. · Contributors

    Chris Heidrich, BootsnAll co-founder, has contributed to this guide since 1999, including dispatches from BootsnAll and AirTreks travelers