Are you planning your next trip to Spain, but you don’t know what to bring with you? Here you will find a small guide with our suggestions and the answers to the classic questions you ask yourself before visiting a new destination.
Read on!
1. Why Visit Spain?
Spain offers a magnificent blend of history, architecture, and beautiful landscapes. All of it can be enjoyed with exquisite Spanish cuisine, while also seeing traditional dances, lively streets, and nice beaches.
Let’s say that every traveler can find in Spain their own ideal adventure that satisfies their preferences. Here, you can read some tips to make the perfect trip!
2. What to Do in Spain? Set your Trip Goal!
What do you wish to see? You can make your own itinerary following your preferences and depending on how long you will stay in Spain. I think 10 days is just perfect to see the main cities of the country.
But obviously, if you have more time on your hands, you could see cities like San Sebastian, Toledo, or the White Towns of Andalucia. Sometimes people forget about these perfect gems, but you should give them a chance!
3. What Is the Perfect Destination in Spain?
Madrid and Barcelona are surely must-see destinations. Both of them are full of life, and you will feel forever young in their beautiful streets. You won’t miss the art and museums that both of these cities offer.
Valencia can captivate you with its beaches and the best Paella in Spain. Famous for the Fallas festival, in which you will see a mix of sculptures, fireworks, and parades.
We can’t forget about the authenticity of Granada with its gypsy neighborhood and Moorish influences. The stunning Alhambra Palace is the jewel of the city: Islamic architecture, fountains, and lush gardens will open your mind.
Spain is more than the cities that I told you about. You should also explore the hidden gems of the countryside to experience Spain fully: the vineyards in Cordoba, the Camino de Santiago pilgrimage, and the list goes on.
4. When Is the Best Time to Visit Spain?
A common idea is that the perfect trip to Spain can only be made during the summer. But it’s wrong! Every season in this country has different solutions to your needs.
Spring can be considered the ideal time to explore Spain. The weather is not too hot and not too cold, and there aren’t a lot of people around during this time. If you like to take pictures, this is the perfect time, as we can see the full bloom of flowers and do activities like ‘fruit picking’. Also, Spain has over 16 natural parks that become full of life during this time, and you can’t miss the view of the waterfalls.
Not only does nature color Spain in spring, but also important holidays like Easter week. You can also enjoy Sant Jordi in Barcelona, in which you exchange roses and books, and the April fair in Seville, where you can see traditional dances.
Summer can be a difficult season for people who are sensitive to the heat. But this is the peak time if you want to experience a perfect trip on Spain’s coast. A turquoise sea, the smell of salt, exquisite fish, and some stargazing will conquer you. Not to miss are all the music festivals and parties!
Fall is the start of a relaxed time. Better opportunity to explore the south of Spain: the historical Andalusia and the wine-making area.
Winter is the time to enjoy the Christmas atmosphere with the beautiful lights and themed markets. Also, if you are really energetic, you can do some sky in the mountains of Spain like Sierra Nevada!
You just have to choose your favorite period!
5. What to Pack for a Trip to Spain?
Well, after you decide where and when is best to go to Spain, you will have to pack something!
The first thing and the most obvious one will be money, credit cards, documents, tickets, and a phone. Only with this, you are safe.
In order to make your trip perfect, you must check the weather: during winter you will need dresses to protect from the chill, and in summer don’t forget sunglasses, sunscreen, and a swimsuit.
You will walk a lot, so always take some comfy shoes. It’s better not to pack too many clothes, so you will have more space for souvenirs to take home.
If you are staying in a hotel or an apartment, a hairdryer is unnecessary as it is provided by your accommodation.
Here in Spain, we use a two-hole socket, so if you have a different one, don’t forget the adapter.
It’s always better to have your own medicines with you, especially if you travel with children. Some general medicines for diarrhea, allergies, insects, and pain. But most important are patches. It would be inconvenient not to be able to walk because of blisters.
6. How to Move Around Spain?
Moving around Spain is quite easy, as the transportation system is very efficient.
- Trains: Spain has a perfect train network that connects major cities like Madrid, Barcelona, Seville, and Valencia. AVE (Alta Velocidad Española) is one example.
- Buses: This is a budget-friendly and flexible way to travel between towns, even during the night for longer journeys. Providers like ALSA offer extensive routes and schedules.
- Flights: For longer distances, it’s better to consider domestic flights. Airlines like Iberia and Vueling operate flights between major cities and regions.
- Metro and Trams: A really convenient way to explore the city, especially if you have a card.
- Taxis: Available in most cities, you can call an Uber and it will come really fast!
- Car Rentals: If you prefer to see more hidden places off the normal path, this option is perfect for you. Having your own itinerary it’s quite simple in the freedom of your car.
- Cycling and Electric scooter: A sustainable way to explore Spain at a leisurely pace. The city roads are becoming more friendly for people who prefer this option.
- Walking: Spanish cities, especially the historic ones, are designed for walking. And all the main attractions are near each other.
TIP: Here are some recommendations for a perfect trip!
DISCOUNTS AND RECOMMENDATIONS FOR YOUR TRIP
✈️ Find the cheapest flights, train or bus tickets here.
🛏️ Get up to 15% discount on your hotel by booking here.
🏛️ Book the best tours and activities here.
🚗 Compare and rent a car at the best price here or hire your transfer here.
📖 Get your Spain travel guide here.
💚 Book your travel insurance here.
7. What Food to Eat in Spain?
This is my favorite part of Spain: the food!
Spain has a big culinary scene, and it’s the perfect destination for every foodie. All the dishes that you will try have on their shoulder a rich culture and history that differs from region to region.
One of the most famous dishes that you must try is Paella. Originating from Valencia is the perfect way to enjoy fresh fish and tasty rice seasoned with saffron.
You also need to try Tapas: small dishes that can be shared; from the most classic ones, patatas bravas served with spicy sauce, to more elaborate ones.
On a simpler note, we have the Jamón Iberico (Iberian ham), which is famous throughout all of Spain. This delicacy is served alone and is also used as a common ingredient in various Spanish dishes.
Sangria may be the most popular Spanish beverage. Red or white wine mixed with chopped fruit, sugar, and honey is a good drink to enjoy during warm days. Spain is also renowned for its wine production, like Rioja and Cava, and activities like winetasting tours are quite popular among tourists.
All the dishes are made with fresh and delicious ingredients like olive oil, cheese, spices, quality fish, and so on. As you notice from the main ingredients, it may be tough for vegetarians and vegans, but in the big cities of Spain, you will surely find some options that will let you taste this mouth-watering cuisine.
8. When Is the Best Time to Eat?
As you probably know, Spanish has different eating timetables. If you go to restaurants during your own meal time, you will find the place empty, and not always you will be served food. So for lunchtime, it’s better to go around 1:30 PM to 3:00 PM; while dinner 9:30 PM.
9. Will my Internet Work in Spain?
Having the certainty that the internet will work is the secret recipe for a perfect trip!
The internet is life-saving when you travel to a new place: Google helps in translation, finding restaurants, and other things to do.
If you have classic operators like Vodafone, TIM, or Ho, you have to know that in another country, you can only use a part of the gigabytes of your offer. These are really a few.
You could still use public places, restaurants, and hotel WiFi, but cautiously, as it’s not always safe, especially if you want to access your online banking account. That’s why I think it’s better to buy a local prepaid so you can use all your GB anytime: Orange and Yoigo are quite good.
Obviously, you have to consider how long you will stay in Spain and how much you usually spend on your telephone, to buy according to it.
10. Do Spaniards Speak English?
In recent years, English has been on the rise in Spain, especially thanks to the tourism industry.
Obviously, in many major cities, like Madrid, Barcelona, or Valencia, you will have no problem with basic communication. The employees of hotels, taxis, and restaurants are proficient in English. Also, locals are starting to embrace the language as it’s more popular with movies, media, shows, and so on.
But this doesn’t always happen. If you go to less tourist and smaller cities, you will find a lot of challenges. Spaniards are very social and will try to help you with gestures, but it will be difficult to understand each other.
It’s always better to be prepared! Try to learn some basic words, and you can easily survive during your adventure. And if you want to make some friends during your trip, apps like Duolingo or Babble are very helpful!
Now it’s your turn! Write us in the comments how you plan the perfect trip and what your must-haves are! Also, if you are going to visit Andalucia and you will stop in Malaga, make sure you don’t miss our tours!
