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Spain Travel Guide

Johnnie Stanton -
June 11, 2025

Overview

Spain is a vibrant, sun-soaked destination packed with bucket-list experiences from Barcelona’s Sagrada Familia (pro tip: book tickets early!) to Madrid’s historic streets. The country’s rich culture, world-famous cuisine, and lively festivals (like La Tomatina and Running of the Bulls) make it a must-visit. Whether you’re chasing festivals like La Tomatina or relaxing on Costa del Sol’s beaches, this Spain travel guide has you covered.

Quick Facts About Spain

Language

Spanish; Thank you is gracias

Currency

Approx Euro (€)

Visa

Schengen visa rules apply (visa-free for most Western nationals)

Power Plugs

Type F (standard European)

Religion

Predominantly Catholic

Capital

Madrid

Climate

Mediterranean; hot summers, mild winters. Coolest months: Dec - Feb

Apps

Cabify (ride-hailing), Google Maps, TAP (public transport in cities)

Flights Information for Spain:

Fly into Madrid (MAD) or Barcelona (BCN). Use Skyscanner for deals.

  • Madrid (MAD) The busiest hub, with flights worldwide.
  • Barcelona (BCN) Popular for European and transatlantic routes.
  • Málaga (AGP) Key for southern Spain and beach destinations.
  • Valencia (VLC), Seville (SVQ), and Palma de Mallorca (PMI) Smaller but well-connected.

Budget airlines like Ryanair and Vueling offer cheap flights within Europe. For long-haul, check Skyscanner or Kayak for deals.

Safety Information You Should Know Before Visiting Spain:

Spain is generally safe, but like any tourist hotspot, petty theft (pickpocketing, bag snatching) is common in crowded areas like Barcelona’s Las Ramblas or Madrid’s Puerta del Sol. Stay alert, especially in public transport.

  • Avoid flashing expensive items in tourist-heavy zones.
  • Scams: Beware of friendly street games (shell games, fake petitions).
  • Is Spain safe for tourists? Yes, but watch for pickpockets.
  • Emergency number: 112.

Spain is liberal and welcoming, but dress modestly when visiting religious sites.

Climate

Spain’s climate varies by region:

  • Coastal areas (Barcelona, Valencia, Costa del Sol): Hot summers (30°C+/86°F), mild winters (10-15°C/50-59°F). Best time: April-June & Sept-Oct.
  • Inland (Madrid, Seville): Extreme summers (up to 40°C/104°F), cold winters (near freezing).
  • North (Bilbao, San Sebastián): More rain, cooler temps year-round.

I visited Barcelona in May, and the weather was perfect—warm but not scorching.7

Budget

Spain is mid-range for Europe cheaper than France or Italy but pricier than Eastern Europe.

  • Hostels: Approx €15-€30/night
  • Budget hotels: Approx €50-€100/night
  • Meals: Approx Tapas (€2-€5 per dish), sit-down meals Approx (€10-€20)
  • Spain budget travel tip: Take ALSA buses (cheaper than trains).
  • El menú del día Approx (€10-€15 fixed lunch).
  • Transport: High-speed trains (Renfe) can be pricey; buses (ALSA) are cheaper.

Money-saving tip: Many bars offer free tapas with drinks in cities like Granada.
Other Must Know Tips:

  • Siesta culture: Many shops close 2 PM – 5 PM in smaller towns.
  • Dinner time: Spaniards eat late (9 PM-11 PM).
  • Tipping: Not mandatory, but rounding up or leaving 5-10% is polite.
  • Public transport: Efficient in cities; Renfe trains connect major destinations.

Final Thoughts

Spain is a dream destination whether you’re into history, beaches, food, or nightlife. With this guide, you’re ready to explore like a pro!Need more details on a specific city or attraction?

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need to speak Spanish?
Helpful, but most tourist areas have English speakers.
What’s the best time to visit?
Spring (April-June) and fall (Sept-Oct) for mild weather.
How expensive is Spain?
Affordable by Western European standards budget Approx €50-€100/day.

Johnnie Stanton

Editor in Chief & General Manager

Johnnie Stanton covers visas and entry requirements for Travel and Diaries. His guides explain what travelers actually need at the border visa-on-arrival rules, eVisa application steps, passport validity requirements, and regional visas like the East African Tourist Visa -sourced directly from government immigration portals and official embassy pages, with each guide dated so readers know when the rules were last verified. Visa policy changes fast and misinformation is everywhere; Johnnie's standing rule is that if a claim can't be traced to an official source, it doesn't get published. He works alongside the Travel and Diaries visa assistance team.

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