Spain Travel Guide - How to Plan a Trip to Spain
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Spain, sitting at the southern end of the European continent, is a place that’s hard to define. Home to a huge number of fascinating landscapes, different cultures and traditions, and vastly different travel experiences wherever you choose to visit, there’s almost too much to cover.
From skiing in the snow-dusted Pyrenees to lazing on the golden beaches of the Mediterranean coast, Spain's diverse topography offers an array of adventures for the intrepid traveler. There are vast and natural spaces that act as a haven for outdoor enthusiasts, while the cities, towns, and villages in between all boast some of Europe’s most storied history, culture, and mouth-watering gastronomy.
Beyond the stereotypical images of bulls, flamenco dancers, grand cathedrals, and delectable paella, Spain's true charm resides in its vibrant people and their way of life. This is a country where the locals are warm and welcoming, offering visitors a glimpse into their tight-knit communities.
The approach to life here is slow and deliberate, playing out not in homes, but in the sun-dappled squares, crowded restaurants, and historic streets, where all generations come together to enrich each other’s lives.
Spain has an infectious energy that will leave you wanting more, no matter how long you have here.
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Table of contents
Why visit
How long to spend
Best time to visit
How to get to Spain
Where to go on a first trip
Overview of Spain’s regions
Transportation and how to get around
Driving in Spain
Booking hotels and accommodation
Expenses and cost of travel
Useful things to know
Example Spain itineraries
Plan your itinerary with local help
If you could use some personalized help figuring out your Spain plan, consider scheduling a Spain travel consultation with Alfonso, our Spain-based Local Expert.
These are one-hour Zoom calls where you’ll get to chat with Alfonso about the trip you’re planning and he’ll share his tips and advice, answer your travel questions, and help you perfect your itinerary.
Why visit
More than 60 million people visit Spain every year, so there are quite obviously plenty of good reasons to come!
The beauty of a visit to Spain is that you’re sure to find something that appeals to everyone. You have great beaches throughout the country, excellent national parks, high mountains, pretty medieval villages, modern booming cities, great museums and historical sites, and terrific gastronomy. And because Spain’s high-speed train network is so extensive and efficient, visitors are able to actually enjoy all of these different things in a relatively short amount of time.
In the North, the rugged Pyrenees attract hikers and outdoor adventures, the wild Northern Coast and the Camino de Santiago draw pilgrims, adventurers, and those after verdant landscapes and authentic traditions, and pleasant mid-sized cities like Zaragoza, San Sebastian, and Bilbao offer up fantastic culture and cuisine.
In the South, Andalusia’s sandy beaches have delighted beachgoers for decades, charming villages like Ronda dot the countryside, and incredible sites like the Alhambra and Mezquita de Cordoba offer a chance to step back in time to Spain’s Moorish past.
Cosmopolitan cities like Madrid, Barcelona, and Valencia offer endless cultural opportunities with world class museums, excellent dining, and buzzing nightlife. And then, of course, there’s the good food, great wine, and just pleasant way of life.
Spain is also relatively cheap when compared destinations like Italy or France, so your money goes a bit further here.
There are lots of reasons to come!
How long do you need for a trip to Spain?
7 days at a minimum
At the absolute minimum, you need at least a week to visit Spain. 7 days is not remotely enough time to actually see the country, but it will let you visit its two major cities - Madrid and Barcelona - and take a day trip from each of them.
You’ll want a minimum of 3 days in Madrid, with two dedicated to seeing the city and one for a day trip to Toledo, Segovia, Avila, or El Escorial. For Barcelona, you’ll also want a minimum of 3 days, 2 for the city and another to visit somewhere like Girona, the Costa Brava, or Montserrat. Given you that leaves you with one more day, I’d just add it to whichever of Madrid or Barcelona interests you more (for me it’s Madrid!).
If you’re ready to move fast, you could also manage to see 3 major cities in just a week by flying into Barcelona and out of Sevilla. You’d spend 2 days in Barcelona, 3 days in Madrid (with a day trip), and 2 days in Sevilla. You’d need to book early morning high-speed trains for your travel days so as not to lose precious daytime, and it’s really too rushed, but it’s doable.
10 days to see 3-4 major cities without rushing
If you have 10 days, I’d consider 3 days in Madrid, 3 days in Barcelona, a night in Granada, and 3 nights in Sevilla (with a stopover in Cordoba).
You’d start in Barcelona, then train to Madrid. From Madrid, take the train to Granada and visit the Alhambra before spending the night. On your next day, you’d go from Granada to Sevilla, stopping in Cordoba on your way to see the city and visit the Mezquita. With 2 full days in Sevilla, you could either spend both days enjoying the city or do one day there and then a day trip to Ronda.
If Andalusia doesn’t interest you, 10 days also gives you time to see Madrid, Barcelona, San Sebastian, and Bilbao. You’d fly into Madrid and spend 3 nights, then head to Barcelona also for 3 nights. From there, take the train to San Sebastian (2 nights) and then on to Bilbao (2 nights) to end the trip. You could also cut a day from Bilbao and stop in Zaragoza on your way from Barcelona to San Sebastian.
If you get tired of cities after Madrid and Barcelona, the Basque Country (where San Sebastian and Bilbao are located) has lots of great opportunities for outdoors adventures in the mountains and coast, so you could also rent a car and do a little road trip.
12–15 days for an ideal visit to Spain
The longer you have in Spain the better, but for an ideal visit to get a grasp of what this country is all about, around 2 weeks is ideal. This gives you plenty of time to see a lot of the major highlights as well as delve into some other attractions and regions that are of interest to you.
Spend around 3 days in both Barcelona and Madrid, which should leave you another week to play around with some of Spain’s other fantastic destinations. Of course, it’s hard to resist the pull of Andalusia, where you could easily spend the rest of your time exploring the cities (Seville, Granada, Malaga, Cadiz), the rugged white mountain-top villages, and the fantastic beaches.
If you’re staying for a full 15 days, make sure to include a couple of days up north in San Sebastian and Bilbao. The Basque Country, home to both cities, has hands down some of the best food you can find in Europe, which more than makes up for the often-rainy weather.
For a complete countrywide plan for 14 days in Spain, check out our 2-week Spain itinerary.
*5 days if you just want to see a city and do some day trips
If you’re coming for a very short stay or just tacking on a few days in Spain to a trip elsewhere, you can actually have a nice visit with just 5 days. Madrid, Barcelona, and Sevilla are each worth visiting for 2-3 days, and they also all have a host of great places nearby that are visitable as day trips. So, with 5 days and just a single base in one city, you can still have a nice time.
In Madrid, day trips to places like Toledo, Segovia, Ávila, and Salamanca let you see a more ancient side of Spain.
From Barcelona, you can venture out to the famed Montserrat Monastery, or for a taste of nature, make your way to the beaches along the enchanting Costa Brava.
In Sevilla, you’re within easy reach of Granada and Cordoba, where highlights include the Alhambra Moorish Palace in Granada, and the Grand Mosque in Cordoba. Ronda and the White Villages are also nearby.
Best time to visit
Visiting in spring
The best time to visit Spain is in the Spring months of April and May. Across the country temperatures are beginning to rise but have not yet reached the scorching highs of June, July, and August. There’s also less rainfall than in September and October, and visitor numbers are still low.
On top of that, Spring brings with it a palpable energy in the air, with the days gradually becoming warmer in the lead up to summer vacations.
During April and May, you can do anything you want. Explore the cities, hike the mountains (except perhaps the loftiest peaks in the Pyrenees), spot bears in Asturias, and enjoy the beaches in the south. It’s also a time when there are plenty of large festivals taking place around the country, letting you experience some of the best traditions Spain has to offer.
Visiting in summer
Visit in the summer months and you’ll run into huge crowds; like most of Europe, July and August are the busiest time in Spain. The temperatures are hot (often too hot to comfortably go outside) in the main cities, and come August, a lot of the shops and businesses shut down for their own holidays.
However, this is a fantastic time to visit the north of Spain, where temperatures are comfortable and there’s often days of rain as well. The mountains as well offer cooler climes, although you might have to retreat inside for the hottest part of the afternoon.
Visiting in autumn
Autumn in Spain is another great time to visit, although as the season moves on, you can expect to run into more rainy days. But still, with July and August uncomfortably hot nowadays, September and October are beginning to seem like the real summer in many places.
You can still go to the beach along the Mediterranean, hike mountains, and take in the fall foliage as well in the cooler climes. But there’s always the chance of getting poor weather.
Visiting in winter
Winter in Spain is very mild, and the destination is great if you’re looking for some winter sun. But there are several different climates across the country, so you’ll find that some places are just as cold as elsewhere in Europe. Expect snow in the high mountains (skiing is very popular in the Picos de Europa and the Pyrenees), and lots of rain along the northern coast.
It’s also important to note is that most Spanish apartments are woefully unprepared for the cold weather, so you may need to stay rugged up once you’re inside.
How to get to Spain
The two major airports in Spain are in Madrid and Barcelona. If you’re flying from the US or Australia, then it’s likely you’ll arrive first at one of these airports.
Of course, across the country there are many smaller airports, like in Seville, Valencia, or Malaga. These places are connected with fewer large international routes, but if you’re flying from within Europe, chances are there will be a direct flight.
In Madrid, the easiest way to get from the airport into the city center is to take the train. It’s the cheapest method, the fastest, and delivers you directly to the city center train station.
In Barcelona, the best way to get from the airport is to catch the Aero Bus. This is affordable and fast, with regular departures every 10 minutes or so. There are several stops you can hop out at, whether it’s Plaza Espana or Plaza Catalonia.
Where to visit on a first trip
We’ve already discussed this a bit above in the “how long to spend” section, but it’s worth thinking about more.
Spain is a pretty large country full of pretty medium-sized cities, terrific historical/archaeological sites, and some great natural places. For their first trip, most visitors just focus on major cities, but that’s not the right choice for everyone.
The country has a terrific rail network that connects all the major cities and many secondary and tertiary ones as well, so there's no reason you can only focus on big cities during a first trip. High-speed trains are frequent and fairly inexpensive, meaning that you can get all over the country both quickly and relatively inexpensively.
That said, any first trip to Spain should absolutely include Madrid, Barcelona, and Sevilla.
These 3 cities are must-visits and you cannot come here and and not see them. Aside from being Spain’s largest cities, they have all held extreme importance throughout Spain’s (and Europe and the world’s) history, and you can’t understand the country without visiting them. They’re also just genuinely beautiful places that are wonderful to explore.
Each city needs at least 2 days to be visited, and more if you want to base yourself in them and take day trips to the surrounding regions. All 3 cities have at least 2 or 3 obvious and wonderful destinations that make for easy day trips.
For those with a bit more time, I consider Granada, San Sebastian, and Bilbao to be other major cities very worth visiting on a first trip. Granada has the Alhambra, San Sebastian has terrific food and an incredible location, and Bilbao is just different (and has the Guggenheim). I like Valencia, but don’t personally consider it an absolute must.
If you’re also interested in spending some times in the outdoors during your trip, I think the easiest way to incorporate some time in nature is to focus on 2 natural areas: the Pyrenees Mountains and the Sierra Nevada mountains. I mention these two because they are close to by to some of my must-visit cities.
The Sierra Nevadas are just outside of Granada, so you can easily include a visit to them while exploring a bit of Andalusia. The Pyrenees, on the other hand, are in the north, between Barcelona and San Sebastian, meaning you could reasonably find a way to include some hiking either close to Barcelona or near to San Sebastian.
Get some more inspiration on interesting places to visit in our guides to:
Overview of Spain’s regions
Photo: Haylli, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons
There’s a reason why Spain is known as a nation of nations. There are 17 autonomous communities here, many with their own official language (or at least a different dialect of Spanish), their own culture, and unique history.
For travelers, it’s a bit too much to expect you to keep track of all of that though, so we’ve grouped those communities together into larger “regions”, which we think are a bit more meaningful for the “average” visitor (and certainly easier to remember).
Below, we’ll cover the plains, valleys, and plateaus of Central Spain, the mountains and valleys to the northeast bordering France, the Mediterranean and Atlantic coasts, and of course, the island chains in the Mediterranean Sea and Atlantic Ocean.
Here they are:
Central Spain: Madrid, Castilla y León, Castilla-La Mancha, & Extremadura
Central Spain is home to Madrid, the capital and largest city in Spain, and a cultural, historical, and gastronomic powerhouse. North of the capital, in Castilla y León, you’ll find mountains, plains, and amazing castles. Ávila, Salamanca, and Segovia are three must-visit historical towns.
Head south of Madrid to Castilla La Mancha, home to Don Quixote, and witness endless plains dotted with windmills. The star attraction in the regon is the incredible medieval city of Toledo.
Finally, Extremadura, on the far western edge of Spain and bordering Portugal, is a frontier land that kingdoms have passed through for millennia. This is a rural territory that’s almost entirely skipped by visitors, but if you come, you’ll be rewarded by traces of ancient civilizations everywhere you go.
Northeast Spain: Navarre, La Rioja, Aragon, and Catalonia
In northeastern Spain, lets start of with Navarra, whose main attractions are threefold: the endless outdoor opportunities that the Pyrenees mountains afford, wine and agricultural tastings at the countless farms and vineyards that span the countryside, and the world-famous city of Pamplona, home to the running of the bulls.
Southwest of Navarra, La Rioja, Spain’s smallest autonomous community, is best known for its eponymous wine (Rioja). While you might not think of Spain as a skiing destination, if you visit La Rioja in wintertime, odds are you’ll actually be able to hit the slopes though!
To the east of the region, Aragon is rarely visited by tourists, but it shouldn’t be ignored. Zaragoza is a buzzing, non-touristy city with a magnificent cathedral, and some of the highest mountains in the country can be found here. There’s lots more, but just two things should be enough to get you here.
And finally, heading south, we reach Catalonia, home to Barcelona, Spain’s second largest city (but probably its most famous). Barcelona is the big draw here, but outside of the city you’ll find a beautiful coastline on the Costa Brava, charming mid-sized cities like Girona, and again, wonderful mountains for hiking and camping.
The Mediterranean Coast: Valencia, Murcia, & Andalusia
Heading down Spain’s eastern coast from Barcelona, the first major city you’ll reach is Valencia. The third largest in Spain, Valencia offers up a great combination of sun and beaches, excellent food, and modern urban attractions at the City of Art and Sciences. Within the larger region, you’ll also find very tourist resort towns such as Alicante and Benidorm.
Moving southwest, Murcia is unknown to almost everyone outside of Spain. Admittedly, this is quite an arid region and there isn’t a ton to see, but you’ll find sleepy little towns and lots of Moorish architecture, and you might be the only tourist there.
And finally, we reach Andalusia, the postcard image of Spain for almost all foreigners. This is the Spain you’ve imagined; a sun kissed land where people dance flamenco, eat tapas, and meander through cobbled streets.
Inland, Sevilla draws millions of visitors a year to revel in its charm and admire its gorgeous architecture, especially the Royal Alcazar palace. What else can you see? Well, to start, how about the mountaintop white villages such as Ronda, Granada and its Alhambra palace nestled amongst the Sierra Nevada mountains, and the Mezquita Grand Mosque in Cordoba.
On the sea, the Costa del Sol is probably Spain’s most famous beach area, world-renowned for its wide sandy beaches and never-ending sunny days.
The Atlantic Coast: The Basque Country, Cantabria, Asturias, and Galicia
Spain’s Atlantic coast is the greenest, wettest, and leafiest part of the country. A stretch of coast that goes from the Basque Pyrenees in the east - at the border with France - all the way west to the Atlantic seaside in Galicia, right at the northern point of the border with Portugal.
The northern coast of Spain is known for its breathtaking landscapes, its mix of mountains and sea, the many delicious regional cuisines, and overall, for its wide range of villages, towns, and mid-size cities where you’ll wish to get lost forever.
The marquee attractions in the east of the region are unquestionably the two big cities of the Basque country: seaside San Sebastián, and inland, Bilbao, a true cultural hotspot.
Heading west, Cantabria hosts the Picos de Europa park, one of the most beautiful stretches of coastal mountains anywhere.
In Asturias, you’ve got the maritime city of Gijón, and the architectural gem that is Oviedo.
And finally, all the way up in Spain’s extreme northwestern corner sits Galicia, the wildest, greenest, and most remote part of Spain.
Balearic islands
Off the coast of Catalonia lie the popular Balearic Islands, made up of Mallorca, Menorca, Ibiza, and Formentera. Each has a distinctive vibe, although all are popular and share similar traits, with stunning beaches, plenty of backroads through quiet countryside, and some beautiful, historic cities.
Ibiza is particularly famous as home to some of the largest and busiest night clubs in Spain, where world-famous DJs play during the summer.
The Canary Islands
Off the coast of North Africa lie the Canary Islands, a unique volcanic archipelago that belongs to Spain. Made up of seven main islands, here you can visit Tenerife, Fuerteventura, Gran Canaria, Lanzarote, La Palma, La Gomera, and El Hierro.
Each of the islands has a different vibe and geographical makeup, but most are known for their beach resorts and are popular with European travelers.
Connect with Alfonso in San Sebastian for help perfecting your itinerary, answers to all your travel questions, and fabulous local tips!
Transportation and how to get around in Spain
Spain is a big place, and while the train system here is excellent, a lot of people have time constraints and don’t want to waste a day.
That’s why the best way to travel within Spain is a combination of domestic flights and train travel.
For instance, the high-speed train between Madrid and Barcelona is an excellent way to get between the two biggest cities. But to get down to Andalusia, or into northern Spain, it often makes more sense to fly there. Traveling to either region on the train can chew up an entire day.
If your focus is on a smaller area of the country, or if you’re rich in time, then it’s easy to rely completely on the trains. For more rural areas, you’ll have to use buses or rent a car.
Domestic flights
Covering longer distances on your trip with a domestic flight is a good idea. Flights within Spain are generally quite affordable, and you’ll save time (and money) than if you get the train. For instance, flying from Barcelona to Seville or from Valencia to Santiago makes more sense than getting the train, which would involve transfers.
The major airports in Spain are in Madrid, Barcelona, Seville, Valencia, and Bilbao. These airports will be connected to all domestic destinations. However, you might not find direct flights from a smaller airport (Santander, Oviedo, Santiago, etc.) to another of Spain’s smaller cities without a transfer through Madrid.
The major airline in Spain is Iberia Air, who also operate the smaller airline called Vueling based in Barcelona. Book tickets online, and in advance. Other common airlines offering flights within Spain are Ryanair and Air Europa.
Flight times in Spain never exceed 6 or 7 hours – and those longer flights are only if you’re heading to the Canary Islands.
Train travel
Spain has a wonderful rail network, and the second-most developed high-speed train system in the world. You can get almost anywhere by train, although often the prices are more expensive than flying if you’re looking at going somewhere medium distance. Still, more competition is lowering prices, but in general, if there’s a direct train route between cities, it’s more convenient to take the train.
Renfe is the national train company in Spain that operates most of the rail services in the country. That includes the AVE service (Alta Velocidad Española – Spain’s high-speed rail network) that connects the major cities at speeds of up to 310 km/h (193 mph).
From here, things get a bit more complicated when looking at the different train classifications. Renfe also runs other train services in Spain, such as Avant (medium-distance high-speed trains), Alvia (long-distance trains that combine high-speed and conventional tracks), Media Distancia (regional trains), Cercanías (suburban trains), and Trenhotel (overnight trains with sleeping cars).
Then there’s the Renfe-SNCF collaboration between Renfe and SNCF (the French national train company) that offers high-speed trains between Spain and France.
Madrid, being in the center of the country, offers fantastic connections in most directions via the high-speed railway. To Barcelona it takes 2 hours and 30 minutes, and if you travel early in the morning, you might be able to pick up a ticket for less than €10. Otherwise, prices can soar up to €80 or even €90.
It also takes 2 hours and 30 minutes to get to Seville in the south, with prices usually falling somewhere between €40 and €65. To Valencia it takes 1 hour and 30 minutes and costs between €5 and €20.
There are also high-speed rail links from Madrid to both Santiago and Bilbao, with the average time taking 3 hours 30 minutes and 4 hours 30 minutes respectively.
Where to book train tickets
Tickets can be booked online through the relevant companies’ website (Renfe), or purchased directly at train stations.
To get the lower priced tickets, you’ll have to book well in advance and also travel at an off-peak time (i.e. the very early morning).
In general, I recommend booking your public transport tickets directly with the service provider - RENFE.
Bus travel
Spain is also fantastic when it comes to buses. Expect to get just about anywhere by bus, and for relatively cheap as well. Prices are less expensive than the train, and the major hubs are the same: Madrid, Barcelona, Valencia, Seville, and Bilbao.
To a lesser extent, the larger cities in each autonomous region will also be linked to most everywhere by bus. The only downside is that buses take a lot longer than the trains do.
There are many different bus companies in Spain, but some of the most popular ones are Alsa, Avanza, Daibus, Damas, and Flixbus.
Alsa is the largest and most widespread bus company in Spain, with routes covering the entire country as well as some neighboring countries.
Avanza is the main provider of short and medium-distance buses in and around Madrid.
Daibus and Damas are part of the same group and operate mainly in the south of Spain.
Flixbus is a German company that offers low-cost bus travel across Europe.
Booking bus tickets
Booking tickets is best done online nowadays, but bus stations in Spain also contain offices of all the bus companies operating there if you want to buy in person.
Generally, it’s advisable to book in advance to secure a seat and get the best price.
For long-distance routes, there are overnight buses that deliver you to your destination first thing in the morning, albeit a bit ragged after disrupted sleep from the journey.
While booking direct is always cheapest and generally advisable, comparing routes and even finding which companies run them can be time consuming. So you can also use the website BusBud which shows options for routes from different companies. It costs a bit more than booking direct, but it’s convenient.
Renting a car
Renting a car makes sense in Spain if you’re planning on basing yourself in one place for a long period of time and exploring the surrounding region.
For instance, if you’re looking at exploring La Rioja, then a car would come in handy to drive around all the wineries. The same goes if you’re interested in visiting the famous white mountain-top villages on a trip to Andalusia, or exploring an island such as Mallorca and Tenerife, where public transport is limited.
Where to find a car rental
You’ll find all the major international car rental companies in Spain, but there are also lots of smaller, local agencies. Any medium-to-large city will have rental agencies, but for the best selection you’ll probably want to rent somewhere with an international airport or a busy train station.
To check prices and book, I recommend using DiscoverCars, a car rental website that includes offerings from all the major international rental companies as well as lots of smaller local agencies, which often have much better pricing. You can often find great deals.
I use it myself and have always had good experiences.
Taxis and ride share apps
You’ll find a huge number of taxies in the major Spanish cities, and you can usually flag them down from the street (a green light on top means that they’re free, red means occupied). If you’re not having any luck, you’ll also usually find a line of taxis outside the bus and train stations, as well as major hotels and popular tourist attractions.
Rideshare apps are also available in Spain, although historically they have faced legal challenges and opposition from taxi drivers.
Uber, the most popular ride-sharing app, has gone through a lot of trouble in Spain after protests organized by taxi drivers. You can still find them about, but service may be limited – you’re better off using one of the apps that taps into officially licensed drivers and vehicles, such as Cabify or Freenow.
But these apps only work in the major cities; in more modest cities and towns, it can be more difficult to track down a taxi. Again, you’ll have to either rely on finding a taxi rank (or having your hotel order a taxi for you) or call the company yourself.
Driving in Spain
The road conditions in Spain are generally good, especially on the main highways and inter-provincial routes. Gas stations are frequent and navigating tolls is quite easy. Highways and main roads are well marked with signs and indicators and GPS signal is good in most places. Directions from apps like Waze and Google Maps are also usually accurate. You’ll rarely encounter trouble while driving here.
However, be aware that rural roads, like in most places, aren’t as well maintained, so when you’re deep in the countryside or meandering about quiet mountain roads, drive with caution. When on winding country roads always be prepared to encounter obstacles like crossing livestock, rock slides, and fallen debris.
Tolls are common on freeways (autopistas) in Spain, but not on expressways (autovías). You can pay for them with cash or credit card at the toll booths, and prices will quickly add up.
Renting a car
If you’re just going to be visiting the country’s major cities, there’s really no reason to have a car as journeys will take longer than the train and driving/parking in cities is a hassle.
Renting a car does make sense, though, if you’re planning on a road trip to more remote areas or making stops at little towns, beaches, or natural areas. Having a car is also very convenient if you want to base yourself in one place for a long period of time and explore the surrounding region without having to rely on transit.
For instance, if you’re looking at exploring La Rioja, then a car would come in handy to drive around all the wineries. The same goes if you’re interested in visiting the famous white mountain-top villages on a trip to Andalusia, medieval towns in the Pyrenees, or exploring an island such as Mallorca or Tenerife, where public transport is limited.
Cost of a rental car
The average price to rent a car for a day is around 30 euros, with this fluctuating depending on the season. In summer, expect to pay more. Also know that most cars at rental agencies are manual transmission and that, while automatics are almost always also available, you should expect to pay more to get one.
Where to find a car rental
You’ll find all the major international car rental companies in Spain, but there are also lots of smaller, local agencies. Any medium-to-large city will have rental agencies, but for the best selection you’ll probably want to rent somewhere with an international airport or a busy train station.
To check prices and book, I recommend using DiscoverCars, a car rental website that includes offerings from all the major international rental companies as well as lots of smaller local agencies, which often have much better pricing. You can often find great deals.
I use it myself and have always had good experiences.
Booking hotels & accommodation
Gone are the days when you could stay in Spanish hotels on a dime. Today, it’s one of the most touristed destinations in the world, with prices to match. Still, outside of the busy season in July and August, you’ll find prices are more affordable, and in general, things are cheaper than they are in the USA and the rest of Europe.
You can expect all the regular accommodation options in Spain, from hotels and hostels to serviced apartments and cozy bed and breakfasts. Airbnb has a big presence, but there have been protests in the larger cities (Madrid, Barcelona, and Valencia) where rent is skyrocketing due to a housing shortage. In these places, it’s best to stay in a hotel.
There are still a few types of accommodation that are particular to Spain, so I’ve provided a brief overview of each below:
Spain’s Paradores
An accommodation in Spain that sets it apart from the rest of Europe is its paradores. When the Spanish government was developing its tourism in the 1950s, it saw an opportunity to create some truly spectacular hotels inside old monasteries, palaces, and castles.
The idea was to draw visitors into the little-visited areas of Spain, and today, the paradores are some of the most sought-after accommodations in the country. For a real treat, reserve a room at the Parador de Santiago de Compostela, which is the oldest hotel in Europe still operating today.
Alternative accommodation in Spain
Finally, you’ll find some other accommodation options available, but targeted towards different types of travelers.
Mountain hostels usually only open during the summer, when long-distance trekkers (in the Pyrenees for example) need a place to stay.
Speaking of long-distance treks, those undertaking the Camino de Santiago will be able to make use of the inexpensive albergues, which are essentially hostels but reserved solely for pilgrims walking their way to Santiago.
Costs and expense of travel in Spain
Accommodation
The costs of accommodation in Spain are on average around €70 to €100 a night for a double room. Of course, prices vary greatly depending on the season and/or the location.
Expect to pay more in the high season, holiday periods (like Easter and Christmas), and in the most popular destinations like Madrid, Barcelona, or on any of the islands.
Meals
The cost of a meal in a modest restaurant is around €12 to €18 per person. If you are cooking your own food, a budget of €60 buys you a bag of essential groceries that should last for almost a week. As in many other countries, the food prices in Spain have been rising steadily in the last few years.
In Spain you’ll also find a wonderful thing called the menú del día (menu of the day). A hangover from Franco times when the dictator brought in the law that restaurants, particularly in touristy areas, needed to offer a menu del dia. It remains a staple to this day, and you can get a 3-course meal and a drink for as little as 8.50 euros.
Alcohol
Alcohol is relatively cheap in Spain compared to some neighboring countries. For 0.5L of beer in the supermarket you will pay €0.75 and for 1 bottle of good quality red table wine, you will pay around €6.
Car rentals
Renting a car will cost approximately €30 per day, but that’s for a small vehicle with the most basic coverage, and at that price, it will almost certainly be a manual transmission vehicle.
Taxi rides
The price of a taxi ride from Madrid Airport to Madrid city center is a fixed fee of €30. In Barcelona, it will cost between €30 and €40, depending on which terminal you arrive at and where in the city you’re heading.
Outside of the main airport to city routes, taxis usually charge between €1 and €2 for the starting fee and from €0.90 to €1.20 per kilometer covered. For example, a taxi ride from the city center of Madrid or Barcelona to a residential neighborhood outside the center will never cost much more than €10.
However, at night the starting price and general rate increases. Look for the sticker on the back window of your taxi that explains the prices and times.
Public transportation
In general, public transportation in Spain is very affordable. Trains are more comfortable and faster than buses but will cost you more unless you’re traveling in the early morning or book well in advance.
An average high-speed train ride from Madrid to Barcelona will cost around €60, whereas a bus will be around €30.
For slower trains and shorter distances (for both bus and train) the prices drop quite a bit from there. As always, book in advance to get the best prices.
Entrance tickets
Prices of entrance tickets to museums and other ticketed sites depend on the destination. Most of the museums in the cities have prices around €10 to €20 per person.
The most expensive tickets are usually the ones for the historical or cultural attractions. A visit to the Alhambra Palace in Granada costs €19 per person, while admission to the Sagrada Familia costs €26 per person.
Guided tours
Another cost to consider is any guided tours you might do. A lot of attractions have audio guides nowadays, but there are still walking tours and combination tours with a guide, where you’ll visit several attractions in one trip.
A 3-hour group walking tour in Seville will cost you about €25 per person. In Valencia, a 3-hour group bike tour will cost you €35 per person, while the Valencia Pub Crawl will cost you €15 per person.
The cost of private tours will vary heavily, but you could easily expect to pay around 50 euros per hour, just for a guide. The cost will increase from there if your tour requires private transportation.
Useful things to know
Using credit cards
Spain is a modern country that has all the usual methods for payment. Credit and debit cards are widely used and accepted at hotels, restaurants, and all other establishments.
However, it’s advisable to have some cash on hand, as there are some places that might not accept cards (although you’ll usually be notified beforehand). Some places also have a minimum amount, such as 5 euros, so buying a drink at a convenience store might also require some cash.
Another point for carrying some cash with you is that buses outside the bigger cities might require you to purchase tickets from the driver (this isn’t the case in places like Madrid and Barcelona).
Withdrawing cash
You can easily get cash from ATMs, which are widely available throughout all cities and towns. You will find them everywhere you go.
Tipping
Spanish service workers generally earn a decent wage, and do not rely on tipping for their income. As such, tipping is seen as a bonus for great service instead of an obligation.
If you do decide to leave a tip, the amounts are also different. Usually a 5–10% tip at a restaurant is appreciated for good service, but it’s also quite common to just leave some change. In a taxi, rounding up to the nearest euro is acceptable, or simply adding a few extra euros on top.
However, it’s worth noting again that whether you tip or not is entirely up to you – it isn’t expected at all, and you don’t run the risk of offending anyone if you choose not to.
Safety in Spain
Spain is one of the safest and most inclusive destinations in Europe and has low rates of violent crime and terrorism. Still, petty theft has emerged as a problem in the bigger cities, especially in Madrid and Barcelona. Pickpockets will often target tourists in crowded places, such as inside train stations, on the metro, and at the popular attractions.
To avoid becoming a victim, always stay alert and aware while at a heavily touristed destination. You should have your wallet and phone in your front pockets (or your backpack), and never leave them on a table while sitting down at a café or restaurant.
Opening hours
Spain’s opening hours include a huge break in the afternoon for lunch. Generally, most shops will shut from around 2pm, reopening later at 5 or 6. This is less common now in places like Madrid and Barcelona, but everywhere else you’ll have to account for these odd opening hours when the locals like to enjoy a long lunch.
Language
Spain is made up of several distinct cultures, and you’ll find that some autonomous regions have their own language. There’s Catalan, Galician, and the Basque language, all spoken widely in their respective regions. Also officially recognized is the Aranese language, spoken in the Aran Valley of Catalonia.
Then as you move through the regions, you’ll encounter different dialects of Spanish as well.
Learning English has been a big priority for younger Spanish students over the past couple of decades, and today, you’ll find English is widely spoken in the major tourist destinations. But it’s still relatively common for people to speak little to no English as well, so it pays to pick up some of the standard Spanish phrases.
Spanish Mealtimes
Like the odd opening hours, mealtimes in Spain also differ from the rest of the world. Lunch is usually around 2pm or 3pm and will last for a couple of hours. Dinner is then pushed back to sometime between 8 and 9pm, with most people enjoying a light meal.
This can be a problem for those traveling with young children who usually go to bed far earlier than when restaurants open.
Spain itineraries - from 1 to 2 weeks
Here we’ve provided a couple of quick itinerary outlines for a first-time visitor, but if you want something in-depth, have a look at our 2-week Spain itinerary.
One-week highlights itinerary
Days 1 & 2: Madrid – In Madrid, visit the Prado Museum, Retiro Park, Plaza Espana, and the Royal Palace. Eat tapas in La Latina and enjoy a day trip to Toledo.
Days 3 & 4: Barcelona – Stop by Gaudi’s La Sagrada Familia, Parc Guell, and his Casas Mila and Batlló. Explore the Gothic Quarter, visit the Picasso Museum, and check out the Arc de Triomfe and Parc Ciutadella.
Days 5 & 6: Seville – Make sure to check out Plaza Espana, as well as the Real Alcazar, the Cathedral of Seville, and the Jewish Quarter, Santa Cruz.
Day 7: Granada – Take a day at the end of your trip to see the magnificent Alhambra Palace.
10-day itinerary - Madrid, Barcelona, Andalusia
Days 1-3: Madrid with a day trip to Toledo – In Madrid, visit the Prado Museum, Retiro Park, Plaza Espana, and the Royal Palace. Eat tapas in La Latina and enjoy a day trip to Toledo.
Days 4-6: Barcelona with a day trip to Montserrat – Stop by Gaudi’s La Sagrada Familia, Parc Guell, and his Casas Mila and Batlló. Explore the Gothic Quarter, visit the Picasso Museum, and check out the Arc de Triomfe and Parc Ciutadella.
Days 7 & 8: Seville – Make sure to check out Plaza Espana, as well as the Real Alcazar, the Cathedral of Seville, and the Jewish Quarter, Santa Cruz.
Days 9 & 10: Granada - The Alhambra is a must-see here, as is gorgeous Albaicín neighborhood, filled with twisting cobbled streets, white-washed homes, and darling views over Granda.
15-day countrywide itinerary
Days 1-3: Madrid with a Toledo day trip – In Madrid, visit the Prado Museum, Retiro Park, Plaza Espana, and the Royal Palace. Eat tapas in La Latina and enjoy a day trip to Toledo.
Days 4 & 5: Bilbao – Visit Bilbao’s old town, La Ribera Market, and the Catedral de Santiago de Bilbao. Then, there’s the Guggenheim Museum, one of the most iconic buildings in Europe.
Days 6 & 7: San Sebastian – Laze away on either La Plancha or Zurriola Beach; if it’s the latter, you can also get some surf lessons. Wander through the old town and onto Urgull Mountain, with great views over the city.
Days 8-10: Barcelona with a day trip to Montserrat – Stop by Gaudi’s La Sagrada Familia, Parc Guell, and his Casas Mila and Batlló. Explore the Gothic Quarter, visit the Picasso Museum, and check out the Arc de Triomfe and Parc Ciutadella.
Days 11 & 12: Seville – Make sure to check out Plaza Espana, as well as the Real Alcazar, the Cathedral of Seville, and the Jewish Quarter, Santa Cruz.
Days 13 & 14: Granada – The Alhambra is a must-see here, as is the gorgeous Albaicín neighborhood, filled with twisting cobbled streets, white-washed homes, and darling views over Granda.
Day 15: Malaga – End your Spanish adventure in Malaga, where you could easily spend a day wandering between the old town and the upgraded port area with loads of restaurants and entertainment.
Alternative itineraries
Below are a few options for more regionalized itineraries that explore different parts of Spain in greater depth. While not generally good as standalone “first” itineraries, you could consider incorporating all our parts of these into a longer first-time itinerary.
7 days in Andalusia
Days 1 & 2: Granada – The Alhambra is a must-see here, as is gorgeous Albaicín neighborhood, filled with twisting cobbled streets, white-washed homes, and darling views over Granda.
Day 3: Cordoba – Stop by the Grand Mosque (La Mezquita), the Palacio de Viana, and the Synagogue.
Days 4 & 5: Seville – Make sure to check out Plaza Espana, as well as the Real Alcazar, the Cathedral of Seville, and the Jewish Quarter, Santa Cruz.
Days 6 & 7: Cadiz – Enjoy a day’s drive near Cadiz, exploring some of the beautiful pueblos blancos. Explore the old town and visit the Cathedral before watching the sun dip below the Atlantic at sunset.
7 days Exploring the Pyrenees
Days 1 & 2: Barcelona – Stop by Gaudi’s La Sagrada Familia, Parc Guell, and his Casas Mila and Batlló. Explore the Gothic Quarter, visit the Picasso Museum, and check out the Arc de Triomfe and Parc Ciutadella.
Day 3: Huesca – Admire the city cathedral and the Monastery of San Pedro El Viejo. If budget allows, enjoy a meal at one of the city’s three Michelin star restaurants.
Day 4 & 5: National Park of Ordesa and Monte Perdido – Set up base in the small town of Torla, from which you can explore the valleys of Ordesa, Añisclo or Escuaín that delve into the National Park. Nearby, a popular hike is the Senda de los Cazadores, which takes you past several beautiful waterfalls.
Day 6: Jaca – Visit the San Pedro Castle, a 16th-century fort, as well as the other medieval buildings around the historic core.
Day 7: Pamplona – Stop by the Plaza de Toros, where the culmination of the Running of the Bulls happens each year. Stop by the Plaza del Castillo for a coffee and enjoy the green Jardines de la Taconera.
10 days in Northern Spain
Days 1 & 2: San Sebastian – Laze away on either La Plancha or Zurriola Beach; if it’s the latter, you can also get some surf lessons. Wander through the old town and onto Urgull Mountain, with great views over the city.
Days 3 & 4: Bilbao – Visit Bilbao’s old town, La Ribera Market, and the Catedral de Santiago de Bilbao. Then, there’s the Guggenheim Museum, one of the most iconic buildings in Europe.
Day 5: Santander – Check out El Sardinero Beach and enjoy incredible tapas in the old town.
Days 6 & 7: Picos de Europa – Visit Potes, a gorgeous village near the Picos. Catch the cable car up Fuente De, and tackle Spain’s most beautiful day hike, La Ruta del Cares.
Day 8: Oviedo – Enjoy a day wandering around Oviedo’s fairytale old town, home to several stunning cathedrals and gorgeous squares.
Day 9 & 10: Santiago de Compostela – Check out the Cathedral de Santiago and the famous Praza de Obradoiro in front of it. Stop for a coffee or meal in the Hostal dos Reis Católicos, and check out the food market, Mercado de Abastos.
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Alfonso Nuñez
Spain Expert based in San Sebastián
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Hi, I'm Alfonso, and I've been a tour guide and travel consultant here in Spain for the last 18 years. If you're looking for some local advice on your trip, I'd love to help!
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