Everything you need to know for your trip to Spain! What’s the best time to go, and where can you find vegetarian or vegan food? What is the currency in Spain, and do you need to protect yourself against mosquitos? And more questions answered about travelling in Spain in this ultimate guide.
If you’re travelling from the US or Australia then you might not agree, but here in Europe we consider Spain to be quite a big country. It has incredible diversity both in terms of terrain and culturally, from the rolling hills of Galicia to the scorching hot beaches of Málaga, from the cosmopolitan cities of Madrid and Barcelona to the slow place of life the south is well known for.
Here’s a quick rundown of some key destinations in Spain, (but the possibilities go way beyond this list!):
Madrid
Madrid is Spain’s capital and largest city. It also has one of the biggest international airports in Europe, so you’re quite likely to begin or end your trip to Spain here. It’s well known as a cultural powerhouse, full of renowned museums like the Prado, the Reina Sofia, and the Thyssen-Bornemisza. Madrid is a truly unique city with an endless number of things to do – I’ve always said it would be the perfect place to live, if only it had a beach!
Nearby cities of Toledo and Segovia make great day trips from Madrid, although thanks to Spain’s high speed rail network you can get to most places from Madrid in just a few hours.
🇵🇹 Read more: 15 Best Things to Do in Madrid
Barcelona
Barcelona is the capital of Cataluña, one of the most powerful autonomous regions of Spain. Here they speak both Spanish and Catalan, although an impressive number of people here will speak English, too, thanks to Barcelona’s huge tourism industry.
Barcelona is famous for Gaudí’s architecture, including the Sagrada Familia and Park Güell. The Gothic Quarter (Barri Gòtic) offers medieval charm quite unlike anything else I’ve seen inside a huge city before, and just minutes away are pristine beaches. Las Ramblas, despite being touristy, remains the city’s most famous street filled with food trucks, street art and countless shops.
It might be cliche, but there’s no wonder that Barcelona is one of the most touristy cities in the world, because it truly has everything.
🇵🇹 Read more: 32 Things to Do in Barcelona
Seville
Seville is the heart and capital of Andalucía, Spain’s southernmost region, and you may be surprised to know that it’s the first place I lived abroad, because I’ve not written about it at all yet here on Food Travel Explore. Seville has some of the most beautiful architecture I’ve ever seen, including its huge Gothic cathedral, Real Alcázar and Setas de Sevilla, a huge wooden viewing platform right in the heart of the city.
Granada
Granada is a small, flat and easily walkable city in Andalucía just a few hours from Seville. It’s home to the very famous Alhambra palace, one of the best preserved examples of Moorish architecture in the world. Granada is also more informally known as the place you’ll be served a free tapa with every drink (although this does make drinks a little more expensive than other cities in Andalucía).
Salamanca
Salamanca is most well known as a university town, because Salamanca University is one of the oldest in Spain. One of my friends actually studied here and said it was a great place to be a student! I visited recently, and I was really impressed by the number of things there are to do in Salamanca, especially for a lesser-known city. It’s just a couple of hours train or bus ride from Madrid, so it could be done as a day trip, but I recommend spending at least a couple of nights here.
🇵🇹 Read more: 15 Best Things to Do in Salamanca
Valencia
Valencia is touted to be the birthplace of paella and an up-and-coming city for digital nomads and immigrants. It’s one of the safest cities in Spain, with a beautiful old town and city beaches. In terms of travel and tourism it definitely attracts a younger crowd, but that doesn’t mean it can’t be enjoyed by visitors of all ages.
Santiago de Compostela
Santiago de Compostela is the endpoint of the famous Camino de Santiago pilgrimage route, with an impressive cathedral and beautifully preserved old town. The surrounding Galicia region is known for spectacular seafood, green landscapes, and milder weather than the rest of the country.
Málaga
Whilst Málaga has a bit of a reputation as a party town and you can come across more than your fair share of holiday makers here, I was surprised to find that Málaga is a really beautiful city, with a really incredible city walk up to the castle that gives you impressive views for miles around.
The Balearic Islands
The Balearic Islands are, again, well known for their tourism, easily reachable from most cities on mainland Spain by a short flight or a ferry ride from Barcelona. They’re an archipelago of islands in the Mediterranean that gives them pristine weather. A few of the most popular islands are:
- Mallorca: Stunning beaches and mountains
- Ibiza: Famous for nightlife but also has beautiful coves and beaches off-season
- Menorca: Quieter, with prehistoric sites, but still quite touristy
- Formentera: Pristine beaches and clear waters
The Canary Islands
The Canary Islands are famous for year-round mild-to-warm weather, dramatic landscapes, and incredible diving spots. Whilst they are very much a part of Spain, they do have a distinct culture and accent heavily influenced by Latin America, because historically trade ships would pass by the Canary Islands on their way to or from Spain. They sit just off the coast of Africa, although interestingly they are less influenced by African culture.
La Palma: Hiking and stargazing
Tenerife: Mount Teide and beach resorts
Gran Canaria: Sand dunes and historic towns
Lanzarote: Volcanic landscapes and art
🇵🇹 Read more: A Packing List for Travelling in Spain
Spain borders four countries: France, Andorra, Portugal and Gibraltar (UK).
Spain-France border
There are multiple crossings between France and Spain, although they are mostly in the Pyrenees mountain range which can make them difficult to cross. High-speed trains connect Barcelona to Paris, whilst slower bus routes connect Barcelona to Toulouse and Bordeaux. There are little to no border checks here because Spain and France are both within the Schengen Zone, but you must always travel with identification.
Main crossings:
- La Jonquera-Le Perthus (Mediterranean coast)
- Irún-Hendaye (Atlantic coast)
Spain-Portugal border
Spain’s longest border is with Portugal, and there are many crossing points. Again, Spain and Portugal are both within the Schengen Zone so there are generally no border controls. Sometimes checks can be put in place due to large events or police controls, but it’s unusual for this to happen. I’ve probably crossed the border between Portugal and Spain more than thirty times and never been stopped.
The most common crossings are:
- Badajoz-Elvas
- Salamanca-Vilar Formoso
- Tui-Valença
🇵🇹 Read more: Four Ways to Get from Lisbon to Madrid
Spain-Andorra border
Andorra is a small, landlocked country between Spain and France.
Spain’s small border with Andorra is a single road through the Pyrenees, which can get snowy during winter. It’s not a common border to cross, and you will need to show documentation as Andorra is not a part of the Schengen Zone.
Spain-Gibraltar
Spain and Gibraltar have a unique border situation caused by Brexit (I’m sorry on my country’s behalf, but I promise I voted to remain). Gibraltar is a small region that is connected to the south of Spain by land, but it is legally part of the UK and therefore not part of the EU anymore. Checks have been put in place since Brexit, however freedom of movement needed to stay because many people live on one side of the border and work on the other.
I’m not completely sure how it all works, but be prepared for queues and have documentation at the ready.
Tourist Seasons
The peak tourist season in Spain is during July and August, which fall in the summer holidays of the northern hemisphere. Tourist attractions get crowded and expensive, and the weather can be stiflingly hot, especially in Madrid and the south. It’s definitely not the time of year I would choose to go!
The shoulder seasons from May to June and September to October have ideal weather and fewer crowds, although this is still a popular time for tourists to visit. Spain is a really touristy country, so whenever there is good weather, there will be tourists.
Low season for tourists is during the winter, from November to March, except for Christmas and New year when people flock to various cities for Christmas markets and festive celebrations.
Summer Season
So, as previously mentioned, June to September are the summer months and they bring hot weather more or less nation wide. Coastal areas to the south are slightly cooler and breezier, whereas inland cities like Seville and Madrid can be uncomfortably hot with temperatures soaring over 40 degrees daily.
The Mediterranean coast get similarly hot and can be prone to flash flooding, especially towards the end of the summer.
Winter Season
The winter season brings very cold weather to the north and inland, especially Madrid as it’s a few hundred metres above sea level. Madrid often sees snow and minus temperatures during the winter. Skiing is possible in several mountain ranges in Spain during the winter, including:
- Sierra Nevada (south)
- Pyrenees (north)
- Sierra de Guadarrama (near Madrid)
Regional Variations
The weather can vary a lot regionally – as a general rule of thumb, it is milder and greener in the north, and hotter and drier in the south. The Mediterranean coat has hot summers and mild winters, whilst Madrid has both extremes: hot in the summer and cold in the winter. The south and Andalucía gets hottest during the summer, staying cool but not cold in the winter.
The Canary Islands have an “eternal spring” climate, not getting too hot or too cold, and generally don’t experience much of a variation in weather.
The Balearic Islands experience more variation in line with the weather on the Mediterranean coast.
High-Speed Trains (AVE)
The high speed trains in Spain are fantastic, travelling up to 300 kilometres per hour. They run like clockwork, are clean and reliable, and are not too expensive if you book in advance or can be flexible with your travel arrangements.
Some of the most popular routes are:
- Madrid-Barcelona (2.5 hours, otherwise a 7-hour drive)
- Madrid-Seville (3 hours, otherwise a 5-hour drive)
- Barcelona-Málaga (6 hours, otherwise an 11-hour drive)
Regional Trains (RENFE)
Renfe are regional trains that connect smaller cities and towns. You can also take Renfe trains along any of the high-speed route, but of course it takes much longer. They are cheaper but slower than AVE trains, but have an extensive network.
Inter-City Buses
Spain also has an extensive network of inter-city buses that are often cheaper than taking the train. Whether or not its comfortable is a matter of opinion, but I’ve always found the buses in Spain to be fairly comfortable as far as buses go. Popular bus companies are:
- ALSA
- Avanza
- FlixBus
- BlaBlaCar Bus
BlaBlaCar
BlaBlaCar is a popular mode of transport in many countries around the world, but it gets a special mention here because it’s particularly popular in Spain. If you don’t know, BlaBlaCar is a ridesharing app that allows drivers to publish where they’re going, and allows passengers to pay a fee to ride with them.
It can be a really cost-effective way of travelling, especially if you prefer to book last-minute, as most drivers only post their journeys a few days in advance. I’ve met some really cool and interesting people in BlaBla cars, and have taken them all over Spain! I recommend it as a way of getting around, whether you’re a driver or a passenger.
Metro
Many major cities in Spain have extensive metro networks at really reasonable prices. Madrid has one of the best metro networks I’ve ever used, and currently (in the winter of 2024-2025) you can buy 10 rides for 6.10€, which works out at just 61c per ride. Other cities with metro networks are Barcelona, Valencia and Bilbao (in the north).
Local Buses
I don’t have much experience with buses in major cities in Spain because I always prefer to take the metro or walk (I’m not a fan of sitting in traffic!). However, I’ve heard great things about the bus networks in most of Spain’s major cities, and by all accounts they seem clean and reliable.
City Bikes
A lot of cities in Spain have bike rental schemes that are run by the local council. You usually sign up using an app, and pay a small fee for bikes that you can pick up and put down in certain spots. The cities that run these schemes generally have really good bike networks, especially cities like Seville and Malagá.
Car Rental
Renting a car can be a great option, especially if you want to explore more rural areas or smaller towns. The road network in Spain is generally good, and you’re very unlikely to run into trouble or get lost in any major way. Parking in major cities can be difficult and there are a lot of toll roads (many more than there are in the UK, for example).
Ridesharing
Ridesharing apps like Uber are legal and popular in Spain. The most common app to use is Cabify, although Uber and Bolt are also active.
Tapas
Of course, the most Spanish food of them all is tapas. Tapas are meant for sharing, and typically you would order two to three dishes per person and eat them as they arrive to your table. You can get everything from a slice of tortilla to platters of jamón ibérico, but each restaurant will have their own menu to share with you.
Vegetarians & Vegans
Traditionally, Spain has been a challenging place for vegans and vegetarians. When I first moved to Seville around four years ago, I often asked the waiter if they had anything vegetarian on the menu, and fifty per cent of the time they would respond by recommending a fish dish, not really understanding the concept of “no meat” (or maybe just taking it a little too literally!)
Many major cities have definitely adapted over the last few years, and even now I think it would be easier to be vegetarian in Seville than it was four years ago.
Some traditional Spanish dishes that are naturally vegetarian:
- Tortilla española
- Gazpacho
- Patatas bravas
- Pimientos de padrón
🇵🇹 Read more: What I Ate in Spain as a Vegetarian
Can You Drink Tap Water in Spain?
Tap water is safe to drink nationwide in Spain, in line with EU regulations. Some areas may have a stronger mineral taste, and some friends I have in Barcelona choose to drink bottled water because they don’t trust the old pipework in some buildings. Whilst nothing official has been said, I do notice that filtered water was provided free of charge in every hostel and hotel I’ve stayed at in Barcelona, so maybe they’re onto something.
What Languages Do They Speak in Spain?
Spanish is the national language of Spain and is spoken throughout the country, however many regional variations exist, and many autonomous regions of Spain have co-official languages. Here are some of the most widely spoken:
- Catalan, spoken in Catalonia (including Barcelona), Valencia, and the Balearic Islands
- Basque, spoken in the Basque Country
- Galician, spoken in Galicia
Many regions prefer to speak their own language than Spanish, and in more rural areas they may not speak Spanish at all.
Do People Speak English in Spain?
English levels vary significantly throughout Spain. It’s really common for tourist workers like hotel and restaurant staff to speak English in touristy areas and major cities, and English is more widespread among younger people. That being said, levels of English are much lower outside of touristy areas.
Regardless, learning basic phrases in Spanish is usually appreciated all round.
Language Schools
Spain is a major destination for learning Spanish, and most cities and towns have various Spanish schools to choose from, offering both longer term and intensive courses. Many schools also offer cultural activities and homestays to further your immersion in the language.
It’s also really common to find intercambio events in Spain, which are social events for young people to practise speaking foreign languages in an informal setting.
What is the currency in Spain?
Euro (€) is the official currency in Spain, and no other currency is widely accepted.
How much does it cost to withdraw money in Spain?
ATMs are abundant but most of them charge fees, especially if you’re using a foregin card. Major bank ATMs are free for European cards, as many bank networks have agreements amongst them to reduce fees. If you do pay a fee to withdraw cash, it is usually a flat fee between 3-7€.
Do they take card in Spain?
Card acceptance is widespread in Spain. Since the Covid-19 practically everywhere accepts card as a method of payment. You can also pay on card in taxis, on public transport, and at markets.
Tourist Areas & the Tourist Trail
Spain is generally very safe for everyone, especially tourists. The main issues you’re likely to encounter are pickpockets in crowded areas and scams that are specifically aimed at tourists, like fake tours and tickets.
Pickpockets
Pickpockets are most common in Barcelona. Barcelona isn’t much of a dangerous city, but it is more prone to petty crime like pickpocketing than other cities in Spain. Keep a particular lookout on the metro, in crowded areas like Las Ramblas, and on the beach. Actually, the last time I was in Barcelona, someone further down the beach had their things robbed whilst they were in the water (I’m usually one to risk leaving my stuff on the sand, but safe to say I didn’t that day!).
Of course, pickpockets can be an issue in other cities, too, but you don’t need to take more than a normal level of precaution.
Violent Crime
Violent crime is rare, as Spain is one of Europe’s safer countries. Take normal precautions like staying aware if you’re walking at night time, keep your valuables secure, and only use official taxis or ride-sharing apps like Uber and Cabify.
Travel Insurance & What to do if you get ill
Spain has really good healthcare that is free for EU citizens and residents with the possession of an EHIC/GHIC card. It’s important to note that even if you don’t have the card, you are still entitled to free healthcare as an EU citizen or resident, it may just be a little harder to prove it.
Travel insurance is recommended regardless of where you travel from for peace of mind.
The emergency number in Spain is 122.
Heat-related Issues
Summer temperatures can be extreme. Remember to stay hydrated, avoid the midday sun (Spain is famous for its siesta for a reason!) and use high-SPF sunscreen. It’s really easy to get carried away, especially as a tourist, but remember to listen to your body and rest or cool down if you need to.
Mosquitos
Mosquitos are not a major health concern, and no severe transmissible diseases are currently carried by mosquitos in Spain. However, they can be a nuisance in rural areas and coastal areas, especially during the summer time. A basic repellent is usually enough!
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