Introduction
What to do
When to visit
How to get there
Where to stay
Getting around
Local costs

Spain travel guide

Spain Tourism | Spain Guide

You're Going to Love Spain

As soon as you arrive in Spain, you will be rewarded with a diverse landscape and great cuisine. Do it like a local: take a siesta in the afternoon before partying late into the night.

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What to do in Spain

1. Visit Barcelona

One of the most visited Spanish cities, travelers can admire several architectural wonders by Gaudi, such as the famous Sagrada Familia cathedral and Casa Batlló.

2. Discover Traditional Andalusia

The region in the south of Spain is a melting pot of cultures that have left their mark over the years. Explore cities like Seville, Granada and Córdoba.

3. Make Your Way to the Capital

Madrid has a special energy and amazing nightlife. It's also a great cultural destination, boasting great museums such as the Prado and Reina Sofia.

4. Party in Ibiza

If you like to party, you can't miss the island of Ibiza, renowned for its lively beaches and nightclubs. You can catch some of the world's biggest DJs during the summer.

5. Explore Spanish Culture and Cuisine

Head to San Sebastian and enjoy the picturesque beaches, restaurants offering innovative food, and the San Sebastian Film Festival. Nearby, there is the Guggenheim museum in Bilbao.

1. Visit Barcelona

One of the most visited Spanish cities, travelers can admire several architectural wonders by Gaudi, such as the famous Sagrada Familia cathedral and Casa Batlló.

2. Discover Traditional Andalusia

The region in the south of Spain is a melting pot of cultures that have left their mark over the years. Explore cities like Seville, Granada and Córdoba.

3. Make Your Way to the Capital

Madrid has a special energy and amazing nightlife. It's also a great cultural destination, boasting great museums such as the Prado and Reina Sofia.

4. Party in Ibiza

If you like to party, you can't miss the island of Ibiza, renowned for its lively beaches and nightclubs. You can catch some of the world's biggest DJs during the summer.

5. Explore Spanish Culture and Cuisine

Head to San Sebastian and enjoy the picturesque beaches, restaurants offering innovative food, and the San Sebastian Film Festival. Nearby, there is the Guggenheim museum in Bilbao.

When to visit Spain

Spain in February
Estimated package price
$474
2 travelers
Flight to Spain
3 nights at hotel
Spain in February
Estimated package price
$474
2 travelers
Flight to Spain
3 nights at hotel

The busiest and most expensive time to visit Spain are the summer months, from June to August. It's possible to visit outside the high season and save money, since the weather is pleasant from March to October.

How to Get to Spain

Entry Requirements

Travelers from over 60 countries, including the US and Canada, can enter Europe visa-free for a stay of up to 90 days. You need a valid passport for 6 months from your date of travel.

Plane

The biggest airports in Spain are in Barcelona, Madrid and Palma De Mallorca. Most main airlines service these airports, including the national airline, Iberia, and low-cost airlines Vueling, easyJet, Ryanair and BlueAir.

Train

You can get to Spain by train from Portugal or from France. Trains from France are faster and more frequent – the route from Paris to Barcelona takes about 6h.

Car

Driving to Spain is also possible from Portugal and France. If you're arriving from Portugal, take the A6 freeway from Lisbon to Madrid. From France, you travel via the A9 freeway to get to Barcelona or the A63/A64 freeway to get to Madrid.

Bus

Bus companies, such as Flixbus and Blablabus, provide bus travel to Spain from both Portugal and France. This is a cheap way to travel, although you can expect long journeys.

Boat

From England, get a ferry from Portsmouth or Plymouth to Santander or Bilbao. From Italy, ferries leave from Savona, Genova and Civitavecchia and arrive in Barcelona. There are also regular ferries between Morocco and various ports in southern Spain.

Entry Requirements

Travelers from over 60 countries, including the US and Canada, can enter Europe visa-free for a stay of up to 90 days. You need a valid passport for 6 months from your date of travel.

Plane

The biggest airports in Spain are in Barcelona, Madrid and Palma De Mallorca. Most main airlines service these airports, including the national airline, Iberia, and low-cost airlines Vueling, easyJet, Ryanair and BlueAir.

Train

You can get to Spain by train from Portugal or from France. Trains from France are faster and more frequent – the route from Paris to Barcelona takes about 6h.

Car

Driving to Spain is also possible from Portugal and France. If you're arriving from Portugal, take the A6 freeway from Lisbon to Madrid. From France, you travel via the A9 freeway to get to Barcelona or the A63/A64 freeway to get to Madrid.

Bus

Bus companies, such as Flixbus and Blablabus, provide bus travel to Spain from both Portugal and France. This is a cheap way to travel, although you can expect long journeys.

Boat

From England, get a ferry from Portsmouth or Plymouth to Santander or Bilbao. From Italy, ferries leave from Savona, Genova and Civitavecchia and arrive in Barcelona. There are also regular ferries between Morocco and various ports in southern Spain.

Popular airports in Spain

TFSGranadilla Tenerife-Sur
IBZIbiza
SCQSantiago de Compostela
ACEArrecife Lanzarote
BIOBilbao
AGPMalaga
BCNBarcelona-El Prat
VLCValencia
GRXGranada Federico Garcia Lorca
PMIPalma de Mallorca Son Sant Joan
SVQSevilla
MADMadrid Barajas
LCGA Coruña
MAHMenorca/Mahon
FUEPuerto del Rosario Fuerteventura
ALCAlicante
LPALas Palmas de Gran Canaria
OVDOviedo Asturias
TFNSanta Cruz de Tenerife Tenerife-Norte
VGOVigo
Show more

Popular airlines serving Spain

KLM
Good (1,434 reviews)
Lufthansa
Good (7,653 reviews)
Delta
Good (8,011 reviews)
British Airways
Good (7,614 reviews)
Turkish Airlines
Good (4,113 reviews)
SWISS
Good (1,818 reviews)
Iberia
Good (3,057 reviews)
United Airlines
Good (9,114 reviews)
Qatar Airways
Good (3,690 reviews)
Emirates
Excellent (3,443 reviews)
Air France
Good (1,513 reviews)
Air Canada
Good (10,555 reviews)
Etihad Airways
Good (1,337 reviews)
Austrian Airlines
Good (884 reviews)
Cathay Pacific
Good (1,105 reviews)
Scandinavian Airlines
Good (1,624 reviews)
Finnair
Good (1,339 reviews)
Singapore Airlines
Excellent (1,419 reviews)
Alaska Airlines
Excellent (11,528 reviews)
LOT
Good (1,152 reviews)
Show more
Find flights to Spain

Where to stay in Spain

There are plenty of hotels to choose from in Spain, from budget options to luxury ones. For more budget options, look for hostels, bed & breakfasts and short-term rentals.

Where to stay in popular areas of Spain

Most booked hotels in Spain

See all
Iberostar Heritage Grand Mencey
5 stars
Excellent (8.9, 3642 reviews)
$148+
View
Sercotel Sorolla Palace
4 stars
Excellent (8.7, 5674 reviews)
$80+
View
Hard Rock Hotel Tenerife
5 stars
Excellent (8.7, 5443 reviews)
$252+
View
NH Madrid Nacional
4 stars
Excellent (8.7, 4892 reviews)
$167+
View
Hotel Macià Real De La Alhambra
4 stars
Excellent (8.6, 4262 reviews)
$59+
View
Catalonia Sagrada Familia
3 stars
Excellent (8.4, 9095 reviews)
$83+
View

How to Get Around Spain

Public Transportation

Larger cities, such as Madrid and Barcelona, are well served by a metropolitan underground system. Buses are widely available throughout the country, as are trams in some locations. A single trip on public transport will cost around €2 ($2.20).

Trains

The national Spanish rail operator is RENFE, and they offer travel throughout the country. For travel during the high season and holidays, book your tickets in advance.

Bus

Buses are the most convenient and affordable way to travel around Spain, with a trip from Madrid to Barcelona costing around €20 ($22). You can choose from a variety of providers.

Car

If you do not have an EU driver's license, you need an International Driver's Permit to drive in Spain. Car sharing is also a very popular way to travel, with BlaBlaCar being the most widely used service.

Plane

Planes are a great option for long distance travel, as they are quick and affordable. A flight from Barcelona to Malaga costs around €120 ($135) and takes about 1h 30m.

Public Transportation

Larger cities, such as Madrid and Barcelona, are well served by a metropolitan underground system. Buses are widely available throughout the country, as are trams in some locations. A single trip on public transport will cost around €2 ($2.20).

Trains

The national Spanish rail operator is RENFE, and they offer travel throughout the country. For travel during the high season and holidays, book your tickets in advance.

Bus

Buses are the most convenient and affordable way to travel around Spain, with a trip from Madrid to Barcelona costing around €20 ($22). You can choose from a variety of providers.

Car

If you do not have an EU driver's license, you need an International Driver's Permit to drive in Spain. Car sharing is also a very popular way to travel, with BlaBlaCar being the most widely used service.

Plane

Planes are a great option for long distance travel, as they are quick and affordable. A flight from Barcelona to Malaga costs around €120 ($135) and takes about 1h 30m.

Best car rental deals in Spain

Economy

2 Adults, 2 Bags

$13/day

Economy

Economy

2 Adults, 2 Bags

$18/day

Economy
Find car rentals in Spain

The Cost of Living in Spain

Madrid and Barcelona have the highest cost of living in Spain when it comes to rent, but if you stay outside of the big cities you can expect to pay as little as half of what you would pay in the city. Buying groceries will cost around €50 ($55) a week, while eating out is generally cheap and can cost as little as €10 ($11) a meal. Paying by credit or debit card is easily available throughout the country.

Everything you need to know for your stay in Spain