Your go-to guide to start planning your first trip to Spain with clear steps, practical tips, and direct links.
Start here: quick planning
How to get to Spain
Main airports
Madrid-Barajas
The country's largest international hub, ideal for long-haul routes and connections.
Barcelona-El Prat
Main gateway to northeastern Spain and a great base for combining coast and city.
Malaga
A strategic entry point for Andalusia and the Costa del Sol.
Valencia
A solid option to start along Spain's central Mediterranean coast.
Palma de Mallorca
Direct access to the Balearic Islands and beach-focused trips.
Road and ferry entry points
- France -> Catalonia or the Basque Country by road.
- Portugal -> Galicia or Extremadura by road.
- Ferry from Morocco to southern Spanish ports.
Visas and passport
EU / Schengen
No visa needed for short tourism stays with valid travel documents.
United Kingdom
Short stays are usually visa-free for tourism.
United States / Canada
Generally visa-free for short tourist visits.
Latin America
Requirements vary by country; check your documents and allowed stay.
Other countries
Check your specific entry requirements before booking.
Recommended first itinerary
7 days in Spain
A compact route for a first taste of the country.
10 days in Spain
A balanced trip with key cities and a comfortable pace.
2 weeks in Spain
A broader journey without rushing.
Madrid - Seville - Granada
History, culture, and southern Spain in a classic route.
Barcelona - Valencia - Madrid
A mix of Mediterranean coast and capital-city highlights.
Common first-trip mistakes
Trying to see too many cities
It's better to enjoy 2 or 3 destinations well than rush through a long checklist.
Underestimating distances
Spain is large; plan travel times with realistic expectations.
Not booking trains in advance
In high season, AVE and popular routes sell out quickly.
Traveling only in summer
Spring and autumn often offer better weather and fewer crowds.
Eating in tourist traps
Prioritize local neighborhoods and check menus before sitting down.
Things that surprise visitors
Late daily schedules
Lunch and dinner happen later than in many other countries.
Street life
Terraces, plazas, and evening walks are part of everyday life.
Long meals
Eating is a social experience, especially on weekends.
Bars and tapas culture
Tapas-hopping and neighborhood bars are central to local life.
Social buzz and noise
Many areas stay lively into the night, especially in city centers.
Essential practical info
Currency
Euro (EUR).
Language
Spanish, plus regional languages depending on the area.
Electricity
Type C/F plugs and 230V.
Safety
Spain is generally a safe destination for travelers.
Water
Tap water is usually safe to drink.
Tipping
Not mandatory; tip when service is good.
Typical Spanish schedules
| Item | Typical time |
|---|---|
| Breakfast | 08:00 - 10:00 |
| Lunch | 14:00 - 15:30 |
| Dinner | 21:00 - 22:30 |
| Shops | 10:00 - 14:00 and 17:00 - 20:00 (varies by city) |
| Museums | Many close one day per week; check official websites |
How to get around Spain
AVE and high-speed trains
Fast connections between Madrid, Barcelona, Seville, and Valencia.
Car rental
Recommended for rural areas, small towns, or flexible road trips.
Urban transport
Metro, buses, and taxis work well in major cities.
Best time to visit
Spring
Mild weather and one of the best seasons for city travel.
Summer
Great for beaches and islands, but hotter and more expensive.
Autumn
Pleasant temperatures and fewer crowds.
Winter
Perfect for city breaks, holiday markets, and mountain getaways.
Estimated budget
Budget trip
EUR 70-90 per day.
Mid-range trip
EUR 120-160 per day.
Premium trip
EUR 250+ per day.
Spanish customs worth knowing
Say hello when entering shops
A quick greeting when you walk in is common and appreciated.
Sharing food
It's common to order dishes to share in groups.
Sobremesa
After meals, people often stay and chat at the table.
Energetic conversation style
Social conversations may sound louder than in other countries.
Cheek-kiss greetings
In informal contexts, two cheek kisses are a common greeting.
Basic Spanish phrases
| Phrase | When to use it |
|---|---|
| Hola | General greeting. |
| Gracias | To thank someone for help or service. |
| Por favor | To ask for something politely. |
| La cuenta, por favor | To ask for the bill in bars and restaurants. |
| ¿Hablas inglés? | To ask if someone can assist you in English. |
Safety and basic tips
Spain is a safe destination overall, but standard travel precautions still apply.
Pickpockets in tourist areas
Keep an eye on bags and phones in crowded places.
Unofficial taxis
Use official taxi ranks or trusted ride apps.
Keep documents protected
Store digital copies of your passport and bookings.
Checklist before you travel
- Valid passport or ID document
- Travel insurance
- Confirmed accommodation bookings
- Train tickets or key transport booked
- Bank card enabled for international use