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Spain Travel Guide
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Spain travel guide.

Spain Travel Guide

Spain is a hugely popular destination for UK travellers and it's easy to see why. From the cultural hotspots on the mainland, to the volcanic Canary Islands and the stunning beaches of the Balearics - Spain has everything you need for every kind of holiday.

What you'll find in this guide:

Top things to do in Spain

Practical Information

Weather in Spain

Where to stay in Spain

Spain FAQs

Top things to do in Spain

  • Costa Blanca sailing trip from Alicante
    EXCURSIONS & DAY TRIPS

    Costa Blanca sailing trip from Alicante

    On this 3-hour sailing experience, you'll navigate along the bay of Alicante and enjoy snorkeling in the crystal-clear waters of Las Huertas cape.

  • Illa Fantasia skip-the-line tickets
    ACTIVITIES

    Illa Fantasia skip-the-line tickets

    A family-friendly water park with dedicated areas for all ages with 22 rides, 3 macro swimming pools, 9 restaurants and a huge picnic area.

  • Santiago Bernabéu Stadium tickets
    TICKETS AND EVENTS

    Santiago Bernabéu Stadium tickets

    Relive more than a hundred years of Real Madrid history. Admire the Santiago Bernabéu Stadium as if you have never seen it before.

  • Valencia Tour
    ATTRACTIONS & DAY TRIPS

    Valencia Tour

    Valencia isn't just culture – it's also a shopping Mecca brimming with stores to cater for all tastes.

What time zone is Spain in?

GMT +1

What currency do they use in Spain?

EURO EU

What language do they speak in Spain?

Spanish

What power adaptors do you need for Spain?

Type C & F

What is the average flight time to Spain?

2 Hours

Some facts about Spain

1. Spain has whopping 590 Blue Flag Beaches and is the country with the most Blue Flag sites every year since the awards began in 1987.

2. Spain boasts almost 8,000km of coastline.

3.Spain boasts 49 UNESCO World Heritage Sites, placing them in 4th position globally for the most sites. Italy, China and Germany take the top 3 spots.

4. Spain has the highest number of bars out of all the countries in the EU. Cheers to that!

5. La Tomatina is a festival held annually on the last Wednesday of August in the town of Buñol, where tons of ripe tomatoes are thrown at each other during one of the world's biggest food fights!

6. Spain produces around 44% of the world's olive oil - that's more than Italy.

7. Spain is home to the second most spoken language in the world: Spanish (just behind Mandarin).

8. Spain is home to the world's most visited construction sites. Barcelona's Sagrada Familia has been under construction since 1882 and is expected to be completed in 2026. The world-famous cathedral attracts millions of visitors each year.

9. There are no laws on nudity in Spain. That being said, it's considered inappropriate in plenty of places.

10. Spanish people have the second longest life expectancy in the world: an average of 79 for men and 85 for women.

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Practical Info

Culture and etiquette

Religion

The national religion is Roman Catholic, but many other religions are practised.

Tipping

Tipping is discretionary. Restaurants always include service charges in your bill, but these will be clearly stated. A small tip of 5-10% on top of that is usually expected, but not a necessity.

Smoking

Smoking is popular with the Spanish so most places have designated smoking areas, which will be clearly signed. It's banned on public transport and inside where food is being served.

Language 101

The main language is Spanish. But Catalan, Basque and Galician are also spoken. We think it's a good idea to learn a few key phrases and words to help immerse yourself in the culture and authentically enjoy all the things to do.

  • Hello - Hola (OH-lah)
  • Goodbye - Adios (ah-dee-OS)
  • Please - Por favor (por fah-VOHR)
  • Thank you - Gracias (GRAH-cee-ahs)
  • Yes - Sí (see)
  • No - No (noh)
  • I would like - Quisiera (kee-see-AYR-oh)
  • The bill, please - La cuenta, por favor (lah KWEHN-tah, pohr fah-BOHR)

Jabs, visas and other advice

For up-to-date advice on jabs, visas and other foreign advice, we recommend following the government's website

Emergency numbers

For all emergency services call 112 - depending on availability you should be able to speak to someone in English.

What's the weather like in Spain?

We understand that weather matters when it comes to deciding when the best time to visit is and what you can get up to while you're away. Generally speaking Spain enjoys a mediterranean climate with warm, sunny summers and mild winters. To learn more about the weather in Spain in more detail, take a look at our month by month breakdown below.

Spain weather in winter (December to February). As you'd expect these are the coldest months in Spain, with temperatures ranging between 6-16ºC, however, it's nowhere as cold as most other European countries. In the north you can expect some frequent rainfall, across the rest of the country there's considerably less. Winter in the Canary Islands is a very different story, however! The Canary Islands enjoy a mild climate all year round with temperatures around 22ºC and long sunny days. It's no surprise that they're a popular place for a winter getaway!

Spain weather in spring (March to May). Spring is a lovely time to visit Spain in both city and beach locations; temperatures are warming up with highs of 24ºC and there's plenty of sunshine.

Spain weather in summer (June to August). Summer brings hot, dry weather with temperatures usually over 30ºC in the day and rarely dropping below 18ºC at night. It's warmest inland and on the south coasts and slightly cooler the further north you go.

Spain weather in autumn (September to November). In autumn temperatures are starting to cool, particularly in the evenings and early morning. That being said, sunny days and mild temperatures, around the 18-23ºC mark, are often enjoyed, especially in the southern, eastern and central regions. Be sure to pack a waterproof jacket though as sudden showers aren't uncommon.

Top
  • Greece Aqualand TUI megaday

    Spain Airport Transfers

    Book your Spain Airport transfers, with prices starting from under £5 and free cancellations up to 3 days before travel.

  • Spain Car Hire

    Spain Car Hire

    Book your Spain Airport car hire, from under £3 a day with free cancellation.

  • Spain Ultimate Experiences

    Spain Ultimate Experiences

    From scuba diving to city tours! Make the most of your trip and pre-book the top Spain experiences for you and your family before you fly.

  • Spain Travel Insurance

    Travel Insurance for Spain

    Whatever you're doing on your Spanish holiday, you'll want a reliable travel insurance policy for your trip to Spain.

The Good Trip Index
18th

Spain ranks 18th on the Good Trip Index

This score is calculated based on Sustainability, Human Rights, Women's Rights, Press Freedom, Quality of Life, LGBTQI+ Rights and Animal welfare

Find out more

Best Spanish cities to stay in

Spain has so many beautiful and vibrant cities, each with their own unique charm, offering everything from mountains to beaches to bustling cityscapes.

Barcelona

A top pick for first-time visitors | Best for history and architecure buffs

The Catalan capital is jam packed with must-see sights and attractions. From Antoni Gaudí's stunning architecture, including La Sagrada Família, top museums including the Picasso Museum, charming neighbourhoods, like the Barri Gòtic (Gothic Quarter), not to mention the array of gorgeous beaches and parks such as Bogatell beach and the famous Park Güell, the city is a delight to explore.

Best Places to Stay in Spain - Barcelona

Madrid

Spain's romantic capital city | Best for art, food and nightlife

With its famous world-class museums (most notably the famous Golden Triangle of Art), royal palaces, stunning parks, vibrant food markets, incredible shopping scene and lively nightlife, Spain's capital and its largest city, Madrid, has plenty to fill up your itinerary.

Best Places to Stay in Spain - Madrid

Seville

A Moorish masterpiece | Best for festivals and flamenco

Seville is the sun-drenched capital of Spain's Andalusia region and is famed for its flamenco dancing, tampas and rich Moorish heritage. Be sure to give yourself time to get lost in the charming neighbourhoods and impressive plazas, as well as exploring the popular sights like the Royal Alcázar of Seville and Seville Cathedral.

Best Places to Stay in Spain - Seville

Granada

In the shadow of the Sierra Nevada Mountains | Best for everyone

Located in the Andalusia region, in the foothills of the Sierra Nevada mountains, Granada is a picturesque city with a rich history and culture. Spend your days exploring the landmarks like the Alhambra fortress, discovering amazing street art and wandering the pretty streets lined with quintessentially Spanish white-washed buildings, cafes, and tapas bars.

Best Places to Stay in Spain - Granada Top

Spain FAQs

What is the best month to visit Spain?


The best time to visit Spain is in spring (March to May) or autumn (September to November). During these times you'll be able to enjoy warm weather, fewer crowds and cheaper prices. Spring is an especially brilliant time to visit as it's often warm enough for beach days, with beach bars and water sports starting to open up. Plus, Spring sees the start of lots of must-see arts and culture festivals all across Spain.

How many days in Spain is enough?


How many days you choose to spend in Spain will largely depend on where you're going and what you want to do when you're there. For example 3-5 days would be enough time to see the highlights of one of the most popular city destinations like Barcelona or Madrid. However, with a week or more, you'll be able to explore more of the city and perhaps multiple regions. If you're planning a relaxing beach holiday, a popular amount of time is 8+ days.

What is the nicest part of Spain to visit?


There are so many incredible places to visit in Spain. From golden sandy beaches to buzzing cities and charming mountain villages, Spain has so many diverse and interesting regions. Some of the most popular places include:

  • Barcelona
  • Seville
  • Madrid
  • Granada
  • Mallorca
  • Canary Island
  • Valencia
  • Alicante
  • Ronda
  • Toledo



  • What is the cheapest month to go to Spain?


    The cheapest (and quietest) time to visit Spain is usually during the winter months, from December to March. There's still plenty of things to enjoy during this off-peak season, from skiing in the mountains to catching some winter sun on one of the islands. Low price deals on flights and hotels can also be found in early spring and late autumn.