Introduction
What to eat and where, region by region, across Spain. Spain is one of our most popular destinations, and this in-depth guide walks you through everything you need to plan a smooth, memorable trip — when to go, how to get there, what to see, how much it costs and how to handle visas and safety.
For the full overview any time, see our complete Spain travel guide, or jump straight to building a custom plan with the AI Trip Planner.
Best time to visit Spain
The best time to visit Spain is generally May–Jun, Sep–Oct, when the weather is most comfortable and conditions are ideal for sightseeing. Travelling in the shoulder months either side of peak season is the sweet spot — you’ll find better prices and thinner crowds without sacrificing the experience.
Peak season brings the best weather but higher prices and busier sights, so book accommodation and popular tours well ahead. The low season can still be rewarding if you don’t mind the occasional shower, and it’s the cheapest time to go. For a month-by-month breakdown, compare Spain with other destinations using our Compare Destinations tool.
How to get to Spain
Most international visitors arrive via Madrid (MAD) / Barcelona (BCN), which connects to major hubs worldwide. From there, Spain is easy to get around by a mix of domestic flights, trains, buses and taxis or ride apps.
Book flights a few months ahead for the best fares, and consider an open-jaw ticket (flying into one city and out of another) if you plan to cover several regions. You can find flight, hotel and transfer deals on our Travel Deals page.
Top things to do in Spain
Spain packs in a huge variety of experiences. Here are the highlights worth building your trip around:
- Sagrada FamĂlia — GaudĂ’s still-unfinished masterpiece.
- Prado Museum, Madrid — One of Europe’s great art collections.
- Alhambra, Granada — Spectacular Moorish palace and gardens.
- Seville & flamenco — Andalusian soul, cathedral and Alcázar.
- Mediterranean beaches — From the Costa Brava to Ibiza and Mallorca.
You’ll find even more ideas, plus hidden gems and local favourites, on the full Spain guide.
Suggested Spain itinerary
A great first trip to Spain strings together its top destinations: Barcelona, Madrid, Seville, Costa del Sol / Islands. Spend a couple of days in each, allowing travel time between them, and you’ll see the best of the country in 7–10 days.
Barcelona (3 days) is great for city, beach, culture. Madrid (2–3 days) is great for culture, food. Seville (2 days) is great for culture, romance. For a plan tailored to your exact dates, style and interests, use the AI Trip Planner, or see ready-made routes on the Spain itineraries section.
Where to stay in Spain
Choosing the right base makes a big difference. The most popular areas for visitors are:
- Barcelona — GaudĂ, beaches, tapas and nightlife. Recommended stay: 3 days.
- Madrid — World-class art, plazas and energy. Recommended stay: 2–3 days.
- Seville — Flamenco, Moorish palaces and orange trees. Recommended stay: 2 days.
- Costa del Sol / Islands — Mediterranean and Balearic beaches. Recommended stay: 3 days.
Book central, well-reviewed accommodation in high season, and compare options across budgets on our deals page.
Food and local experiences
No trip to Spain is complete without diving into the local food scene — from street stalls and markets to sit-down restaurants. Eating where locals eat is not only more authentic, it’s the easiest way to keep costs down. Try the regional specialities, take a cooking class, and don’t be afraid to point at what looks good.
Beyond food, build in time for the culture — markets, festivals and everyday life are often the most memorable part of a trip. Read up on etiquette first in our Local Culture & Etiquette guide so you travel as a respectful guest.
How much does a Spain trip cost?
Spain suits a range of budgets. As a rough guide per person, per day (excluding international flights): budget travellers can manage on around $50, mid-range travellers should plan for about $110, and luxury trips start around $320+.
Accommodation and activities are usually the biggest costs, while local food and public transport are easy places to save. For a personalised estimate, try the Budget Calculator, and see the full breakdown on the Spain budget guide.
Visa and entry requirements
Schengen rules apply The typical allowed stay for tourism is 90 days / 180 (Schengen). Visa on arrival: No. eVisa: ETIAS (from 2025). Visa-exempt nationals will need ETIAS; others a Schengen visa.
Important: visa rules depend on your nationality and change frequently — always confirm with official sources before booking. Check your specific situation with the Visa Checker and read the full Spain visa guide.
Safety and practical tips
Spain is generally safe for tourists, but normal precautions apply: keep valuables secure, use registered taxis or ride apps, and be alert to common scams. Travel insurance is strongly recommended — see our Travel Safety guide for scams to avoid and emergency basics.
A few quick tips: carry some local cash for small vendors, keep digital and paper copies of your documents, learn a few words of the local language, and respect dress codes at religious sites. The local currency is Euro (€ EUR), and the main language is Spanish.
