Spain Travel Tips
I don’t think I need to give any incentives for most people who want to visit Spain. In India, it was popularised by a very famous Bollywood movie, Zindagi Na Milegi Dobara. A road trip movie following three best friends on a bachelor trip set in the stunning locales of Spain. And it had everything from skydiving to the Flamenco dances. There is no denying the fact that Spain is gorgeous. Gorgeous beaches, party islands, a unique historical charm to it with lots of adventurous activities, Spain has it all and it is not hard to see why most people love Spain. Most people assume that I don’t like Madrid because I was robbed in Madrid. However, Madrid is a city I slowly warmed to while I am in love with the islands of Spain. I have not seen many parts of Spain but I hope to go there again one day to see the parts I missed last time around. With this post, I provide some Spain travel tips to make planning your trip to Spain a bit easier. This Spanish travel guide provides you with tips for travelling to Spain.
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SPAIN TRAVEL GUIDE CONTENTS
SPAIN TRAVEL TIPS
These are some of the tips when it comes to visiting Spain in general and things to know when travelling to Spain.
IS VISA REQUIRED FOR INDIANS TO TRAVEL TO SPAIN?
Spain is part of the Schengen zone. The only difference is that in India, Spain visa is handled by BLS and not by VFS like other Schengen countries.
WHAT SIM CARDS SHOULD I USE IN SPAIN?
Most cards you buy in other countries in the Schengen zone will work without additional data or roaming charges. Orange TuMundo is recommended in Spain.
WIFI CONNECTIVITY IN SPAIN
The cities are well-equipped with Wifi and you can find free Wifi in many areas in major cities like Barcelona and Madrid.
SAFETY IN SPAIN / IS IT SAFE FOR A FEMALE SOLO TRAVELER IN SPAIN?
Spain is notorious for petty theft and it is highly recommended that you guard your possessions at all times, especially in touristic spots. My wallet was flicked near Plaza Mayor in Madrid and I had to duck into one of the shops in La Ramblas (one of the most crowded spots in Barcelona) because I had a gut feeling that someone was following me.
WHERE TO GO IN SPAIN
Some of the suggested places to go in Spain are listed below. Also check out this list of hidden gems to visit in Spain.
Canary Islands
The Canary Islands is an archipelago off the coast of Morocco and have the historical significance of being the bridge between America, Africa and Europe. So which of the Canary islands would you love to visit? There are 7 major Canary islands. The popular ones are Tenerife, Gran Canaria, Lanzarote, La Palma, La Gorema and Fuerteventura and are some of the best beach towns in Spain.
Balearic Islands
On the other hand, there are the Balearic islands. I loved my time in Mallorca and if you are looking to spend a relaxing vacation, then one of the laid-back beaches in Mallorca is your place to be. Ibiza is the most popular of the lot and is famous for its nightlife and thriving party scene. Menorca and Formentera are also known for their beautiful Mediterranean beaches.
Barcelona
If you love art and Gaudi, then Barcelona is the place to be. Barcelona is also famous for its beaches and nightlife. A day trip to Montserrat from Barcelona is also quite popular. Check out this Barcelona itinerary for more details.
La Rioja
The La Rioja region in northern Spain is quite famous for wine lovers.
Galicia
The Camino De Santiago has always been a fascination for me and I know many travel blogger friends who have taken this pilgrimage by walking for so many days across different terrains. The city of Santiago De Compostela in Galicia in North Western Spain is where the shrine of St James is and the pilgrimage ends at this shrine.
Bilbao
From here, let us head to the industrial port city in northern Spain known mostly for its museums, predominantly the Modern Art Museum, Guggenheim Museum.
San Sebastian
Head to the resort town of San Sebastian to have some relaxing time at some picturesque beaches and world famous restaurants in the Basque county.
Pamplona
The running of the bulls happens here but I have no plans to attend this tradition since it is quite brutal to both humans and the animals.
Girona and Costa Brava
Costa Brava is known as the wild rugged coast of Spain and is known for some spectacular beaches in Europe. Did you know that the scuba diving part of Zindagi Na Milegi Dobara was shot here? When you are in Girona or Barcelona, why don’t you take a day trip to the neighbouring country of Andorra?
Madrid
I did absolutely nothing in Madrid and I still loved the city. It is one of those charming cities that has the ability to charm you if you allow it to. But more than everything else, I fell in love with the people of Madrid. When you are in Madrid, don’t forget to do a day trip to Segovia and Toledo.
Seville
I had to cancel my plans of visiting Seville since I was waiting for my cards in Madrid and this is one place I would love to go back to. I would love to see the Flamenco dancing and the Alcazar palace. A road trip to Andalucia is definitely on the charts for the next time I visit Spain.
Cordoba
When you are in Seville, don’t forget to do a day trip to another jewel in the Andalusian region, Cordoba. Since this was a major Islamic centre in the Middle Ages, I would love to visit the famous mosque and other architectural gems here.
Ronda
Ronda has made it to many of the top ‘beautiful cities to see before you die’ lists. It is a mountainous city and sits on top of a deep gorge and this lends to the beauty of this place.
Marbella
From here, I would love to head to go visit some Mediterranean beaches in the Costa Del Sol region. Marbella is the perfect town to get some beach time and go scuba diving in Spain.
Malaga
Malaga is another perfect port city on the Costa Del Sol and is ideal for some more beach time.
Granada
To see the great medieval architecture like the Alhambra and other Moorish attractions or to experience a Hammam in Granada , I would love to take a detour there.
Almeria
Looking for more Medieval architecture from the Moorish times? Then don’t forget to head out to Almeria in Andalusia.
Alicante
Alicante is another port city that you can visit if you are looking for more time in the Mediterranean beaches.
Valencia
Valencia can be your last stop when planning a road trip around southern Spain. I haven’t been but many people have fallen in love with the city for its old city charms with a modern touch.
WHEN TO GO TO SPAIN
The beaches in Spain are accessible for the most part of the year and since Spain is in the Mediterranean, you will find a decent climate even during the winter months. I would generally avoid the touristic cities of Barcelona and Madrid during summer months and would avoid going here between June to August. Most of the festivals happen in July and August like the Tomatino festival. I respect that it is part of the culture of Spain but I am not too keen on wasting food items.
Recommended Read – Best Europe Day Trips
HOW TO GET TO SPAIN
By Air
You can fly to the major cities like Barcelona and Madrid from many cities in India. In addition, many of the islands of Spain also have an airport like the Palma De Mallorca Airport, Granaria airport, Ibiza airport etc and you can fly in from other cities in Europe to these airports.
By Rail
Spain has an extensive rail system and the railways in Spain is operated by the National Spain Railway system called Renfe. The AVE trains are the high-speed trains that connect you to major cities in Spain as well as to neighbouring European countries.
By Road
Flixbus regularly operates to major cities in Spain from other cities in Europe.
DRIVING IN SPAIN
Many people find driving in Spain a bit difficult since the drivers in Spain are a bit rash. You drive on the right side of the road in Spain. Gas costs approximately 4.5 USD per Gallon and most rental companies have a policy of returning a full fuel tank. Like most countries in Europe, you have to fill the Gas yourself and then pay at the counter. There are some weird driving laws in Spain and don’t forget to check them out before driving in Spain.
Recommended Read – My Favorite European Destinations
PUBLIC TRANSPORTATION IN SPAIN
All the major cities in Spain have an extensive public transportation system. Madrid has an extensive metro system and Barcelona has a good metro system. Buses run in all major cities of Spain during regular hours but please keep an eye out for timings during the less crowded hours. You can buy your bus tickets while you are boarding the bus or you can book them online either through the Alsa or Movelia websites. If you are using the Metro, then tickets need to be bought at the stations or in newspaper kiosks. It sometimes work out cheaper if you buy a 10 ticket pass which can be used in both buses and Metros in the major cities.
WHERE TO STAY IN SPAIN?
Find some recommendations on where to stay in Spain.
| Place | Luxury | Mid-Range | Budget |
|---|---|---|---|
| Madrid | Gran Hotel Ingles Check Out prices on: Tripadvisor | Booking | Petit Palace Opera Check Out prices on: Tripadvisor| Booking | The Hat Check Out prices on: Tripadvisor | Booking |
| Barcelona | Almanac Barcelona Check Out prices on: Tripadvisor | Booking | Hotel Granvia Check Out prices on: Tripadvisor | Booking | Generator Hostel, Barcelona Check Out prices on: Tripadvisor | Booking |
| Mallorca | Boutique Hotel Calatrava Check Out prices on: Tripadvisor | Booking | Hotel Miramar Check Out prices on: Tripadvisor | Booking | Apartamentos Ferrer Tamarindos Check Out prices on: Tripadvisor | Booking |
| Ibiza | Ca Na Xica - Hotel & Spa Check Out prices on: Tripadvisor | Booking | Hard Rock Hotel Ibiza Check Out prices on: Tripadvisor | Booking | Hostal Yebisah Check Out prices on: Tripadvisor | Booking |
| Tenerife | Royal Hideaway Corales Suites Check Out prices on: Tripadvisor | Booking | Hotel Jardin Tropical Check Out prices on: Tripadvisor | Booking | Hotel Alhambra Check Out prices on: Tripadvisor | Booking |
| Seville | Hotel Mercer Sevilla Check Out prices on: Tripadvisor | Booking | Hotel Bécquer Check Out prices on: Tripadvisor | Booking | Apartamentos Vinuesa15 Check Out prices on: Tripadvisor | Booking |
WHAT TO EAT IN SPAIN
Spain is definitely vegetarian-friendly and you can find lots of vegetarian food in Spain. My favourite food to have in Spain was the Spanish Tortilla which is basically a Spanish Omelette stuffed with potatoes. But be careful since they do add ham to some versions of the dish. In addition, you can find so many different types of vegetarian tapas (small bites) and I used to love eating tapas at the Mercado San Miguel market in Madrid. In addition, Gazpacho or the cold tomato soup can also be found in many parts in Spain. Fried eggplant is also something you need to try when you are in Spain. Another popular vegetarian dish is the Garbanzos or chickpeas served with Spinach. You can also find many varieties of Vegetarian Paella in various parts of Spain. If you love desserts like me, then don’t forget to have the Flan, Churros, Spanish cheesecakes, Tarta De Santiago and the Crema Catalana when you are in Spain.
WHAT TO SHOP IN SPAIN?
As usual, I didn’t buy many things from Spain. I did buy a football jersey for my nephew and a small Flamengo figurine for my mom. If you are looking to shop in Spain, then these are some of the popular items to buy in Spain:
- Abanico or a Spanish Fan
- Saffron
- Wine
- Flamenco attire
- Paella pans
- Olive Oil
- Espadrilles
THINGS TO DO IN SPAIN
There are numerous things to do in Spain. But some of the recommended things to do in Spain below:
- Visit Barcelona to see the many masterpieces of Gaudi including the Sagrada Familia. Also, don’t forget to visit Park Guell in Barcelona.
- Go for a Tapas inspired foodwalk in Barcelona or Madrid
- Watch a Flamenco show in Seville.
- Visit the many Game of Throne filming locations in Spain.
- Visit the fortress at Alhambra.
- Wondering where the cover photo was taken? This is the Temple of Debod in Madrid and is an Egyptian temple that was dismantled from Egypt and assembled in Spain. Go here to catch a gorgeous sunset with stunning views.
- Go visit the Alcazar of Seville to few some fine examples of Mudejar architecture.
- Visit the numerous museums around Madrid like the Prado and the Reina Sofia.
- Visit the Cordoba Mosque-Cathedral
- Go Scuba diving in the many beaches around Spain.
- Visit the biggest nightclub in Europe in Ibiza and dance your night away.
- Walk along the Camino De Santiago.
- Go see FC Barcelona at Camp Nou.
- Go salsa dancing in Madrid.
- Take a road trip across the coast of Spain.
MORE SPAIN RESOURCES
Guidebooks for Spain
Traveling to Spain and need more guidance on which books to read? These are our recommendations for you to read before you go.
Read Some of My Latest SPAIN posts
- Schengen Visa for Indians in 2025 (Short term tourism visa, fees, Application)
- My Recommended European Destinations for your European Itinerary in 2025 (25+ places)
- Travel Bloggers Pick Their Choice Of 50 + Best Europe Day Trips in 2025
- Personal Stories of Random Acts of Kindness from the road
- Things To Do In Madrid Spain in 2024 (What to expect, Tips)
- 2 Day Itinerary To Mallorca (Majorca), Spain in 2024 (Things to do, where to stay, tips)
BOOKING RESOURCES
Looking to book your trip now? Find some of my favorite resources I use while booking my trip. You can also find my travel gear here.
Book Your Flight
I am a Skyscanner fan when it comes to booking international flights. I use Makemytrip and Yatra for domestic flights.
Travel Insurance
As an Indian, I prefer ICICILombard and I am always insured when I am traveling outside India. In addition, I have used World Nomads and SafetyWing for some of my trips.
Book Tours
I do go on a lot of day tours especially when I am traveling solo and love going on road trips with my husband.. Depending on convenience, my choices are Viator or Getyourguide.