If you’re coming to Spain for the first time, you’ll need the essential information to ensure a hassle-free vacation. Whether you want to relax on the beaches of the Costa del Sol, explore the Camino de Santiago, or dine in the sophisticated capital city of Madrid, you’ll need to know practical tips like how to tip, normal business hours, or what to do in case of an emergency. In this blog post, we’re giving you our expert travel advice based on our own Spanish adventures! Read our complete guide – how to prepare for a trip to Spain so you can travel stress-free.

How to Prepare for a Trip to Spain

Best time to visit Spain

The best time to visit Spain depends on what kind of Spanish vacation you want. 

The summer months of June, July, and August are the most popular times. You’re almost guaranteed sunny weather every day. But it is also extremely hot in interior cities like Seville and Madrid. If you stick to northern Spain, the coast, or the islands, like Galicia, Málaga, or the Balearic Islands, you can have a cooler vacation. Summer is also peak tourist season, so expect large crowds and higher prices.

The shoulder seasons of spring (March to May) and fall (September to November) are probably the best times to visit if you want to see big cities like Madrid, Barcelona, or Valencia. The weather is mild, the crowds are smaller, and prices may be lower. 

Southern Spain is especially beautiful in the spring when the orange blossoms release their fragrance and Córdoba’s flower-filled patios are lush and colorful.

Winter is considered a low season and would be ideal for cold-weather lovers. You would only need to wear a warm coat if you visit Madrid, Barcelona, and southern Spain. There are fewer festivals, but the Christmas festivities are fun in December and January. You can expect much fewer crowds and lower prices for hotels and flights.    

Where to go in Spain

Beautiful Spain has it all: medieval history, warm beaches, adventure backpacking, picturesque villages, and exciting cities. 

If you’re looking for a traditional Spanish experience, consider visiting the most popular regions and cities in Spain, such as Andalusia, Valencia, Madrid, and Barcelona. Each is very different from each other! But you’ll get a huge dose of ancient history, rich culture, and incredible Mediterranean gastronomy. Plus, they are all architectural showpieces. 

For nature, consider exploring some lesser-known regions like the northern parts of Spain, like Cantabria or the Basque Country, which offer rugged landscapes and their own unique customs. If you can’t decide, read about each region in Spain to narrow down your choices.

Travel Costs in Spain

Travel costs will vary depending on if you’re visiting a big city or small village, which region, and the time of year. Here is a general estimate:

• Coffee: €1 to €2. 
• Food: A cheap meal costs €10 to €15, while a mid-range restaurant can cost around €20 to €30. If you’re on a budget, look for menu del dia options, which offer a fixed-price menu that includes several courses.

• Hotel: In general, budget hotels can cost around €40 to €60 per night, while mid-range hotels can cost around €80 to €120 per night. Luxury hotels can cost upwards of €200 per night.
• Transport in Spain: Public transportation is generally affordable, with a single metro or bus ticket costing around €1.50. A great way to save is to buy a transportation card in the city you’re visiting. For example, a card for 10 trips in Barcelona costs €11.35. Taxis can be more expensive, with rates starting at €2.40 and increasing based on distance. Renting a car can start at €20. 
• Attractions: Prices range from a few euros to more than €20. 

Money and local currency in Spain

You can withdraw money in Spain by using your debit card or credit card at an ATM. Keep these things in mind: 

• Make sure your card has the Visa or MasterCard logo on it, as these are commonly accepted in Spain. American Express is accepted but in few places.
• Look for ATMs that are affiliated with major banks, as they are more likely to accept international cards. Some banks in Spain include BBVA, Santander, and CaixaBank. 
• Check with your bank ahead of time to see if they charge international transaction fees or ATM fees when using your card abroad. Some banks may also have daily withdrawal limits, so be sure to check those also. 
• In addition to withdrawing cash, you can also use your credit card at many merchants in Spain. Just keep in mind that some smaller businesses may only accept cash, so it’s always a good idea to have some euros on hand.

Using a Cell Phone in Spain

You can use your cell phone in Spain by using your current plan or getting a special SIM card.  

Don’t get gouged by fees! First, check with your carrier to see if they offer international roaming plans that include Spain. It may be more expensive than your normal plan, but it will be convenient if you’ll be using your phone frequently. 

If you don’t want to use your current plan, you can purchase a SIM card from a local carrier in Spain. This will give you a local Spanish phone number and access to the carrier’s network. Make sure your phone is unlocked before you travel so you can use the local SIM card. 

Some popular phone carriers in Spain are Movistar, Vodafone, and Orange. You can purchase a SIM card at the airport. You can also find their stores in most big cities. Bring your passport, as you’ll need it to register your SIM card. 

You can also find free Wi-Fi connections in airports, hotels, shops, and restaurants. Just look for the signs that might say wifi gratis. 

Prepare for Any Emergencies in Spain

Travel can be unpredictable. So keep these safety travel tips in mind: 

• In case of an emergency, call 112. It’s the equivalent of “911” in the US. This number is free to call and can connect you to the police, ambulance services, or fire department. 
• Pharmacies in Spain are usually open from 9 am to 9 pm, and you can find one in almost every neighborhood. However, if you need medication outside of regular business hours, you can go to a farmacia de guardia which is a pharmacy that is open 24/7. Every Spanish city has one. 
• Watch out for pickpockets. Spain, like many European countries, has a petty theft problem. So be aware of your surroundings and keep your valuables close to you. Avoid leaving bags or purses unattended in public areas. This cannot be understated – pickpockets can be very professional, especially in big cities like Madrid and Barcelona.

What to pack for Spain

When packing, keep these things in mind: 

• The weather: If it’s summer, bring lightweight clothing that’s breathable and comfortable. Temperatures can reach past the 90s in August. Winters are cold, so pack a thick jacket. 
• Local culture: If you plan on visiting churches, dress fairly modestly. Local Spaniards do wear shorts and sleeveless tops in the summer. But they don’t show excess skin. Dress like a local so you’re not targeted by pickpockets! 
• Outfits: Local Spaniards dress casually these days, and most of them wear sneakers as part of their everyday outfits. Their clothing, however, is fitted and not oversized. Of course, other occasions call for more elegant outfits. In the evening, local women may wear heels and a blouse. Bring some dressier outfits if you plan on going out to fancy bars or dance clubs.  
• Comfortable walking shoes: They’re a must, especially if you plan on exploring cities like Madrid or Barcelona on foot. 
• Toiletries: Pack your toothbrush, toothpaste, shampoo, and any other personal care items. 
• Adapters and chargers: Spain uses a plug that has two round pins, which is different from the US kind. Also, bring an adapter and charger for your phone, camera, or other devices. 
• Passport and travel documents: Your passport, visa (if required), and any other travel documents you may need. 
• Medication: If you take any medication, bring enough to last the duration of your trip, and keep it in its original packaging with the prescription label. 
• Money: Bring enough cash or a debit/credit card. ATMs are widely available throughout Spain. Notify your bank that you’ll be traveling beforehand to avoid any issues. 
• Travel insurance: Consider purchasing travel insurance to protect yourself in case of medical emergencies, trip cancellations, or other unforeseen events. 
• Other items: Depending on your interests and itinerary, you may want to bring a camera, a book to read during downtime or comfortable headphones for the plane ride. 

Culture and language in Spain

Beware of the culture shock! Here are a few important Spain travel tips to know before you go: 

• Spanish people usually greet when entering or exiting a shop or an elevator. A simple hola (“hello”) and adios (“good-bye”) show politeness. People shake hands when meeting for the first time. In a situation between close friends or family, they may give each other dos besos, or a light kiss on each cheek. 
• Unlike in the US, tipping is not expected in Spain. But rounding up the bill or leaving a few coins of 1€ to 2€ is appreciated.  
• When it comes to opening hours, businesses in Spain usually open at 9 am. They also follow the “siesta” schedule, closing from approximately 2 pm to 5 pm. In big cities like Barcelona or Madrid, many shops in the center do not close during siesta hour. Businesses usually close at 9-10 pm in the summer and 8-9 pm the rest of the year. 
• Mealtimes in Spain are generally later than in the US. Lunch is the heaviest meal of the day, and it’s eaten around 2 pm. Dinner is light. It may start around 9 pm, or even 10 pm in the summer.  
• Spanish is the official language of Spain, with regional variations in accent and vocabulary. In Catalonia, they speak Catalan, in the Basque Country, they speak Basque, and in Galicia, they speak Gallego. Many Spaniards speak English, yet as a European country, they speak it the most poorly. If you, as a tourist, attempt to speak Spanish, it will be appreciated! 
• Spain is a relatively conservative country. As mentioned above, dress appropriately when visiting churches or other religious sites. Swimsuits are only appropriate at the beach or pool, and not in any shop or restaurant. This is true even on a very hot day. 
• When it comes to personal space, Spaniards tend to stand closer to each other than Americans do. Don’t take it wrong if someone stands just a few inches behind you while in line. It’s something to get used to! 

How to Get Around Spain

Spain has a very efficient transportation system. Major cities like Málaga, Valencia, and Bilbao have international airports.  

To get from city to city, you can take the high-speed train or the regular train. Renfe, the national train company, operates the AVE, the high-speed train. It travels between major cities, including Barcelona, Madrid, Zaragoza, Valencia, Alicante, Cordoba, Seville, and Malaga. For example, the train ride from Barcelona to Madrid is only 2 hours and 45 minutes. There are also regional trains to smaller towns which are slower, but they still work quite efficiently. 

Private bus companies also operate in all major cities and are an inexpensive way to travel between cities and towns.  

Renting a car is a good option if you plan on visiting rural areas, such as the pueblos blancos of Andalusia or the vineyards of La Rioja.

But driving a car in major cities is not recommended. The traffic congestion, narrow streets, and limited parking spaces in metropolitan areas like Seville, Barcelona, or Valencia are more of a headache than a convenience. Instead, use the public transportation system. Each major city has its own underground metro, bus or tram system, which has a good reputation. Alternatively, taxis and ride-hailing services like Uber and Cabify, are available in most cities.

FAQs

What do I need before going to Spain? 

You’ll need a valid passport that’s not set to expire within the next six months. Depending on the length of your stay, you may also need a visa. Buy travel insurance to cover any unexpected medical expenses or trip cancellations. You’ll also need appropriate clothes for the weather, comfortable walking shoes, adapters, and chargers for your electronic devices, medications and their prescriptions, cash, and credit/debit cards, just to name a few things. 

How much money should I bring for a trip to Spain? 

A hotel can cost anywhere from 50€ to 200€ a night. After budgeting for your accommodations, expect to spend about 50€ to €150 a day for a comfortable trip. It all depends on what city you’re staying, your activities, the types of restaurants you eat at, and how you get around. Also, be sure to include transportation costs from city to city, which can vary greatly, depending on the type of transportation. 

How many days would be good for a Spain trip? 

The number of days to spend in Spain depends on the cities you want to visit and your personal preferences. Spain is a diverse and wide country. If you want to get a good taste of Spain, a minimum of 7-10 days is recommended. You can fit in a few cities like Madrid, Barcelona, Seville, and Granada, and also explore some smaller towns and regions in between. But we suggest that the more days, the better! 

Do you have any questions about preparing for a trip to Spain? Let us give you a hand! We can help customize your Spanish vacation any way you wish. Click here so we can chat about a Spanish itinerary to fit your needs!