What to know before you go (entry basics, without the drama)

Entry rules change depending on your passport and where you’re coming from, so treat this as a checklist, not a final verdict. The smart move is to confirm the latest requirements with an official source before you fly (your government travel guidance and Spain’s official channels).

Best time to visit Spain (pick your season, not just your dates)

Spain isn’t one climate. A beach week in the Balearics feels nothing like a winter city break in Madrid or a spring road trip through Andalucía. Here’s how to think about timing:

Spring (March–May): the easy favorite

Comfortable walking weather, longer days, and fewer crowds than summer. Cities are lively, and many regions feel “just right” for day trips and museum days without melting.

Summer (June–August): beach season, but plan around the heat

Coastal areas shine, islands are buzzing, and nightlife is at its peak. Inland cities can get very hot, so schedule outdoor sightseeing early, take a proper midday break, then head back out later. Spain is built for this rhythm—lean into it.

Fall (September–November): calmer, still warm in many places

September can be a sweet spot: sea temperatures are still pleasant, crowds ease, and cities feel more breathable. Great for a “mix of everything” itinerary.

Winter (December–February): underrated for cities and culture

Shorter days, cooler evenings, and fewer tourists. It’s ideal for food-focused trips, museums, and seeing famous sites without the shoulder-to-shoulder feeling.

Where to go in Spain: choose a “base” and travel outward

If this is your first trip to Spain, resist the temptation to cover the entire map. Spain is bigger than it looks on a Europe itinerary, and you’ll enjoy it more if you build around 2–3 bases and take day trips.

Barcelona (Catalonia): architecture, beaches, and day trips

Barcelona is a strong start because it’s walkable, visually stunning, and packed with neighborhoods that feel different from one another. Add day trips like Montserrat or coastal towns if you want a slower pace.

Madrid (Community of Madrid): museums, food, and central access

Madrid is Spain’s hub for art and easy rail connections. The city is energetic but feels more “local” in many areas than people expect. If you like galleries, parks, and late dinners, you’ll be happy here.

Seville (Andalucía): classic Spain energy

Seville is where many travelers fall in love with Spain—orange trees, plazas, tapas bars, and a strong cultural identity. It’s also an excellent base to explore Córdoba or Granada.

Seville’s shaded streets and plazas are made for slow afternoons and long evenings.

Getting around Spain: train vs plane vs car (what actually works)

Spain’s transport is straightforward once you commit to a strategy. For most itineraries, trains are the “set it and forget it” choice—comfortable, central stations, and less airport hassle.

High-speed trains (AVE and similar): best for city-to-city routes

• Great for routes like Madrid–Barcelona and Madrid–Seville.
• Stations are usually central, saving time and taxi costs.
• Booking earlier often means better prices.

Domestic flights: useful for islands and long distances

If you’re going to the Canary Islands or want to jump far across the country quickly, flying can make sense. Build in buffer time—airports add friction.

Car rental: best for rural regions and small towns

A car is brilliant for areas like parts of Andalucía’s countryside, the north coast, or wine regions where trains don’t match your timing. In major cities, it’s usually more stress than it’s worth. Parking and restricted zones can turn a “quick drive” into a long story.

Money, costs, and tipping in Spain

Spain can be surprisingly affordable compared to some major Western European destinations—if you travel with a little structure. Costs swing based on season and city, with summer and major hotspots pushing prices up.

Payment basics

• Cards/contactless: widely accepted in cities and tourist areas.
• Cash: useful for small purchases, markets, and older establishments.
• ATMs: choose reputable banks; avoid sketchy standalone machines when possible.

Tipping

Tipping isn’t as rigid as in some countries. If service is good, rounding up or leaving a small amount is normal. For taxis, rounding up is common. For tours, tips are appreciated.

Food culture: timing matters more than you think

Spain runs later. Breakfast is light, lunch is the big meal, and dinner can start when some travelers are already thinking about bed. The quickest way to feel out of sync is to hunt for dinner at 6 pm in a non-tourist neighborhood and wonder why everything looks closed.

• Tapas: can be a full meal if you do it right—order a few rounds and share.
• Menu del día: a set lunch menu in many places; often excellent value.
• Water: ask for “agua” (still) or “agua con gas” (sparkling).

Safety and common scams (quick reality check)

Spain is generally safe for travelers, but big-city petty theft is real. It’s not about fear; it’s about habits. If you’ve ever had a phone disappear from a café table, you already know the pattern.

Simple habits that prevent most problems

• Keep phones and wallets out of back pockets.
• Use a crossbody bag that closes; keep it in front in crowded areas.
• Be cautious around busy transit hubs and tourist landmarks.
• Don’t place your phone on the edge of tables—especially outdoor terraces.

Staying connected: the easiest way to travel smarter

Maps, ride-hailing, train changes, museum reservations, WhatsApp messages, translation, and mobile payments all depend on one thing: reliable data. Roaming can be unpredictable and expensive depending on your home carrier.

If your phone supports eSIM, a travel eSIM from Zetsim is a clean solution: you can set it up before departure, land in Spain, and get online quickly—no SIM shop detour, no guessing which kiosk is legitimate, no losing your physical SIM.

Practical setup tips

• Install and activate before you fly if possible.
• Keep your primary SIM active for calls/SMS if you need it, and use the eSIM for data.
• Download offline maps for your first city as a backup.

A simple 7–10 day Spain itinerary (first-timer friendly)

This route is popular for a reason: it gives you variety without turning your vacation into a transit marathon.

Days 1–4: Barcelona

• Pick one “big-ticket” sight per day, then wander neighborhoods.
• Plan a beach or waterfront afternoon to reset your energy.
• Do a day trip only if you’re not rushing—Montserrat is a classic.

Days 5–7: Madrid

• Reserve time for at least one major museum (and don’t try to do all of them in one day).
• Take an evening walk through central districts when the city wakes up.
• Consider a day trip if you want a change of scenery—Madrid’s rail connections make this easy.

Days 8–10: Seville (or Granada)

• Focus on architecture, food, and slower pacing.
• Start early to avoid afternoon heat (especially in warmer months).
• End your trip with a relaxed night: a long dinner is the perfect Spain finale.

What to pack for Spain (useful, not overkill)

The best packing list is boring. Spain isn’t the place to carry five “just in case” outfits and then regret it on cobblestones and stairs.

• Comfortable walking shoes: non-negotiable.
• Light layers: evenings can cool down even when days are warm.
• Sun protection: hat, sunscreen, sunglasses—Spain sun hits differently.
• Small day bag: crossbody with a zipper is ideal.
• Power and charging: travel adapter if needed, plus a compact power bank.

Helpful official resources to bookmark

• Spain.info (official tourism portal)
• Renfe (Spanish rail) for trains and schedules
• Aena (Spain airports)