Planning a Trip to Spain: The Complete Guide for First-Time Visitors (2026)

Planning a trip to Spain can feel overwhelming. There's so much to see: beaches, mountains, Moorish palaces, medieval cities, world-class museums, and some of the best food in Europe. Each region calls for your attention, but your time probably isn't unlimited.

Maybe you want to spend lazy days on the Costa del Sol.

Or explore the Alhambra in Granada. Or hop between pintxo bars in San Sebastian. The options are endless, which is exactly why you need a plan.

This guide will help you choose the right destinations, avoid common mistakes, and build a trip that fits your pace.

We live in Spain and have explored every corner. Here's everything we wish someone had told us before our first trip.

Is Spain Worth Visiting?

Yes. Spain consistently ranks among the world's most visited countries for good reason. In one trip, you can experience:

• World-class architecture - Gaudi's Sagrada Familia in Barcelona, the Alhambra in Granada, Seville's Alcazar
• Incredible food - From Basque pintxos to Andalusian tapas to Valencian paella
• Diverse landscapes - Mediterranean beaches, Pyrenees mountains, volcanic Canary Islands, green Galician coast
• Rich history - Roman ruins, Moorish palaces, medieval castles, Renaissance cathedrals
• Rich culture - Flamenco, fiestas, siesta, and a lifestyle built around enjoying life

Spain also offers excellent value compared to other Western European countries. You can eat well, stay comfortably, and travel efficiently without breaking the bank.

How Many Days Do You Need in Spain?

Spain is bigger than it looks on a map. Trying to see everything will leave you exhausted. Here's how to plan based on your available time:

One week (7 days): Stick to one region.

Andalusia (Seville, Granada, Cordoba) or Catalonia (Barcelona, Girona, Costa Brava) work well. Don't try to add Madrid. You'll spend too much time travelling.

Ten days: You can comfortably explore one region in depth, or combine two nearby areas.

A Madrid + Toledo + Andalusia loop works well. So does Barcelona + Valencia + a day trip.

Two weeks: Now you can cover two distinct regions. Popular combinations include:

• Madrid + Andalusia + Barcelona
• Barcelona + Valencia + Madrid + Toledo
• Basque Country + La Rioja + Galicia

Three weeks or more: You can move at a relaxed pace and include smaller towns, islands, or off-the-beaten-path destinations.

Best Time to Visit Spain

Spain's climate varies dramatically by region and season. Timing your trip well makes a significant difference.

Southern and Central Spain (Andalusia, Madrid, Castilla)

Best months: April-May and September-October

Spring (March-May): Perfect weather (20-28°C), orange blossoms in bloom, manageable crowds. April brings Semana Santa and Feria de Abril in Seville.

Summer (June-August): Extremely hot, especially in Seville (regularly 40°C+). Cities empty as locals flee to the coast. Only visit if you can handle intense heat.

Autumn (September-October): Still warm, fewer tourists, lower prices. Wine harvest season in La Rioja and other regions.

Winter (November-February): Mild in Andalusia (15-18°C), cold in Madrid (can drop to 0°C). Fewer tourists, but some attractions have reduced hours.

Northern Spain (Basque Country, Galicia, Asturias)

Best months: June-September

The north is greener but wetter.

Summer offers the best weather (20-25°C), though you should always expect some rain. The Basque Country is beautiful year-round but can be rainy outside summer.

Mediterranean Coast (Costa Brava, Costa Blanca, Costa del Sol)

Best months: May-June and September-October

Summer: Hot and crowded, but that's when the beach scene is liveliest. Book accommodation well in advance.

Shoulder season: Warm enough for beaches (22-28°C), fewer crowds, better prices.

Islands

Balearics (Mallorca, Ibiza, Menorca): Best May-October. Peak party season is July-August.

Canary Islands (Tenerife, Gran Canaria): Year-round destination. Best November-April when mainland Europe is cold.

Spanish Festivals to Plan Around

Spain loves a fiesta. Major festivals attract crowds and spike prices, but they're also unforgettable experiences.

Semana Santa (Holy Week) - Week before Easter. Dramatic processions in Seville, Malaga, and other cities. Book months ahead.

Feria de Abril - Two weeks after Easter. Seville's famous fair with flamenco, horses, and all-night parties.

Las Fallas - Mid-March. Valencia burns giant sculptures in spectacular bonfires.

San Fermin - Early July. The running of the bulls in Pamplona.

La Tomatina - Last Wednesday of August. Massive tomato fight in Bunol, near Valencia.

La Merce - Late September. Barcelona's biggest festival with human towers, fire runs, and concerts.

If you want to experience these festivals, book accommodation and transport months in advance. If you prefer avoiding crowds, check festival dates and plan around them.

Where to Go in Spain: Regional Overview

Spain has 17 autonomous communities, each with distinct culture, cuisine, and landscapes. Here's what each region offers:

Andalusia (South)

The Spain of postcards: whitewashed villages, Moorish palaces, flamenco, and tapas.

Essential stops include Seville, Granada, Cordoba, and Malaga. The Costa del Sol offers beach towns like Nerja, Marbella, and Estepona.

Best for: First-time visitors, Moorish history, beaches, food lovers

Catalonia (Northeast)

Home to Barcelona, one of Europe's most exciting cities. Beyond the capital, explore medieval Girona, the Dali museum in Figueres, and the wild Costa Brava coastline.

Best for: Architecture, beaches, art, nightlife

Madrid Region (Centre)

Spain's capital offers world-class museums (Prado, Reina Sofia), royal palaces, and excellent food. Day trip to historic Toledo, just 30 minutes away.

Best for: Art, history, nightlife, food scene

Basque Country (North)

San Sebastian has more Michelin stars per capita than almost anywhere on earth.

Bilbao has the Guggenheim. The coastline is dramatic, and the food is exceptional.

Best for: Foodies, culture, surfing, sophisticated travellers

Valencia Region (East)

Birthplace of paella, home to futuristic architecture, and gateway to beautiful beaches. Often overlooked but offers great value and fewer crowds.

Best for: Beach holidays, food, families, architecture

Galicia (Northwest)

Green, Celtic, and completely different from southern Spain.

Santiago de Compostela is the famous pilgrimage destination. Seafood is exceptional.

Best for: Hiking, seafood, Camino de Santiago, escaping crowds

Balearic Islands

Mallorca, Ibiza, Menorca, and Formentera offer beaches, nightlife, and Mediterranean charm. Each island has a distinct personality.

Best for: Beach holidays, nightlife (Ibiza), family trips (Mallorca, Menorca)

Canary Islands

Volcanic landscapes, year-round warmth, and diverse terrain from black-sand beaches to alpine zones. Tenerife and Gran Canaria are the largest.

Best for: Winter sun, hiking, unique landscapes

Sample Spain Itineraries

One Week in Andalusia (Classic First Trip)

This is the itinerary we recommend for first-time visitors who want quintessential Spain.

Transport: Rent a car or use buses/trains between cities. Seville to Granada is 3 hours by car.

Ten Days: Madrid + Andalusia

Two Weeks: Barcelona to Andalusia

Northern Spain Road Trip (2 Weeks)

For repeat visitors or those wanting something different:

How to Get Around Spain

Trains (Best for City-to-City)

Spain's high-speed AVE trains are excellent.

Madrid to Barcelona takes 2.5 hours. Madrid to Seville takes 2.5 hours. Trains are comfortable, punctual, and often faster than flying when you factor in airport time.

Book through: Renfe.com (official) or Omio/Trainline for comparison

Tip: Book 2-3 weeks ahead for the best prices. Last-minute AVE tickets can be expensive.

Renfe Spain Pass: If visiting multiple cities, consider the Spain Pass for discounted travel on 4, 6, 8, or 10 journeys.

Buses (Budget Option)

Buses are cheaper than trains and reach smaller towns.

ALSA is the main operator. Comfortable for medium distances, but slower than AVE trains.

Rental Cars (Best for Flexibility)

Essential for rural areas, small villages, and the coast. Andalusia especially benefits from a car.

• Book through: RentalCars.com, AutoEurope, or directly with companies
• Expect to pay: €25-50/day depending on season
• Parking: Challenging in historic centres. Look for underground car parks.
• Tolls: AP motorways have tolls. A-roads are free but slower.

Domestic Flights

Useful for long distances (Barcelona to Seville, Madrid to Canary Islands).

Vueling, Iberia, and Ryanair operate domestic routes. Book early for cheap fares.

City Transport

Major cities have excellent metro systems (Madrid, Barcelona, Valencia, Bilbao).

Buses and trams cover what metro doesn't. Taxis and ride-share apps (Uber, Cabify, Bolt) are widely available.

How Much Does a Trip to Spain Cost?

Your budget shapes your experience. Here's what to expect:

Daily Budget by Travel Style

Budget (€50-80/day):

• Hostel dorms or budget guesthouses
• Menu del dia lunches, self-catering for some meals
• Public transport, free attractions
• Some tapas and drinks

Mid-Range (€100-150/day):

• 3-star hotels or nice Airbnbs
• Restaurant meals, tapas bars
• Mix of paid attractions and free sightseeing
• Occasional taxis, guided tours

Comfortable (€200+/day):

• 4-star hotels, boutique stays
• Nice restaurants, wine tastings
• Skip-the-line tickets, private tours
• Car rental, comfortable transport

Sample 10-Day Budget (Mid-Range)

• Accommodation: €80/night x 10 = €800
• Food: €50/day x 10 = €500
• Transport: €200 (trains, buses, airport transfers)
• Attractions: €150 (Alhambra, Sagrada Familia, museums)
• Extras: €150 (drinks, souvenirs, tips)

Total: €1,800 (roughly €180/day for two people sharing)

Money-Saving Tips

• Menu del dia: Fixed-price lunch menus cost €12-18 for 3 courses with wine
• Free tapas: Granada, Almeria, and some other cities give free tapas with drinks
• Book trains early: AVE tickets can be half-price 2-3 weeks ahead
• Visit on free days: Many museums have free entry hours (often Sunday afternoons)
• Shoulder season: April-May and September-October offer better prices and weather

Where to Stay in Spain

Accommodation Types

Hotels (€60-150/night): Reliable option in cities and tourist areas. Book through Booking.com or directly.

Paradores: Historic state-run hotels in castles, monasteries, and palaces. Unique experience, usually €100-200/night.

Hostels (€20-40/night): Good network across Spain. Private rooms available at most. See our guide to cheap accommodation in Spain for more budget tips.

Airbnb/Holiday Rentals (€50-120/night): Great for families or longer stays. Check local regulations.

Boutique Hotels (€100-250/night): Growing scene in cities like Seville, Granada, Barcelona.

Best Areas to Stay

• Barcelona: Gothic Quarter, Eixample, Barceloneta (beach)
• Madrid: Sol/Gran Via, La Latina, Malasana
• Seville: Santa Cruz, El Arenal, Triana
• Granada: Albaicin, city centre
• Malaga: Historic centre, Soho

What to Book in Advance

Some things in Spain sell out. Don't miss these:

Always book ahead:

• Alhambra (Granada): Tickets sell out weeks in advance. Book at alhambra-patronato.es
• Sagrada Familia (Barcelona): Book online to skip long queues
• AVE train tickets: Much cheaper when booked 2-3 weeks early
• Accommodation during festivals: Semana Santa, Feria de Abril, San Fermin

Worth booking ahead:

• Alcazar of Seville (especially in summer)
• Popular restaurants (especially in San Sebastian)
• Flamenco shows in Seville
• Wine tours in La Rioja

Don't need to book:

• Most museums and attractions
• Regular restaurants and tapas bars
• Local transport
• Day trips to smaller towns

Understanding Spanish Culture

Spain has its own rhythm. Embracing it makes your trip better.

The Spanish Schedule

• Breakfast: Light, often just coffee and a pastry (8-10am)
• Lunch: The main meal, typically 2-4pm. Many restaurants only open for lunch.
• Siesta: Shops close 2-5pm in smaller towns. Museums usually stay open.
• Dinner: Rarely before 9pm, often 10pm. Restaurants empty before 9pm are usually tourist traps.
• Nightlife: Bars fill up around midnight. Clubs open at 1-2am.

Tipping in Spain

Tipping is not obligatory in Spain. Service is included in prices. However:

• Restaurants: Round up or leave €1-2 for good service, 5-10% for exceptional
• Bars: Not expected for drinks, maybe round up
• Taxis: Round up to nearest euro
• Hotels: €1-2 per bag for porters

What to Wear

Spaniards dress well but casually.

In cities, smart casual works everywhere. Beach towns are more relaxed. For religious sites (churches, cathedrals), cover shoulders and knees.

Language

Spanish (Castilian) is spoken everywhere. Catalan in Catalonia, Basque in the Basque Country, and Galician in Galicia are also official languages in their regions.

English is widely spoken in tourist areas but less so in smaller towns. Learning basic Spanish phrases goes a long way and is appreciated.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Trying to see too much: Spain is bigger than it looks. Pick 2-3 destinations and explore them properly rather than rushing between cities.

Not booking the Alhambra: Tickets sell out weeks ahead. Book immediately once you have dates.

Eating at tourist hours: Restaurants serving dinner at 7pm are tourist traps. Wait until 9pm for the real experience.

Ignoring siesta: Smaller towns shut down 2-5pm. Plan museum visits or rest during this time.

Underestimating summer heat: Seville in August regularly hits 45°C. If you visit in summer, plan activities for morning and evening.

Not having cash: Many small bars and shops prefer cash. ATMs are everywhere, but carry some euros.

Packing too much: You'll want to buy things in Spain. Leave space in your suitcase.

Staying Safe in Spain

Make sure you don't skip travel insurance for Spain before your trip.

Spain is very safe for tourists. Violent crime against visitors is rare. The main concerns are:

Pickpockets: Active in tourist areas, especially Barcelona's La Rambla, Madrid's Puerta del Sol, and crowded beaches.

Use a money belt or front pocket. Don't leave bags on chairs.

Beach theft: Never leave valuables unattended on the beach. Take turns swimming.

Scams: The classic tourist scams exist. Ignore people offering "free" rosemary, petition signers, and street games.

Driving: Spanish drivers can be aggressive.

Watch for mopeds in cities. Parking in historic centres is difficult.

Sun and heat: Wear sunscreen, stay hydrated, and take siesta seriously in summer.

Useful Apps for Spain

• Google Maps: Works well for navigation and public transport
• Omio/Trainline: Compare and book trains and buses
• Renfe: Official app for Spanish trains
• BlaBlaCar: Ridesharing between cities
• TheFork/ElTenedor: Restaurant reservations
• Booking.com/Airbnb: Accommodation
• Google Translate: Offline Spanish language pack is useful

For a complete breakdown, check out our guide to the best travel apps for Spain.

Packing for Spain

Essentials:

• Comfortable walking shoes (cobblestones are hard on feet)
• Layers (mornings and evenings can be cool, even in summer)
• Sun protection (hat, sunglasses, sunscreen)
• Lightweight, breathable clothing
• Something smart-casual for nice restaurants
• Plug adapter (Type C/F, same as most of Europe)

Summer additions:

• Light, loose clothing
• Sandals for beach
• Refillable water bottle

Winter additions:

• Warm jacket (especially for Madrid, northern Spain)
• Umbrella (especially for northern regions)

Planning Your Spain Trip: Step by Step

Ready to Plan Your Trip?

Planning a trip to Spain isn't about cramming in every attraction. It's about striking a balance between sightseeing, relaxing, and eating your way through one of the best culinary destinations in the world.

Choose a region that excites you, book the essentials early, and leave space for spontaneity. The best memories often come from the unexpected: stumbling upon a hidden plaza, joining a local festival, or getting lost in winding medieval streets.

Spain is easy to fall in love with and even easier to return to.

¡Buen viaje!