Sun-drenched, spirited, and full of flavour – Spain is a country that captures the heart from the moment you arrive. Located in southwestern Europe on the Iberian Peninsula, it shares borders with Portugal and France and boasts coastlines on both the Mediterranean Sea and the Atlantic Ocean. This prime location gives Spain incredible diversity: from golden beaches and dramatic mountain ranges to lush green valleys and arid plains.
Spain has a rich and complex history, shaped by Roman, Moorish, and Christian influences – each leaving their mark on everything from architecture to language and food. Its cultural legacy is proudly on display in iconic landmarks such as La Sagrada Familia in Barcelona, the Alhambra in Granada, Madrid’s Royal Palace, and Seville’s Alcázar. But beyond the big-name sights, you’ll find charm in every corner – from hilltop whitewashed villages and centuries-old churches to local fiestas, flamenco dancing, and warm, welcoming people.
Whether you’re island-hopping in the Balearics, sipping Rioja in a vineyard, or enjoying late-night tapas in a bustling plaza, Spain offers a perfect blend of history, leisure, and adventure.
Just a heads-up: This guide includes a few affiliate links. That means if you decide to book something I recommend, I may earn a small commission – at no extra cost to you. I only ever share things I’ve genuinely loved and think you will too!
📍 Top Places to Visit:
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Barcelona – A vibrant coastal city famed for Gaudí’s architecture, tapas bars, and beaches.
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Madrid – The lively capital, home to grand boulevards, world-class museums, and royal palaces.
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Seville – A charming Andalusian city with flamenco, Moorish architecture, and a rich cultural heritage.
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Granada – Nestled at the foot of the Sierra Nevada, best known for the Alhambra and stunning hilltop views.
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Valencia – A mix of modern and traditional with the futuristic City of Arts and Sciences and historic old town.
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Bilbao – A hub of art and design, home to the iconic Guggenheim Museum.
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San Sebastián – Coastal gem known for its beaches, food scene, and pintxos bars.
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The Balearic Islands (Mallorca, Ibiza, Menorca) – Each with their own vibe, from lively nightlife to quiet coves.
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The Canary Islands – Volcanic landscapes, black sand beaches, and year-round sunshine.
📅 Best Time to Visit:
- Spring (April–June) – Great for sightseeing before the peak summer heat.
- Summer (July–August) – Perfect for beach trips and coastal towns, though inland cities can get very hot.
- Autumn (September–October) – Warm weather lingers, ideal for city breaks and exploring the countryside.
- Winter (November–March) – Mild in the south and on the islands; ski resorts in the north offer a seasonal contrast.
💰 Currency & Budget Tips:
- Currency: Euro (EUR)
Spain offers great value, especially outside major tourist hubs.
Tapas bars are a fun and affordable way to dine.
Public transport is cheap and efficient – consider a travel card in major cities.
Book popular attractions in advance to skip queues and sometimes save money.
🧳Good For:
- Art and architecture enthusiasts.
Beachgoers looking for Mediterranean sunshine.
History buffs
Party seekers (hello, Ibiza!).
Hikers and nature lovers
- Families, Couples & Friends
- Solo Travellers
🍽️ Local Dishes to Try:
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Paella – A saffron-infused rice dish often made with seafood, rabbit, or chicken.
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Tortilla Española – A Spanish omelette made with eggs, potatoes, and onions.
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Jamón Ibérico – Cured ham served thinly sliced, typically from acorn-fed pigs.
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Patatas Bravas – Fried potatoes served with spicy tomato sauce and aioli.
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Churros con Chocolate – Deep-fried dough sticks dipped in thick, rich hot chocolate.
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Gazpacho – A cold tomato-based soup, ideal for hot days.
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Croquetas – Creamy béchamel-based bites filled with ham, cheese, or seafood.
✈️ How to Get There:
Major Airports: Madrid Barajas (MAD), Barcelona El Prat (BCN), Málaga (AGP), Palma de Mallorca (PMI) and Alicante Airport (ALC)
Direct flights from the UK to numerous cities; average flight time from London to Madrid is around 2.5 hours.
Budget airlines offer frequent and affordable connections across Spain.
🚍 Getting Around:
- Train: Renfe’s high-speed AVE trains connect major cities quickly and comfortably.
- Metro & Bus: Most cities have reliable, easy-to-use networks.
- Car Hire: Great for exploring rural areas, national parks, and the coast.
- Domestic Flights: Useful for travel between mainland and islands.
🌍 Language & Local Etiquette
Language: Spanish (Castellano), but regional languages like Catalan, Galician, and Basque are also spoken.
English is widely spoken in tourist areas, though a few Spanish phrases will go a long way.
Lunch and dinner times are later than in many countries – expect lunch at 2pm and dinner around 9pm.
Tipping is appreciated but not expected; rounding up the bill or leaving 5–10% is common.
Locals greet with a kiss on both cheeks (or a handshake in more formal settings).
My Spanish Highlights
Spain is, without a doubt, one of my favourite countries in the world – I’ve visited more times than I can count, and every trip just deepens my love for it. There’s something about the laid-back lifestyle, delicious food, and sunshine-filled days that makes it feel like home.
I’ve explored so many places that listing them all almost doesn’t do the experience justice. That said, a few highlights have really stayed with me: Staying in Málaga and Estepona gave me a perfect mix of beachside relaxation and Andalusian charm. I absolutely loved visiting Ronda, with its dramatic cliffside views, and the Caminito del Rey hike (more of a walk than a hike) a little nerve-wracking, but so worth it for the experience.
The whitewashed villages are always a winner for me – places like Altea and Frigiliana are full of charm, character, and cobbled streets along with the beaches of Nerja overlooked by the The Balcón de Europa which give stunning views across the Mediterannean sea. Over in Marbella, the beach clubs are unbeatable for a little glamour and sun-soaked lounging, and hiring a car makes it so easy to hop between towns at your own pace.
Of course, I couldn’t leave out Barcelona – it’s such a unique city where you get both the beach and incredible architecture all in one place. Food is always a highlight in Spain (especially fresh seafood and tapas), and while I don’t drink much, I can never resist a glass of white sangria.
I haven’t yet made it to Seville or Madrid, but they’re firmly on my list – and I’ll be back very soon to tick them off. ¡Hasta pronto, España!
You’ll find a curated selection of the best activities and tours in Spain below – from architectural walking tours to flamenco shows, wine tastings, and day trips to hidden gems.
👉 Find things to do and secure your spot with trusted local providers.
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