Spain travel guide
Spain travel guide: Barcelona, the islands, and the rhythm
Spain is one of the world's great food cultures and one of Europe's most varied geographies - Mediterranean coast, alpine Pyrenees, Andalusian desert, Galician green country. We cover Barcelona and the Balearic Islands; future expansion to Madrid, Seville, Granada.
Destinations we cover in Spain
Country overview
Spain spans Mediterranean, Atlantic, and continental climates. Late dinner culture (8-10pm), excellent rail network (AVE high-speed), siesta tradition in smaller towns.
- Language
- Spanish (Castilian), with Catalan in Barcelona/Mallorca, Basque, Galician regionally. English common in tourism; less so in smaller towns.
- Currency
- Euro (EUR). Wide card acceptance.
- Best time to visit
- May-June and September-October are ideal. August is hot and crowded with many locals on vacation. Mediterranean coast usable November-March with mild temps.
- Trip highlights
- Barcelona's Gaudi + tapas + beach, Mallorca's Tramuntana mountains + cala beaches + Palma old city.
Spain travel guide: regions, cities & when to go
Spain packs in world-class cities, beaches and food across distinct regions:
- Madrid & Central: the capital's art (the Prado), plus Toledo and Segovia day trips.
- Barcelona & Catalonia: Gaudí, beaches and the Costa Brava.
- Andalusia: Moorish Seville, Granada (the Alhambra) and Córdoba — the soul of Spain.
- Basque Country: San Sebastián's pintxos and Bilbao's Guggenheim.
- Valencia & the coast: paella's home, plus the Balearic and Canary islands.
When & how
Spring (April-June) and autumn (September-October) are ideal; the south is brutal in high summer. Fast AVE trains link the cities. Mid-range budget around $100-180/day. See the cost index.
Spain Travel Guide FAQ
What are the best places to visit in Spain?
Madrid, Barcelona and Andalusia (Seville, Granada) top most first trips.
When is the best time to visit Spain?
Spring and autumn; the south is extremely hot in July-August.
Spain like a local: the smart route, regions & food
The classic route
Madrid (2–3 days, world-class art) → Andalusia (Seville, Granada's Alhambra, Córdoba) → Barcelona (2–3, Gaudí + beach), linked by fast AVE trains.
Regions to know
Andalusia (flamenco, Moorish palaces), Basque Country (San Sebastián — pintxos and beaches), Valencia (paella's home), the Balearic Islands.
Food to chase
Tapas crawls, jamón ibérico, paella (lunch, in Valencia), pintxos in San Sebastián, churros con chocolate. Dinner is late (9–10pm); lunch is the big value menu del día.
When to go
April–June and September–October. Summer is scorching inland (Seville, Madrid) but great on the coast.
Budget
€80–140/day mid-range. Use AVE high-speed trains between cities, embrace the late schedule, and book the Alhambra well ahead (it sells out).
Spain Travel Guide FAQ
What's the best Spain itinerary?
Madrid, Andalusia (Seville/Granada), and Barcelona by AVE train — about 10 days.
When is the best time to visit Spain?
April–June and September–October; summer is very hot inland.