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Notable Places
Explore Spain
Use the map to discover our favorite cities in Spain, and use our guide to plan what to bring with you!
Spain Quick Guide
- Currency: Euro (€)
- Language: Spanish (Castilian); regional languages include Catalan, Galician, and Basque
- Time Zone: Central European Time (CET), UTC +1
- Fun Fact #1: Spain has more bars per capita than any other EU country
- Fun Fact #2: Home to the world’s oldest restaurant — Botín in Madrid (since 1725!)
- Fun Fact #3: Siestas are traditional, but mostly a myth in modern cities
- Tipping: Not mandatory; rounding up or leaving small change is common
- Emergency Number: 112 (works EU-wide)
Where to Stay in Spain
You will likely fly into either Madrid or Barcelona, both of which are great setting off points to explore the rest of Spain. Both cities have excellent rail connections to the surrounding provinces, as well as nationally to other parts of the country.
Start by planning out where you would like to visit and then search for accommodation in those areas. Spanish cities are well connected with public transport so you are unlikely to get stuck in a remote place, unless that is what you want to do! We use Booking.com for all our hotel stays, many hotels have pay later offers and you can build up your Genius level to get discounts on your stays.
Plan Where to Stay
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How to Get Around Spain
Spain has an excellent transportation network that makes exploring the country very convenient and enjoyable. For long-distance travel between major cities like Madrid, Barcelona, Seville, and Valencia, high-speed trains (AVE) operated by Renfe, Spain’s national rail company, are fast, reliable, and comfortable. In recent years, budget-friendly competitors like Avlo, Ouigo, and Iryo have entered the market, offering more options and competitive prices on popular routes.
Regional trains and buses connect smaller towns, but if you’re heading off the beaten path, like to remote villages, national parks, or lesser-known beaches, a rental car is your best bet. Spain’s highways are well maintained and often these are scenic drives making road tripping a great way to experience the country’s diverse landscapes. Just keep in mind that rural areas may have limited public transit, so having your own wheels offers the most flexibility.
For the best deals on car rentals, rent a manual transmission car if you know how to drive one and try out the many car rental coupon codes out there. In addition, we always recommend that you search on Discover Cars and Rentalcars.com to get a good lay of the land in terms of what the best rates are across multiple companies.
Best Spain Itineraries
These are our favorite places in Spain and a great place to start your trip!
Must-Visit Places in Spain
Barcelona
- Stunning Architecture: Explore the unique designs of Antoni Gaudí, including the iconic Sagrada Família and the fantastical Park Güell.
- Vibrant Nightlife: Experience the city’s bustling nightlife, with thousands of bars and clubs offering a taste of local culture.
- Beachside Bliss: Slip from the city to the beach in just a few steps, and enjoy beautiful beaches, perfect for a relaxing day by the sea.
Seville
- Plaza de España: Visit this grand square, renowned for its stunning architecture and appearances in films such as “Lawrence of Arabia” and “Game of Thrones.”
- Metropol Parasol: Discover this modern architectural wonder, offering panoramic views of the city from its rooftop walkway.
Malaga
- Alcazaba Fortress: Step into history at this well-preserved Moorish palace, featuring lush gardens and panoramic views of the city and sea.
Alicante
- Santa Bárbara Castle: Climb to this historic fortress for breathtaking vistas of the city and coastline.
- Tabarca Island: Take a day trip to this charming island, known for its crystal-clear waters and quaint village.
Valencia
- Valencia Cathedral: Explore this historic cathedral, which houses a chalice believed by some to be the Holy Grail.
Stay Connected
Don’t waste time hunting for SIM cards or stressing about roaming. With an eSIM, you can get connected as soon as you land and stay online wherever your adventures take you.
🔗 Check out our guide to the cheapest eSIMs for international travel.
Food in Spain
Must-Have Spanish Food to Try
Spanish food is infamous, and each region has its own style and specialty. Most foods you can find all over the country, but if you are in a specific region, make sure you try its specialty to get the best and most authentic version!
Paella – Valencia: Spain’s most famous rice dish, traditionally made with rabbit, chicken, and sometimes snails. Seafood versions are also popular.
Pintxos (Pinchos) – Basque Country: Small snacks typically served on bread and spiked with a toothpick. Found in bars across San Sebastián and Bilbao. Also very common in other major cities around the country.
Jamón Ibérico – Andalusia & Extremadura: Cured ham from free-range, acorn-fed Iberian pigs. Best enjoyed sliced thin with a glass of red wine.
Pan con Tomate – Catalonia: Rustic bread rubbed with ripe tomato, garlic, and olive oil. A simple but flavorful tapa.
Gambas al Ajillo – Madrid / Andalusia: Sizzling garlic shrimp served in hot oil. A staple in tapas bars.
Patatas Bravas – Madrid: Fried potato cubes topped with spicy tomato sauce or aioli. A beloved tapa found nationwide.
Pulpo a la Gallega – Galicia: Tender octopus sprinkled with paprika, sea salt, and olive oil, served over boiled potatoes.
Tortilla Española – All of Spain (origin disputed): Spanish omelette with potatoes and onions. Eaten hot or cold, as a tapa or main.
Queso Manchego – Castile-La Mancha: Try this sheep’s milk cheese with a firm texture and nutty flavor. A perfect classic to pair with wine.
Top 5 Things To Bring On Every Trip
- Travel Insurance: Protect yourself against unforeseen events like trip cancellations, medical emergencies, or lost luggage.
- Power Bank: Keep your devices charged on the go, ensuring you stay connected and capture every moment.
- Universal Travel Adapter: A must-have for international travelers to plug in and power up devices in different countries.
- Reusable Water Bottle: Stay hydrated while reducing plastic waste; many destinations have refill stations available.
- Packing Cubes: Organize your luggage efficiently, making it easier to find items and maximize space.
Top Day Tours to Discover Spain
- Sagrada Familia: If Barcelona is on your itinerary you cannot miss a tour of Gaudi’s iconic cathedral. It is however insanely popular so you need to book tickets almost as soon as you confirm your trip otherwise you won’t get in.
- Montanejos: Just an hour away from Valencia is the natural paradise of Montanejos and the idyllic Mijares River. Take a day trip to soak in the crystal clear waters and enjoy fresh mountain air. The perfect way to escape the city for a day.
- Caminito del Rey: Explore outside of Málaga with a day tour to this stunning mountain landscape. Walk along the edges of the Gaitanes Gorge and follow your guide to learn stories, curiosities. anecdotes, true facts and lies about this history and construction of this unique area.
- Ronda and Setenil de las Bodegas: A short distance from Seville are the charming towns of Ronda and Setenil de las Bodegas. Take a trip to both with a guide to show you the stunning cliffside Ronda and the vertigo inducing Puente Nuevo bridge. Then head to the incredible Setenil de las Bodega, a town build into the cliffside with incredible structures, a mountaintop castle and an ancient roman theatre.
- Guadalest and Algar Waterfalls: Step away from Alicante on a day tour to this beautiful natural beauty. Explore the town of Guadalest, spilling with flowers, and pretty whitewashed houses. Afterwards swim in the clear waters around the Algar waterfalls and soak up the refreshing natural mountain water.
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