Spain Travel Guide A Vagabond Life
Spain Travel Guide
Spain, a country brimming with rich history, diverse landscapes, and vibrant culture, beckons travelers from around the world to explore its enchanting corners. From the sun-soaked beaches of the Costa del Sol to the bustling streets of Barcelona and the historic allure of Madrid, Spain offers an exhilarating journey through time and culture.
Spain’s history is a tapestry woven with threads from various civilizations. Phoenicians, Romans, Moors, and Visigoths have all left their mark on this Iberian land, each contributing to its unique character. The medieval period saw the emergence of powerful Christian kingdoms, such as Castile and Aragon, leading to the Reconquista, a centuries-long struggle to reclaim the Iberian Peninsula from Moorish rule. This era culminated in 1492 with the voyages of Christopher Columbus, a testament to Spain’s exploration and global influence.
Today, Spain welcomes travelers with open arms to explore its historic cities, like Toledo and Segovia, adorned with UNESCO World Heritage Sites, and immerse themselves in the fiery rhythms of flamenco, savor paella, and sip fine wines. Whether you seek the architectural wonders of Antoni Gaudí in Barcelona or the tranquil olive groves of Andalusia, Spain’s diverse landscapes and vibrant culture promise a journey like no other. Come, embark on an adventure that spans centuries, and discover the soul of Spain.
Table Of Contents
Table of Contents
Spain Map
Spain Travel Map
Top 5 Things To See & Do In Spain
Need To Know
Five Quick Facts About Travelling In Spain
- Spain is a safe country to travel in although do watch for pick pockets in the large tourist centres such as Barcelona and Madrid.
- Spain has a good transport system from getting around the country with train and bus running to all of the country. See Getting Around Tab for more information
- English is widely spoken across Spain making travel easy. As always it is polite to learn a few basic works of the language.
- Spain is relatively cheap to travel in however you will pay premium prices in Barcelona and on the coast in peak season.
- Spain is part of the Schengen Visa Area. See the Visa Tab for further details.
When To Go
Spain is a great place to travel to at any time of the year. Here is a guide to the different seasons and times of year.
High Season (July & August)
- European summer and when most Europeans take their holidays means long lines at main attractions and busy roads.
- There are loads of festivals across Spain throughout the summer.
- Book ahead for accommodation as places get booked out early. The weather is usually warm to hot with very hot temperatures in the south of the country.
Shoulder Season (April to June & September / October)
- This is my favourite time to travel in Spain.
- Spring and Autumn see milder weather and less crowds.
- The weather can be changeable so it is advisable to pack a rain coat particularly in Spring.
Low Season (November to March)
- High season in the mountains and at the ski resorts
- The rest of the country being quieter with no queues or crowds.
- The weather is cold in the interior.
- Head south the Seville for sunny days and cold nights.
Spanish Currency
The currency in Spain is the Euro which is the currency of the 24 other EU member states plus Andorra, Kosovo, Monarco, Montenegro, San Marino and the Vatican.
ATMs can be found throughout Spain. It is advisable to always carry a small amount of cash as no all eftpos machines accept foreign cards.
Spain Visa Policy
Spain is part of the Schengen Area Visa Policy.
Nationals / Citizens from Schengen States have right of movement and entry without a visa but will need a passport as proof of identity.
The policy applies to the Schengen Area which is 22 E.U member states and 5 non E.U states which are part of the EFTA – Iceland, Liechenstein, Norway and Switzerland. Bulgaria, Cyprus and Romania are not part of the Schengen Area but have visa policies based on Schengen acquis.
For more information on travelling in the Schengen zone read our in depth article here
Getting Around Spain
Spain has an excellent internal transport system with many options to get around the country.Plane
Cheap flights can be found linking most of the major cities in Spain.Train
RENFE is the Spanish national rail carrier. Long-distance- Trains are clean fast and generally on time.
- Reservations are required on all long distance trains. If travelling in peak season on popular routes it is advised to book well in advance.
- Ticket prices are on par with the rest of Europe.
Short Distance
- Short-distance trains or Cercanías are often delayed especially in the Barcelona area. To be safe, always take the train before the one you need.
- Some routes of short distance trains require a reservation.
- On line via the RENFE website, the further out you book the cheaper the tickets are. Tickets can be downloaded to your smart device or printed as confirmation.
- Tickets can be purchased at train stations.
- Grupo Alsa, Avenida de América Intercambiador 9 which also included Continental Auto
- Grupo Avanza,operates the Alosa, Tusza, Vitrasa & Auto Res lines
What To Pack In Spain
What to pack for Spain is very dependent on when you will be travelling to the country and where you will be going. Summers are warm to hot but if travelling to the mountains a jacket or coat is advisable.
Winters are cold especially in the mountains so cold-weather gear will be needed.
It’s all about layering which allows you to add or loses clothing as needed
Packing List
Clothing
1 pair jeans – I know they are heavy and take ages to dry but I wear them constantly and find them comfortable
1 pair black travel type pants – Black pants are little smarter than jeans so good if going somewhere a little dressier. Mine is the lightweight fabric in the style of jean,
2 x pair of shorts. 1 denim and one lightweight travel fabric
2 x singlets – good for layering and sleeping in
4 x short sleeve cotton shirts, lightweight and breathable
1 x long sleeve sloppy joe.
1 x zip-up shell jacket
1 x lightweight raincoat – packable version that packs down into a small bag.
5 x socks
5 x underpants
2 x bras
Shoes
1 x pair walking or hiking shoes.
1 x pair slip on flats
1 x pair flip flops (great for hostel showers)
Toiletries
Shampoo & Conditioner
Bar of Soap
Deodorant
Razor
Tweezers
Brush / Comb
Hair Ties
Electronics
1 x Earbud headphones.Light and small,
1 x IPad
1 x 6S iPhone
Charging leads for above
2 x USB
1 x power bank
1 x Cable organiser which keeps everything tidy
1 x 14” laptop – we run a business so this is essential for us.
Photography
This year I have left behind my DSLR and lenses to travel only with a GoPro and a LUMIX TZ80. At the end of the day it came down to weight when travelling a long way and having to carry a pack – so let’s see how we go….
1 x GoPro Hero 5
2 x Spare GoPro Batteries
1 x DSLR + Lenses
Spare micro SD Cards
Other Stuff
1 x padlock
1 x headlight or torch
1 x Swiss knife
1 x medical kit
Ziplock bags
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