Visit one of the largest countries in Europe and experience a blended world of rich history, culture and fine cuisine. Viva España!
Spain is a vast country, offering something for every kind of traveller. Its beauty lies in the sheer diversity of the country; here you can explore everything from sophisticated cities and architectural gems to pristine beaches and jaw-dropping landscapes. Throw in a fascinating culture, world-class art and the most delicious national cuisine, and it’s clear to see why Spain is such a popular European holiday destination.
From the grandeur of Madrid – Spain’s capital city with a stylish personality all of its own – to the iconic sights of Granada, there’s plenty of history and culture to soak up, whichever region you visit.
Away from the vibrant cities, explore picturesque medieval towns and the enchanting beauty of Spain’s lush green landscape. Wherever you venture, you’re guaranteed a warm welcome from the charming locals who are proud to show off their spectacular country.
Here, in our expert guide to Spain, we share useful information to help you plan for your Spanish adventure, including the best times to visit, essential travel tips, and must-see destinations, as well as insider tips from the Riviera Travel team.
Top Things to Do and See in Spain
Our escorted tours of Spain give you a unique opportunity to experience an authentic taste of this remarkable country. With a modern, buzzing feel, set against a backdrop of magnificent classical architecture, the cosmopolitan city of Madrid has so many sights to see. Explore the Royal Palace and Plaza Mayor before dining on delicious tapas while soaking up the atmosphere.
As well as sweeping natural beauty, La Rioja is also famous for its world-renowned wine. Join a guided tour around one of the many award-winning vineyards, then enjoy a wine tasting at one of the region’s top bodegas.
Andalusia is home to flamenco, so head to the golden city of Seville for a mesmerising performance by the artists who live and breathe this artform. While in Seville, pay a visit to the Royal Alcázar, an awe-inspiring royal palace with huge historical importance. Then round off your city break with tapas and drinks with a view, from one of Seville’s sophisticated rooftop bars.
The mountaintop city of Ronda perches high above a deep gorge plunging hundreds of feet. Connected by a bridge that seems to be carved from the rockface, the dramatic scene looks straight out of a fantasy book. If you’re lucky, you may even spot eagles or vultures soaring high above the gorge.
Art lovers must make a trip to Barcelona – a city defined by the architectural genius of Antoni Gaudi. Take a walk through the iconic Park Güell, then pay a visit to the beautiful Sagrada Familia, Gaudi’s unfinished masterpiece of towering spires and intricate carvings.
Best Time to Visit Spain
Enjoying around 3,000 hours of sunshine every year, Spain is a generally very sunny country, although different regions are characterised by their own climates throughout the year.
Overall, spring is the perfect time to visit Spain, with warm temperatures reaching an average high of 19°C from March to May. Autumn is also a great time to visit, with mild to warm temperatures and minimal rain through September and October.
The height of summer may be ideal for a Spanish beach holiday, but if you plan on exploring the cities you may find the temperatures too hot for sightseeing. Do as the locals do and escape the brutal heat of the cities for coastal regions during August.
And, while summer often sees soaring temperatures, winter can feel positively chilly. If you plan on travelling between December and February make sure you pack a warm coat.
Where to Stay When Visiting Spain
If you enjoy vibrant city life, head to one of Spain’s cultural hubs. Whether that’s the charismatic and eternally stylish capital, Madrid, Seville – the birthplace of flamenco – or lively Barcelona, there’s so much to discover.
In the south of the country Moorish influences are seen in the historic architecture and unique cuisines – and nowhere captures this more than the majestic city of Granada. Home to the world-famous Alhambra, which sits in the centre of the city against the dramatic backdrop of the snow-capped Sierra Nevada mountains, it’s quite unforgettable.
For a taste of island life, head to the Balearic Islands, just off Spain’s eastern coast. Despite their reputation as party islands, Ibiza, Mallorca, Menorca and Formentera offer plenty of cultural highlights and a laid-back beachy vibe that’s very endearing. Head away from the crowds and the main bar districts, and you’ll discover history, culture, awe-inspiring natural beauty and a thriving foodie scene to dive into.
What to Wear in Spain
Unless you’re travelling in the height of summer, it’s useful to pack plenty of layers to cope with the changeable temperatures. Pair lightweight shirts, dresses, shorts, trousers or skirts with light jackets and cotton shawls through the spring and autumn months – and don’t forget a warm jacket and boots during winter.
In Spanish cities people tend to dress well, so avoid overly casual outfits like activewear or very revealing clothes. If you are visiting any religious sites – perhaps a church or mosque – do dress respectfully and make sure shoulders and knees are covered.
Be aware that in some parts of Spain it’s illegal to be bare-chested in the street or to be wearing only a bikini or swimming shorts – even on the seafront promenade.
What to Eat When Visiting Spain
Spain is famous for its bold cuisine and is a dream destination for food lovers. Spanish cuisine is all about making the most of fresh, local and in-season ingredients, to create simple dishes packed with flavour. While each region is proud of its own speciality dishes, there are some meals you really need to try when visiting Spain.
Tapas is such a big part of Spanish life and culture. These small plates of food are designed to be eaten as a snack and shared between friends. Tapas dishes can be everything from garlic prawns to croquets or cured meats and cheese, but they all have one thing in common – it’s about more than the food. Sharing tapas is a hugely social experience – and the Spanish love nothing more than to socialise with friends.
Discover the history of Tapas - the ideal way to eat your way around towns the length and breadth of Spain.
Paella is another famous Spanish dish – and believe us when we say you haven’t tasted proper paella until you try it in Spain. This saffron-flavoured rice dish is cooked in a large paella pan and features a mix of meat or seafood. Chorizo is a popular ingredient, as are prawns – if you’re by the coast, do try the seafood paella.
Calamari is a popular seafood dish, whether served as tapas or on its own with a cold bottle of beer and a sea view. These battered, deep-fried squid rings can be served simply seasoned and with a squeeze of lemon, or with aioli (a garlic mayonnaise dip).
Tortilla – often referred to as Spanish omelette – is a simple and delicious dish perfect for vegetarian travellers. Made with potatoes, eggs and extra virgin olive oil, it’s hearty and filling, and is found on most menus.
The Spanish love their meat and seafood, but you’ll still find plenty of options as a vegetarian. However, if you’re a vegan and travelling outside of the main cities you may have more limited choices.
Best Ways to Get Around in Spain
Spain has a large rail network and many of the larger cities are connected by either the high-speed (AVE) or long-distance (Large Distancia) service.
In Barcelona, Bilbao and Madrid you’ll find the underground Metro system, which is generally easy to use/navigate and safe for tourists.
While city bus lines can be a little tricky to understand, street-tram services (found in 13 cities across the country) are a little more straightforward.
Taxis are plentiful, but only use official registered or licensed taxis, or reputable transport companies you recognise. Passengers caught using unlicensed taxi services are liable for fines, so book in advance where possible.
If you plan on exploring the Canary or Balearic Islands, you can use the Spanish boat and ferry service from the mainland.
Health & Safety Advice for Travelling to Spain
Spanish tap water is safe, although the taste varies across regions. You’ll find people tend to drink bottled water when eating out.
Your doctor will be able to advise of any vaccinations you may need, related to your own specific health concerns. The NHS Fit For Travel site recommend being up-to-date with your British vaccinations (things like the seasonal flu vaccine, COVID-19 (if eligible) and MMR), and mention Tetanus and Poliomyelitis as vaccines you may like to consider. For travellers at a specific higher risk, Hepatitis A and Hepatitis B are also mentioned. You do not need a yellow fever certificate to enter Spain.
Things You Should Know Before Going to Spain
On our escorted tours across Spain you’ll have an expert Tour Manager to answer any questions you may have about local customs. However, here are some things about Spanish life that may be helpful to know in advance.
Money
There is not a tipping culture as such in Spain – usually a service charge is included in the bill (particularly for large groups). Of course, if you wish to tip it is very much appreciated, especially if you enjoyed good service
Daily life
Taking a siesta – a short afternoon nap – is common in Spain, particularly in the warmer months, although the tradition is slowly starting to fade away. Here shops close for a couple of hours and the streets get a lot quieter as residents have a short nap. Major chains are normally open all day without any interruption.
In Spain, it’s common to greet people (even those you don’t know) when they enter a lift. It’s also basic etiquette to say hello and goodbye when entering a shop or café/restaurant.
Crime
Pickpocketing and bag snatching can be a problem in big cities, particularly at tourist spots, on the beach and on public transport. If you’re dining outside, always watch your bags – if street vendors approach your table to sell things like flowers be aware this may be a distraction technique to attempt to steal your mobile phone or wallet.
Religion
Catholicism is the most practised religion in Spain. Other practised religions include Islam, Judaism, Protestantism and Hinduism.
Food and drink
In Spain, eating out is a very social occasion and one not to be rushed. The culture here is for late dining; a 9pm dinner reservation is considered early, so you may want to enjoy some tapas with drinks if you’re used to eating earlier! Lunch is typically eaten between 1pm-4pm, and dinner from 8pm–1am. Many restaurants are closed on Mondays.
While you may think sangria is one of Spain’s most popular drinks, this is actually more geared towards tourists rather than locals. Instead, opt for tinto de verano, a refreshing mix of red wine and lemon soda that is popular across the country.
Do You Need a Visa to Visit Spain?
If you have a UK passport you can travel for up to 90 days in Spain as a tourist, in any 180-day period. Make sure you get your passport stamped on entry and exit of the country, as border guards will check this.
Passports should have a ‘date of issue’ less than 10 years before the date you arrive. They must also have at least 3 months validity after the day you plan to leave.
Language to Know When Visiting Spain
Here’s some of the essential words and phrases to learn before your Spanish trip.
- Hello – Hola (O-la)
- Good morning – Buenos días (BWAY-nos DEE-as)
- Good afternoon – Buenas tardes (BWAY-nas TAR-des)
- Good night – Buenas noches (BWAY-nas NOH-chays)
- Goodbye – Adiós
- Please – Por favor
- Thank you – Gracias (GRA-thee-as)
- Water – Agua
What Currency is Used in Spain?
The currency in Spain is euros. Credit and debit cards are used widely across the country, but it’s also helpful to have small amounts of change handy.
What Plugs are Used in Spain?
Spain uses Type C and Type F plugs. We recommend taking a universal adaptor so that you’re prepared for any eventuality.
Spanish Laws & Emergency Info
112 is the phone number for emergencies in Spain. Call this number and you will be connected to the right emergency service through multilingual operators.
You must provide photo ID if asked by a police officer. The police have the right to hold you at a police station until they have confirmed your identity.
Ignoring direct requests of a police officer can be considered as ‘disobedience’, which is a criminal offence in Spain.
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