Spain Travel Guide
From the sun-drenched beaches of the Mediterranean to the snow-capped peaks of the Pyrenees, Spain is a country rich in culture, history, and flavor.
Whether you’re planning your first trip or your tenth, this Spain travel guide has everything you need for expert Spain travel planning. Inside, you’ll find essential Spain travel tips, regional insights, and a taste of Spain food and wine culture, plus a few classic Spanish recipes to bring the magic home.
This Spain travel guide is your starting point for uncovering the best things to do in Spain, figuring out where to stay in Spain, and crafting unforgettable Spain itineraries.
Our team of travel experts has spent time eating our way through Basque Country, exploring the stunning coves and beaches of Costa Brava, and soaking up culture and history in Madrid and Barcelona. We have first-hand experience in Spain and many thoughts on how to plan a Spain custom itinerary.
Travel Tips For Spain
Spain is a country that lives and breathes passion—from flamenco rhythms to Picasso paintings to the lively conversations at a local tapas bar. It’s a place where ancient traditions mix effortlessly with contemporary style, and where every city, town, and village has its own unique character.
This Spain travel guide will introduce you to the country’s stunning diversity and help you make the most of your Spain travel experience. Whether you want to marvel at Moorish palaces, sip wine in medieval villages, or dance until sunrise, Spain offers endless opportunities for exploration and discovery.
Successful Spain travel planning starts with understanding a few key points about Spanish culture and logistics. While Spain is part of the European Union and uses the euro, it has its own pace of life, with late-night dinners, leisurely afternoons, and an emphasis on living in the moment. This section of the Spain travel guide shares essential Spain travel tips to help you fit right in and make the most of your journey.
Top 5 Spain Travel Tips:
🕑 Adjust to local time: Lunch is around 2-3 PM and dinner often starts after 9 PM. Embrace the Spanish rhythm!
🚄 Use trains and buses: Spain’s public transportation is reliable, affordable, and perfect for getting between major cities and regions.
🗣️ Learn a few phrases: While many Spaniards speak English in tourist areas, a few words of Spanish go a long way.
🍷 Pace your tapas crawl: In Spain, it’s common to hop from bar to bar, ordering one or two tapas and a drink at each.
🥾 Pack comfortable shoes: From cobblestone streets to hilltop towns, you’ll be walking a lot during your Spain travel adventures!
Spain Food And Wine
When it comes to gastronomy, Spain is a powerhouse. In this part of the Spain travel guide, we explore Spain food and wine, from traditional tapas and rich regional stews to crisp Albariño wines and robust Riojas.
Spanish cuisine is built on bold flavors, seasonal ingredients, and a deep respect for tradition. Whether you’re sipping vermouth in a sun-drenched plaza or sharing a sizzling pan of paella by the sea, food and wine are central to the Spanish way of life. This guide will help you navigate must-try dishes, discover regional specialties, and savor every bite of your journey.
Regional Differences in Spain
One of the most exciting parts of any Spain travel experience is discovering how much the country’s regions differ. Spain isn’t a monolithic culture—it’s a vibrant patchwork of languages, traditions, and cuisines.
This Spain travel guide explores how each part of the country offers a unique lens into Spanish identity. Whether you’re drawn to the rugged mountains of the Basque Country, the cosmopolitan streets of Madrid, or the flamenco rhythms of Andalucía, you’ll find a whole new world waiting for you in each region.
Basque Country
In the north, the Basque Country is known for its fierce independence, lush landscapes, and one of the world’s most exciting culinary scenes. Cities like San Sebastián and Bilbao are must-stops for food lovers, while small fishing villages and green hills add to the charm. Expect pintxos (small snacks), cider houses, and some of the best gastronomy in the country.
Catalonia
Catalonia, with its capital in Barcelona, offers a mix of coastal beauty, modernist architecture, and proud Catalan identity. You’ll find everything from world-famous museums to tiny medieval villages tucked into the hills. Catalonia is a key destination in any Spain travel guide, known for dishes like escalivada, vibrant street life, and breathtaking Mediterranean views.
Madrid
The heart of the country, Madrid blends traditional Spain with a contemporary edge. The city boasts some of Europe’s top art museums, sprawling parks like El Retiro, and a legendary nightlife scene. This is also where you’ll dive deep into classic Spanish flavors—like churros and chocolate, jamón, and cocido madrileño—all must-tries during your Spain itineraries.
Andalucía
In southern Spain, Andalucía is a land of Moorish palaces, flamenco, whitewashed villages, and sun-soaked plazas. Cities like Seville, Granada, and Córdoba overflow with history and romance. This is the birthplace of tapas, sherry wine, and some of Spain’s most iconic traditions.
Classic Spanish Recipes
Recreate some of Spain’s magic at home with these classic dishes and a few modern takes. These traditional recipes bring the spirit of Spain’s kitchens to your own table and offer a perfect way to relive your favorite Spain travel memories.
Classic Spanish Foods To Try (or Cook!):
🥘 Paella Valenciana: A beloved rice dish cooked with saffron, vegetables, rabbit, and sometimes seafood, originating from Valencia.
🍅 Pan con Tomate: A simple yet delicious Catalan dish of rustic bread rubbed with ripe tomato, olive oil, and a pinch of salt.
🥚 Tortilla Española: A hearty Spanish omelette made with potatoes and onions—perfect for any meal of the day.
🍖 Jamón Ibérico: Cured Iberian ham that’s a true delicacy, sliced thin and savored slowly.
🧄 Gambas al Ajillo: Shrimp sautéed in garlic and olive oil—a must-try tapa when traveling through Spain.
Spain Travel Planning Resources
Starting to plan a Spain trip? Check out these helpful links:
- Apartments: Use code SaltandWindTravel/AM when booking apartment stays with Plum Guide
- Hotels: Book High-Quality Hotels at Booking.com
- Tours: Book in-depth tours with Context Travel
- Shop: See our favorite travel essentials in our Amazon store
Have Us Plan Your Spain Trip
Did you know we’re also a boutique travel agency that specializes in Spanish vacation planning? Our Spain trip planner services are here to help you.