Travel Guide to Spain

A country whose popularity has remained high for a very long time, Spain is a beautiful destination that simply begs to be visited. Its many wonderful historic sites, a welcoming culture, and natural beauty all mix to form what can easily be called the complete package.

Landscape
Gastronomy
Culture
Dynamic Cities
Know Before You Go
Best Time To Visit
What To Expect
Latest Articles About Spain

Landscape

Spain occupies almost the entire Iberian Peninsula and is one of the largest counties in Europe. There’s an interesting variety in its geography, in that it has plenty of lowlands, most of which are fertile, but also numerous beaches, a perfect climate, and a few mountains that only add to Spain’s charm.

Gastronomy

Historically speaking, Spain was almost always split into different kingdoms and regions, each with its own cuisine, and that is most evident today in its many autonomous regions. It’s difficult to say what the national dish of Spain is, specifically because each region has their own specific style of cooking. Spanish cuisine is also largely influenced by its turbulent and violent history and the many nations that have passed through its territory.

Culture

At one time, Spain was one of the most influential cultures in the world, as it used to have numerous colonies in the new world – the Americas. While those days are long past, influences from those days can still be felt today, with Spanish being one of the most spoken languages in the entire world. Also, because its history is filled with conflict, but also art, Spanish culture is considered one of the most diverse in the world, with many religious connotations.

Dynamic Cities

Spain has been inhabited even before Roman times, and during the time of the Romans, it used to serve as an important place for administration and military. Many of the Spanish cities of today can trace their roots to Rome, but centuries of conflict and conquest have shaped these cities to some of the most dynamic, beautiful, and interesting places in the world. Cities like Madrid, Barcelona, and Valencia are among the most visited in the world, with art and culture being some of the pillars these cities are based on.

Know Before You Go

Due to its expansive geography, Spain offers some of the best destination diversity in the world. Whether you’re looking for a relaxed beach holiday or a culture-packed city break.

No one knows their country better than Spanish people. Being friendly with the locals goes a long way, and you might discover a hidden gem or expert tip that makes your whole trip. Learning a new culture is all part of the fun.

Spanish people take their siesta seriously. You’ll find most shops and restaurants close between 1-4 pm. Join the fray and have a nap yourself, ready to come alive in the nighttime. The Spanish are extremely social evening diners and enjoy the experience well into the night.

Cities like Barcelona, Madrid, and Valencia are popular for a reason. But there are so many sites and secrets to uncover on the scenic Mediterranean coast. Such as the Alcázar of Segovia, one of the most distinctive and opulent castles in Spain. Or Babia, a quiet mountain province so dreamy the Spanish use the phrase “you are in Babia,” which means you are in a dream world. Getting off the beaten path in Spain is packed with rewards.

Best Time To Visit

The best times to visit Spain is in Spring (March to May) and the Autumn shoulder seasons (September to November). Accommodations are much cheaper and with fewer crowds, and the weather is still fantastic for the beach.

The peak season is Summer (June to August) and places like Barcelona will be packed to the rafters. If you have to travel in the season, make sure to book early, prepare for higher prices and plenty of tired locals in the tourist hot spots.

What To Expect

Planning a tantalizing trip to Spain? Here are a few tips to get you off to a flying start.

Currency – The official currency of Spain is the Euro

Language – The official languages spoken in Spain are Spanish (99%), Galician, Basque, Aranès, and Catalan.

ATMs – ATM’s are abundant in the cities and accept most foreign cards, Visa and Mastercard are the most popular. They’re a little few and far between in the more rural areas.

Plugs & Sockets – Spain uses the Europlug, or Type C plug with 2 round pins and the Type F plug with two round pins and 2 earth clips. The standard voltage is 230V and 50Hz frequency.

Safety – Spain is considered a safe country for travel. Petty crimes rates like pickpocketing are high in touristy places and crowded spots in cities like Barcelona.

Climate – Famous for its fantastic weather. Spain has three different climate zones. Overall, a Mediterranean climate means hot, dry summers and mild, wetter winters. At times still reaching as high as 22 degrees Celsius.

The central plateau has more of continental influence. Summers are generally hotter, and it sees colder winters than the outlying lands. The Mediterranean coast is more moderate in all seasons and sees more rain in spring and autumn.