🇪🇸Spain

About Spain

Spain packs several distinct travel experiences into one country. Madrid holds the Prado and the Reina Sofía, plus a nightlife that runs until dawn, while Barcelona looks to Gaudí's Sagrada Família, Park Güell and Casa Batlló. Andalusia in the south is where the Alcázar of Seville and the Alhambra in Granada sit among whitewashed towns and olive groves; the Basque Country around Bilbao and San Sebastián has its own language, cider houses and pintxos bars, and Galicia on the Atlantic coast offers seafood and a wet, green landscape unlike the rest of the peninsula. The AVE high-speed network links Madrid, Seville and Barcelona in a few hours, though regional buses reach smaller towns more cheaply. Eating at a bar counter or taking the fixed-price menú del día at lunch keeps costs near the budget range of roughly $55 to $85 a day, with mid-range spending nearer $120 to $180; Madrid and Barcelona run highest, Andalusia lower. Summer bakes the interior, with Seville and Madrid often above 35°C in July and August, while the north stays cooler and wetter. Spring (April-May) and autumn (September-October) bring mild weather, thinner crowds and warm sea temperatures into October.

Spain at a Glance

When to Visit Spain

High Season (June-August): Peak summer with hot, dry weather (28-35°C in most areas, can exceed 40°C inland and in the south). Coastal areas like Barcelona, Costa del Sol, and the Balearic Islands are packed. Prices surge - book accommodation 3-6 months ahead. Inland cities like Madrid and Seville can be oppressively hot. August is when many locals leave cities for coastal vacations. Shoulder Season (April-May, September-October): The best time to visit Spain. Pleasant temperatures (15-25°C in most areas), fewer crowds, and lower prices. Spring brings blooming flowers across the country. Autumn offers warm sea water for swimming plus harvest season and wine festivals. Perfect for city sightseeing and hiking. Low Season (November-March): Cooler weather (8-15°C in most of Spain), with rain especially in the north. The south (Andalusia, Canary Islands) remains mild (15-20°C). Ski season in the Sierra Nevada and Pyrenees runs December-March. Prices are lowest and crowds minimal. Christmas markets and winter festivals add charm. Great for city breaks and cultural travel.

Visa Policy for Spain

Entry rules for Spain depend on your passport. We track visa-free stays, e-visas and visa-on-arrival rules for US & Canadian, EU & UK, Chinese, and Australian & Japanese passports — with official sources and last-verified dates.

Visa policies are subject to official sources. Please verify with the embassy/consulate before travel.

Travel Budget for Spain

Budget: $55-85/day (Budget hostel or pension 25-40 EUR, tapas and menu del dia 10-15 EUR, metro/bus 2-4 EUR, free sights + one paid attraction 8-12 EUR. Eating at local bars and taking advantage of menu del dia lunch specials is the key to saving money.) Mid-Range: $120-180/day (Nice boutique hotel or 3-star 70-120 EUR, sit-down restaurant meals 25-40 EUR, regional train or bus 15-30 EUR, tours and attractions 15-25 EUR. Includes some tapas bar experiences and museum visits.) Luxury: $250-400+/day (Luxury hotel or parador 180-300+ EUR, fine dining with wine 60-120 EUR, private transfers and high-speed AVE train 50-100 EUR, premium experiences and guided tours 40-80 EUR. Spain has some of Europe's best luxury value.) Per person per day in USD, excluding international flights. Madrid and Barcelona are the most expensive cities. Andalusia and smaller towns are significantly cheaper (20-30% less). Spain is generally one of the more affordable Western European countries.

Prices are per person per day in USD, excluding international flights.

Must-Visit Attractions

Travel Guides for Spain

Other Countries in Europe

Frequently Asked Questions about Spain