Spain travel guide: When to go and what to do

This is the ultimate Spain travel guide to help you plan your trip to Spain. It contains almost everything you need to know about Spain. Follow this guide until the end, as it answers all your questions.

Places to visit in Barcelona

The Gothic Quarter

It is one of the coolest areas in Barcelona. It is home to Gothic architecture dating back 2,000 years, as the name suggests! The Romans built the structures. The Gothic Quarter is essentially the city’s old quarter, so it’s steeped in Spanish history. Explore the Gothic Cathedral, King’s Square, the narrow streets, and the tapas bars. The Gothic Quarter is a great place to wander around and get lost for a while.

Parc de la Ciutadella

This stunning park was designed by none other than Gaudi. Actually, Gaudi did not design the entire park, only the waterfall below, known as the Cascada Monumental. It is a tranquil natural setting in the heart of the city. Get a walk and take a place to sit for a moment, as you will need the rest to tackle the upcoming climbs.

Bunkers del Carmel

Bunkers del Carmel, located at the top of the Turó de la Rovira hill, is one of the best places to get a 360-degree view of the city. During the Spanish Civil War in the 1930s, these fortifications were built to protect the city from bombings. The climb to the top of the bunker is steep, but the views are worth it! You can bring snacks and a blanket if you want to sit back and relax while admiring the view. This is also an excellent location for watching the sunset or sunrise.

We strongly recommend you learn some Spanish travel vocabulary as it will help you understand native speakers and allow you to communicate with them easily. So, expand your Spanish vocabulary before heading to Spain.

Three experiences you must have in Spain

Dine at El Botin

Wouldn’t it be cool to say you ate at the world’s oldest restaurant? That honor, however, belongs to El Botin. El Botin, founded in 1725, is the world’s oldest continuously operating restaurant. It now has the ambiance of an upscale restaurant, but most Spanish dinner food items are under 20 euros. You must make a reservation because this restaurant is extremely popular.

Go to a Football Game

Even if you don’t like football (soccer in ‘Murica), you should attend a Real Madrid or Barcelona game. Why? Because the experience is simply incredible. The excitement and energy of the crowds, the cheering, and the suspense, you can’t help but enjoy yourself.

Watch a Flamenco Show in Andalusia

Contrary to popular belief, flamenco is not a national Spanish dance. It’s a traditional dance from Andalusia, Spain’s southernmost region. Because Flamenco originated in Andalusia, you will find the most authentic performances there.

What do tourists need to know before going to Spain?

Spain has two islands and two territories in Africa

Spain is more than just the mainland of the Iberian Peninsula. Spain also includes the Canary Islands, the Balearic Islands, and the North African territories of Ceuta and Melilla.

Tenerife, Gran Canaria, and Lanzarote are popular tourist destinations in the Canary Islands, located off West Africa’s coast. Ibiza and Palma de Mallorca are located on the Balearic Islands, off the east coast of Spain. The Cies Islands are a group of smaller islands off the coast of Vigo, Galicia.

Siesta is real

Spain is known for its laid-back culture, which has both advantages and disadvantages. Spaniards have a laid-back attitude towards work. On the plus side, stress levels are low, and happiness levels are high. On the negative side, it slows down the work. Spaniards observe this thing called Siesta, which means rest because they place such a high value on leisure and relaxation. Stores typically close between 12 p.m. and 3 p.m. so customers can catch some sleep or catch up with friends.

It’s not sunny everywhere

Some may consider Spain as Europe’s Hawaii, but this is not true. Spain has four seasons, each with its own set of weather conditions.

Temperatures in Madrid can fall into the 30s and 40s (degrees Fahrenheit). Between December and February, it also snows and hails on occasion. Then, in the summer, it can be excruciatingly hot. Madrileos (people from Madrid) flock to the coast during the summer to escape the heat.

Galicia, located in northwest Spain, is a rainy region. It can rain up to 300 days per year! If you want to enjoy the best weather, visit in May or June. 

Where to stay in Spain?

As the tourism hub, Spain offers a wide range of accommodation options. The country has nearly 10,000 hotels, ranging from international luxury brands and the spectacular Paradores de Turismo (state-owned hotels set in historic buildings) to one-star properties, which are frequently the more charming option.

Also, the bathroom will be en suite if the hotel has at least one star. That isn’t always the case with albergues, which typically offer rooms or dormitories for less than €20 per night. These are not to be confused with hostales or pensiones, which are small, family-run boarding houses that provide bed and breakfast but lack the services required to be classified as a hotel. They are typically more comfortable, less expensive, and provide a more personalized experience.

Best time to visit Spain

If you want to avoid both crowds and the country’s highest temperatures, avoid the busy months of July and August when beaches will be especially crowded. If you can only visit during the summer, head inland to find some fantastic rural festivals, such as Semana Grande, a nine-day festival in Bilbao that celebrates Basque culture.

Spring and autumn are much more pleasant in terms of temperature, especially if you plan to spend a lot of time sightseeing in cities. The country’s coastlines and the Canary Islands are always popular winter sun destinations.

Additionally, you must explore the best way to learn Spanish for travel, as knowing the language will increase your chances of enjoying your journey way more. If you want online Spanish classes to polish your Spanish-speaking and writing skills, explore italki to get the best private tutor.

Learn Spanish with italki

italki makes Spanish learning super easy. What could be more convenient than learning on your own time? The tutors at italki use modern learning methods and styles to involve students and help them achieve their goals. Let us decode some of italki’s incredible features:

1. You can find the best Spanish tutor online offering engaging Spanish lessons online at italki. The majority of instructors are native speakers with extensive teaching and learning experience.
2. This online learning platform allows Learners to create learning schedules based on their routines.
3. Learners can receive lesson plans that are tailored to their specific learning needs and objectives.
4. This platform has successfully brought together conversational Spanish tutors who instill interactive practices to assist students in learning in real-world scenarios.
5. The learner is provided with reading material, exercises, and quizzes to assist them in tracking their progress.

The enrollment procedure at italki

• Go to the website.
•  Generate your profile.
• Enter information about your preferred learning style, schedule, mode, etc.
• Look for Spanish tutors: Go to the ‘Find a Teacher’ section and search for Spanish tutors. Review their profiles (including their experience, reviews, and teaching styles).
• Select your preferred tutor. To experience the quality of their learning sessions, you can book a trial session at a reduced price.
• Establish your learning objectives in consultation with your tutor. Schedule regular lessons.
• Participate in conversational practices and read the instructor-provided material. Listen to the instructor’s feedback and keep track of your learning progress.

Frequently asked questions

What is the purpose of a Spanish travel guide?

The purpose of a Spain travel guide is to provide comprehensive information and recommendations for travelers visiting Spain. It covers topics such as destinations, attractions, accommodations, transportation, culture, and more.

How can a Spanish travel guide help me plan my journey?

A Spain travel guide can help you plan your journey by suggesting must-visit places, providing details about attractions and activities, and offering tips on optimizing your time in different regions.

Is it better to use printed or digital travel guides for Spain?

The choice between printed and digital guides depends on personal preferences. Printed guides are tangible and don’t require electronic devices, while digital guides may be more up-to-date and offer interactivity.

Conclusion

So, this is all about our Spain travel guide. We have included must-visit places, some cultural insights, the best time to visit, and places to stay. Follow this guide to make your journey easier and worth it.

If you want to master the Spanish language before heading to Spain, go to italki to get the best Spanish tutor to help you master the fluency at your desired pace. Visit the website today!