Planning a Trip to Spain? Answers to the Most Asked Travel Questions

I still remember the first time I stepped off the plane and felt that mix of excitement and overwhelm. I wrote this FAQ for U.S. readers like me, who want clear, quick answers before they book.

This guide gives a bottom line first, then practical details and booking tips so you save time. I’ll cover best time windows, how many days make sense, where to base, transport, hotels, top sights, food and safety.

Spain is varied by region, so one itinerary rarely fits all. Expect season-by-season tables, city comparisons, transport charts, and a nights-per-city planner. Use this page like a checklist and jump straight to flights, trains, hotels, or tours.

I include simple affiliate disclosure: some buttons link to booking tools that help me keep this guide free. Read on and I’ll make your next trip clear, practical, and easier to book.

My first week taught me that different regions feel like separate countries with their own rhythms. This mindset shift changed how I plan every trip and helped me enjoy the country without rushing.

Regions often have unique languages, food, and architecture. The Basque Country, Andalusia, and Catalonia each offer distinct culture and vibes.

The daily rhythm leans later: long lunches, late dinners, and lively plazas at night. Shops and smaller museums may close for siesta, commonly about 1 p.m. to 4 p.m.

How I adapt:

• I schedule light museum mornings and reserve midday for a relaxed meal or errands.
• I plan evening walks and later dinners to match local hours.

Spain looks compact on a map, but travel time between regions adds up. High-speed trains shorten some routes, yet driving or local trains can take hours between distant cities.

Quick checklist to avoid burnout:

• Pick 2–3 bases and return to them.
• Minimize long back-and-forth transfers.
• After long transit days, schedule lighter activities the next day.

This short guide mindset—accepting regional variety and slower hours—makes every itinerary smoother and more enjoyable.

When I choose when to go, I think first about comfort, then about cost. Spring (March–May) and fall (September–November) give warm walking weather, fewer tourists, and better rates than summer.

Summer (June–August) is hottest and busiest in big cities. Beaches fill up and central plazas get crowded. The north and coastal spots feel cooler, so I steer there if I must travel in July or August.

Winter is mild in many cities and good for lower rates. Expect snow in the Pyrenees and more rain along the northern coast.

• Aim for shoulder seasons for value and comfort.
• Avoid the hottest inland weeks if you dislike heat.
• Choose the north in July/August for cooler beach days.
• Book must-see tickets early; rates for flights and hotels rise closer to peak times.

Choosing how many days to spend shapes every other decision I make for this journey.

My framework: pick length by energy level, must-see priorities, and whether you want north, south, or a mix. Short trips mean one base; longer itineraries let you add regions without rushing.

3 days in Madrid (include one day trip) + 3 days in Barcelona (include one day trip) + 1 flexible buffer day. This lets you sample major museums, neighborhoods, and key sights without constant transfers.

Typical flow: Barcelona → Madrid → Granada → Seville, with Córdoba as a smart stopover. This adds southern highlights while keeping travel days reasonable.

12–15 days gives time for major cities plus one region add-on—Basque Country or Andalusia—so you see more without racing each day.

Pick one city (Madrid, Barcelona, or Seville) and build 1–2 high-impact day trips. This keeps transit low and sightseeing focused.

• Signs you’re overpacked: multiple one-night stays, more than two long transit days, or no buffer day.
• Save some sights for a return visit instead of cramming them all in.

I start by narrowing the season and region; that single step makes itinerary choices easy.

How do I decide season? I pick spring or fall for milder weather and fewer crowds.

How many bases? I choose 2–4 bases to limit long transfers and see more without stress.

How do I mix cities and countryside? I add 2–3 nights in a small town if I want a slower pace.

I use a simple decision order: pick season → pick regions → choose bases → set pace → book logistics. This keeps choices clear and saves time when I build an itinerary.

• Priorities: art museums, beaches, Moorish history, hiking, food, wine, nightlife—each shifts route choices.
• Budget tip: spend more on location in big cities and use trains to cut wasted time.

For a step-by-step method I use when I book, see how I plan like a pro. This hub links into sections on cities, transport, hotels, tours, food, and safety so the whole plan fits together.

For a first visit, I pick three cities that show Spain’s main flavors without overcomplicating logistics.

I start in Madrid for the Golden Triangle of Art—Prado, Reina Sofía, and Thyssen—and lively neighborhoods like Malasaña and La Latina.

Plug in tours and tickets: book museum time slots and a Toledo or Segovia day tour early to avoid sold-out windows.

Barcelona is built around Gaudí must-books, the Gothic Quarter, and beaches. I reserve Sagrada Família and Park Güell tickets before arrival.

For coastal time, add Montserrat or the Costa Brava depending on how many relaxed days you want.

Seville gives me the Royal Alcázar, the cathedral area, and nightly flamenco energy in compact, walkable neighborhoods.

I usually slot in an evening flamenco show or a guided tour of the Alcázar and book those tickets in advance.

• Who each city fits: families and food-focused travelers love Madrid; couples enjoy Barcelona; culture and history fans pick Seville.
• After you pick cities, move on to transport and hotels sections to lock trains and rooms.
• For solo-traveler safety tips and U.S.-friendly destinations, see this short guide: safe U.S. destinations for solo.

If my schedule allows, I expand the route with nearby cities that add depth without extra transit pain. I decide which extra destinations to add by geography first. That keeps travel days low and the itinerary smooth.

Why go: the Alhambra is a must-see palace and the Sierra Nevada adds outdoors options. Book Alhambra tickets well in advance for timed entry.

Córdoba makes a perfect stopover between Andalusian cities. I prioritize the Mosque-Cathedral (Mezquita) and allow one relaxed day for winding streets and patios.

San Sebastián is a food-focused city with beaches and pintxos culture; reserve popular restaurants ahead in high season.

Bilbao centers on the Guggenheim and serves as a gateway for Basque Country day trips.

Pick these places when you want beaches or different cuisine. Season matters: Mallorca and Málaga shine in summer; Valencia works well in shoulder seasons.

• If I only add one extra stop, I choose: Granada for history, San Sebastián for food, Mallorca for beaches, or Bilbao for museums.

I use three go-to itineraries that fit how much time I have and how fast I like to move.

Rule of thumb: 2–4 nights per base, no more than one big transit every three days. I favor high-speed trains for efficient city hops and fewer lost hours.

Choose south for Moorish sites, warm nights, and Andalusian culture. Pick north for coastline, mountain villages, and Rioja wine.

Use weather, landscape, and cultural focus as your simple criteria.

Examples I use: Madrid + Barcelona + Andalusia for a southern balance, or Madrid + Barcelona + Basque Country for north-focused itineraries. See the transport section to match each option with the best booking way.

I match transport type to the distance and destination—this keeps my days productive.

Why I choose trains: for routes like Madrid–Barcelona or Madrid–Seville, high-speed trains save door-to-door time and drop you in city centers. I book morning or midday departures so I still have part of the day for sightseeing.

When flights make sense: long cross-country hops with tight schedules. I factor in airport transit and security so the flight advantage isn’t lost.

Buses are a solid budget option for short hops, overnight moves, or early/late departures. They often cost less and run to towns trains don’t serve.

Rental cars I use for: white villages, national parks, scenic coastal drives, and any place where public transit would add hours.

Ferries and fast boats connect islands and some coastal towns. I check seasonal schedules and book ahead in summer.

• How I pick: trains for city pairs, flights for long jumps, buses for budget short hops, rental cars for rural routes.
• Practical tip: compare door-to-door time, not just duration.

Ready to book?

[Button: Book Trains in Spain] [Button: Find Bus Tickets in Spain] [Button: Search Domestic Flights in Spain]

I treat the inbound and outbound airports as part of my itinerary, not an afterthought. That small choice can save hours and keep my days for sightseeing.

Madrid (MAD) is great for central Spain and easy rail links. I usually take the airport train into the city center for speed.

Barcelona (BCN) works best when my trip focuses on Catalonia or the coast. I take the Aerobus or taxi for a direct, simple transfer.

I fly into Málaga (AGP) when I want beach time plus Andalusian cities. I choose Seville (SVQ) if my route starts in Andalusia proper.

For island plans, Palma de Mallorca (PMI) saves hours and avoids extra ferry time.

• Book open-jaw flights: fly into one city and out of another to avoid repeat transfers.
• Follow the anti-backtracking rule: don’t return to your start city unless savings exceed one full day of sightseeing.
• Keep arrival day light to recover from jet lag and confirm airport-to-center options in advance.

Ready to compare options?

[Button: Compare Flights to Spain]

My overnight choice can make or break walking days, so I keep it simple and practical. I pick lodging near transit and lively dining streets so most sightseeing begins within a short walk.

I choose areas that feel safe at night, have easy metro or train access, and plenty of restaurants within five to ten minutes on foot.

That way I spend less time on transit and more on museums, food, and streets I want to explore.

Many boutique properties require two-night minimums on weekends or during high season. Larger city hotels usually offer more flexible night spans.

Book early for summer and major festivals to avoid limited availability.

• A/C: essential in warm months.
• Elevator note: ask if rooms are on upper floors in older buildings.
• Quiet vs lively: pick street vibe based on sleep needs.
• Laundry access: handy for longer stays.
• Budget tip: lock morning transfers and key reservations first.

[Button: Browse Hotels in Madrid] [Button: Browse Hotels in Barcelona] [Button: Browse Hotels in Seville]

I build my days around landmarks that anchor each city and leave room for slow moments. That helps me see key sites without burning out.

Book timed tickets early: Sagrada Família, Casa Milà, Park Güell. I usually reserve Sagrada Família first, then add Park Güell.

I group Prado, Reina Sofía, and Thyssen into one museum-heavy day. Then I plan a lighter afternoon in a neighborhood café to avoid overload.

In Andalusia I sequence the Alhambra, the Royal Alcázar, and Córdoba’s Mosque‑Cathedral across separate days. That gives time for tours and relaxed wandering.

• Show: best for couples and those short on time—intense, polished, and tourist-friendly.
• Class: ideal for culture seekers who want hands‑on experience and deeper context.

My rhythm: small-group walking tour on day 1, then one curated day trip, then a free exploration day. This mix balances guided context and solo discovery.

Ready to lock experiences?

[Button: Book Spain Tours & Activities]

I judge a neighborhood by its markets and small bars, and then build my daily route around those meals.

Tapas: small plates for sharing—patatas bravas, gambas al ajillo, and pimientos de Padrón.

Paella: coastal specialty best in seaside restaurants; choose saffron or seafood versions.

Jamón & Manchego: cured ham and cheese you’ll see on nearly every menu. Also try tortilla and gazpacho.

I look for mercados, neighborhood snack bars, and pintxos streets in Basque areas. These spots give great food without high restaurant prices.

I time lunches earlier and dinners later to match local hours and avoid siesta closures.

Reservations: book popular restaurants and weekend tables ahead, especially in high season.

Ready to taste more? [Button: Book a Food Tour in Spain]

I plan wine days around travel time so tastings feel relaxed, not rushed. If a winery requires a long drive or sits between two long train rides, I usually skip it or make it an overnight stop.

Why I pick it: Rioja offers classic bodegas, polished tastings, and cellar tours that fit as easy day trips from Logroño or Bilbao.

A typical day includes a morning tasting, a cellar tour, and a long lunch. For details I often reference this Rioja wine region itinerary to choose which bodegas to reserve.

Catalonia leans toward sparkling and crisp whites like Xarel·lo. Ribera del Duero focuses on bold Tempranillo reds with long aging.

Valencia blends whites (Macabeo) and reds; tastings are often paired with local rice dishes. Andalusia centers on fortified styles—sherry—and typically pairs with tapas and coastal flavors.

• Fast city trip: Choose an urban tasting room or a nearby bodega with a short transfer.
• Balanced days: Book a half-day tour with a cellar visit plus lunch.
• Slow countryside: Stay overnight at a winery or choose a full-day tasting and vineyard walk.

Booking tips: Reserve small wineries early, pick morning slots to avoid travel fatigue, and match tasting length to your days.

[Button: Book Wine Tours in Spain]

A few practical habits cut wasted hours and keep my days focused on sightseeing. Below are the routines I use every trip so nothing unexpected derails my plan.

Siesta often runs roughly 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. in smaller towns. I schedule museum mornings, a long lunch, then light walking or shopping in the late afternoon.

In big tourist cities many shops stay open, but I still use the midday lull for a relaxed meal or an easy transfer.

• I use cards for most city purchases and restaurants.
• I carry small euros for markets, buses, and rural shops that prefer cash.
• Tipping is modest—round up or leave 5–10% for good service.

Spanish works everywhere, but you’ll see Catalan, Basque, Galician, and Aranese in signs and menus. I learn a few greetings per region and keep a phrase note on my phone.

• Download offline maps and a transit app.
• Pre-book key tickets and start early on heavy transfer days.
• Keep one sticky note with local emergency numbers and your hotel address.

For a fuller check-and-book flow I use this Spain travel guide: Spain travel guide.

On every trip I use the same simple rules that keep crowded city days calm and safe. Spain feels safe overall, but I treat busy tourist areas and transit as places to be alert.

Quick habits I use:

• Wear a zippered crossbody or money belt and keep it in front in crowded spots.
• Put my phone in a front pocket and avoid taking it out on packed buses or metro cars.
• Carry copies of my ID and leave extras locked in my lodging.
• Prefer taxis or official apps late at night in unfamiliar neighborhoods.

In summer I plan mid‑day rest breaks, carry water, and use sunscreen. If I head into rural or mountain areas, I check local wildfire times and restrictions before hiking or driving.

I follow CDC guidance and confirm details with my doctor well before departure. I carry a small first‑aid kit and any prescription meds in original bottles.

What I make sure my policy covers:

• Medical care abroad and emergency evacuation.
• Trip interruption/cancellation for unforeseen delays.
• Baggage loss and delayed luggage support.
• Coverage for booked activities or guided tours I’ll take.

When insurance feels non‑negotiable: multi‑city itineraries, nonrefundable tickets, or peak summer bookings. That way I protect my days and experiences without stress.

I treat booking like layering: secure anchors, then add flexible blocks. This approach keeps my itinerary clear and leaves free days for wandering or extra tours.

Order I follow:

1. Lock flights or your route to set entry and exit cities.
2. Reserve hotels near transit hubs or neighborhoods I want.
3. Book trains for key city-to-city moves.
4. Grab timed tickets for must-see sites and popular day tours.

• Alhambra and other timed palaces—months ahead in high season.
• Top museums in Madrid and Barcelona—weeks ahead for peak days.
• Popular day tours (cordoba, wine regions) on busy dates.

I anchor 2–4 fixed items and leave other days open. I avoid stacking nonrefundable tickets on consecutive days in different cities. That rule saves wasted days when plans shift.

Bundle tip: I use a hotel+activities combination when the spain offer lowers cost and fits my days.

[Button: Bundle Hotels + Activities in Spain] [Button: Reserve Airport Transfers]

A short, focused checklist is the last thing I use to lock in smooth days and fewer surprises.

7–14 days before: confirm passport validity, booking confirmations, and travel insurance. Download offline maps and save hotel and train times. Check regional weather so my capsule packing fits coast, city, or mountains.

48 hours before: print or screenshot tickets, set transfer buffer time, and leave lighter day schedules to avoid tight connections. Pack sun essentials for hot months and a light layer for highland nights.

On the ground: respect local meal hours and siesta where relevant, keep cards and cash split, and use simple safety habits in busy tourist spots.

I focus on the part of the country that matches my style this year so I enjoy plenty of moments instead of racing through places.