Spain Travel Guide
Spain, known for its vibrant culture, stunning beaches, and historic cities, offers diverse accommodation options from luxury hotels in Madrid and Barcelona to beach resorts in Costa del Sol and historic paradores throughout the country. Whether you're seeking five-star luxury, boutique charm, or affordable city stays, Spain provides excellent accommodation choices for every traveler.
Best Time to Visit Spain
Spain offers different experiences throughout the year:
- March-May: Spring - mild weather, blooming flowers, fewer crowds
- June-August: Summer - warmest months, beach season, busy tourist season
- September-October: Fall - pleasant weather, wine harvest, cultural events
- November-February: Winter - mild temperatures in south, skiing in Pyrenees
Top Regions for Hotels in Spain
Madrid - Capital City
Spain's vibrant capital with diverse accommodation areas:
- Salamanca: Upscale neighborhood with luxury hotels and shopping
- Centro: Historic center with boutique hotels and major attractions
- Chueca: Trendy LGBTQ+ friendly area with design hotels
- Gran Vía: Main thoroughfare with business and tourist hotels
Barcelona - Mediterranean Gem
Cosmopolitan city with unique accommodation options:
- Gothic Quarter: Historic center with boutique hotels and hostels
- Eixample: Modernist district with luxury hotels and shopping
- Gràcia: Bohemian neighborhood with charming hotels
- Barceloneta: Beach area with seaside hotels
Coastal Regions - Beach Resorts
Spain's famous coastlines with resort accommodations:
- Costa del Sol: Southern coast with luxury resorts and golf hotels
- Costa Brava: Rugged coastline with boutique hotels and coves
- Balearic Islands: Ibiza, Mallorca, Menorca with beach resorts
- Canary Islands: Year-round sunshine with all-inclusive resorts
Historic Cities - Cultural Stays
Historic cities with unique accommodation options:
- Seville: Andalusian capital with historic hotels and patios
- Granada: Moorish city with hotels near Alhambra
- Toledo: Medieval city with paradores and historic hotels
- Santiago de Compostela: Pilgrimage destination with pilgrim hostels
Spain Travel Tips
Getting Around Spain
Spain has excellent transportation options:
- AVE High-Speed Train: Connects major cities quickly and comfortably
- Renfe: National railway network covering the country
- Metro & Buses: Efficient city transportation in major urban areas
- Domestic Flights: Connect mainland Spain with islands and distant regions
- Rental Cars: Ideal for exploring rural areas and coastal routes
Currency & Payments
The official currency is the Euro (€). Credit cards are widely accepted in hotels, restaurants, and shops. Contactless payments are very common. Cash is useful for markets, smaller establishments, and tips. ATMs are available throughout the country.
Language
Spanish (Castellano) is the official language. Regional languages include Catalan, Basque, and Galician. English is widely spoken in tourist areas, hotels, and by younger generations. Learning basic Spanish phrases is appreciated.
Local Customs & Etiquette
- Dinner typically starts late (9-11 PM)
- Greet with handshakes or cheek kisses (two kisses in most regions)
- Tipping is appreciated but not mandatory (5-10% in restaurants)
- Take afternoon siesta seriously - many shops close 2-5 PM
- Dress modestly when visiting churches and religious sites