SPAIN

Picture yourself in Spain: majestic, fairytale-esque buildings rise against clear skies, beautiful sunsets paint the horizon, and picture-perfect beaches await. Spain’s charm is truly something special. Imagine stepping into a country where thousand-year-old castles stand proudly amidst modern cityscapes, and every sunbeam that touches your face feels like a gentle invitation to explore further. Wander through sun-drenched vineyards, where grapes ripen to become some of the world’s finest wines. Savor a morning café con leche in a cozy plaza, or get lost in the winding streets of a medieval town that feels like stepping back in time. Let the rhythm of flamenco sweep you off your feet, indulge in mouthwatering street food, and immerse yourself in Spain’s vibrant culture. It’s not just a destination—Spain is an experience, and one you’ll be recommending to everyone after you visit.

THINGS TO SEE AND DO IN SPAIN

  • Unwind in the outdoor hot springs of Ourense

  • Climb an active volcano in Tenerife.

  • Taste world-famous wines in La Rioja and Basque Country.

  • Learn the Spanish flamenco dance

  • Go white-water rafting on the River Gállego

  • Dive into Europe's only underwater sculpture museum

  • Conquer your fears on the most dangerous hike in the world

  • Spend the night in a haunted castle

  • Witness the iconic running of the bulls festival in Pamplona

TYPICAL COSTS WHEN TRAVELING

Accommodation –  Spain's accommodations are as vibrant as its culture—stay in a centuries-old castle, unwind in a chic urban boutique hotel, or soak in the coastal vibes at a beachside villa. Whatever your style, Spain delivers with flair!

Low Budget:

  • Hostels: $30-$85 per night for a single bed in a hostel dorm room.

  • Couchsurfing/Housesitting/Volunteering: These options can provide free accommodation in exchange for your help or company.

Mid-Range:

  • AirBnBs: $95-$180 per night for a private room in a good location, including cleaning and service fees. Be prepared to show your passport and pay a tourist tax.

  • Local Bed and Breakfasts: $70-$180 per night for a double room, for a more personal touch compared to hostels.

Luxury:

  • Famous Hotel Chains: $120-$360 per night for a double room, depending on location and season.

Transportation – Getting around Spain is a breeze with high-speed trains, affordable buses, and scenic walking paths—so whether you’re zipping between cities or strolling charming villages, transportation here is as delightful as the destination.

Low Budget:

  • Public Transportation (Metro, Buses): Utilize the extensive network for intra-city travel ($1.50-$2.50 per ride, day passes $5-$15). Consider buying tickets in advance for inter-city travel on buses ($10-$20).

Mid-Range:

  • Intercity Buses: Opt for buses between major cities for a budget-friendly option, although journeys may be longer due to frequent stops ($10-$20).

Luxury:

  • Bullet Train (AVE): Travel between major cities quickly and comfortably on the high-speed train network ($50+ depending on distance and booking time).

  • Ride Sharing (Uber, Cabify): Utilize ride-sharing apps for convenient door-to-door service, especially during off-peak hours to avoid surge pricing ($35+).

Food – In Spain, food isn't just a meal—it's a celebration! From the savory embrace of tapas to the fiery flavors of paella and the sweet bliss of churros dipped in chocolate, every bite tells a story of passion and tradition. Keep in mind, in Spain, dinner often begins around 9 or 10 PM, with locals embracing the late-night meal as part of their relaxed and social lifestyle.

Low Budget:

  • Local Markets: Stock up on fresh produce, cheese, and bread for picnics ($2-$5).

  • Tapas Bars: Order a variety of tapas to share ($3-$12 per tapa).

  • Supermarkets: Purchase groceries for quick meals ($5-$10).

  • Street Food Vendors: Enjoy local favorites for a low cost ($2-$6)

Mid-Range:

  • Casual Restaurants: Enjoy typical Spanish meals in local restaurants ($25-$50).

Luxury:

  • Upscale Restaurants: Indulge in gourmet meals ($50+).

Must-Try Dishes:

  • Paella – A saffron-infused rice dish with seafood or meat, originating from Valencia.

  • Tortilla Española – A classic Spanish omelet made with eggs, potatoes, and onions.

  • Jamón Ibérico – Cured ham, often served thinly sliced as a tapa.

  • Patatas Bravas – Crispy potatoes with a spicy tomato sauce and aioli.

  • Gazpacho – A refreshing cold tomato-based soup perfect for warm days.

  • Churros con Chocolate – Fried dough sticks dipped in rich, thick chocolate.

  • Pulpo a la Gallega – Galician-style octopus with olive oil, paprika, and sea salt. NOTE: while this is a classic Spanish dish, ethically it's best not to eat Octopus!

  • Pimientos de Padrón – Small green peppers, some sweet, some spicy, blistered in olive oil.

  • Croquetas – Creamy, deep-fried bites filled with ham, chicken, or cheese.

  • Cochinillo Asado – Roasted suckling pig, a specialty in Segovia.

Suggested Daily Budget

Planning your daily budget in Spain? With €50-70, you can indulge in tapas, savor local wines, explore iconic landmarks, and even splurge on a siesta-worthy bed—all while feeling fabulously frugal.

  • On a Budget: $50 – $70 per day

  • Mid-Range: $100 – $150 per day

  • Luxury: $162+ per day

MONEY SAVING TIPS

1

Housesitting - Care for someone's home and pets in exchange for free accommodation

2

Self-Cater Some Meals - Stock up on groceries at supermarkets and cook meals in your accommodation, especially breakfast.

3

Take Advantage of the Menu del Dia - Enjoy a multi-course lunch special at restaurants, typically the most affordable meal of the day.

4

Free Activities - Seek out free attractions like museums with free entry days, walking tours, or city parks

WHAT CAN I EXPECT FROM SPAIN?

  • In addition to Spanish (Castilian), Spain recognizes several regional languages with official or co-official status:

  • Catalan: Spoken in Catalonia, Valencia (where it’s called Valencian), and the Balearic Islands.

  • Galician: Predominantly spoken in Galicia in northwest Spain.

  • Basque (Euskara): Unique to the Basque Country and parts of Navarre, it’s unrelated to any other language.

  • Aranese: A variety of Occitan spoken in the Val d’Aran in Catalonia.

  • Spain is a constitutional monarchy with a Prime Minister and a King with ceremonial power.

  • Spain’s national anthem, “La Marcha Real,” is unique because it has no official lyrics.

  • Spain observes Central European Time (CET), even though it is geographically suited for GMT.

FUN FACT

San Juan de Gaztelugatxe, one of the most iconic spots in the Basque Country, gained even more fame after being featured in the seventh season of *Game of Thrones*. The stunning location was transformed into Dragonstone, where Jon Snow first meets Daenerys Targaryen.

THINGS TO NOTE ABOUT SPAIN

Nature

Even if you’re not an outdoor person, you’re equally at risk of falling in love with nature in Spain. Let me set the scene for you: Pristine beaches lapped by clear waters. Majestic mountains that touch the clouds. Lush greenery. Exotic wildlife…

  • Somiedo Natural Park - Venture inland to Somiedo Natural Park, where the Cantabrian Mountains surround a world of hidden valleys and crystal-clear lakes. Here, you might find yourself standing in awe as a majestic brown bear makes its way across a distant meadow or holding your breath as a golden eagle soars overhead.

  • Lagunas de Ruidera Natural Park - Journey to the heart of the country, to Lagunas de Ruidera Natural Park. Here, fifteen interconnected lakes ascend down a gentle slope, linked by foaming waterfalls and gurgling streams.

  • Dehesas Forest Biosphere Reserve - Outside of Sevilla is the Dehesas Forest Biosphere Reserve, where humans coexist with nature. Here, you can catch a glimpse of the elusive Iberian lynx, which is the world’s most endangered feline.

  • Gaztelugatxe - Imagine standing on a winding stone bridge, the salty breeze tousling your hair as you gaze upon the silhouette of Gaztelugatxe in the north of Spain. This tiny, rocky islet rises from the Bay of Biscay like a fortress from a fairy tale, crowned by a centuries-old hermitage.The 200+ zigzagging steps to the top might leave you gasping for breath, but the panoramic views of the wild Basque coastline will steal what’s left of your breath anyway.

Festivals

Spaniards know how to party, and boy, do they do it well. Take the Fallas festival in Valencia. Giant, colorful statues fill the streets for days. People dance, drink, and make merry. Then, on the last night, they set it all on fire. It’s beautiful to witness. Or the Running of the Bulls in Pamplona. It’s exactly what it sounds like. Brave (or crazy) folks run through the streets with bulls hot on their heels. It’s not for the faint-hearted, but it sure is a spectacle. These festivals really bring out the wild side of the Spanish spirit. Towns transform. Music fills the air. People dance in the streets. It’s ridiculous fun, and you can’t help but get swept up in it. That’s Spain for you. It’s loud, but also quiet, it’s ancient, and it’s modern. It’s a country that knows how to honor the past while embracing the future. And Spaniards are more than proud to share it all with you.

Culture

Spain’s culture is a glorious blend of Roman, Visigoth, Moorish, and Catholic influences—kind of like a cultural tapas plate, with something for everyone. From the fiery strum of a flamenco guitar to the mouthwatering sizzle of paella, and the electric energy of a festival crowd, Spain serves up its heritage in vibrant, unforgettable doses. The country’s identity is as diverse and dramatic as its landscapes, making it a one-of-a-kind destination for every explorer.

Architecture

Architecture is basically art in Spain. This is evident in the show-stopping Islamic buildings, majestic cathedrals, and whimsical creations of architects like Antoni Gaudí.The unique architectural stylings of every region tell a unique story about the powerful historical forces that shaped this country.

  • Barcelona - In Barcelona, the Sagrada Família stands tall—and I mean tall. Its towers seem to touch the clouds, and its facades tell biblical stories in intricate detail. This Roman Catholic basilica has been under construction for over 140 years, and it’s still not finished! As you step inside, you’ll be bathed in rainbow light from the beautiful and artistic stained-glass windows.

  • Bilbao - The port city of Bilbao is home to some stunning architectural pieces, like the Guggenheim Museum. Its ultramodern—and, at the same time, futuristic—design is dazzling. It features shimmering titanium and glass, curving and twisting in ways that shouldn’t be possible.

  • Cordoba - If buildings could tell stories, the Mosque-Cathedral of Córdoba would be a bestseller. It started off as a mosque, but was later converted into a cathedral, and now, it is a combination of Islamic and Christian influences.

  • Madrid - The Royal Palace of Madrid, a magnificent example of Baroque architecture, offers a glimpse into the majesty of Spanish royalty.

  • Seville - Spain has a stunning collection of churches that showcase the evolution of its architectural styles. The Gothic-style Cathedral of Seville is the largest cathedral in the world, with its majestic stained-glass windows and delicate details.