Why Fly to Spain
Spain delivers on almost every front — history, food, beaches, nightlife, and architecture that stops you mid-street. It's one of the most visited countries in the world for good reason, not hype. Whether you're standing in front of a Gaudí masterpiece in Barcelona, eating pintxos in Bilbao, or watching flamenco in Seville, the country has a way of feeling both effortless and completely alive. The food alone is worth the flight: tapas culture means you eat well without trying hard, and the regional variety — Basque, Catalan, Andalusian — means every city tastes different.
Beyond the classics, Spain rewards people who go slightly off-script. The interior is underrated, the coastline stretches for thousands of kilometers, and smaller cities like Valencia and San Sebastián punch well above their weight. Madrid is a world-class capital with world-class museums and a nightlife scene that genuinely doesn't start until midnight. Come with an open schedule and a willingness to eat late.
Best Time to Visit Spain
Spring (April–June) and fall (September–October) are the sweet spots. Temperatures sit around 15–25°C (59–77°F), crowds thin out compared to summer, and prices drop noticeably on accommodation and flights. These are the months when Spain is easiest to enjoy without fighting for space at every major sight.
Summer (July–August) is peak season — hot (30°C+ inland, hitting 40°C in Seville and Córdoba), crowded, and expensive. Beach destinations like the Costa del Sol and Balearic Islands are mobbed. That said, if you're going for the party atmosphere or specific festivals like La Tomatina or San Fermín, summer is the time. Winter (November–March) is quieter and cheaper, good for city trips to Madrid and Barcelona, but rainy and cold in the north. The south stays mild enough to walk around comfortably. Skip the Canary Islands crowd and you'll find deals.
Getting Around Spain
Spain has one of Europe's best high-speed rail networks. The AVE trains run between major cities at speeds up to 310 km/h — Madrid to Barcelona takes under 3 hours, Madrid to Seville around 2.5 hours. Book through Renfe (the national operator) in advance for the best fares. For longer or more remote routes, domestic flights on Iberia, Vueling, or Ryanair are cheap and frequent. Buses (Alsa is the main operator) fill the gaps to smaller towns and are affordable. Within cities, public transport is reliable and inexpensive — Madrid and Barcelona both have excellent metro systems.
Visa & Entry Requirements
EU citizens need only a valid national ID card or passport — no visa, no limit on stays. UK and US citizens (plus Canadians, Australians, and most other nationalities) can visit visa-free for up to 90 days within any 180-day period. Your passport must be valid for at least 3 months beyond your planned departure from the Schengen Area. Overstaying can result in a ban of up to 3 years. Starting late 2026, visa-exempt travelers will need to apply for an ETIAS authorization before entering — it costs €20, takes minutes to apply for online, and is valid for 3 years or until your passport expires. You'll need a biometric passport to apply. Dial 112 for any emergency in Spain.
Money & Budget
Spain uses the euro (€). Contactless card payments are widely accepted in cities, restaurants, and shops. That said, carry some cash — rural areas, markets, and smaller vendors often prefer or require it. ATMs are easy to find; use ones affiliated with major banks and decline dynamic currency conversion when prompted (always pay in euros). Notify your bank before you travel to avoid your card being blocked.
Daily budget estimates per person, excluding flights: Budget travelers can get by on €60–80 staying in hostels, eating at markets and menú del día lunch deals (typically €10–14 for three courses). Mid-range runs €120–180 covering a comfortable hotel, sit-down meals, and entry fees. Luxury starts around €300+ per day in Madrid or Barcelona. Smaller cities and rural areas cost noticeably less across the board.
Top Cities to Visit in Spain
- Madrid: The capital is all-in — Royal Palace, the Prado and Reina Sofía museums, great food markets, and nightlife that runs until dawn. Don't skip the Retiro Park.
- Barcelona: Gaudí's Sagrada Família and Park Güell are genuinely unmissable, and the city has beaches, Gothic Quarter streets, and a food scene that holds its own against anywhere in Europe.
- Seville: The spiritual home of flamenco, with the stunning Real Alcázar palace and a cathedral that's one of the largest in the world. Best visited in spring — summer is brutally hot.
- Bilbao: The Guggenheim Museum alone makes it worth the trip, but the real draw is Basque culture — the pintxos bars in the old town are some of the best eating in the country.
- Valencia: Birthplace of paella, home to the futuristic City of Arts and Sciences, and a bit more relaxed than Barcelona. Good beaches, great weather, lower prices.
- Granada: The Alhambra palace and fortress complex is one of the finest examples of Moorish architecture on earth. Book tickets weeks in advance — entry is timed and sells out fast.
FAQ — Flights to Spain
Which airport should I fly into for Spain?
Madrid Barajas (MAD) and Barcelona El Prat (BCB) handle the most international traffic and have the widest range of connections. Fly into Madrid if you're touring the center or south, Barcelona for the northeast. Seville (SVQ), Malaga (AGP), and Bilbao (BIO) are worth considering if they're closer to your main destination — you'll often save time and money by avoiding a connection through the big hubs.
How far in advance should I book flights to Spain?
For the best prices, book 6–10 weeks out for shoulder season travel, and 3–4 months ahead for July and August. Last-minute deals exist but are unreliable during peak summer. Midweek flights (Tuesday/Wednesday) are typically cheaper than weekend departures, and flying into a secondary airport like Girona (near Barcelona) or Jerez (near Seville) can cut costs significantly.
Do I need travel insurance for Spain?
It's not legally required, but it's strongly recommended. EU citizens with a valid EHIC or GHIC card get access to state healthcare on the same terms as Spanish residents — useful for emergencies. UK travelers should carry a GHIC. US and other non-EU visitors have no reciprocal healthcare agreement, so without insurance, medical costs come entirely out of pocket. Get a policy that covers medical evacuation, trip cancellation, and theft — pickpocketing in tourist areas is common enough that coverage is worth having.