A beginner’s guide to Spain

With artful architecture, the ritual of tapas and the fire of flamenco, Spain is a European icon of a country where history, art and culture collide. Whether you’re wandering through the labyrinthine streets of Madrid’s Old Town, cheering with sports fans at a live soccer match, or sampling authentic paella in a Valencian bistro, Spain is fit to bursting with unforgettable experiences. In this Spain travel guide for first-timers, we’ve gathered the best the country has to offer so you can start a true Spanish adventure as soon as you land.

Spain travel guide: unmissable highlights for first-timers

It’s likely you’ve already heard of the must-see attractions – all-time favorite cities and sights that you absolutely cannot miss, particularly if you’ve never visited this country before. Our Spain travel guide runs through some of the top highlights – for more inspiration, also check out our article on the best things to see and do in Spain…

Barcelona’s artful architecture

As the capital of Catalonia, the rebel-hearted city of Barcelona is one of the finest in Europe; known for its Gothic, modernist fusion of architectural styles, contemporary food and art scenes, and sparkling coastal charms. Barcelona is a city of celebration and plays a powerful role in Spain’s identity. Don’t miss La Sagrada Família and Park Güell (Gaudí’s renowned masterpieces), the Gothic Quarter and the streets of La Rambla, perfect for shopping, coffee-sipping and people-watching.

The history and regality of Madrid

Spain’s capital is bursting with historic monuments, world-class museums, and the best restaurants and nightlife you could ask for. Absorb the masterpieces of the Prado Museum, explore the regal rooms of the Royal Palace, and enjoy town squares jam-packed with buzzing markets, independent shopping, wonderful cafes, and street performers.

Seville, the home of flamenco

Get to know the Andalusia region in its soul city, Seville. This is the home of flamenco dancing, Moorish history and architectural styles, and sun-splashed street life. Seville’s Alcázar is a must-see, a stunning palace of Moorish and Spanish influence, with intricate tilework and lush gardens to wander. The tapas here are also exquisite; try everything from gazpacho to jamón ibérico, washed down with the best sherry Europe has to offer.

Foodie spots galore

From Valencia’s original paella to Granada’s free tapas culture; San Sebastian’s skewered pintxos to the chargrilled meats of Salamanca, you’re never far from a delicious and authentic bite to eat, wherever you are in Spain. The focus here is on produce, on the time spent to cure and age and roast, and the delectable pairings that go so beautifully together: a Manchego cheese with a quince jam, jamón ibérico with a sip of sherry, crispy churros with a hot chocolate sauce, a plate of grilled meat with a glass of Rioja.

Bilbao, the heart of the Basque Country

The Basque region is as distinct as a country all its own, and its capital Bilbao thrives on blending its long history with a focus on innovation. The Guggenheim Museum has brought a reputation for cultural vibrancy to Bilbao, while in the Old Town you can get a glimpse of its unique historic glory, including tasting traditional Basque food at the covered La Ribera Market.

The eternal sunshine of the Canary Islands

For a classic Spanish beach break that can be whatever you make of it, the Canary Islands are delightful. This archipelago’s reputation for great weather precedes it, as the sun shines here almost all year round, from Tenerife to Lanzarote to Gran Canaria. In total there are seven islands, covering incredibly diverse terrain; from volcanic landscapes to lush forests, desert-like dunes to glittering beaches.

Read more: The 10 best places to visit in Spain

Top attractions in Spain beyond the tourist trail

If you seek hidden gems that lend themselves to slow travel in Spain, there is plenty of joy to discover beyond the big-hitters mentioned above.

The Roman gold mines of Las Médulas

One of Spain’s many UNESCO World Heritage Sites, Las Médulas is intriguing to behold. The unique landscape was shaped by the ancient Romans, who used hydraulic gold-mining techniques which disturbed the land, creating red rock formations and cave-like tunnels that are almost otherworldly. As well as absorbing the landscape, visitors can follow walking trails, visit the Cave of the Vultures and explore the surrounding Páramo region, for more picturesque rural scenery.

Ronda and its ancient bullring

Located on a hilltop overlooking the dramatic scenery of El Tajo Gorge, Ronda is an obscure yet rewarding spot in southern Spain. Famous for its iconic Puente Nuevo bridge and intriguing historic bullring, the town also offers a resplendent mix of Moorish and Spanish architecture, some Arab baths, and a lovely Old Town.

Cadaqués, a favorite retreat of Salvador Dalí

This picturesque and sleepy seaside village is hidden along the rugged Costa Brava coastline, its whitewashed houses peacefully overlooking the crystal-clear ocean. It’s easy to see why this area inspired artists like Salvador Dalí – the artist made nearby Portlligat his home.

Albarracín, a medieval gem in Aragon

Those with a penchant for an historic postcard scene will love Albarracín, a memorable medieval town hidden away in the Aragon region. These fairytale, red-roofed houses and winding lanes overlook a dramatic gorge. You can visit the Cathedral, observe prehistoric cave paintings, and hike in the Sierra de Albarracín.

Nature, mountains and cider in Asturias and Picos de Europa

Another gem for nature-lovers and explorers, Asturias is stunning and yet one of the most underrated landscapes in Spain. The Picos de Europa National Park is packed with towering peaks and lush valleys – a wonderland for hikers, climbers and wildlife enthusiasts; but the traditional Asturian cider culture and hearty cuisine add an authentic, rogue edge. There’s nothing like hiking the mountains to finish the day drinking a tankard of local cider. Asturias is the perfect destination for slow travel, where the pace of life is laid-back and offers something different to the norm.

Unmissable Spain travel experiences

Spain is renowned for its culture of celebration, where food, fiestas and flamenco are all about bringing people together. In this Spain travel guide, we explore some ways to celebrate life like the Spanish…

Culinary journeys: what and where to eat in Spain

The Spanish love to eat; indulging in locally-made food (and lots of it), slow dining, savoring delicious wine, and taking every opportunity to add a tasty snack to the proceedings, whether they’re at a bar, cafe, beach, or wandering around town.

Of course, Spain’s iconic dish is paella, and though it’s available pretty much everywhere, you should sample the ‘real deal’ (made with rabbit, not seafood) in Valencia. For delectable and authentic tapas, you can’t beat Granada, where the tradition of getting a free tapa with your drink is still alive and well. San Sebastian is the place to go for filling up on traditional pintxos – skewered bite-sized snacks that can be as simple as olives and guindilla peppers, or as gourmet as grilled octopus and chorizo bites.

The pleasing regional distinction between cuisines is all part of the eating experience in Spain – the culinary offering of the Basque Country is so different to the heartier dishes inland, and different again to Catalonia’s coastal seafood feasts. Bring your appetite and you won’t be stuck for choice!

Savoring Spanish wines: vineyard tours and tasting

As well as the abundant food crops, there are wine grapes galore growing in Spain’s fertile Mediterranean climate – with 70 DOs (Denominaciones de Origen), in fact. From the plains of La Mancha – the largest wine-producing region in the world – to the green hills of Galicia, and its most famous juicy red export, Rioja; Spain’s high-quality wine is enjoyed the world over.

Wine tasting excursions range from exploring ancient vineyards and learning about centuries-old cultivation techniques, to visiting modern winemakers producing fresh and creative flavors.

It’s not just wine tasting that draws visitors far and wide, however: you’ll have ample chances to try other Spanish-born tipples, from a bubbly glass of cava in Catalonia to a sip of real sherry in Jerez, from dry Fino to sweet Pedro Ximénez.

Football, flamenco and fiestas

Spain is arguably home to the most talented soccer players in the world, and fútbol runs through the veins of many Spanish locals. Thousands of tourists come here to witness the magic of the sport, and if you’re a soccer fan, you could tour Spain with that purpose alone. The big two teams to know are Real Madrid and FC Barcelona, but there’s also incredible local action in cities across the country.

The passionate, fiery tradition of flamenco dance is also a beautiful art form in Spain; originating in Andalusia. Flamenco blends guitar music, percussive dancing and sometimes castanets (hand claps), and makes for a dramatic, expressive performance. Head to Seville for the very best shows; you can also see some great dances in Granada or Madrid.

Spain is also famous for its cultural fiestas – perhaps most notably, the street-wide tomato-flinging Tomatina that takes place every August in Buñol, Valencia. There’s also the Running of the Bulls in San Fermín, the traditional Semana Santa (Holy Week) Easter parades, and the music-filled Carnival events, which take place across Spain (notably in Tenerife and Cádiz) every February. There are countless more – chat to one of our local experts in Spain to find out what’s on when you want to visit.

Read more: A summer of fiestas: the best cultural celebrations in Spain

Spain travel guide: top tips and planning advice for beginners

Planning your first trip to Spain? Our Spain travel guide highlights everything you should know before you go…

The best time to visit Spain: peak season and shoulder season

Like the rest of Europe, Spain sees the highest temperatures and sunniest weather in the summer months between June and August, and this is considered peak time. Though it’s usually perfect beach weather, this is when tourist numbers are heaviest and prices are highest; expect longer queues and denser crowds at popular tourist spots.

Shoulder season is highly recommended, between March-May and September-October, as the weather is still mild with lots of sun, but you’ll have more breathing space. Prices are also lower, so it’s the ideal time to visit in lots of ways.

If you want to get away to Spain without time of year being an obstacle, the Canary Islands are known for their year-round mild climate. Even if you visit in February in the peak of winter, temperatures will be unlikely to go beneath 53-59 degrees Fahrenheit (12-15 degrees Celsius).

Getting to and around Spain: major airports and modes of transport

There are plenty of entry points to Spain; most international flights land in Madrid, Seville, Valencia, Malaga or Barcelona, though smaller airports operate in numerous smaller cities as well as in the Canary and Balearic Islands. The train service is speedy and efficient in Spain and connects many key hubs around the country; buses are also generally reliable.

If you want the freedom of making your own route, renting a car is a reasonably priced option and the easiest way to get around, especially when visiting rural areas and vineyards.

Essential practical tips for safe travel in Spain

• Spain is a very safe country in general, however in tourist hubs there is a higher likelihood of pickpockets, which have been a particular problem in Barcelona. Be sure to keep your belongings secure and close to your body.
• Be aware of the siesta culture in Spain: shops, restaurants and cafes wind down or close completely in the middle of the day between 2-5pm, and wake up again in the evening. Dining tends to be slow and late; lunch time can be as late as 3pm, and the evening meal as late as 9pm.

• The currency in Spain has been the euro (€) since it replaced the peseta in 2002. Card payments are accepted in most places, but bring some cash, especially if you’re visiting markets in more rural areas.
• The primary language spoken by almost everyone in Spain is Spanish (Castellano), however co-official languages are spoken in different regions, such as Catalan in Catalonia, the Balearic Islands and Valencia (where it’s called Valencian), Galician in Galicia, Basque in the Basque Country and parts of Navarre, and Aranese, a minority language spoken in Val d’Aran (Catalonia). English is widely spoken especially in cities and tourist areas, however learning some basic Spanish phrases is always appreciated.

Read more: Our guide to the top regions of Spain

Etiquette tips: dos and don’ts when traveling in Spain

• How to greet Spanish locals: As well as having a few Spanish phrases under your belt, the locals in Spain appreciate a warm, welcoming greeting with a handshake; or in more informal settings, even a hug or a double cheek ‘air kiss’ (as the Europeans do).
• Remember, dining is a late and long affair: To rush your dinner with locals is considered rude, as is expecting the wait staff to bring your bill immediately. Take it easy and enjoy the lingering atmosphere of the evening.
• Honor the siesta: Lots of places will often be closed in the middle of the day. If you’re simply exploring, a relaxed, laissez-faire attitude will make every day in Spain more enjoyable.

Make it happen

Our local travel experts are based on the ground in Spain, with all the in-depth knowledge required to build you the Spanish vacation of your dreams. If our Spain travel guide has you feeling inspired, get in touch to share your ideas today.