Spain is known for its friendly inhabitants, relaxed lifestyle, delicious cuisine, crazy all-night parties and rich history. But did you know that it also has the second-largest number of UNESCO World Heritage sites after Italy? With its unforgettable beaches, cultural regions, historic cities and wild nightlight, Spain is the perfect destinations for any kind of traveler. This Spain travel guide will help you plan your next vacation.
Spain Travel Guide and Tips
Spain Travel Guide: Fast Facts
- Spanish power voltage is 230 V 50Hz; Plug C & F.
- The Spanish currency is the EURO and is around 1 Euro to 1.35 USD
- Most Spanish banks close in the afternoon, all day Saturday during summer, and all day Sunday year round.
- Value added tax (VAT) is charged on purchases, such as meals at restaurants, shopping expenses and hotel accommodations. If you are resident of a non-European Union country, you can get a refund of this tax in certain participating shops. For more info on VAT refunds, click here.
Top Packing Tips for Spain Travel
Packing to Spain can be tricky depending on the areas that you will be visiting and the time of year. The climate of Spain varies across the country from a subtropical climate in the Canary Islands to an alpine climate found in the Pyrenees mountains. Nonetheless, whatever you don't have, you can always buy upon arrival!
- Camping gear – if you plan on camping in Spain, than make sure to bring chairs, a table, an adapter and ear plugs.
- Personal safety products – Certain areas in popular Spanish cities are known for their crafty pickpockets; one of those infamous spots is Las Ramblas in Barcelona. Before leaving for your trip, make sure to pack some personal safety products, like money belts and locks, so that you can keep your valuables safe on your trip
- Layers – When traveling to different climates remember that layering is the key to effortlessly transitioning from cold to hot climates or vice versa.
Top Things to Do in Spain
Adventure
- Visit Adventure Park in La Molina – and try their high ropes course.
- Become a Mushroom Hunter – mushroom hunting in Spain is serious business and you can hunt for your own mushrooms that you can later eat!
- Take an Adventure Holiday in the Balearic Islands – the Balearic islands of Ibiza, Menorca, Mallorca and Formentara are the perfect destination for any adventure holiday.
- Run with the Bulls! – take a deep breath and run like mad in Pamplona for the running of the bulls.
Culture
- Visit Gaudi in Barcelona – you cannot visit Barcelona without checking out some of its most interesting architecture designed by the famous architect Antoni Gaudi.
- Take a tour through the Santa Maria de Ripoll Monastery – dating back to 888, this monastery is known as the birthplace of Catalunya (also known as Catalonia).
- Enjoy Calcots and Build a Castell in Catalonia – spend an afternoon eating the most delectable foods of calcots before building a castell or a human pyramid
- Mix the Perfect Gin and Tonic – the Spanish are very serious about their drinks and take this drink to a whole new level.
Sights
- Hike Vall de Nuria – horseback ride, try archery or hike through these the Pyrenees.
- Go a vineyard tour – and have your very own move moment sipping a glass of wine while overlooking vineyards and glorious rolling hills.
- Explore the Universe In Catalonia – visit the Astronomy Park Montsec to gaze inquisitively into the unknown.
- Admire the Hanging Buildings in Cuenca – Built on the side of a cliff these Casa Colgadas are just one reason why you should visit the beautiful town of Cuenca.
- Enjoy Europe's sunshine playground – visit Costa Blanca, a beautiful piece of coastline on the Mediterranean Sea, to enjoy some fun in the sun.
A Bit about Spain
- Catalunya Spain in Photos a Magical Region
- Toledo: Beautiful Spanish History Awaits
- The Fable of the Little Men in Spain