The Ultimate Travel Guide to Spain
The Ultimate Travel Guide to Spain
Published on August 14, 2023. EST READ TIME: 3 minutes
Spain can be a land of many things. From stunning coastlines to some sublime food options, from enough things to keep your history teacher happy to religious places to keep your parents engaged, Spain has it all. And if you are someone who loves an adrenaline rush, there are plenty of activities for you too. For a country that has so much to offer, a Spain travel guide is one of the easiest ways to navigate through the country and its many facets.
Visa
Spain or the official Kingdom of Spain is the second largest country in Europe, territory-wise. And you will need a Schengen visa to visit Spain. You can opt for both short-term as well as long-term visas for your visit. Here are all the documents that you will need to apply for the visa.
1. Visa application form
2. Passport or travel document with 3 months of validity from your date of return
3. Flight itinerary details
4. Accommodation details
5. International travel insurance with adequate medical coverage
6. Documents showing your financial means
If you are visiting a hotel, you can submit the hotel reservation details. On the other hand, if you are travelling to meet a friend or family, you must provide an invitation letter for the same. And for longer stays, you must provide a copy of the rental agreement.
A travel insurance plan that has medical coverage of €30,000 or more is recommended.
Ideal time
With a diverse number of things and activities to do, you can visit Spain anytime during the year and have plenty to do. However, if you want to make the most of your trip and are looking for Spain travel tips, visiting Spain during the late spring months of April and May and the early autumn months of September and October is ideal. The temperatures in the region are favourable and attract fewer crowds.
Spain is majorly dry for the most party of the year. The summer season can be quite hot, which sees a lot of movement in the southern part of the country to the beaches. The north is relatively cooler. And the winter season does not see temperatures drop below 10 degree Celsius.
Must-visit Destinations
When you are in Spain, the following are some places that must make it to your list.
1. Canary Islands
The islands are known for their mild temperatures and are referred to as the sunshine centre of Europe. The Canary Islands offer amazing natural beauty and 5 out of 7 islands are declared as Biosphere Reserves.
2. Barcelona
People who love monuments, architecture, and art, will have an amazing time in Barcelona. There are abundant beautiful churches and not to forget their love for football. The city offers amazing nightlife and food that will satiate your hunger.
3. San Sebastian
The resort town is a must-visit for several reasons. Apart from offering you some of the best resorts, San Sebastian can spoil you with food options. Its Basque cuisine is one of the finest and has the second most Michelin Stars in the world, just behind Kyoto.
4. Seville
The city of Seville is charming at its best. With stunning architecture and buildings, the city is famous for Flamenco dances, and you cannot miss them. The Alcazar Palace is worth a visit, and so is a drive to Andalucia.
Moving around in Spain
An important part of Spain travel guide is how you move around. You can choose the metro, bus, trains, cabs, ride-sharing apps, or fly. The major cities have extensive metro systems, while others have a more practical yet robust metro system.
If you want to travel between cities, buses are the cheapest option. Most buses in Spain offer Wi-Fi and power outlets. Spain has a combination of high-speed trains and normal trains. RENFE is the national line in Spain. Though high-speed trains are a bit expensive, they cut down travel time quite a bit.
For travellers having a bit of time on their hands, renting cars can be a great option as well. And booking them in advance will allow you to get affordable options. Alternatively, you can use ride-sharing apps for short-distance commutes. BlaBlaCar is the most popular ride-sharing app.
Health and Safety in Spain
A visit to Spain can mostly be without any troubles. However, you do need to be careful of street crimes. The miscreants usually use distractions and work in groups to commit petty crimes. Ensure that your money and passport are secure when you are travelling.
The Spanish healthcare system is mostly regarded as high quality and known across the globe. Having travel insurance with adequate medical cover will help you traverse through rough waters.
Currency details
The currency used in Spain is Euro with the symbol: €. One Euro currently translates to INR 91. The most common bank note denominations are 5, 10, 20, 50, 100, 200 and 500. You can access ATMs to get Euros or convert them at banks, hotels, and travel agencies.
Common cultural etiquettes
Here are a few etiquettes that you must keep in mind while traversing through Spain.
1. Make sure to say hello when you enter or exit any establishment.
2. Spaniards are not generally known to tip at restaurants.
3. Passing an object to someone is more respectable than tossing it.
4. If someone is paying for you, do not protest, even if it is out of politeness. It is rude.
5. It is not expected to give gifts to Spaniards, they value time and company more.
Few other tips
Here are a few Spain travel tips to help you during the trip.
1. Travelling by bus will help you save money.
2. You cannot miss the Tapas culture.
3. Look for festivals and celebrations, they are a bit part of Spain.
4. Try out the local drinks and dishes.
5. You can avoid summer, as it can get quite hot.
6. If possible, try to coincide your trip with one of the biggest festivals.
Conclusions
The above Spain travel guide will help you plan your trip better and be prepared for what to expect. International travel insurance is highly recommended, as it will safeguard your trip and offer a hassle-free travel experience.
Disclaimer: The above information is for illustrative purposes only. For more details, please refer to policy wordings and prospectus before concluding the sales.
RELATED ARTICLES
Your Ultimate Guide To Wellness Tourism
Digital Schengen Visa: The Process And Its Benefits
What Are The Different Types Of Passports In India?
Safest Countries in the World for Travellers
Places of Historical Interest That You Shouldn't Miss