Destination

Spain Travel Guide

As you guys might have guessed, I adore Spain. Spain was the first destination on my first international trip. I did a study abroad program there in 2008, and it was one of the best experiences of my life. I spent a month studying Spanish between Salamanca and El Puerto de Santa Maria, exploring different cities along the way.

With endless cultural festivals, world-class beaches, and renowned nightlife, Spain is impressive 365 days a year. I could spend years exploring Spain. From Madrid to Barcelona to Girona to Bilbao, it’s such a vibrant country. Whether you hit the slopes of the Sierra Nevada, wander the vineyards of Rioja, or worship the sun in the Canary Islands, Spain is guaranteed to impress you any day of the week.

Best Time To Visit

September to November is easily my favorite time to travel through Spain. There are fewer crowds, the weather is beautiful but starting to cool down, and it’s wine harvest time! Head up to Rioja and Ribera for some of the best wine tastings in Spain.

The summer months, June to August, are the most popular time to visit Spain. The weather is warm and sunny, and you can enjoy long travel days on the country’s 5,000 miles of coastline. However, the cheapest accommodation prices can usually be found around January through April.

Check out The Best Time to Travel to Spain for complete details!

What To Expect

Language: The official language of Spain is Spanish.

Currency: The currency in Spain is the Euro.

Credit Cards and ATMs: You won’t have any problems finding ATMs around Spain unless you go really off the beaten track. If you’re spending time in an isolated area, it’s best to keep enough cash on you for the basics. Mastercard and Visa are accepted at most machines as well as restaurants and shops.

Plugs: The plugs in Spain are type C and F. The standard voltage is 230 V, and the standard frequency is 50Hz. I recommend buying a universal adapter (make sure it has surge protection) and using a converter for hairdryers and hot tools.

Safety: Spain is one of the safest European countries. While there is a low crime rate, you’ll need to be aware of pickpockets in the metros and in crowded areas that are popular with tourists.

*European Travel Alert*

Starting sometime around November 2023, US travelers between 18-70 years old will need to fill out an ETIAS visa-waiver form prior to their trip, and pay a €7 ($7.25) entry fee, to travel to European countries within the Schengen Area. It’s a quick form, and you will most likely receive instant approval—but it’s important to plan and submit ahead. Your ETIAS travel authorization is valid for three years or until your passport expires, whichever comes first.

TRAVEL TIPS FROM OUR COMMUNITY

Steph + Kaitlin Lez See the World

Our Experience as a Lesbian Couple

We’ve loved our time spent traveling in Spain and found it to be very safe as an open same-sex couple. LGBTQ+ laws in the country are very progressive and there are thriving gay scenes in many Spanish cities, the most prominent being in Madrid. We highly recommend Spain as a safe destination for LGBTQ+ women and female same-sex couples, especially Madrid and Barcelona!