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Spain

What can you expect from Spain

Spain is a country that thrives on contrasts, from the lively buzz of Madrid’s plazas to the tranquil rhythms of Andalusian villages. Every region has a different slice of culture, cuisine, and history.

You can expect rich traditions, beautiful architecture from various eras, and a lifestyle that celebrates food, family, friendship, and festivities. Spain rarely stays still… and neither will you.

Beyond the cultural landmarks, the country invites you to slow down and enjoy the moment. Long, sunny days blend into late-night dinners and impromptu flamenco shows. It’s a country where the coastline stretches from surf beaches in the north to turquoise Mediterranean waters in the south. After a “siesta” — yes, they still exist —, every city and village has a soul worth uncovering.

Things to See and Do in Spain

Wander through the Alhambra in Granada
Experience Gaudí’s legacy at Sagrada Família in Barcelona
Enjoy pintxos and Basque culture in San Sebastián
Attend a flamenco show in Seville
Visit the Prado Museum in Madrid
Relax on the beaches of Costa del Sol
Hike in the Picos de Europa National Park
Discover the white villages of Andalusia
Explore the vineyards of La Rioja

Typical Costs When Traveling

Accommodation: You can find hostel dorms from $22–$38 per night, while mid-range hotels range from $65–$130. Rural guesthouses or “casas rurales” offer excellent value outside major cities.

Food: You can eat out well on a budget. A “menú del día” (set lunch menu) typically costs $11–$16.50. Tapas are a budget-friendly option and can sometimes come free with drinks in cities like Granada.

Transportation: Intercity buses and trains are affordable, especially when booked in advance. Local transport (like metro, bus, or tram) in cities ranges from $1.65–$2.75 per ride. Renfe’s regional trains have discount cards like the Spain Pass for tourists.

Suggested Daily Budget

$45–$75 USD

(Note: This is a suggested budget assuming you’re staying in a hostel or budget guesthouse, eating out a little, cooking most of your meals, and using local transportation. Following the budget tips below, you can always lower this number. However, if you stay in fancier accommodation or eat out more often, expect this to be higher!)

Money-Saving Tips

1
Take advantage of lunch deals Menús del día are often cheaper and more filling than dinner.
2
Travel off-season Visit in spring or autumn for lower prices and fewer crowds.
3
Use long-distance buses FlixBus and ALSA often offer cheaper fares than trains.
4
Stay in hostels Spain has excellent hostel networks and budget-friendly hostels.

Travel Tools & Resources for Spain

To stay connected while exploring Spain, consider using a Holafly eSIM (-5%) for easy data access.

Book accommodation with Booking.com or Hostelworld for a wide range of choices, and use Omnio to book trains or buses.

For travel insurance, Heymondo (-5%) is a reliable choice with flexible coverage. And don’t forget to check Tiqets or GetYourGuide for entrance tickets and experiences without the queues.

These are the platforms I trust and use on my travels, and some include exclusive discounts for my readers!

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Marlene is the creator of Marlene On The Move. A journalist by profession, she created the blog to share her adventures around the world. It is not unusual for her to set off to discover new countries and cultures with a surfboard as luggage.

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