Spain has everything you need to have the vacation of a lifetime, from stunning white sandy beaches in Ibiza, which are in abundance to delicious street food in Seville. And how can we forget some of the nicest weather in Europe?
Spain is the perfect place for your next vacation © Getty Images
We’re here to break down one of the world’s most famous destinations so you have everything for your trip away. Let’s get started with our list of vacation ideas.
When Is The Best Time To Travel To Spain?
Spain is a huge country with various regions experiencing different kinds of weather throughout the year. By and large, Spain gets amazing weather, so you will need to pack your sunscreen.
If you’re dying for sun, the summer season is the best time for you to visit. June to September are the months with the warmest weather. With lows of 17 degrees Celsius and highs of 36 celsius, you’re in for a hot one.
The winter months of December, January, and February can be quite cold in some parts of the country, like Barcelona. Temperatures there can drop as low as 9 degrees Celsius.
For anyone who’s looking for mild temperatures, spring offers mild temperatures from around 20.5 degrees Celsius. Not as many people travel during this time either, so you can find some fantastic deals on flights to Spain.
Five Top Places You Have To See In Spain
- Madrid
- Barcelona
- Seville
- Valencia
- Córdoba
Madrid - A Capital City Where Eating Calamari Sandwiches Is Completely Normal
The mesmerizing Spanish capital, Madrid, is filled with iconic places to go and see, such as the wonderful Royal Palace, Santiago Bernabéu, and more. If you were to sum up Spain in one city, it would be Madrid. The people are so friendly, the culture is everywhere to be seen, and the city’s vibrant nightlife scene is spoken about by many across the globe.
Must See Tourist Attractions When You’re In Madrid
Step inside the Santiago Bernabéu - Are you a football fan? If so, you probably already know that the famous team Real Madrid’s home stadium is located in Madrid Santiago Bernabéu. Discover the club’s impressive history on a stadium tour and learn about all the trophies they have won over the years. If you’re lucky, you might be there for they’re playing.
Take a look at the Golden Triangle of Art - Yes, Madrid has its very own Golden Triangle, only it’s of art. It’s a combination of three famous museums, Reina Sofía, Museo del Prado, and Museo Thyssen-Bornemisza, that hold valuable works from prominent artists. Even if a gallery visit isn’t your thing, you should still check it out. It will blow you away.
Skyline of Madrid with Metropolis Building © Getty Images
See an Egyptian temple of Spanish soil - The Temple of Debod dates back to the second century. It was sent to Madrid by the Egyptian government to preserve the wonderful creation after the building of the Aswan Dam. The pyramid has been dismantled, separating it into different parts across a vast space. Seeing the job they have done on it is phenomenal.
Food You Have To Sample When You’re In Madrid
With Madrid being the capital, you can find just about any dish you want from the Spanish cuisine there. But that’s not to suggest it overshadows some of the city’s homegrown favorites. Here are a few you should try when you’re there:
Bocadillo de Calamares - You can’t visit Madrid without trying a calamari (squid) sandwich. It’s a simple snack that’s sold in eateries all over the city that contains crispy bread, deep-fried calamari, and a side of sliced lemon for some added flavor. Bar La Campana is known to sell the best in the capital.
Cocido Madrileño - There’s no better way to warm up than by indulging in a bowl of Cocido Madrileño, a Spanish stew filled with chickpeas, pork, chorizo sausage, and vegetables. This delicious stew is often eaten in two to three, with the chickpeas and vegetables to be eaten first and then the meat to follow after.
Cocido madrileño, a typical spanish dish that you must try on your next visit to Madrid © Getty Images
Our Secret Tips For Spending Your Holidays In Madrid
- Some of Madrid’s famous museums have free viewing times during the week, including the Museo Nacional Centro de Arte Reina Sofía.
- Ask for a Menú del Día when you sit down at a restaurant. These are set menus with lunch and drinks included in the price and can be inexpensive.
- An unwritten rule in Madrid is that you should never order paella for dinner, only lunch.
Please tell me more about Spain.
- See Madrid from above – London to Madrid flights.
- Ready to take off to Madrid? Book your Rome to Madrid flights now!
- Warsaw to Madrid flights – fly high and discover Spain.
- From Paris to Madrid – buckle up for an adventure like no other.
- Lisbon to Madrid flights – let’s soar to Spain!
Park Guell is the most Instagrammable spot in all of Barcelona © Getty Images
Barcelona - The Lively Mediterranean City That Everyone Loves
Known for its fabulous architectural designs, beaches with views of the deep blue Mediterranean Sea, and wild festa majors (street parties), Barcelona is another of Spain’s many beautiful places to visit.
Barcelona: What To Do There?
Become in awe of the Sagrada La Familia - When you’re in Barcelona, a visit to the city’s famous Roman Catholic minor basilica, the Sagrada La Familia, is essential. A project that started in 1882 and is still undergoing work today. When this outstanding is finished, it will be the largest standing church in the world.
Although not yet finished, you should make time to visit the iconic Sagrada Familia © Getty Images
Take some photos of weird buildings like the Casa Milà - As you walk around Barcelona, you’ll notice quite a few peculiar-looking buildings, including the Casa Milà. The same architect who built the Sagrada La Familia built Casa Milà. His name was Antoni Gaudí. He’s famous all over Catalonia for his creative work. The Casa Milà is now listed as a UNESCO site. When you see it with your own eyes, you’ll be scratching your head but, simultaneously, be pretty impressed.
Walk through La Rambla - No doubt you’ll walk through La Rambla more than once. It’s a vibrant 1.2-kilometer street that stretches along the heart of Barcelona. You can find lots of shopping opportunities, intriguing statues, and various cafes and restaurants there.
Scrumptious Bites To Try In Barcelona
Barcelona’s culinary scene is well and truly alive and kicking. Every boulevard you see will be packed with busy eateries, local markets selling fresh produce, and traditional tapas bars. Don’t leave without trying these dishes.
Patatas Bravas - A simple potato-based tapas dish you’ll find yourself eating more often than not which are sold everywhere. Consisting of a portion of fried cubed potatoes cooked in oil and spicy sauce, you won’t be able to get enough of them when you try these for the first time.
Jamon Iberico - Known as the finest ham in the world, Jamon Iberico is salty ham that’s often eaten with some fresh bread. You’ll find it’s served in most tapas restaurants across Barcelona.
What you need to know before visiting Barcelona
- Wake up early if you want to see the main tourist sights, even in the off-season. The lines can be extremely long, and you could be waiting for hours.
- Take advantage of Barcelona’s many free viewpoints to catch amazing views of the city, like the Bunkers del Carmel and Tibidabo.
- People don’t go out at night until late in Barcelona. It’s normal for people to go out for a meal at 9 or 10 pm. Clubs tend to get busy once bars close their doors, usually around 3 am.
Show me how beautiful Barcelona is.
I want to see cheap flight deals to Catalonia.
- Take off to Barcelona from Vienna – book now flights now!
- Fly high - book your London to Barcelona flights now.
- Get ready to hit new heights – flights from Warsaw to Barcelona.
- Elevate your travel game with flights from Prague to Barcelona.
- Buckle up and fly from Budapest to Barcelona today.
Seville is one of the most picturesque cities in Spain © Getty Images
Seville - Where Flamenco Was Born
The gorgeous city of Seville is the largest in southern Spain and the capital of the Andalucia region. Famed for flamenco dancing, bullfighting, and its combination of European and Islamic forms of architecture, there’s no shortage of activities for everyone in Seville, whether it be families or couples.
What Are Some Interesting Spots To See And Things To Do In Seville
See a Flamenco show - If there’s one place in the world you should see a Flamenco show, it’s the home of Flamenco, Seville. Flamenco is an expressive style of dancing involving a great deal of emotion that originates from Seville. Tablaos are where the shows are held, and you can find them on pretty much any night of the week.
Admire Las Setas - Officially known as Metropol Parasol but nicknamed Las Setas, this site was designed by Jürgen Maye and is now the world’s biggest wooden structure. Looking at it from afar, you’ll notice it looks like a group of giant mushrooms. There are five levels to Las Setas, and it has a viewpoint on the upper level where you’ll able to catch a great panoramic vista.
Get a hug off the Plaza de España - Did you know that there’s an area of Seville that gives every visitor a free hug? The Plaza de España sits calmly in the Parque de María Luisa. The architect Aníbal González designed this masterpiece for the 1929 Ibero-American Expo, and it is now a well-sought-after attraction among tourists and locals. To get the whole experience, take a short boat ride along the 515-meter canal and see the lavish building from a different perspective.
Food And Drink To Try In Seville
Seville is a foodie’s paradise. Eating out is more of a hobby than anything for locals. You couldn’t blame them when there are over 3000 tapas bars in the city to try out. It would take years to get through them all. When you’re visiting, try these mouthwatering meals and drinks.
Espinacas con garbanzos - Vegetarians, this one is for you. Espinacas con garbanzos combine spinach and chickpeas and are a dish close to many people from Seville’s hearts. It’s often complemented with a large crouton for some dipping. Many tapas bars across the city have it readily available.
Manzanilla - When you’re in Seville, you’ll hear many people ordering Manzanilla, which is a dry sherry made from grapes and yeasts. It has an almondy taste to it. Not everyone enjoys Manzanilla, but when in Andalucia, it’s tradition to have a glass or two.
Your drink of choice when visiting Seville © Getty Images
Know These Tips Before You Go To Seville
- Siestas are a big thing in Seville. If you plan on doing something important in the afternoon, you should get it done in the morning.
- Lunch times in Seville are different from other cities in Europe. Don’t expect anyone to go for a bite to eat at noon. Fast forward two more hours, and now you’re talking.
- Just 35 kilometers outside of Seville is the adorable town of Carmona that you should check out if you have time.
I want to dive deeper into Seville.
Book me flight tickets to Andalusia.
- Experience the beauty of Seville – fly from London today at a time that suits you!
- Lisbon to Seville flights – book now and explore Spain’s charming city.
- Fly from Vienna to Seville – immerse yourself in the Spanish culture.
- Discover Seville from Milan – book your flights today.
- Paris to Seville flights – escape to Spain’s sunny paradise.
Valencia - The Home Of Paella
Valencia is fast becoming one of the most popular places to travel in Spain. Famous for its quaint streets and medieval buildings, and its birthplace is the Spanish dish paella. Valencia is one of the cheapest well-known cities in the country, so when you visit, you’re in for an affordable vacation.
An affordable city you won’t regret visiting on your next trip to Spain © Getty Images
What To Do When You’re In Valencia
Walk around the Valencia Cathedral - Dating back to the 13th century; the Valencia Cathedral is a classic display of Renaissance, baroque, and neoclassical works. Pop your head inside to see paintings by artists who Pope Alexander VI hired of his own accord while he was cardinal.
Hire a bike and cycle through Jardín del Turia - Spreading across nine kilometers of Valencia is the lovely Jardín del Turia. It’s a public park that’s built on the former river Turia. Its course had to be amended to stop future flooding in the area. Today it’s frequently visited by locals unwinding and spending recreational time running, cycling, or having picnics.
Have a bite at Central Market
When you’re feeling peckish, head to Central Market to indulge in some Valencian delights. It’s the largest market with fresh produce in the whole of Europe. Shop at over 1200 stalls selling a variety of meats, cheeses, fruits, veg, seafood, and more. Must-try food and drink in Valencia
Paella - What started as workers cooking rice on a pan along with whatever meat and vegetables they could get their hands on is now the most famous Spanish dish in the world. Paella is a fried rice dish that has a number of variations. It’s usually made with the meat of the chef’s choice, like chicken or beef, and sometimes seafood, along with chopped vegetables. Most paella restaurants will have several options for customers to choose from.
Cava - Fancy a glass of wine in the evenings? Cava is a unique, high-quality sparkling wine that’s made in different areas of Spain, one of them being Valencia. It’s often drank with oysters or scallops, so save it for a night you’re digging into some seafood.
Must Know Tips Before Visiting Valencia
- Be mindful of dress codes in churches and cathedrals. Regardless of the weather, you will only be allowed to enter if your shoulders are covered.
- Valencia is well known for its Christmas markets, so what better way to get you in the spirit than by planning your trip around this time?
Show me more fascinating places in Valencia.
Find me tickets to the south coast of Spain.
- Fly from Vienna to Valencia and explore Spain’s third-largest city.
- Valencia is waiting for you - book now from London.
- Discover the vibrant city of Valencia with flights from Bucharest.
- Milan to Valencia flights - your gateway to Spain’s Mediterranean coast.
- Kraków to Valencia - book your Spanish adventure now.
Córdoba - The Hottest Place In Spain
When it comes to warm places in Spain, Córdoba tops the chart. The Andalusian city sees temperatures of up to 37 degrees Celsius in July and August. If you can hack the heat, you’ll see a superb display of Roman and Islamic architecture, as it was once a Roman city and an Islamic center in the past. Step back in time and go on an ancient adventure no other.
Activities To Do In Córdoba
Enjoy the Mosque - Cathedral of Córdoba - This marvelous dates back to when Córdoba was Europe’s main city for science and culture under Emir Abd-ar-Rahman. The mosque was then transformed into a church in 1236. Signs of both religions’ architecture can be seen throughout the structure today.
La Mezquita, Cordoba, Andalucia, Spain © Getty Images
Make your way over the Roman Bridge - High across the Guadalquivir river is Córdoba’s awe-inspiring roman bridge. It was built in the first century BC. Unfortunately, because the structure is so old, only two arches are original, as work had to be done on the other.
Food To Try In Córdoba
Salmorejo - A must-eat when in Córdoba is Salmorejo. It’s a soup made from tomato, olive oil, garlic, and bread. The refreshing dish is eaten by many to cool down during the hot weather.
Flamenquín - Nothing beats a snack like Flamenquín, cured ham, and pork lion rolled together dressed in bread crumb batter. Add some French fries, and you have the perfect lunch.
Insider tips for Córdoba
- Córdoba is only a 40-minute train ride from Seville, so you can easily make a day trip from one to the other.
- If you’re flying to Córdoba, the close airport is the Seville San Pablo Airport.
Discover more of Spain Córdoba.
- Explore the beauty of Málaga – book your flights from London now!
- Discover Málaga – find flights from Vienna available today.
- Jet off to Málaga from Warsaw – experience the magic of Spain.
- Experience the sun-kissed coast of Málaga from Copenhagen – book now!
- Fall in love with Málaga – flights from Prague at the lowest prices.
