Spain is relatively cheap if compared to other Western European countries. A budget of 50 euros a day is enough for a backpacker staying in hostels and cooking their food. For a normal mid-range traveler, 150 euros per day should be good to go!

Ibiza and Palma de Mallorca are definitely the most expensive destinations here, while smaller (yet super charming) cities such as Granada and Seville hold a lower price tag.

For those on a very tight budget, you might want to explore some of the volunteering opportunities available on Worldpackers. Volunteering through this platform is one of the best ways to travel almost for free, as accommodation and food are usually provided!

The official language of Spain is Spanish. In major cities and tourist areas, English is commonly spoken. However, in smaller towns and rural areas, English might not be used at all. Spain also has regional languages like Catalan, Galician, and Basque, co-official in their respective regions.

Here are some basic Spanish words to enrich your travel experience and facilitate interactions across the country:

• Tengo una reserva a nombre de…: I have a reservation under the name of…
• La cuenta por favor: Can I have the bill please?
• Perdón: Sorry
• No hablo español: I don’t speak Spanish
• Entiende?: Do you understand?

If you are a citizen of an EU country, the EEA, or Switzerland, you do not need a visa to enter Spain. Citizens of certain non-EU countries, including the US, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Japan, and South Korea, also do not require a visa for short stays.

If you’re not on that list, we recommend checking Passport Index website, where you can select your passport and see all the countries you can travel to, with or without a visa.

Yes! Spain is considered a safe destination for travelers. We felt pretty safe here but locals warned us several times to watch out for petty theft and keep an eye on our belongings at all times. Pickpocketing is pretty common as well as phone theft on the streets.

In any case, we always recommend getting travel insurance for your trip. Better safe than sorry! We use Heymondo and highly recommend it.

High Season (June to August): Summer is the peak tourist season, particularly in coastal areas and islands.

Low Season (November to March): Winters are cooler and quieter, making it a good time to visit for lower prices and fewer tourists, especially in the cities. However, some beach resorts and attractions may be closed or have limited hours.

Regional Considerations: Northern Spain is cooler and greener and can be visited comfortably in the summer. Southern Spain and Andalusia are better in the shoulder seasons as summers can be very hot. The central plateau (including Madrid) experiences hot summers and cold winters.

Here are some of the must-try dishes you can’t miss when in Spain:

• Paella: Originating from Valencia, paella is a quintessential Spanish dish. It’s a saffron-flavored rice dish cooked with a variety of ingredients like seafood, chicken, rabbit, vegetables, and sometimes snails.
• Tapas: Not a single dish but a way of dining – tapas are small plates of food shared among friends. Popular tapas include patatas bravas (spicy potatoes), gambas al ajillo (garlic shrimp), and chorizo (spicy sausage).
• Gazpacho or Salmorejo: These are traditional cold soups, perfect for hot days! Gazpacho is made with tomatoes, bell peppers, onion, cucumber, and garlic, while Salmorejo is a thicker version, often garnished with hard-boiled eggs and jamón.
• Jamón Ibérico: A type of cured ham produced in Spain, known for its rich flavor and marbled texture. It’s often sliced thin and can be found all across the country.
• Tortilla Española: Also known as a Spanish omelet, this simple yet flavorful dish is made with eggs, potatoes, and onions, sometimes with added ingredients like chorizo or peppers. It’s a staple in Spanish cuisine and can be enjoyed hot or cold.

• Spanish meal times are later than in many other countries. Lunch is typically served at around 2-3 PM, and dinner often starts at around 9 PM.
  
• In some parts of Spain, especially in smaller towns and during summer, everything closes during siesta: a couple of hours in the afternoon when local people take their well-deserved naps.
• Spain has an excellent public transportation system. High-speed trains connect major cities, and local buses are an efficient way to get around within cities. Use the apps Renfe and Citymapper to help plan your trips.
  
• We recommend using a travel debit card such as Wise which have the lowest conversion and withdrawal fees.
• Cabify is the go-to taxi app in Spain. FREE NOW and Uber are also available but not as used.