You've booked your ticket. Spain is waiting for you. But between the excitement of departure and the reality on the ground, there's often a gap no one has prepared you to bridge. Here's how to maximize every aspect of your trip, even before you set foot in the airport.
1. Learn the basics of Spanish before you go
No need to be bilingual. But knowing a few dozen essential phrases makes all the difference: ordering at a restaurant, asking for directions, bargaining at the market, understanding announcements on public transport. Spaniards greatly appreciate the effort of speaking their language, even imperfectly.
That's what I've put together in my survival kit for my vacation in Spain. Don't hesitate to download it if you haven't already—it's free!
Focus on:
- Greetings and polite phrases
- Numbers and prices
- Basic questions (¿Dónde está...? ¿Cuánto cuesta?)
- Emergency situations
Even 2 to 3 weeks of light preparation can transform your experience on the ground.
2. Choose the right time
Spain is a year-round destination, but each season has its advantages and pitfalls:
- Spring (March-May): ideal. Mild temperatures, fewer tourists, reasonable prices.
- Summer (June-August): hot, very crowded, high prices, but an incomparable festive atmosphere.
- Autumn (September-November): an excellent compromise. Still warm, with fewer crowds.
- Winter (December-February): perfect for cities (Madrid, Seville, Barcelona) with fewer crowds.
3. Plan without over-planning
Spain is as much about living as it is about sightseeing. Book the must-sees (museums, popular restaurants, accommodation) in advance, but leave room for spontaneity. Some of the best experiences happen when you step outside the planned itinerary: a neighborhood party, a tapas bar discovered by chance, a conversation with a local.
Golden rule: plan 60%, leave 40% to chance.
4. Understand the cultural codes
Spain has its own rhythms and customs, very different from the rest of Europe:
- Schedules: lunch is between 2 p.m. and 4 p.m., dinner rarely before 9 p.m.
- Siesta: some shops close between 2 p.m. and 5 p.m., especially outside major cities.
- Tapas: in some regions (Andalusia, the Basque Country), they are free with drinks. Don't order them separately.
- Informality: Spaniards are warm and informal. Tú is the norm in most situations.
5. Plan your logistics smartly
A few practical points that are often overlooked:
- Transport: the AVE train network is excellent between major cities. Book early for the best rates.
- Money: bank cards are accepted everywhere, but always keep some cash for markets and small shops.
- Local SIM or eSIM: essential for maps, translations, and real-time transport.
- Travel insurance: often underestimated, it can save you in case of cancellation or a health issue.
6. Immerse yourself in the culture before you go
The travelers who enjoy Spain the most are those who have prepared themselves culturally. Watch Spanish series like La Casa de Papel, for example, listen to local music, read about the history of the regions you'll visit. This cultural preparation enriches every interaction on the ground.
What to remember
A good trip to Spain requires preparation, but not in a rigid way! The goal is to arrive with enough familiarity to feel comfortable, and enough openness to let yourself be surprised. Language, culture, pace of life: you can learn all of it, and it all makes the trip infinitely richer.
🇪🇸 Go with Spanish in your pocket
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