City Trips
Culture
Beaches
Europe
Spain
Best time to travel
May - Jun, Sep
Current status
Take caution
Safety
Very safe
Spain is one of the safest destinations in Europe. Visitors should maintain standard precautions against petty theft in crowded tourist areas and stay alert for common scams in bustling city centers or high-traffic transportation hubs.
Weather
Sunniest
Jun - Aug
Rainiest
Oct - Apr
Seasons
Spring brings wildflowers, vibrant festivals, and ideal sightseeing weather across Andalusia and the central plains before the summer heat arrives.
Tips for this season
- Pack versatile layers and a light rain jacket, as spring weather can be unpredictable with occasional showers
- Book tickets weeks in advance for major landmarks like the Alhambra as this is the start of the peak sightseeing season
- Check the dates for Holy Week (Semana Santa), as transport and accommodation prices spike significantly during this period
Language
Spain is a linguistically diverse nation where regional languages are central to local identity. English is common in tourist centers, but a few Spanish phrases go a long way in smaller towns.
Official
Common
English language level
Moderate
Prices
Accommodation
Transport
Food
Activities
Currency
Euro
EUR
US Dollar Rate
$1 = €0.9
Euro Rate
€1 = €1
Select currenct...
Useful tips
- Cards are accepted nearly everywhere but do keep small cash for local markets, rural areas, or purchases under €5.
- When using card terminals, always choose Euros over your home currency to avoid hidden 3-5% conversion markups.
- Avoid tourist ATMs, use bank-affiliated machines for lower fees, and withdraw larger sums less frequently to minimize per-transaction charges.
Transport
Direction
Right side
Public
Spain’s world-class transit features punctual high-speed AVE trains and clean, frequent city metros easily accessed via rechargeable cards.
Local Traffic
Walkable and bike-friendly, Spanish cities are best navigated via public transit to avoid narrow streets and restricted low-emission zones.
Taxi & apps
Reliable and regulated. Look for official white cabs with a green light on top or use apps like Cabify and Uber for transparent, fixed pricing.
Intercity
Use Iryo or Ouigo trains for cheap city-to-city travel, ALSA buses for towns, and flights or ferries for the islands.
Useful tips
- Book via Trainline or Renfe weeks ahead. Last-minute AVE or Iryo tickets can cost triple the early-bird price.
- Always tap your card or ticket when boarding. Inspectors are common, and fines for unvalidated tickets are steep.
- Many Spanish cities have restricted ZBE (low-emission zones) where unauthorized cars face heavy automated fines.
Entry Information
Spain is a secure destination using the EES (Entry/Exit System), which requires digital biometric scans instead of passport stamps for non-EU travelers. Citizens of 60+ countries (US, UK, CA, AU) enter visa-free for 90 days, but starting late 2026, must apply for ETIAS before departure.
Vaccination
Yellow Fever
*Is required if arriving from, or transiting over 12 hours through, high-risk countries in Sub-Saharan Africa or South America.
Recommended
Hepatitis A & B
