Spain is dressed with beautiful medieval architecture, whimsical seasides with lighthouses, and high echelon Michelin-starred restaurants. Ready to embark on your next big adventure? What are you waiting for? A memorable trip to Spain awaits you and your loved ones.
ETIAS for Entry Into Spain
60 countries can apply for an ETIAS visa waiver for Spain before visiting. This travel authorization will be valid for 90 days from the date that your ETIAS visa waiver is originally approved. It reassures that there are safety precautions taken for all new tourists entering Spain and other surrounding European countries.
Countries that can apply include Argentina, Israel, Brazil, Japan, Australia, and many others. Once you receive an approved ETIAS visa waiver, you can enter and enjoy the country before you will have to apply for another one.
Highlights About Spain
- Capital City: Madrid
- Currency: Euro
- Main Cities: Besides the capital city of Madrid, other main cities include Barcelona, Seville, Palma de Mallorca, and Granada
- Visa/Entry: ETIAS for Spain that lasts 90 days.
- Language Spoken: Spanish
- Electricity: Operates on the electrical power of 50Hz and 230V supply voltage.
- Safety Standards: Despite a slight increase in the crime rate between 2016-2017, Spain saw its lowest crime rate in 2021.
- Transportation: Air, Bus, Car, Ferry, Train
1. Prado Museum Is A Must-See in Madrid
Works from well-known European artists grace the walls of Prado Museum in Spain’s capital city of Madrid.
Take a tour any time of the week that there are designated guided visits to see the museum’s collection of paintings, photographs, sculptures, and more. There are 18th and 19th-century paintings of Flemish, French, Italian, and Spanish origins.
With more than 1,000 works featured, you will take a walk in history in the Renaissance and Baroque periods.
2. The Royal Palace Is A Key Piece of Spain’s History
The Royal Palace of Madrid housed past Kings of Spain starting with King Charles III and ending with King Alfonso XII.
Don’t forget to stop by the Royal Amoury to discover medieval 13th-century battle armor that the past Kings of Spain wore.
The Real Cocina inside of the palace was refurbished in 2017 and has become known as the most ancient and best-kept kitchen throughout European territories.
Go to the observation deck nearby the Royal Palace to observe the surrounding beautiful architecture nearby. You can visit the observation deck from 12 PM to 10 PM without having to pay an entry fee to enjoy the view.
3. Alcazar de Segovia Looks Like a Fairytale Castle
The Alcazar de Segovia is a medieval castle located in Segovia, Spain. The Trastamara dynasty monarchs used to live in this castle that almost looks like one out of a fairytale book.
This is the symbolic building of the city of Segovia and is designated as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO.
When you get there, you can access a range of brochures in different languages such as English, German, Japanese, French, Italian, and other languages. You have the option to download the brochure using a QR code in the venue and access the brochure in the language you need right from your smartphone.
4. Palau de la Musica Catalana Symbolizes Spanish Choral Music
Come to Palau de la Musica Catalana to experience Spanish symphonies and choruses to get a snapshot of the whimsical musical culture.
Cafe Palau serves traditional modern cuisine before and after concerts as well as in between concert breaks.
With more than 2,000 roses throughout the building’s structure, the beautiful Paula de la Musica Catalana is the only concert hall in European territory that is designated as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO.
A free visit lets you use your smartphone with verbal descriptions of each key area already recorded on an app on your smartphone. It’s 14 euros to enter the concert hall using this option. If you want a guided tour it will cost you an extra 4 euros per person.
Final Thoughts About Traveling to Spain
There are a multitude of culturally enriching things to do during your trip to Spain. Don’t forget to apply for the ETIAS before booking your flight.
Travel Tips for Spain
Are you ready to fly to Spain? Here are some quick booking links and resources that I use myself for travel planning. These websites will help you to get started with your Spain itinerary!
Cheap Flights to Spain
Skyscanner is my favorite search engine for finding cheap flights to Spain, from anywhere in the world. I always start my flight search here!
Transport within Spain
Bus, boat, and trains: Omio is one of the most reliable websites in when it comes to booking buses, ferries and railway. Get an instant seat confirmation and start your overland travel worry-free.
Find a Place to stay in Spain
Hostels, hotels and resorts: Agoda is excellent if you're looking for hotels from budget to luxury! It's one of the largest hotel booking websites in the world. Plenty of options to book now and pay later, or even pay at the hotel. Risk-free booking, many with free cancellation. My other go to is Booking.com.
Homestays and Housesits: For a more authentic and local experience I recommend Homestay.com, a website where you can find places to stay with locals for such a great price. Personally, I'm obsessed with Trusted Housesitters, where you get to stay completely for free in exchange for pet care. Find out more in my article on How to Become a House Sitter and Never Pay for Accommodation.
Fun Tours and Activities in Spain
Get your Guide has plenty of fun activities in Spain and around, such as hiking tours and city sightseeing trips. There is plenty of choices to keep yourself entertained!
Klook is similar than the one above, but offers additional options such as airport transfers, SIM cards, and food & dining experiences. It' a great way to meet other travelers while exploring a new place!
eSIM - Stay connected with Internet
Get an eSIM before you go and have Internet available from the second you arrive! I highly recommend Roamless or JetPac - they're both highly ranked, inexpensive and reliable.
Travel Insurance
Never go adventuring without travel insurance! I recommend Genki or SafetyWing - they're both very affordable and will cover you in an emergency.
Do I need a Visa for Spain?
Spain is part of the Schengen area, so likely you need a visa if you're not an EU citizen. You can check on iVisa whether you need a visa and how long you are permitted to stay.
More Blog Posts from Spain
- Five Amazing Cities You Must Visit In Spain
- 10 Absolutely Awesome Things to do in Barcelona and Around...
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About the Author:
Jennifer Anders is a freelance writer who has traveled extensively and enjoys exploring off-the-beaten-path locations around the world.
She loves hiking national parks, windsurfing, and photographing wildlife.
Aside from all those crazy activities, you'll also find her eating plenty of local street food. She is absolutely fearless when it comes to trying new things.