Spain has an excellent public healthcare system — regularly ranked among the top 10 in international rankings. The life expectancy (83.5 years) is one of the highest in the world. For EU Citizens With the European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) — on the back of your German health card — you are entit

Spain has used the Euro (€) since 2002 — no currency exchange needed for travelers from the Eurozone. Cash vs. Card Spain is increasingly card-friendly. Credit cards (Visa, Mastercard) are accepted almost everywhere — even for small amounts in bars and bakeries. Contactless payment (tarjeta contact

Shopping in Spain follows its own rules — shaped by the siesta, Sunday as a rest day, and a preference for specialized shops over supermarkets. Supermarkets Mercadona: Spain's largest supermarket chain — affordable, well-stocked, own brand "Hacendado" with surprisingly good quality. In every city

Spain has 14 official holidays per year — 9 national and 5 regional (each Comunidad Autónoma chooses its own). In addition, there are local holidays in each city. It can happen that it's a holiday in Valencia, but not in Madrid — and vice versa. National Holidays DateHolidayNote January 1Año Nuev

Women Traveling Alone

Spain is one of the safest countries in Europe for women traveling alone. Gender equality has made enormous progress since democratization — Spain was one of the first countries with a law against gender-based violence (2004) and has a progressive Ministry of Equality. Safety Going out alone, even

For EU citizens, the situation has been as simple as possible since 2017: EU roaming means you use your German data volume in Spain without surcharge — calls, SMS, and data just like at home. For Non-EU Travelers If you need a Spanish prepaid SIM: Lycamobile: Cheapest provider, SIM cards available

Climate & Best Travel Time

Spain does not have one climate, but at least five — from Atlantic humid in the north to continental extreme in the middle to subtropical in the Canaries. Climate Zones Northern Spain (Galicia, Asturias, Cantabria, Basque Country): Atlantic climate — mild, humid, 1,200–2,000 mm of rain/year. Summe

Spain is one of the most LGBTQ+-friendly countries in the world — and that's no exaggeration. In 2005, Spain became the third country worldwide to legalize same-sex marriage (before Germany, before France, before the USA). Social acceptance is high: Over 85% of the population supports homosexuality

Basics & Pronunciation

Spanish is spoken (almost) as it is written — a great advantage over French or English. The most important pronunciation rules: Pronunciation Tips ñ — like "ny" (año = "anjo", España = "Espanja") j — always like a harsh "ch" (jamón = "chamon") ll — like "lj" or "j" (calle = "kalje" or "kaje") z /

Greetings & Politeness

Spaniards greet each other more warmly than Germans — two cheek kisses (air kisses, left-right) are standard among women and between men and women. Among men, a handshake or a pat on the shoulder is customary. GermanSpanish Hello / Hi¡Hola! Good morning¡Buenos días! Good afternoon¡Buenas tardes!

In the Restaurant & Bar

Ordering food is one of the most important things on vacation — and Spaniards appreciate it when you try it in Spanish. Don't be afraid of making mistakes! GermanSpanish A table for 2/4 people, pleaseUna mesa para dos/cuatro personas, por favor The menu, pleaseLa carta, por favor Is there a daily

GermanSpanish How much does it cost?¿Cuánto cuesta? / ¿Cuánto es? That's too expensiveEs muy caro Do you have it in another size?¿Lo tiene en otra talla? Can I try it on?¿Puedo probármelo? Where is the fitting room?¿Dónde está el probador? I'll take itMe lo llevo Can I pay by card?¿Puedo pagar con

On the Move & Transport

GermanSpanish Where is the train station?¿Dónde está la estación de tren? Where is the nearest metro station?¿Dónde está la estación de metro más cercana? Where is the bus stop?¿Dónde está la parada de autobús? A ticket to …, pleaseUn billete a …, por favor One way / Round tripSolo ida / Ida y vue

GermanSpanish Help!¡Socorro! / ¡Ayuda! Call the police!¡Llame a la policía! Call an ambulance!¡Llame a una ambulancia! I need a doctorNecesito un médico Where is the nearest hospital?¿Dónde está el hospital más cercano? Where is the nearest pharmacy?¿Dónde está la farmacia más cercana? I am sickEs

Useful Phrases & Expressions

At the Hotel GermanSpanish I have a reservationTengo una reserva A room with a sea viewUna habitación con vistas al mar The air conditioning doesn't workEl aire acondicionado no funciona Can you call me a taxi?¿Puede llamarme un taxi? When is check-out?¿A qué hora es el check-out? Is there parking

Home Travel GuidesSpain

🇪🇸

Travel Guide Spain

Your complete travel guide for the most diverse country in Europe

Capital:Madrid

Language:Spanish (+ Catalan, Basque, Galician)

Currency:Euro (€)

Entry:EU ID card

Best Travel Time:April – June & September – October

Flight Time:2 – 3 hours

Last updated: 10 March 2026 · 15 Chapters · 112 Sections

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14 Days

The grand tour of Spain for first-time visitors — from the capital through Andalusia's Moorish heritage to the Mediterranean coast.

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Andalusia Tour

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The best of Andalusia: Moorish architecture, flamenco, white villages, and the wild beaches of the Costa de la Luz.

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Barcelona & Catalonia

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Gaudí's Barcelona, medieval towns, and the most beautiful bays of the Costa Brava.

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Camino de Santiago Highlights

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The most beautiful stages of the Camino Francés — on foot, by bus, or rental car. Spirituality, history, and magnificent landscapes.

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Family Spain

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Spain with children: beaches, aquariums, child-friendly cities, and the Canary Islands to finish. Perfect for families with children aged 4 to 14.

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All Chapters

Planning· 2 Chapters

Chapter 1

Welcome to Spain

5 Sections

Chapter 2

Arrival & Transport

5 Sections

Regions· 6 Chapters

Chapter 3

Barcelona & Catalonia

9 Sections · 1 Walking Tour

Chapter 4

Madrid & Castile

8 Sections · 1 Walking Tour

Chapter 5

Andalusia

9 Sections · 1 Walking Tour

Chapter 6

Valencia & Costa Blanca

7 Sections · 1 Walking Tour

Chapter 7

Northern Spain

9 Sections

Chapter 8

Canary Islands

8 Sections

Understanding· 5 Chapters

Chapter 9

History of Spain

5 Sections

Chapter 10

Society & Lifestyle

5 Sections

Chapter 11

Spanish Cuisine

7 Sections

Chapter 12

Nature & Landscape

6 Sections

Chapter 13

Art & Culture

6 Sections

Practical· 2 Chapters

Chapter 14

Practical Info A–Z

16 Sections

Chapter 15

Spanish Phrasebook

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Regions at a Glance

Barcelona & Catalonia

Gaudí's masterpieces, the Gothic old town, miles of beaches, and Catalan cuisine — Barcelona is Spain's most cosmopolitan city, nestled in the diverse region of Catalonia with Costa Brava, Pyrenees, and wine country.

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Madrid & Castile

Spain's proud capital with world-class museums, lively tapas culture, and nightlife that never sleeps. In the surrounding area, the royal cities of Toledo, Segovia, and Salamanca await.

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Andalusia

The Spain of clichés — and yet so much more. Moorish palaces, flamenco caves, white villages, endless beaches, and a zest for life that is contagious.

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Valencia & Costa Blanca

The home of paella, futuristic architecture, and the sun-drenched Costa Blanca with its endless sandy beaches. Valencia combines tradition and modernity like no other city in Spain.

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Northern Spain

The green, wild Spain: Basque pintxo bars in San Sebastián, the Way of St. James to Santiago, Asturias' dramatic coast, and the Picos de Europa. It rains more here — and is all the more beautiful.

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Canary Islands

Eternal spring off the coast of Africa: volcanic landscapes on Lanzarote, dunes on Gran Canaria, Mount Teide on Tenerife, and endless beaches on Fuerteventura. A year-round destination with a sun guarantee.

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