Spain Travel Guide

With its Mediterranean climate, rich cultural heritage, and world-renowned cuisine, Spain captivates every traveller. Flamenco in Seville, golden beaches along the Costa del Sol, tapas, Gaudí’s mosaics in Barcelona, Madrid museums, and the scenic coastline of the Basque Country—every region offers a journey full of discovery.

Top cities to visit

  • Aerial view of Gran Vía in Madrid at sunset, featuring the Metropolis building with its black slate dome.

    Madrid

    Madrid, the capital of Spain, is an elegant and vibrant city. From world-famous museums and the Royal Palace to the Plaza Mayor and strolls through traditional neighbourhoods—it has everything to enchant visitors. Its refined architecture, wide avenues, and abundant green spaces add to its charm.
  • View of the Sagrada Família from a tree-lined park path with blooming trees, in Barcelona, Spain.

    Barcelona

    Barcelona, a true gem of Catalonia, is nestled along the Mediterranean Sea. It features unique architecture adorned with Gaudí’s colourful works. From wandering along Las Ramblas and exploring the Sagrada Família to relaxing on the beaches and savouring paellas, it delivers an authentic Mediterranean experience.
  • Seville Cathedral with its Gothic architecture seen through the Puerta del Perdón, in Spain.

    Seville

    Seville, the heart of Andalusia, captivates visitors with its warmth and authentic charm. Admire the majestic Giralda Cathedral, explore the Santa Cruz neighbourhood, or enjoy vibrant flamenco performances. Its colourful streets, flower-filled patios, and warm hues contribute to its unique character.
  • Alhambra in Granada, Andalusia, an ochre-coloured Moorish palace set on a hill and surrounded by a dense forest.

    Granada

    Set at the foot of the Sierra Nevada mountains, Granada is renowned for its breathtaking scenery and Moorish heritage. The Alhambra, a legendary palace with enchanting gardens, is a must-see attraction. Between the narrow streets of the Albaicín District, Arab baths, and local flavours, the city offers an authentic experience.
  • Valencia Cathedral in Spain, seen from Plaza de la Reina, with the Miguelete bell tower and a palm tree in the foreground.

    Valencia

    Valencia, Spain’s third-largest city, sits on the Mediterranean coast. It boasts sunny weather, beautiful beaches, and a rich heritage. Visitors can enjoy exploring the City of Arts and Sciences, wandering through the Turia Gardens, and savouring authentic paella.
  • Aerial view of Gran Vía in Madrid at sunset, featuring the Metropolis building with its black slate dome.

    Madrid

    Madrid, the capital of Spain, is an elegant and vibrant city. From world-famous museums and the Royal Palace to the Plaza Mayor and strolls through traditional neighbourhoods—it has everything to enchant visitors. Its refined architecture, wide avenues, and abundant green spaces add to its charm.
  • View of the Sagrada Família from a tree-lined park path with blooming trees, in Barcelona, Spain.

    Barcelona

    Barcelona, a true gem of Catalonia, is nestled along the Mediterranean Sea. It features unique architecture adorned with Gaudí’s colourful works. From wandering along Las Ramblas and exploring the Sagrada Família to relaxing on the beaches and savouring paellas, it delivers an authentic Mediterranean experience.
  • Seville Cathedral with its Gothic architecture seen through the Puerta del Perdón, in Spain.

    Seville

    Seville, the heart of Andalusia, captivates visitors with its warmth and authentic charm. Admire the majestic Giralda Cathedral, explore the Santa Cruz neighbourhood, or enjoy vibrant flamenco performances. Its colourful streets, flower-filled patios, and warm hues contribute to its unique character.
  • Alhambra in Granada, Andalusia, an ochre-coloured Moorish palace set on a hill and surrounded by a dense forest.

    Granada

    Set at the foot of the Sierra Nevada mountains, Granada is renowned for its breathtaking scenery and Moorish heritage. The Alhambra, a legendary palace with enchanting gardens, is a must-see attraction. Between the narrow streets of the Albaicín District, Arab baths, and local flavours, the city offers an authentic experience.
  • Valencia Cathedral in Spain, seen from Plaza de la Reina, with the Miguelete bell tower and a palm tree in the foreground.

    Valencia

    Valencia, Spain’s third-largest city, sits on the Mediterranean coast. It boasts sunny weather, beautiful beaches, and a rich heritage. Visitors can enjoy exploring the City of Arts and Sciences, wandering through the Turia Gardens, and savouring authentic paella.

Useful information

Official language(s)

Spanish (Castilian) 

English is well understood in major cities and tourist areas, including hotels and restaurants. However, it remains limited in smaller towns and villages.

Flight duration

Direct flight: Approximately 7h30
Connecting flight: 9h to 12h (depending on connection times)

Time zone difference

Spain time zone: UTC+1 (winter), UTC+2 (summer)
6h ahead of Quebec (EST)
5h ahead of Quebec (EDT)

Currency

Euro (EUR) 

Credit cards are accepted almost everywhere in Spain. Still, it is recommended to carry some euros for small expenses—markets, tips, parking, or visits to small villages.

Tips

In bars and restaurants, service is included, but it is customary to leave a 5%–10% tip (propina). For taxis, rounding up the fare is recommended.

Safety

In Spain, stay alert in crowded areas, because pickpocketing is common. Scammers may pose as plainclothes police officers, people in distress, or beggars. Always ask to see official identification before handing over your documents. 

Before any foreign trip, visit the Government of Canada’s Spain Travel Advice page to find out about the current situation in the country.

Top things to do and see

  • Attend a traditional flamenco show.

  • Enjoy tapas and pintxos in a local bar.

  • Walk the Camino de Santiago—all of it or just a part.

  • Relax on the beaches of the Costa del Sol.

  • Marvel at Gaudí’s masterpieces in Barcelona.

Hidden gems to discover

  • Galicia, Asturias, and the Basque Country

    Galicia, Asturias, and the Basque Country, in the northwest of Spain, are full of lush, mountainous landscapes. Explore UNESCO World Heritage sites, historic villages, scenic hiking trails, wild beaches, and a cuisine as rich and authentic as the culture itself.

  • Albarracín

    Albarracín is a medieval village considered one of the most beautiful in Spain. Perched atop a hill and surrounded by well-preserved walls, it captivates visitors with its pink stone houses and wooden balconies, narrow cobblestone streets, and dramatic rocky cliffs.

  • La Garrotxa

    La Garrotxa is a unique volcanic region in Spain, renowned for its lush landscapes, dense forests, and numerous conical hills. Explore extinct volcanoes, scenic hiking trails, and charming villages far from the crowds—a must-visit destination for nature lovers seeking tranquility and adventure.

  • La plage des Cathédrales

    The Cathedral Beach, located in Galicia, is one of Spain’s natural gems. True to its name, it is renowned for its dramatic rock arches carved by the sea and wind, resembling the soaring vaults of a cathedral. Accessible at low tide, this extraordinary landscape offers a breathtaking experience.

  • Mérida

    Mérida, a UNESCO-listed city, is a remarkable ancient Roman town. Visitors can explore numerous historic sites, including a Roman theatre, amphitheatre, temples, and more. Set along the Guadiana River, the city blends rich history with golden landscapes, making it an ideal destination to discover archaeological treasures.

  • Galicia, Asturias, and the Basque Country

    Galicia, Asturias, and the Basque Country, in the northwest of Spain, are full of lush, mountainous landscapes. Explore UNESCO World Heritage sites, historic villages, scenic hiking trails, wild beaches, and a cuisine as rich and authentic as the culture itself.

  • Albarracín

    Albarracín is a medieval village considered one of the most beautiful in Spain. Perched atop a hill and surrounded by well-preserved walls, it captivates visitors with its pink stone houses and wooden balconies, narrow cobblestone streets, and dramatic rocky cliffs.

  • La Garrotxa

    La Garrotxa is a unique volcanic region in Spain, renowned for its lush landscapes, dense forests, and numerous conical hills. Explore extinct volcanoes, scenic hiking trails, and charming villages far from the crowds—a must-visit destination for nature lovers seeking tranquility and adventure.

  • La plage des Cathédrales

    The Cathedral Beach, located in Galicia, is one of Spain’s natural gems. True to its name, it is renowned for its dramatic rock arches carved by the sea and wind, resembling the soaring vaults of a cathedral. Accessible at low tide, this extraordinary landscape offers a breathtaking experience.

  • Mérida

    Mérida, a UNESCO-listed city, is a remarkable ancient Roman town. Visitors can explore numerous historic sites, including a Roman theatre, amphitheatre, temples, and more. Set along the Guadiana River, the city blends rich history with golden landscapes, making it an ideal destination to discover archaeological treasures.

Highlights

  • Mild and sunny climate, with an average of 300 days of sunshine per year.
  • Home to 50 UNESCO World Heritage sites.
  • Birthplace of world-renowned masters such as Gaudí, Picasso, and Dalí.

Keep in mind

  • Some regions and seaside resorts can be very crowded during peak tourist season.
  • In restaurants, it is common for bread (pan) to be charged even if it is served without being requested.
  • In the afternoon, many stores close for the Spanish siesta.

Local food and gastronomy

  • Paella

    Born in Valencia, paella is one of Spain’s most iconic dishes. It features fragrant rice slowly cooked in broth with garlic, peppers, and vegetables. Depending on the recipe, other ingredients like chicken, rabbit, shrimp, mussels, squid, beans, saffron, and spices can be added.

  • Tortilla

    The Spanish tortilla is made mainly with eggs, potatoes, and onions, slowly cooked in olive oil until thick and tender. This soft, comforting omelette can be enjoyed either warm or cold.

  • Gazpacho

    Gazpacho is a cold soup originating from Andalusia in southern Spain. Refreshing, tangy, and light, it’s made with tomatoes, peppers, cucumber, onion, garlic, olive oil, and wine vinegar. It’s often topped with diced vegetables or croutons for extra crunch.

  • Iberian ham

    Considered one of Spain’s finest foods, Iberian ham is made from Iberian pigs dry-cured for months. Its silky texture and deep, nutty, buttery flavour make it an exceptional delicacy, traditionally served in thin slices at room temperature.

  • Sangria

    A thin slice of Iberian ham with marbled fat resting on a knife blade, with whole pieces of cured meat in the background.

  • Paella

    Born in Valencia, paella is one of Spain’s most iconic dishes. It features fragrant rice slowly cooked in broth with garlic, peppers, and vegetables. Depending on the recipe, other ingredients like chicken, rabbit, shrimp, mussels, squid, beans, saffron, and spices can be added.

  • Tortilla

    The Spanish tortilla is made mainly with eggs, potatoes, and onions, slowly cooked in olive oil until thick and tender. This soft, comforting omelette can be enjoyed either warm or cold.

  • Gazpacho

    Gazpacho is a cold soup originating from Andalusia in southern Spain. Refreshing, tangy, and light, it’s made with tomatoes, peppers, cucumber, onion, garlic, olive oil, and wine vinegar. It’s often topped with diced vegetables or croutons for extra crunch.

  • Iberian ham

    Considered one of Spain’s finest foods, Iberian ham is made from Iberian pigs dry-cured for months. Its silky texture and deep, nutty, buttery flavour make it an exceptional delicacy, traditionally served in thin slices at room temperature.

  • Sangria

    A thin slice of Iberian ham with marbled fat resting on a knife blade, with whole pieces of cured meat in the background.

Sunny Andalusian Gazpacho

With the addition of spicy croutons and manchego cheese, this gazpacho is anything but boring. A colorful and fragrant recipe to impress your guests at your next dinner party! (Video in French only)

Good to know

  • Spain moves at its own pace: meals are taken later in the day, with lunch around 2p.m. and dinner typically after 9p.m.
  • Car rentals are affordable nationwide.
  • High-speed trains offer fast, convenient travel between city centres.

What to bring back?

  • A porcelain piece from Lladró

  • A handmade lace item from Galicia

  • A Toledo steel knife

  • Handcrafted leather shoes from Mallorca

  • Turrón—Spanish nougat

Frequently asked questions

Spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November) are the best seasons to visit Spain, offering pleasant temperatures and fewer tourists. 

Summer (June to August) tends to be very hot and crowded but is perfect for those looking to enjoy the country’s beautiful beaches to the fullest.

The AVE high-speed train is the most efficient way to travel between Spain’s main cities. In urban areas, public transport networks—including the metro, buses, and trams—are convenient and affordable. To explore rural landscapes, the countryside, and beaches, renting a car is the best option. It provides flexibility and access to less-visited areas. Remember to bring an international driver’s licence and verify that your rental includes insurance.

10 to 14 days. 

This duration is the perfect amount of time to experience Spain’s diversity, combining visits to its great cities, natural parks, and beaches.

  • La Tomatina: From late August to Buñol, a massive tomato fight brings together thousands of participants from around the world.  
  • San Fermín Festival: From July 6 to 14 in Pamplona, daring runners, dressed in white and red, sprint through the streets ahead of charging bulls.
  • April Fair: In Seville, a week of music, dance, horse parades, and Andalusian cuisine celebrates the vibrant culture of southern Spain. 

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Getting ready for your trip

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