Spain

WHERE IS SPAIN?

Spain is located in southwestern Europe on the Iberian Peninsula. With 17 diverse regions, you are sure to feel immersed in the country’s culture wherever your travels might take you. Madrid, the capital city of Spain, is home to the Royal Palace and full of works by many different European Masters. 

BEST TIME TO VISIT

Depending on when you decide to visit Spain, be prepared for different climates throughout the year. It is said that the best time to visit Spain for the perfect weather is in spring (March-May), or Fall (September-November). Spain gets extremely hot in the summer, so if sweating isn’t your thing, I would definitely reconsider a June vacation!

If you travel based on price, you will want to consider visiting Spain anytime between December and March. The winter months in Spain tend to come with the most affordable flights and hotels to ensure you stay on budget. This time of the year is also perfect as there are many vibrant markets and activities dedicated to Christmas, Carnival, and New Year’s Eve. .

WEATHER IN SPAIN

The weather in Spain tends to either be really hot or really cold, there seems to be no in-between! The summers in Spain are hot, short, dry, and mostly clear, while the winters are very cold and mostly cloudy. Throughout the year, temps typically vary from anywhere between 33° F and 92° F. 

Winter: December – March

  • Average temps of 10°C (50° F) to 13°C (55.4° F)
  • Quite a bit of snow in certain regions 
  • Great time to visit with less tourists and crowds
  • Usually sunny with mild temperatures
  • Great time of the year for experiencing Carnival and Christmas Markets

Spring: March – June

  • Average temps of 29°C (84°F) to 31°C (87°F)
  • Most pleasant weather for outdoor exploring
  • Flowers start to bloom and gardens come alive 
  • Fewer travelers with less crowds at tourist locations
  • Beginning of season for popular beach towns 

Summer: June – September

  • Average temps of 30°C (86°F)+
  • Very hot and sunny 
  • Busiest time of the year for tourists
  • Perfect weather for visiting beach towns and soaking up the sun
  • Best time for swimming , hiking, biking and so much more!

Fall: September – November

  • Average temps of 15°C (60°F) to 21°C (70°F)
  • Tends to be cloudy and wet with little sunshine 
  • Less crowded in touristy areas and more availability
  • Best chances of rain
  • Best time to visit vineyards and festivals
Spain
WHAT TO EXPECT

Language: Castilian Spanish is the official language throughout Spain. English is spoken around Spain, however the number of people and proficiency level is limited. 

Currency: The official currency in Ireland is the Euro. As of June 2022, 1 USD is equivalent to .95 Euro.

Credit Cards and ATMs: While traveling through Spain, all major US issued Visa and Mastercard debits cards should work. American Express and Discover are not as widely accepted but you might be able to use them in more touristy areas if you are lucky.  Not only can you use your cards to make purchases throughout the county, you can also withdraw cash from almost every ATM with a fee. Cash is also widely accepted around Spain so I would always make sure to have some on you incase you need it! 

Plugs/Outlets: In Spain, the main plugs are type C and F. Spain operates on a 230V supply voltage and 50Hz. I recommend buying a converter like this to use for your hair products and an adapter like this for everything else.

Safety: Spain ranks in the top 10% of the safest countries in Europe. Crime is low and does not happen often, especially in touristy areas. This is another great country for families to visit or for taking your first solo trip abroad. Like always, be aware of your surroundings, keep an eye on your belongings and be smart!

TRANSPORTATION

Transportation in Spain is primarily done through an extensive network of roads, railways, rapid transit, air routes, and ports. For in-country travel, the top three modes of transportation induce Taxi, Bus, and Rail. Spain is also known for being home to the second longest high speed rail network! 

Train: The railway network in Spain is one of the busiest in all of Europe. Covering over 11 billion kilometers, I can assure you will get wherever you need to go in this beautiful country! The national rail company in Spain is Renfe. This is one of the most used rail networks in the entire country. If you are looking for a regional train company, check out Euskotren Trena, Ferrocarril de Sóller, and Ferrocarril de la Generalitat de Catalunya. For more information on pricing click here! 

Bus: Unlike the rail system, Spain does not have a national bus network. Each city, or urban area, has its own local public transport authority with routes in that specific area. Since each city operates on their own, a single ticket can cost anywhere from €1.40 to €1.60, though some cities (such as Barcelona) charge over €2 for a ticket. Some companies offer multi-trip tickets which tend to be a better deal. For more information on bus routes and pricing click here! 

Taxi: Like always, traveling around by car is another great option if you want to avoid public transportation. There are so many great taxi companies in spain to pick from at decent prices. Check out the top 10 here! 

More Travel guides HERE!

Spain