Spain Tourism

Spain tourism is all about fascinating cultures, monuments, history and attractions along with dazzling natural beauty. However, you will need a visa for your Spain trip. The Schengen Agreement is valid here. With the Schengen visa, you can enter the country and stay for up to 90 days for business/tourism reasons. You should have proof of sufficient funds and a return ticket along with a valid passport. Indian travellers should complete the Schengen visa application form while submitting their passports, photograph and other documents as per requirements.

Many people wrongfully think that Spain is difficult to reach. However, the reality is that Spain tourism offers easy connectivity via air from several global destinations. Spain has multiple airports including the Madrid International Airport and the international airport at Barcelona which are well connected to several Indian cities. Spain also has airports in Ibiza, Malaga and many other areas. You will find amazing railway connectivity to Spain from Italy and France among other countries. Portugal has railway connectivity to Spain. Road connectivity is also present between Spain and other countries like France and Portugal. There are also sea connections to Spain from England and other countries like Morocco, Canary Islands and Tangiers.

Yes, you can always add some neighbouring countries to your Spain tourism itinerary if you have time in hand. Portugal shares a border with Spain and you can visit places like Porto, Lisbon and Algarve among others. You can rent a car to Portugal from Spain or take a train or bus to reach your destination. There are several affordable flights available as well. You can also add France to your itinerary and visit cities like Paris, Nice, Strasbourg, Bordeaux, Lyon and Marseille among others. Railway and road networks exist between the two countries along with several affordably-priced flights that you can take on a daily basis. Tourists can also visit Andorra from Spain which is a smaller country between Portugal and Spain. Gibraltar is also accessible from Spain if you are interested in something offbeat and unique. Direct flights and ferry/boat rides are also available to Italy. In Italy, you can visit cities like Venice, Rome, Florence and Milan.

Once you have planned your Spain tourism package, you should look for options for travelling within the country. Spain has several local flights between its major cities like Barcelona, Madrid, Vigo, Bilbao and others. There are buses running across several villages, towns and cities. These offer cheaper transportation options for tourists. Car rentals are available in Spain for those above the age of 21 with a license. You can also hire cabs and taxis for travelling across destinations. You can reach Palma de Mallorca or Ibiza from Spain through hydrofoils or ferries. Spain also has a great railway network that links its major cities. A few cities like Barcelona or Madrid have vast metro railway networks along with buses and taxis to help you get around.

Your Spain tourism plan is best suited for the periods between September and October or May and June. The weather conditions are excellent during this period, and you can indulge in sightseeing without any hassles. Barcelona is a tourist hotspot during summers while the winter is a great time to check out the Costa Blanca or Costa del Sol. You can also participate in skiing and other winter activities in the Sierras or Pyrenees.

Spain tourism plan requires a minimum of 7 or 8 days for you to explore some of the top destinations like Valencia, Madrid and Barcelona. This time is sufficient to soak in the beautiful culture, history, attractions and food of Spain. If you have more time in hand, you need around 10-12 days for visiting the major cities and also travelling via road to offbeat regions like Galicia.

You should keep a few packing tips in mind while chalking out your Spain vacation plans. Spain tourism promises beautiful tourist attractions along with diverse climates across multiple cities. Keep in mind that the country has slightly cooler northern zones which also get more rainfall in comparison to the southern parts of the country. You will require a waterproof jacket, walking shoes, a sweater, sleepwear essentials, long-sleeved shirts and t-shirts, a cross-body bag, sunscreen, swimsuit, socks and an umbrella. For summer, pack shorts, skirts, sandals, sunglasses and hats. For winter, add rain jackets, scarves, gloves, hats, long shirts, sweaters and warm boots and socks to your list. Do not forget to pack your essential documents, toiletries, basic medicines, chargers, batteries, memory cards and travel adapters. Always carry your passport and visa copies at all times along with your travel insurance documents.

Spain tourism requires a comprehensive list of travel tips for a mind-blowing experience. A few tips will help you maximise your Spain trip and enjoy everything that’s on offer without compromising on comfort and convenience. You should always try and adapt to the timings in the country. Afternoons in Spain go on till 8:00 PM. Madrid is also known for its late timings. The nightlife begins around 11:00 PM and goes on until 2:00 AM at least. Do check out the Tapas bars in Spain while venturing northwards for tasting the best local cuisines. Take buses to save money on transportation. Visit the country during at least one major festival, be it the La Tomatina in August or San Fermin in the summer. Always book your trips to tourist landmarks and monuments online to avoid crowds. The mid-summer period is packed with tourists, especially in the coastal regions with high temperatures. It is best to avoid this time if you can help it.

Start planning your Spain tourism journey with a list of the best local foods to try here, if you are a true-blue connoisseur! Paella Valenciana is an iconic dish that comes with seafood or chicken and rabbit. Another option worth trying is Patatas Bravas, which translates to brave potatoes and it uses a unique sauce. Gazpacho is a soup with tomatoes which is served absolutely cold! It also comes with garlic, peppers, olive oil and bread. Pimientos de Padron is basically green peppers (sourced from Galicia) which are fried and come with a generous sprinkling of salt. Fideua or Spanish pasta is also worth trying in the Valencia and Catalonia regions, while cured ham or Jamon is another delicacy that you will love feasting on. Some other must-haves in Spain include Churros, Tortilla, Albondigas and Croquetas.

Once you’ve had your fill of Spain tourism, you will want to take back a few interesting souvenirs home. Top choices include customised jerseys of your favourite football teams like Barcelona or Real Madrid. You can also buy jerseys with the names of your favourite sporting legends. Cava or a Spanish version of champagne is another souvenir worth buying. Spain is also famous for its Caganer figurines in various types. The Turron is a delicious confectionary product available in both hard and soft varieties. Flamenco Castanets are also top choices for tourists and are indispensable parts of Flamenco performances. Saffron is also a great purchase in Spain along with the Bota or wine bottle made of leather. Lastly, do not forget to pick up some fabulous olive oil varieties as well!