A Backpacker's Guide to Spain

Picture this: A sandy beach with blue umbrellas, the sun slowly setting on the horizon, spreading its warm orange glow, you lying on a hammock, feeling the gentle warmth of the breeze. This in my heart is what it feels like to be in Spain. The land of afternoon siestas, limited store hours, and a happy laid back life. Come here for some soul music, to find your lost taste in art, or just for lessons on taking life a little easy.

A two-week backpacking tour is ideal to experience the joy that Spain is. Read on as we tell you on how to make the most of your days while drifting through the Spanish countryside. However, before we get into the finer details, let’s spend some time figuring out the logistics with these money saving tips:

Major costs

Flights and Transportation: The flight from India to Spain is one of the major expenses. If you are flying from New Delhi to Barcelona or Madrid, it costs approximately Rs. 50,000 per person for a round trip.

When travelling locally in Spain, rates across different cities vary. On an average, city metro and bus lines cost 1-3 EUR per trip (Rs. 75- Rs. 200). High speed trains (RENFE) are on the expensive side with tickets costing 50-150 EUR (Rs. 3000- Rs. 11,000).  Slower regional trains cost between 15-45 EUR (Rs. 1100- Rs. 3500) per trip. Overnight buses are the cheapest option for inter-city travel and cost around 18-21 EUR (Rs. 1300- Rs. 1500).

Money Saving Tip: While travelling by trains is faster, take the bus if you do have some extra time on your hands. Overnight buses will help you save like none other.

Accommodation: Staying in Spain is cheaper than other European countries. Dorm rooms cost around 20-30 EUR (Rs. 1500- Rs. 2300) for a night, whereas private hostel rooms on double sharing start around 40 EUR (Rs. 3000). Mid-range hotels can cost around 70-140 EUR (Rs. 5000- Rs. 10,000) per night depending on the location and season.

Money Saving Tip: If you are visiting in the peak tourist season of July- September, hotels and accommodations will be expensive. Travel in the adjacent months, when crowds are thinner and you can stay near the popular attractions to save on local commute.

Food: Pick from a mix of meals across different restaurants and eateries. Eating at a Maoz or McDonalds will cost you around 6 EUR (Rs. 450), whereas a good restaurant meal with local delicacies like Paella and wine will be around 25 EUR ( Rs. 1900). If you are buying groceries, stick to the local markets which provide some great options and fresh produce. A week’s worth of grocery will cost you around 30-35 EUR. (Rs. 2200- Rs. 2500).

Money Saving Tip: Try dining at self-catered eateries for cheaper prices. Most local restaurants have a ‘Menu of the Day’ for lunch which is within 7-10 EUR (Rs. 500- Rs. 750). It is a great way to try out some delicious Spanish food and save money too.

Activities:  Most attractions and museums in Spain cost between 2-14 EUR (Rs.150- Rs. 1000). If you are planning to go diving on any of the islands, be prepared to loosen the purse strings. Per session will be around 45 EUR (Rs. 3500).

Money Saving Tips: The most economical way to go sightseeing in Spain is to get a city pass. It will include all the museum entries, attractions and exciting discounts on various activities. You will also get free transport to some locations with the pass.

Places to See and Things to Do in Spain

You will be spoilt for choice when it comes to picking from the many tourist attractions in Spain. When planning your trip, consider spending at least two days in Barcelona, two in Madrid, a day in Seville and a day in San Sebastián. If you have some more time, then a day each in Granada and Pampalona too.

Exploring Barcelona: Barcelona is by far the liveliest city of Spain. This is a city known for late-night eating, great architecture and amazing local treasures. Walk the narrow cobblestone streets of the Gothic quarter, Barri Gòtic. Feel the energy of Las Ramblas, the street that is alive all hours of the day and night with eateries, vendors and local attractions. Visit La Sagarada Familia to take in the beautiful architecture of Antoni Gaudi. What’s more, Museu Nacional d'Art de Catalunya has the world’s largest collection of Romanesque art and is a delight for lovers of history and art alike.

For an afternoon trip, you can take the funicular and head to the summit of Tibidabo Mountain for amazing panoramic views of Barcelona and a very impressive selfie. For anyone passing through Barcelona, it goes without saying that you should spend considerable time on the beautiful beaches of the city. Famous beaches include Barceloneta, Nova Icaria, Bogatell, Mar Bella (nudist beach), Caldetes, Garraf and St Pol de Mar Beach.

Trivia: If you are a diehard fan of the TV series Friends, you will remember Joey’s reference to his hike of Mount Tibidabo and his efforts to break Ross’s dry spell. *Winks*

Exploring Madrid: Welcome to the partying capital of the country! Some clubs here don’t get going till 3 am and coming home before daylight is considered early. The good news is that Madrid lets you experience the best of both worlds. When you are not partying, the city is home to the largest museum in the world, Museo del Prado, popular for a splendid array of works by Velázquez. Take in some of the works of Francisco de Goya, including his Clothed Maja and Naked Maja.

Head to Plaza de Santa Ana for delicious lunch options, and then head for a walk to Puerta del Sol, the Times Square of Madrid. Spend the evenings bar hopping and sampling local Spanish food with hot and cold tapas.

Daytrip Idea: Take a trip to Toledo on the RENFE to see Alcazar and its army museum. Don’t forget to take home a souvenir of the famous damascene work.

Exploring Seville: Seville is like a scene out of a postcard with its medieval streets, palaces, churches and beautiful houses. Wander through the streets of Barrio de Santa Cruz for a taste of the local culture and head to Catedral de Sevilla, the largest Gothic building in the world for a unique experience.

When in Seville, don’t miss exploring Giralda Tower, a brilliant example of Islamic architecture of the 12^th century. Last but not the least, the Alcazar in Seville is the oldest royal residence in Europe and is a must visit.

Exploring Granada: It is worth coming to Granada just to see the old Moorish palace, Alhambra. With heavy Arabic influence, the city boasts of Moroccan cafes and Hookah bars. You can also take a little time out to see the Gypsy Caves close by.

San Sebastián and Pamplona: While San Sebastian is known for its effervescent nightlife and oh-so-lovely beaches, you can join the Running of the Bulls in Pamplona in July. Though not a very advisable sport, you can still take a chill pill drinking Sangrias, wearing a red scarf.

Revel in La Tomatina: Made famous with the Bollywood flick Zindagi na Milegi Dobara, the Tomatina festival is a fun-filled messy afternoon, where thousands of people pelt each other with tomatoes. Dubbed as the ‘biggest food fight’ in the world, the Tomatina festival is held on the last Wednesday in August in Buñol.

Expert Tip: Make sure you watch a classic Flamenco show and experience the beauty of the cultural soul of Spain.

Exploring the Islands: We’re going to Ibiza, finally! Spain has some of the most beautiful islands in Europe. Party all night in Ibiza, lounge away at one of the myriad beaches at Málaga or still better, extend your vacation to go to the Canaries. During peak season, these islands will be the most crowded and expensive too.

Book Your Flight to Spain

Take a chance and go along with the gentle rhythm of this beautiful country on your next trip.  And now that you have a ready itinerary, what are you waiting for? Plan your holiday to Spain now!