Why Travel to Spain?
When you think of Spain, you may think of sunny days, vast coastlines, and sangria, but there is so much more to this country. The terrain spans from the coasts to mountains, to arid flat land. It is unique in that the north coast can be rainy and cool and the south can be arid and hot most of the year. The best time to visit Spain is during spring or fall.
Each region has its own personality. Knowing Spain’s history helps you understand the uniqueness of places like Catalunya, Basque Country, Andalucia, etc. There is so much to discover in this amazing country. The people, the food, customs, and traditions will add so much to your trip.
We hope you find inspiration to venture to Spain. You may read a book, watch a movie or catch a series on Netflix that sparks your interest. Before our trip to Spain in 2019, we watched every one of James Blick’s Youtube videos, Spain Revealed. We learned about local food and drink and how to eat like a local. Another duo on Youtube, Vaga Brothers caught our attention. These brothers travel all over the world and share their experiences. They lived in Basque Country for a few years and their passion for Spain shows. We were also inspired by the When in Spain Podcast by Paul Burge, an expat, living life and sharing adventures. And if you have not caught the travel bug with Amateur Traveler Podcast with Chris Christensen, you will find episodes from many regions in Spain as well as all over the world. Our travel blog, Altered by Adventure is another place to find inspiration and a place you can link to many of these talented videographers, bloggers, and podcasters.
Royal Palace ~ Madrid
Culture and Language~
Spain has been influenced by ancient Roman Empires and Moorish Empires among others. The language, food, and architecture vary throughout the country. Spain has such a rich culture that is wonderful to explore. In the North, the people of Basque Country speak a different language and have different customs. In Catalunya, the region of Barcelona, there is a different dialect and also varied history and customs. For instance, Valencia is known for Paella, and Andalusia is known for Flamenco dance. Each part of Spain has something new to offer. It is worth looking more into the regions to find what interests you. Spain is predominantly a Catholic country and festivals and celebrations occur throughout the year. One of the most well-known festivals is the running of the bulls in Pamplona. Do check into information on festivals if you want to work that into your trip.
Flamenco at Plaza Espana ~ Seville
Getting There and Getting Around~
It is very easy to travel through Spain. The highways reach many larger cities and the train offers even high-speed options. It is very easy to rent a car in Spain. Check sites like Booking.com for options. If you are planning to visit Portugal, do remember that you need to pick up and drop off the car in Spain. If you choose another city for drop off, there may be an extra fee. If you are planning to visit more than one place, it is possible to fly into one city and out of another. We found a great deal out of Barcelona so we flew to Madrid and took the high-speed train to Barcelona to easily experience both cities. The train system is easy to use, but it can be more expensive than in other countries like Italy, so it is a good idea to check ahead.
Metro ~ Madrid
Cost Saving Tips~
You can find very affordable flights from the U.S. even by flying into London or Paris from major airports like New York, Chicago, Denver, etc. In Spain the best way to save is to stay outside of the tourist areas in places like Barcelona and Madrid, for example. With public transportation, it is a better and more authentic way to travel. Also, partake in the tapas culture. It is so fun to plan a set of taverns to visit, like Calle Cava de Baja, in Madrid, for example. Some of my best memories were eating mushrooms on a stick in the basement of a tavern on that street. Also do partake in the amazing wine that comes from that region and from the north. As for activities, do try booking ahead online to skip the line. And consider venues, like Flamenco performances, that are not in tourist areas. Read reviews and plan accordingly. Spain is not a very expensive country, especially a little farther out of the city. Do try to add an area in a smaller village for the best experience. And do not worry, as many speak English, and if they don’t you will most likely get by with the little Spanish you may know.
Tapas ~ Anciano Rey de los Vinos, Madrid
Food and Drink~
Spain has a variety of special dishes that offer a unique and memorable experience. Each region of Spain has a specific food or two that is worth trying. Tapas are available in local taverns. It can range from olives to more extensive bite-sized shared plates. In northern Spain, tapas are called pintxos. Paella (Spanish rice dish) can be aimed at tourists. If there are big signs outside with pictures of the dish, be wary of that. Another great food to try in Spain is churros. Churros are fluffy long, fried pastry dipped in thick chocolate. There is nothing like that combination of dipping churros at any time of the day. Spanish wine is plentiful in restaurants throughout the country. It is super affordable and really good! Vermouth is a fortified wine, that is very popular in Spain. I thought it was a drink mixer, but I can tell you it has a rich flavor that really goes great with tapas. There are over 500 wineries in Spain and you usually order by region.
Churros & Chocolate ~ San Gines, Madrid
Our Favorite Places~
A great thing about a trip to Spain is that there really is something for everyone. With miles of beaches and amazing mountain ranges like the Pyrenees, it is easy to plan so many experiences in one trip The regions and towns offer something different throughout so be sure to look deeper into these areas to get the best out of it. Some of the most famous attractions, like Sagrada de Familia in Barcelona or Alhambra in Andalusia and the Prado Museum in Madrid are only to name a few. When looking at each city and town, consider the sites you might want to see and consider purchasing ahead online. I also like personal guides that can give you history and a different perspective. It is good to look into local guides and besides this site, they can be found on Airbnb experiences, Tripadvisor, GetYourGuide, etc.
Learn more about Madrid, Barcelona, Basque Country, Andalucia, and Seville on our site, Altered by Adventure. Each page opens with an inspirational video and highlights of the best things to see and do.
Sagrada de Familia~Barcelona