Experience Spain-A Quick Guide to Get You Started

Here are some quick tips to help you navigate Spain like a pro.

WHAT IS THE BEST TIME TO VISIT SPAIN?

Spring (March to May): Temperatures are mild (59°F to 77°F), making it perfect for sightseeing. Less crowded than summer, and cities like Seville and Madrid experience lovely weather.

Fall (September to November): The weather is pleasant (59°F to 73°F), with fewer tourists and beautiful autumn colors in some regions.

Summer (June to August): Most popular time. Very warm with temps 77°F to 95°F, and some southern cities can reach 104°F or higher. Spain has beautiful beaches and coastal areas, like Costa del Sol, are ideal for beach vacations.

Winter (December to February): It’s great for visiting Spain’s Christmas markets and skiing in the Pyrenees. Southern Spain enjoys mild winters,(41°F to 59°F), with colder conditions in the north.


WHAT IS THERE TO SEE IN SPAIN?

Beaches - Spain has some of Europe’s best beaches like Ibiza, Costa Brava and San Sabastian.

Golf- Costa del Sol is home to some of the best golf in the world.

Casinos- Spain has over 50 casinos, the largest being Gran Madrid.

Art & History- Prado Museum in Madrid is one of the world’s best art museums and for history, The Alhambra in Granada is considered the most famous in Spain.

Architecture- La Sagrada Familia in Barcelona is an iconic basilica and a must-see for art and architecture lovers. Also in Barcelona, is the Park Guell with whimsical architecture and great views of the city.

Local Culture- The Plaza Mayor in Madrid is a grand square ideal for enjoying Spanish culture and food.

QUICK TIPS TO HELP NAVIGATE SPAIN LIKE A PRO

Tipping

Tipping in cafes is not common and in restaurants for good service, a 5-10% is appreciated. In upscale restaurants, 10% is appropriate.

For taxis, it is customary to round up the fare to the nearest euro or leave about 1 or 2 euros extra.

In Hotels, tipping porters or housekeeping staff is appreciated, usually around 1-2 euros per bag or per night.

Dress Codes

Casual wear is very acceptable. It is common to see locals dressing up a bit more than tourists.

Religious sites require women to have shoulders covered, and shorts and skirts should reach the knee.

Beachwear is for the beach only. It is considered inappropriate to walk around in swimwear outside of beach areas. In Madrid, flip-flops are an absolute no-no.

Gym Attire is for the gym, not the street. This includes leggings and yoga pants. Sorry.

Baseball Caps scream TOURIST.

Local Customs & Travel Tips

Siesta is common, especially in smaller towns and southern Spain still closes between 2 PM and 5 PM.

Greetings for both men and women begin with a light kiss on both cheeks starting with the left cheek. Handshakes are also common.

Meal times are a little late. Lunch (the main meal) is between 1:30 and 3:30 and dinner starts between 9:00 and 10:00.

Clubs are empty until 1:00 AM.

Hair salons and barbershops are abundant, nail salons are becoming increasingly popular.

Public transportation is excellent including metros, buses, and trams in major cities. Trains are high-speed and a great way to travel between cities. Taxis are widely available and bike rentals are common in Barcelona and Seville.

Credit cards most accepted are Visa and Mastercard. Amex is less commonly accepted with the exception of high-end hotels, restaurants, and larger stores. Apple Pay and Google Pay are often accepted.

Cash is needed in small shops, cafes, bars, public toilets, and public markets. Some taxis still require cash so check before you ride.

Wifi is generally fast and reliable, especially in major cities. Rural areas may be slower.

Beer is trendy and in some cities like Madrid, it is cheaper to order than water or a soft drink.

Uber is in Spain’s major cities but has many restrictions. Cabify is the most commonly used app and the most similar to Uber. The app provides an upfront price with its private drivers; however, you can also request a taxi through the app.

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