Overview of Spain
There is much more than sun, sand and sangria to Spain. If this holiday to Spain is your first, be aware that the country is hard to get out of your blood after you’ve visited once.
Things to do and see
La Sagrada Familia
Nothing will prepare you for seeing the Temple Expiatori de la Sagrada Familia which takes up an entire city block and has become a symbol of city. Locals take great pride in the history and symbolism in the church’s construction and architect, Antoni Gaudi. There are eight towers at the Sagrada Familia, and to see them at close quarters, buy an entrance ticket and then take one of the separate elevators that run up the facades. Your entrance ticket will also give you access to the museum, which traces the career of Gaudi and the complete history of the church.
Alhambra
The Alhambra is more than a just a palace; it is an entire walled city within the city of Granada. There are royal apartments, forts, gardens, pavilions and barracks—all this surrounded by an impressive wall. You can buy tickets to get into the grounds and explore it on your own or with a guided tour.
Plaza de Santa Ana
The Plaza de Santa Ana is a lively square in the centre of historic Madrid and is known as the literary heart of the city. Appropriately so, there are plenty of cafes and bars where people can relax and take in the square. It was laid out in the early 19th century and was named after the 16th century Santa Ana convent that was taken down to create the square. When you visit, try going to Cerveceria Alemana which has been frequented by artists and writers ever since it opened in 1904, including Ernest Hemingway who was a regular in his days.
Bonus: Madrid is filled with wonderful hostels that are both luxurious and budget-friendly.
Seville
Known as the romantic heart of Spain, the town of Seville is the city of flamenco dancing and of the illustrious Don Juan and Carmen. There are tapas bars throughout the city ready for your snacking pleasures and a number of architectural wonders to grab your attention. One such wonder is the immense Seville Cathedral in the city centre. It’s the world’s largest gothic temple and the third largest Christian church in the world.
Seasonality
Depending on what you plan to do in Spain, it is a year-round destination. May, June and September are the ideal months to visit when you can rely on consistent and excellent weather while avoiding extreme heat and a crush of tourists. Some parts of Spain have decent weather for the entire year like cities along the south and southeast Mediterranean coasts.
Travel tips
- Generally, Spain is a pretty safe destination. The main concern is petty theft and as you may guess, tourists are prime targets. Most visitors to this country are never threatened nor do they feel unsafe, but with the rise of pickpockets, staying aware and alert is always recommended.
- Passport theft has been on the rise and is an especially common theft in Barcelona. If your passport is lost or stolen overseas, report it online or contact the nearest Australian Embassy, High Commission or Consulate as soon as possible.
- Medical costs are lower in Spain than in many other EU countries, though the amounts can still accumulate quickly if you aren’t insured or don’t have a travel insurance policy.
- Shops close from 2pm through 5pm for an afternoon siesta. Large department stores and grocery stores still tend to stay open, and hours are usually 9am-9pm for these establishments.
- Tap water is drinkable here, though further south in Spain the tap water’s taste could be unpalatable.
Country overviews
Interested in travelling to Europe? See our guides to different European tourist destinations: