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SPAIN

DESTINATION GUIDE

As the world leader in travel experiences since 1947, we connect you to the real Spain in a way like no other. A country of ripe vineyards, endless coastlines, rugged mountain ranges and historic villages, we will venture into the spirit of Spain uncovering the heritage of its luscious surroundings. This culture means more than siestas and sangria, proved as we move from monument to museum to the beat of flamenco. In Madrid, we’ll discover the meeting point of old and new via charming alleyways and taverns. Things to do in Barcelona will delight us with Gaudi architecture whilst the mountain of Montserrat proves there is magic to be found beyond Spain’s bountiful cities. Between the map points, we will discover this country’s culinary delights and understand how they form part of the cultural fabric. Fierce passion, national pride and reverence for tradition seep through every inch of this intriguing land. The lure of Spain tours is enormously strong and will stay with you long after your visit.Travel with us and unlock the infinite possibilities thanks to our exclusive Triploves Highlights.

"It's always a nice moment when you see the guests enjoying a sangria by the olive groves of Andalucia"

 

Alexandre,

Travel Director

Spain  at a

glance

Currency

Euro

Winter avg temp

10°C

Summer avg temp

25°C

Time Zone

GMT +2

Capital City

Madrid

Language

Spanish, Catalan

Good Morning

Buenos días

Good evening

Buena noches

Image by Annie Spratt
Image by Drew Graham
Image by Toa Heftiba

A country of ripe vineyards, endless coastlines, rugged mountain ranges, historic villages, magical architecture and passionate traditions, Spain is a country that stays with you long after your visit. Join your expert Trafalgar Travel Director and discover the true spirit of Spain.

Image by Tomáš Nožina
Image by Daniel Angele

Our top 3 things to do in Spain

Discover Spain with Trafalgar and get to know the intricacies of its heritage through music, dance, religion and architecture. Our trips are filled with both iconic and unexpected experiences, and will cement your love for this country. 

Discover the Old and New Madrid

Get lost in the narrow streets and charming alleyways running off Plaza Mayor. Wooden shops and tavernas pull you in, taking you into spaces handed down through generations. With contemporary architecture and experimental restaurants, anything’s possible in the city of Madrid. The collision point of old and new.

View the Bullring in Valencia

Aside from being the centre of one of Spain’s most traditional activities, the Plaza de Toros de Valencia is a commanding example of neoclassical architecture. Look up at the Roman-inspired building and you can almost hear 150 years of crowds roaring through the brick arches.

Feel the rhythm and magic of an Andalusian flamenco

No trip to Spain is complete without witnessing an Andalusian flamenco. Emotion, seduction and mystery form into this traditional Spanish dance, making this so much more than just a pastime. Feel the guitar, the heavy clapping, the heart-thumping steps and 500 years of passion in a tablao – the region’s historic enclaves where this dance comes to life. 

Best museums in Spain

Surrealism, cubism, modern history and expressive architecture, you will experience it all with the museums we visit in Spain. Let Trafalgar unlock the culture of this remarkable country.

Dali Museum

Walk through the Dalí Theatre-Museum and get a glimpse into the mind of one of Spain’s most famous exports. Designed by the artist himself, this is a building of grand Surrealist proportions, housing decades of Dalí’s works. Enjoy a surprise and new perspective at every turn.

Guggenheim Museum

Come for the architecture, stay for the art. Frank Gehry’s most-referenced work of modern architecture has revolutionised Bilbao and is a masterpiece in itself. Dismiss all ideas of what a building should look like and revel in the Deconstructivist design while getting up close to large-scale installations by contemporary artists.

Kumu

Spend at least a few hours at the Museu Picasso, a warren-like building of courtyards and staircases filled with more than 4,000 original artworks. Explore the rooms of five joined medieval mansions, and bear witness to the artist’s broad and varied talent. This is a collection concentrating on Picasso’s earlier, lesser-known years.

Best food in Spain

Enjoy traditional Spanish food in the very place the meals originated. With simple ingredients and rich flavours, the dishes we share with you on a trip to Spain will connect you with the authentic culinary heritage of the country. 

Paella Valenciana

Take a seat and immerse in a large pan of Paella Valenciana. The rice dish packed with meat and vegetables is found all over Spain but the original hails from Albufera, on the coast next to Valencia. Eat it straight from the pan with fellow dinner guests for an authentic Spanish mealtime.

Escudellia

For Catalonians, nothing evokes memories of home like Escudella i carn d’olla. Devour the centuries-old meal over two courses, consisting of a soup of broth with pasta or rice (or both) followed by a large ‘pilota’ meatball livened by garlic and parsley.

Gazpacho

A cold soup of raw, blended vegetables may not sound appealing, but Andalusia’s age-old dish is one that you will quickly learn to love. Try history-drenched gazpacho - typically made of tomatoes, stale bread, cucumber and bell pepper - for a light and refreshing option during a hot Spanish summer.

Catalan, Basque or Galician phrase book

Depending on where you’re visiting, speak like the locals and swap Spanish for a few phrases of the mother tongue. You’ll make friends for life by showing such enthusiasm for the local dialect.

Sturdy walking boots

Spain may be renowned for its cities and beaches, but you may need sturdy walking shoes when visiting the idyllic mountain ranges.

Espadrilles

Forgo ‘flip-flops’ or ‘thongs’ and do as the Spaniards do; don a pair of traditional espadrilles for walking around the cities and travelling the country’s coastline. Comfort and style combined.

A jacket

Spain has a reputation for being dry and sunny, but cool and rainy days do come. Pack a jacket for and easy layers, particularly if visiting Spain in winter.

A small digital camera

The picturesque lanes, neoclassical architecture and stunning landscapes mean you’ll be walking a lot to soak it all up. Bring along your own reusable water bottle and stay hydrated the eco-friendly way.

What to pack for Spain

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Other things to know before you go

Depending on your nationality, you'll need a valid passport and may also need visas to enter. Please check this well in advance of your trip departure date here. Some countries also require passports to have 3-6 months left on them before the given expiry date, so be sure to double check this before booking your travels.

Road Trip Adventures

Slide into your seat, grip the wheel, start the engine, and hit the open road. From Norway to South Africa, the tundra to the rainforest, there is no limit to what you can reach with four wheels and an adventurous spirit. The road trip is no longer a means to get from point A to point B in your country; it crosses borders into new places, allowing for pure freedom in exciting destinations. Measure your next journey in viewpoints, road signs, and the people you'll meet along the way!

Guide to Spain Visa Application

Learn about the types of visas and the step by step process of obtaining a visa for Spain and quarantine regulations in this comprehensive guide.

  This includes types of visa applications, what to declare, and what is prohibited.

Keep in mind these handy tips for a smart, stress-free, and on-time visa application experience! 

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