Spain tours discovery guide

From the museums of Madrid to the sands of the Costa del Sol, Spain sparkles with incredible places to visit. Whether you’re in search of incredible art and architecture, flamenco shows, delicious plates of tapas, Spanish culture, or history, you’ll find plenty of it in the cosmopolitan cities and picturesque countryside. The top places to visit on our tours of Spain are:

• Barcelona. Appealing to artists, foodies, sports fans, history buffs, beach lovers, and even mountain-goers, it is no surprise that this capital city of Catalonia is one of Europe’s most dynamic destinations. Among its many attractions are La Sagrada Familia, Park Guell, and the Gothic Quarter. Check out our best travel tips for a trip to Barcelona.
• Madrid. Spain’s most populous city is full of energy. The elegant boulevards and parks, and rich collection of European art, make this Spanish city a must-see. From the treasures at the Prado Museum to sunsets at the Temple of Debod, Madrid is always a highlight of trips to Spain. Here’s how to spend 48 hours in Madrid.
• Seville. There’s no better place to experience flamenco than its birthplace: Seville. The charming city with a Moorish influence is also known for its tapas and festivals, including its world-famous April Fair.
• Granada. Granada is full of historical and cultural attractions, including the Alhambra, the Nasrid Palaces, and the Albayzín district. Granada is also home to the Sacromonte district, which is famous for its flamenco shows.
• Valencia. With its rich history, delicious food, and vibrant nightlife, Valencia is a traveler’s delight. If you love beaches, Valencia’s location on the Mediterranean coast offers some of Spain’s best.
• Malaga. Located on the Costa del Sol, Malaga is one of the most popular destinations in Spain. The combination of great food, beautiful beaches, and cultural attractions (Alcazaba, Cathedral of Malaga, and the Picasso Museum) will make you want to return again and again.
• Costa del Sol. Dreaming of sunny days on the coast? Costa del Sol (Coast of the Sun) is lined with golden beaches, clear blue waters, and stunning views of the Mediterranean Sea. You’ll get your fill of Spanish food and wine, historical sites, and lively nightlife, too.

Ready to explore northern Spain? Here are eight of the best places to see →

If a lot of sunshine is what you seek, set out to see Spain in the summer. Spring and fall are becoming more popular times to visit thanks to the comfortable temperatures and fewer crowds at landmarks and major sites. Our guided tours of Spain run every season since the country offers an amazing experience for travelers any time of the year.

There’s something for everyone to enjoy in Spain’s top attractions: beautiful churches, mosaic-tiled palaces, and celebrated beaches. One of the main benefits of joining our guided tours of Spain is having the opportunity to visit must-see sites with an expert leading the way. Another advantage of traveling to Spain with us? We’ll help you skip the long lines at popular landmarks. Here are some attractions to see in Spain:

• La Sagrada Familia in Barcelona
• The Alhambra in Granada
• Park Guell in Barcelona
• Mezquita in Cordoba
• The Prado Museum in Madrid
• Plaza de Espana in Seville
• Llotja de la Seda in Valencia
• The Picasso Museum in Barcelona
• Royal Alcazar of Seville
• Royal Palace in Madrid
• Beaches of Costa del Sol

Check out bucket list-worthy things to do in Spain →

Spain is many things: cosmopolitan, historic, and laidback. You’ll find incredible art and architecture, delicious food, and captivating countryside and coastlines, all infused with Spanish flavor. In a country so diverse, there are many popular activities to experience on our guided trips to Spain. Some of the most popular include:

• Exploring the countryside. From the snow-capped Pyrenees Mountains to the sunny beaches of the Costa del Sol, Spain is a beautiful country with stunning scenery. There are many opportunities to explore the countryside, including hiking, biking, and fishing.
• Visiting historical sites. With its rich history, Spain has many intriguing sites to visit, including the Roman ruins of Merida, the medieval city of Toledo, and the Alhambra in Granada.
• Enjoying the food and wine. You’ll find many opportunities to sample Spain’s delicious food and wine. Some of the most popular dishes to try on our Spain trips include paella, tapas, and sangria.
• Attending a festival. Spaniards love to celebrate, and there are many festivals throughout the year, including the Tomatina Festival in Bunol and the Semana Santa processions in Seville.
• Relaxing on the beach. Blessed with long coastlines and many breathtaking beaches, Spain is perfect for swimming, sunbathing, and participating in water sports. Some of the most popular beaches are Playa de la Barceloneta in Barcelona, Playa de las Americas in Tenerife, and Playa de la Concha in San Sebastian.
• Visiting the cities. Spain is home to many beautiful and vibrant cities, each with its own unique character. Some of the most popular cities to visit include Madrid, Barcelona, Seville, and Granada.

Check out our bucket list of things to do in Spain →

Located on the Iberian Peninsula in southwestern Europe, Spain has a climate that varies across its different regions. Along the eastern coast, you can expect to find a Mediterranean climate, which means hot summers and mild winters. Central Spain experiences very hot summers and cold winters, while northern Spain tends to have more mild and humid weather.

Everywhere you turn, Spain seems to offer unique attractions you won’t find anywhere else, from mesmerizing museums in Madrid to flamenco shows in Seville to amazing architecture in Barcelona. Here are a few experiences that make our guided tours to Spain extra special:

• Seeing a flamenco show in Seville
• Exploring the fairy-tale Alcazar castle in Segovia
• Stepping inside the Mezquita in Cordoba
• Sampling tapas or pintxos
• Hiking the Caminito del Rey
• Throwing tomatoes at the Tomatina Festival in Bunol
• Enjoying a cafe bombon in Tenerife
• Going cave diving in Nerja
• Visiting a finca farmhouse in Salamanca
• Visiting the Valley of the Fallen in the Guadarrama Mountains
• Taking a cooking class in Andalusia
• Touring an olive oil farm in Cordoba
• Watching the sun set on Bakio’s Beach

Explore more unique things to do in Spain →

A visit to the country of “fiestas and siestas” isn’t complete without exploring its incredible food culture. Good food, drinks, and company are always on the menu. The combination of sampling flavorful dishes, trying delicious wines, and lingering around the table makes the dining experience in Spain quite different from what you’ll have anywhere else in the world. Spanish cuisine is known for its fresh ingredients, bold flavors, and use of olive oil.

Here are some of the best dishes to sample on our trips to Spain:

• Paella. A quintessential rice dish that everyone visiting Spain needs to try. There are many ways to enjoy it. Traditionally it’s made with saffron, chicken, seafood, and vegetables, but locals also enjoy it with rabbit.
• Tapas and pintxos. Many people are familiar with tapas, the small-plate meals that Spain made famous the world over. But did you know that tapas are only tapas if they’re on a plate? In the Basque region of Spain, pintxos are tiny bites served atop toasty slices of bread.
• Jamon Iberico. A prized delicacy in Spain, this cured ham is made from free-range pigs that are fed a diet of acorns, which gives the ham its distinctive flavor.
• Tortilla Espanola. A hearty and filling breakfast option, this Spanish omelet is made with thinly sliced potatoes, onions, and eggs. If you’re on the go, the portable dish makes a great snack.
• Gazpacho. On a hot summer day, this cold soup of tomatoes, cucumbers, onions, peppers, and garlic is a delicious way to cool off.
• Wine. Spain is home to a few of the world’s top wine regions. Three of the best sips you can try on tour are rioja (a fruity red wine), cava (a sparkling wine similar to Champagne), and vermouth (a strong, fortified wine).

Know before you go: tips for eating in Spain →

We recommend you spend at least six days in Spain. While our most popular Spain tours run nine days or more, you can enjoy a shorter trip if you limit your tour to one or two cities.

The euro.

To stock up on local currency, order some euros from your bank before you go, or use your debit card at an ATM once you arrive. For tips on using the euro while on a trip to Spain, check out our advice on currency exchange →

Spanish is the most widely spoken language in Spain. However, English is widely spoken in popular areas. That said, knowing some key phrases is always useful and will help you find your way around and show locals that you’re interested in learning about their culture.

Some key Spanish phrases to know before you go →

• Greetings. When greeting someone in Spain, it is customary to shake hands. It’s also common to kiss someone on the cheek as a greeting, but this is more common among friends and family.
• Dining. Lunch is the largest and most important meal of the day, served at 1 p.m. or later. It often consists of several courses and is followed by the famous siesta, or resting time. Many businesses and restaurants are closed from about 2-4 p.m. Dinner is a much lighter meal and often isn’t started until 9 or 10 p.m. During the long days of summer, locals might not eat dinner until around midnight!
• Tipping. Tipping is not expected in Spain, but it is appreciated. A tip of 5-10% is considered appropriate for good service.
• Dress. Spain is a relatively casual country, but it’s still important to dress appropriately for the occasion. For example, you wouldn’t want to wear shorts and a T-shirt to a nice restaurant or beachwear when you’re not at the beach.

We recommend packing light for a trip to Spain. One suitcase and one carry-on per person is a good guideline to follow; you should feel comfortable managing your baggage at the airport or when traversing the country by train. After you’ve booked one of our Spain tours, we’ll give you information about how to prepare for your particular trip and even share a packing list in our mobile app.

• Sun protection. For all our trips, especially during the summer months in Spain, we recommend bringing sunscreen, sunglasses, and a hat to protect your face and the back of your neck from the sun.
• Layers. We recommend packing lightweight, loose-fitting clothing that can be easily layered to accommodate varying temperatures, as well as a light jacket or rainwear.
• Comfortable walking shoes. Since you’ll be exploring new destinations with local guides while on guided tours to Spain, a comfortable pair of walking shoes is essential to have with you. Those walking shoes will come in handy while exploring the cobblestone streets that are common in Spain or hiking in the Basque Country.
• Dressier attire. You may want to pack dressier attire if you plan to visit a high-end restaurant or attend a special performance.
• Full-coverage layers for religious sites. On our Spain tours, it is preferable not to visit churches, temples, or other religious sites with bare legs or shoulders, and staff at these sites may deny entrance on this basis.
• A small day bag. Many churches and museums will not allow you to bring in large backpacks for security purposes—you’ll need to check them at the door. However, you can wear a small day bag on your front, like a crossbody travel bag or stylish mini backpack.
• An RFID money belt or wallet. Spain’s city streets can get busy, and like in any country with many tourists, you’ll want to be wary of pickpockets. Radio-frequency identification (RFID) can protect your credit card info from electronic theft, and a money belt will conceal your cash without ruining your outfit.

Once you’ve reserved one of our Spain tour packages, we’ll send you detailed information about what to bring with you. Don’t forget to download the Go Ahead app before you take off, so you’ll have all the info you need about your trip right in your pocket.