2 Weeks in Spain

What You Should Know Before Going On A Spain Tour

Best Time to Visit Spain

If you’re looking to visit spain when the weather is sunny but not blisteringly hot, spring season (March to May) or Fall (August to September) is the best time to go. You’ll be swarmed with less crowds as tourist season is in the summer, and exploring the cities will be much more relaxing and less claustrophobic.

Spain is a popular wine tasting destination, which is a popular activity throughout the year. The most picturesque time to visit vineyards is generally Summer through Autumn. The vines are full and colorful and wineries are buzzing with activity - in the fall it’s harvest time which is always exciting.

The vines are not exactly pretty to look at in the winter, but this is a less crowded time in the tasting rooms. So if you’re interested in talking shop with the tasting room associates, this is one of the best times to visit - when they won’t be distracted by large groups.

Unfortunately Spain is fairly expensive year round, even during shoulder seasons. Traveling with a tour can often help you save on food and activities such as attending local festivals.

Weather in Spain

Many travelers believe in the myth that Spain is sunny and gorgeous all year long. Unfortunately, that isn’t the case. Your trip to spain can differ depending on the month and region you plan your trip around.

Winter: Spain in the winter is mostly dry. It actually happens to be one of the best countries in Europe to be during the cold months. The temperature usually ranges around 40 to 50 degrees F throughout most regions. The inland cities are usually the coldest and you can expect some snow, although it is more common in December or January. It is important to note that on Christmas day hardly any restaurants will be open since it is a family holiday!

Spring: Expect outstretched sunny skies but cool, relaxing breezes, probably any traveler’s dream weather for going to the beach… or going anywhere for that matter! Spring is the best time to take a trip to La Concha, Ibiza and other beautiful coasts, with the heat staying around 65 degrees F. The only thing about Spring is that the weather can be unpredictable. Some days may be washed with rainfall, which is most likely the case for cities like Madrid.

Summer: Although this is peak tourist season, Spain is notorious for being extremely hot during the summer. The heat basks most cities during the months of July and August, soaring as high as 90 degrees F. If you’re planning on taking a trip to Spain at this time, we highly recommend traveling to the north of Spain, like Bilbao, where the weather isn’t too extreme. Many locals flock to the coast since the inner cities get extremely hot.

Fall: Although September is technically fall, in Spain it’s still as sunny as summer. It’s still very warm, although not as intense as August, and still considered beach weather. The next months ahead marks the best time to visit Spain’s big cities, like Madrid and Barcelona, that host some of the best events, festivals and activities for tourists.

What to Pack for Traveling to Spain

You can expect to do a lot of walking around the cities of Spain, on cobbled pathways. Make sure to bring sturdy sneakers or any closed toe shoes for walking around religious sites. If you’re traveling in the summer, do not underestimate the sun.

Make sure to bring lots of sunscreen, hats and dry fit clothing. Likewise, even in the summer, Spain is known to have unexpected rainfall so bring a travel sized umbrella just in case.

In terms of clothing, Spain is a pretty religious country. It would be wise to dress a little more on the conservative end, especially if you’re planning to visit any of the magnificent churches or fortresses.

We recommend a light shall to cover your shoulders and to protect yourself from the sun. It is also advised to bring anti-theft bags since pick pocketing is quite common in the cities.

Is Spain Safe?

Spain is absolutely safe for tourists and one of the safest countries to travel to in Europe. The only thing to look out for are some petty thefts like pickpocketing in large cities, especially around the summer in peak tourist period. Keep a lookout on your valuables, such as your phone or cameras, especially in party hot spots such as Ibiza.

It is also important to mention that there is some political unrest in Barcelona, specifically around the Catalan region. That being said, it is rare than any of these turn violent or dangerous. Violent crime rates are pretty low and uncommon.

Travelers should take note that Spain has reported 193 confirmed cases of coronavirus.

Do’s and Don’t for Traveling in Spain

5 dos...

1. Do make sure your passport is valid at least 3 months after you have booked your tickets to Spain. It’s common to be denied boarding or entry otherwise

2. Do expect very friendly locals. Most Spaniards are very welcoming of tourists and encourage spanish learners to try and speak their language. Local greetings also commonly include kisses on the cheek so don’t be shy about it!

3. It’s important to keep in mind that Catalonia is its own language and culture, and Catalan people are very proud of it. If you’re visiting Barcelona, be sure to learn about their heritage and be sensitive to topics such as religiosity and regionalism. This is also true for the Basque region and Galicia.

4. Make sure that if you have enough time in Spain that you don’t stay cooped up in the main cities. Madrid and Barcelona are wonderful but the real magic of Spain is enveloped in the countryside, in charming small villages and islands. Explore past the tourist meccas and you will find a truly cultural, authentic and memorable trip to Spain.

5. Do visit the local markets! In pursuit of an authentic trip, trying out the regional hams, fresh produce and exquisite seafood in local markets is a perfect way to be more immersed in their culinary and cultural world.

5 Don’ts...

1. A basic rule is to wear your flip flops at the beach and only the beach. In the city, especially Barcelona, you’re expected to wear closed toe shoes for both religious and cultural reasons. It is also illegal to wear your bikini or swimsuits into some cities, so best not stand out!

2. Don’t tip big. In Spain, servers earn a living wage, so it is common for Spaniards to leave a few changes for tip, unlike in other countries where servers rely on tips for income

3. Do not underestimate pickpockets. It’s important that you don’t leave your bag half open while walking, or leave your wallet in your back pocket while walking around. Watching street performers is also a place where pickpockets earn the most snags, so always be cautious

4. Spaniards are pretty laid back with time, and dinner is a good example. Don’t expect to have dinner at restaurants before 9 pm. Late meals is pretty common in this country

5. Don’t pack too many clothes. Spain is a fashionable country and a shopping metropolis, so chances are you’re going to be very tempted to seek out their chic brands and styles.