Spain at a Glance
Where to Visit
Best Time to Visit
Essential Experiences
Travel Considerations
Safety & Accessibility of Resources
Travel with Zicasso
2 Week Spain Itinerary at a Glance
Take off on an adventure unlike any other to the captivating country of Spain. You will spend two weeks exploring the very best of this diverse country and immersing yourself in the vibrant local culture. From the pristine sandy beaches of Barcelona to the rolling green hillsides of Northern Spain and the sunkissed plazas of Andalucia, you will surely be in awe of Spain's natural beauty. Yoru two-week itinerary will be jam-packed with activity as you visit local historical gems, ride cable cars to stunning panoramic vistas, step into the frenetic energy of local markets, and dance the night away to the staccato rhythms of live flamenco music. An unforgettable journey awaits you.
Regions
The regions of Spain include Northern (Bilbao, Santiago de Compostela, San Sebastian), Central (Madrid, Toledo), and Southern Spain (Granada, Seville, Cordoba), as well as the Mediterranean coast (Barcelona, Valencia).
Climate
The climate of Spain is a Mediterranean climate. Summers are generally dry and hot and winters are wet and a bit cool.
Population
Spain has a population of 46 million people.
Religion
The predominant religion of Spain is Roman Catholicism.
Language
Castilian Spanish is the most prominent national language of Spain. Catalan and Basque are also spoken in the region of Catalonia and the Basque Country respectively.
Currency
The national currency of Spain is the euro.
Consider making these exciting destinations part of your itinerary in Spain.
Where to Visit in 2 Weeks
Madrid (2 Days)
Spend two days exploring the nation's capital. Try to keep up with the hustle and bustle of the city as you step inside the Royal Palace, admire high-end fashion trends along Gran Via, stroll through the Parque El Retiro, and marvel at the famed artwork of Picasso and Dali at the Reina Sofia Museum. In the evening, you can venture to Malasana or Lavapies to dance the night away as eclectic live music serenades you.
Valencia (2 Days)
Experience the architectural genius of Valencia as you tour the futuristic designs of Santiago Calatrava at the City of Arts and Sciences. Then, check out the city's historic downtown and step into the frenetic energy of Mercat Central. Complete your day with a hearty plate of saffron-induced paella here, in the birthplace of this famous dish.
Barcelona (3 Days)
Get to know the illustrious city of Barcelona as you peruse grand architecture of centuries past in the Gothic Quarter and relax along the seashore of La Barceloneta. Then, join your guide for a tour of Antoni Gaudi's most impressive works including Casa Mila, Casa Batllo, the Sagrada Familia, and Park Guell.
Northern Spain (4 Days)
Breathe in the fresh, countryside air of Northern Spain as you relish in the beauty of this region's verdant landscapes. You will spend the day exploring pristine natural landscapes in places like Lagos de Covadonga and San Juan Gaztelugatxe before returning to city life in Bilbao or Oviedo by night to partake in delicious pintxos varieties.
Andalucia (3 Days)
Fall in love with the exquisite palaces, fortresses, and cathedrals of Andalucia. You will tour such iconic sites at La Mezquita in Cordoba, El Alcazar in Seville, and La Alhambra in Granada. Later, venture to the southern city of Malaga where you can dig your toes into the white sandy beaches and sit beneath shady palm trees.
Best Time to Visit Spain
The best time to visit any region of Spain is in late spring and early fall. If you plan to spend most of your time in Northern Spain, consider coming during the summer months as well as temperatures are mild and the rainfall of winter has left behind verdant landscapes. If you plan to spend the majority of your time in Southern Spain, try to avoid a visit during Late July or August as these months present especially steamy temperatures.
Many international travelers also choose to visit Spain during Semana Santa, or Holy Week, the seven days leading up to Easter. This week presents a culturally immersive experience of day-long processions through the historic downtown of most major Spanish cities, especially in southern Spain. Tourists should be aware that wait times will be longer and crowds will be much larger, especially in the center of the city.
Essential Experiences in Spain
Sunbathing in Barcelona
Soak up the sun during your visit to Barcelona. You can stroll along the bustling boulevard of Las Ramblas to admire beautiful artwork and handicrafts before making your way to Barcelona's illustrious shoreline of La Barceloneta. Dig your toes into the sand and soak up the sun before indulging in a fresh plate of paella at water's edge.
History Deep Dive in Andalucia
Delve into the wonder of centuries past when you visit some of Andalucia's most iconic historical gems including La Alhambra palace in Granada, El Alcazar in Seville, and La Mezquita in Cordoba. Then, in the evening, attend an unforgettable dinner and flamenco dance performance that will have you clapping your hands along to the staccato rhythms of these impassioned dancers.
Pintxos Bar Crawl in Northern Spain
Fall in love with the elegance of downtown San Sebastian as you join your guide on a luxurious tour of the city's most esteemed pintxos hideaways. You can crunch into the tantalizing flavors of jamon iberico or fried croqueta as you listen to the captivating music of talented street performers nearby.
Travel Considerations
Weather
The weather of Spain varies greatly from one region to the next. In southern Spain spring and fall both mild weather, while summers, particularly during the months of July and August, bring heatwaves reaching into the 90s and 100 degrees on a daily basis.
Conversely, Northern Spain experiences mild summers in the mid-70s. However, winters can be very rainy and inclement weather is somewhat unpredictable throughout the day.
Transportation
Transportation in Spain is fairly simple and easy-to-use. Most international travelers will fly into Madrid, Barcelona, or Malaga. Between cities, the most common forms of transportation are private shuttle, public bus, or the Renfe high-speed train service. Using this train service, travelers can get between Madrid and Barcelona in less than two and a half hours. Within a city, most travelers will find that the historic downtown areas are extremely walkable. When visiting attractions on the outskirts of the city, tourists can travel via private shuttle or taxi service.
Packing
Consider packing in a light carry-on bag or backpack. Avoid bringing roller bags as the cobblestone streets and uneven roads of rural villages can be difficult to maneuver with roller bags.
If you plan to visit Northern Spain during the winter months, make sure you pack the proper rain gear including rain boots or hiking boots.
If you plan to visit Southern Spain during the summer months, make sure you bring light breathable clothing.
Electrical Considerations
Spain operates on a 230-volts, 50-hertz electrical system. Make sure to bring the proper outlet converters for a two prongs rounded plug.
Pharmaceutical Considerations
Pharmacies are readily available throughout Spain. Be aware that pharmacies are closed on Sundays, during siesta, and on national holidays.
Cultural Considerations
Life in general in Spain tends to move at a slower pace. Keep this in mind when planning your daily schedules and allot for added wait time. This is especially true when visiting bars and restaurants. Wait staff in Spain do not operate on a tipping system and the importance of speedy service does not hold the same significance as in other parts of the world.
Travel Insurance
You’ve booked your dream vacation, now protect it with travel insurance. A wide range of factors can leave your vacation in limbo. Medical emergencies, inclement weather, and unexpected cancellations can cause turmoil for your trip, so in the unlikely event of a disaster, get the travel insurance coverage that provides peace of mind. To get a quote, visit our travel insurance page.
Flights Via Zicasso
Zicasso Air Desk is an international air ticketing service that eliminates the stress of finding and booking the right flights for your upcoming vacation by employing the same personalized service you can expect from planning a trip with Zicasso. Our competitive flight pricing, 24x7 Service & Support, and Complimentary Consultation of Routing vs. Pricing with an Expert Flight Specialist make finding the perfect flight for your trip effortless.
Travel Documents
Making sure that you are carrying the appropriate travel documents is essential for any traveler when visiting Spain. For this reason, during your trip, you should be sure to pack the proper paperwork to ensure the most pleasant and problem-free travel experience. Listed below are some of the most important documents to have on you while traveling in Spain:
- Personal medical information
- If you have any specific medical issue(s), you should carry pertinent information regarding your condition from your doctor, especially any medication that you are taking
- Emergency contact information
- Passport
- Proof of airline tickets and reservations
- Customs forms and documents
- Hotel or accommodation reservations
- Travel and medical insurance (see above section regarding this)
Your Zicasso travel specialist will be able to provide requirements specific to your trip, though responsibility always lies with the traveler to ensure that all is in order. Travel requirements can and do change often to no notice, so all are wise to stay updated as your trip comes near.
Finances & Tipping
Spain operates largely on a cash economy. Make sure to carry small denominations of cash and coin with you at all times. ATMs are readily available throughout Spain.
Tipping in Spain is uncommon. At most, restaurant patrons will leave behind a few euros for excellent service. For all other questions related to tipping in-country, including guides and hotel staff, you can speak with your expert Zicasso trip specialist.
Safety and Accessibility of Resources
Overall, Spain is an extremely safe country. International visitors should feel free to explore and travel by night. Medical resources are readily available throughout Spain.
Crime Rate
The crime rate in Spain is low and continues to be among the lowest in Europe.
Things to look out for
The most common form of crime in Spain is petty theft. Avoid this by keeping your belongings and valuables in a money belt or inner coat pocket.
Medical & First Aid
Medical assistance and first aid are available throughout Spain. In the case of an emergency Travelers can speak with their expert Zicasso trip specialist for local recommendations.
It is recommended that all international travelers consult with a primary care physician prior to travel, and this information is not intended as a substitute for personalized guidance from a doctor.
Water & Food Safety
International travelers visiting Spain need not worry about food and water consumption. However, travelers with food restrictions, allergies, or preferences should be clear with the wait staff at restaurants as local diets may differ.
Travel with Zicasso
When planning a luxury vacation, every detail matters, which is why our approach is different. We will match you with leading travel specialists who are the most qualified to make your dream trip happen. They know their country better than anyone, and each travel specialist in Zicasso’s network is among the finest travel agents and tour operators, comprising the top tier of the industry. Experience the wonder of an exceptional itinerary crafted just for you.
