Spain at a glance
Where to Visit
Best Time to Visit
Essential Experiences
Travel Considerations
Safety & Accessibility of Resources
Travel with Zicasso
You can implement these quick and easy-to-use travel tips to make the most of your time in Spain.
8 Day Spain Itinerary at a Glance
Venture on an unforgettable journey to Spain. Here, you will experience the country’s natural beauty, captivating culture, and rich history. From region to region, you can indulge in the very best that Spain has to offer. You can learn how to make paella alongside an expert in downtown Madrid, trek along the Camino de Santiago in northern Spain, and clap your hands to the rhythms of traditional flamenco in Andalucia. All of this and more awaits you.
Regions
Spain consists of Northern Spain, Central Spain, Southern Spain, and the Mediterranean Coast. Southern Spain is famous for its warm sunshine and friendly faces. Temperatures in late summer can get quite warm. Northern Spain hides many gems and beautiful landscapes. Winters are rainier in northern Spain, but summers are mild and very pleasant.
Climate
The climate of Spain is generally mild. Southern Spain experiences extremely hot temperatures in late summer. During July and August, southern Spain experiences temperatures in the 90s and 100s Fahrenheit daily. Temperatures are fairly mild in northern Spain, but the region experiences a rainy winter, especially from November through March.
Population
The population of Spain is about 47 million people.
Religion
The primary religion of Spain is Roman Catholicism.
Language
Castilian Spanish is the most prominent language in Spain. Catalan and Basque are also official languages of Spain and are spoken in the regions of Catalonia and the Basque Country. Local dialects include Galician and Valenciano.
Currency
The national currency of Spain is the Euro.
You should consider making these exquisite destinations part of your eight-day itinerary in Spain.
Where to Visit in 8 Days
Madrid (2 Day)
You can spend the first two days of your trip in Spain's capital city of Madrid. Here, you can check out the downtown area and stroll on the Plaza Del Sol, along Gran Via, and through the gates of the Royal Palace. Then, you can join a world-renowned chef for a private paella cooking class.
Northern Spain (3 Days)
You can enjoy Spain's natural beauty by venturing to northern Spain and visiting charming cities, such as Oviedo, San Sebastian, and A Coruna. Later, you can set out on portions of the Camino de Santiago and experience the internationally-acclaimed pilgrimage.
Southern Spain (3 Days)
You can bask in the sunshine of southern Spain and explore the iconic Spanish cities of Seville, Granada, and Cordoba. In each of these cities, you will uncover historical artifacts, including La Mezquita, La Alhambra, and the Alcazar. You can also experience a rich culture unlike any other part of Spain. Indulge in tapas of ham cheese and olives, listen to live music, and dance the night away.
Spain hosts a variety of boisterous national festivities throughout the year. The weather in Spain can vary from region to region.
Best Time to Visit Spain
It's important to consider factors like weather and annual festivals when planning your trip to Spain. Each of these factors can vary dramatically from region to region.
If you wish to spend the majority of your visit in the northern region of Spain, you should consider a visit during the summer months, during which the weather is mild. Temperatures during this time range from 60 to 70 degrees Fahrenheit. You should avoid traveling to northern Spain during the winter because this season experiences a lot of rain. On the contrary, if you plan to spend the majority of your trip in southern Spain, you should consider visiting during spring or fall and avoid traveling during the summer months. Summers can produce extremely hot temperatures in the 90s and 100s Fahrenheit, especially during July and August.
Semana Santa takes place each year during the week that precedes Easter. This is a wonderful time to experience Spain's diverse culture and religious history. Travelers should be aware that this is an incredibly busy time, and the streets are crowded with daily processions. During this time, lines and wait times will be longer at popular tourist sites.
You can fulfill your fantasy getaway to Spain by taking part in cultural experiences, such as an authentic flamenco show in Seville, a traditional paella cooking class in Madrid, or a hike along the Camino de Santiago.
Essential Experiences in Spain
Authentic Flamenco Show in Seville
You can witness the impassioned dancing of authentic flamenco dancers when attending a traditional show in Seville. During this experience, you can enjoy a meal of tapas and red wine while the dancers clap their hands and portray the history of the Gypsy people centuries ago.
Traditional Paella Cooking Class in Madrid
After touring the bustling streets of Madrid, you will join a professional chef at the Plaza Mayor for a private cooking class. As part of the guided demonstration, you will learn to make one of Spain's most iconic dishes: paella. You and the chef will mix rice, vegetables, and seafood or chicken before sprinkling the quintessential red-crimson saffron spice on top. You will then indulge in the fruits of your labor from a private balcony.
Hike Along the Camino de Santiago
You can marvel at the exquisite landscapes of northern Spain on portions of the famous Camino de Santiago. This internationally-acclaimed trail stretches across much of northern Spain to the famous points in Santiago de Compostela in Galicia. Some travelers spend days or even weeks on the trail to Galicia. While this becomes a religious or spiritual pilgrimage for some, for others, the Camino is an unparalleled glimpse of Spain's natural beauty.
You should take a look at the following weather and transportation suggestions.
Travel Considerations
Weather
You should avoid traveling to southern Spain during July and August. At this time of year, temperatures can spike into the 90s and 100 degrees Fahrenheit or higher on a daily basis. Some businesses close, and restaurants and bars may offer limited hours during these months.
While the summer months are the ideal time to visit northern Spain, you should try to avoid visiting during the winter months (between November and March). Inclement weather can strike daily during this season.
Transportation
Transportation in Spain is fairly efficient and easy-to-use. Public and private transportation systems are available to travelers. When traveling between small towns and villages, we advise that you book your transportation in advance. When traveling between major cities, such as Barcelona and Madrid, you should consider taking the AVE Renfe train because this high-speed train service operates between most major cities and takes around two hours.
Packing
You should consider packing a small bag that you can carry instead of a roller bag. Travelers often struggle with roller suitcases because downtown streets in Spain are lined with cobblestones, and rural areas are often unpaved or uneven.
You should travel with breathable clothing. If you are visiting northern Spain during the winter, you should bring a light rain jacket or poncho, umbrella, and rain boots. If you are visiting southern Spain in the summer months between July and August, you should bring shorts, tank tops, and other clothing that will keep you comfortable in the intense heat.
Electrical Considerations
Spain operates on 230 volts and 50 hertz. North American travelers should bring plug adapters.
Pharmaceutical Considerations
Pharmacies are readily available throughout Spain. International travelers should bring all prescribed medications with them. In the case of an emergency, you can speak with your Zicasso trip specialist for local pharmacy information. You should be aware that, in Spain, pharmacies are often closed on Sundays, during siesta times, and for major festivals.
Cultural Considerations
You should be aware that restaurants and bars in Spain do not operate on a tipping system. Attitudes toward restaurant service are laid-back, and wait times are typically longer than they are in the US. Therefore, you should factor in extra time at bars and restaurants when planning your daily itinerary.
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 carry the appropriate travel documents is essential when visiting Spain. For this reason, you should 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 medical condition(s), you should carry information regarding your condition from your doctor, especially any medication that you are taking
- Emergency contact information
- Passport
- Visa, if necessary
- Proof of airline tickets and reservations
- Customs forms and documents
- Hotel reservations
- Travel and medical insurance (see above section regarding this)
Your Zicasso travel specialist will be able to provide requirements that are specific to your trip, although responsibility always lies with the traveler to ensure that all is in order. Travel requirements can change with little to no notice, so all are wise to stay updated as your trip nears.
Finances & Tipping
Spain operates largely on a cash economy. As a result, you should travel with a small amount of cash and coin denominations with you at all times. ATMs are readily available in large cities and small towns, and most major credit cards are accepted.
Bartering is not common in Spain. The only instances of bartering that you may find are in rural villages or at outdoor markets. Tipping is also not common in Spain. Occasionally, restaurant patrons will leave a few Euros behind for excellent service. For any questions related to bartering or tipping during your visit to Spain, you can consult with your Zicasso trip specialist.
Take these simple and health and safety tips into account to ensure the very best travel experience.
Safety and Accessibility of Resources
Spain is an extremely safe country. Travelers should feel free to explore by night in addition to venturing into the more remote towns and villages.
Medical resources are available throughout Spain. For any questions, especially in the case of an emergency, you can speak with your Zicasso trip specialist for speedy and accurate medical recommendations.
Crime Rate
The crime rate in Spain is among the lowest in Europe and continues to decline.
Things to look out for
You should be aware of petty theft, especially when gathering at popular tourist destinations or when on public transportation. To prevent pickpocketing, you should travel with all valuables in a money belt or inner coat pocket.
Medical & First Aid
It is recommended that all international travelers consult with their primary care physician prior to traveling. This information is not a substitute for personalized guidance from a doctor.
Water & Food Safety
Visitors to Spain do not need to take any special precautions when it comes to water and food consumption. When visiting bars or restaurants, travelers with food allergies, preferences, or restrictions should be clear with wait staff because local diets may differ.
Book your trip to Spain for an unforgettable eight-day adventure.
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.
