Visit Spain - Holiday - Tourist Attractions & Things to do

Everything You Need To Know For Spain

Geographical Position And Climate Of Spain

Spain is located in southwestern Europe on the Iberian Peninsula. Spain is the second largest country in Western Europe and the European Union after France, covering an area of about 505,990 square kilometers (195,360 square miles). The country also includes the Balearic Islands in the Mediterranean Sea, the Canary Islands in the Atlantic Ocean, and two autonomous cities in North Africa, Ceuta and Melilla.

Overall, due to Spain’s topography and latitude, the climate can vary significantly from one corner to another, offering a variety of environments from snow-capped mountains in the north to sun-baked beaches in the south.

Brief History Of Spain

Spain’s history is marked by diverse civilizations and empires. The Iberian Peninsula was originally inhabited by pre-Roman peoples such as the Celts and Iberians. The Romans conquered the region in 206 BCE, bringing with them their language and culture. After the fall of the Roman Empire, the Visigoths took control until the Islamic Moors from North Africa invaded in the 8th century, establishing Al-Andalus.

The Reconquista, a series of campaigns by Christian states to recapture territory from the Moors, lasted several centuries, culminating in 1492 with the fall of Granada. That same year, Christopher Columbus reached the Americas, marking the beginning of Spanish colonization and the establishment of a vast empire.

In the following centuries, Spain became one of the world’s foremost powers, with a golden age of cultural and economic prosperity. However, wars, including the Spanish Succession War and the Peninsular War against Napoleon’s France, led to a decline in its influence.

The 20th century saw further turmoil with the Spanish Civil War (1936-1939) and the subsequent dictatorship of Francisco Franco. After Franco’s death in 1975, Spain transitioned to democracy and has since become a member of the European Union and a modern, democratic country with a significant role in global affairs.

Religion Of Spain

The dominant religion in Spain is Catholicism.

Language Of Spain

Spanish is the country’s official language. There are dialects in different parts of Spain.

Spain map and flag

Spain is one of the world’s leading tourist destinations, renowned for its rich cultural heritage, diverse landscapes, and warm climate. Visitors are drawn to its historic cities like Madrid, Barcelona, and Seville. They offer a wealth of art, architecture, and vibrant street life. The country boasts an impressive number of UNESCO World Heritage Sites, including the Alhambra in Granada, the Sagrada Familia in Barcelona, and the historic center of Cordoba.

The Spanish coastline, with famous areas like Costa del Sol and the Balearic Islands, attracts sun-seekers and beach lovers, while the Canary Islands are popular for their subtropical climate and natural attractions. Spain’s culinary scene is another major draw, with regional specialties like paella, tapas, and world-class wines.

Places You Must Visit In Spain

Before You Visit Spain

Travel to Spain

Getting to Spain is straightforward, thanks to its well-connected and modern transportation infrastructure. The country has several international airports, with Madrid-Barajas Adolfo Suárez Airport and Barcelona-El Prat Airport being the two largest hubs. These airports service numerous airlines offering flights from all over the world.

For travelers within Europe, there are also many budget airlines. They operate frequent flights to various Spanish cities, making air travel an affordable option. Additionally, Spain’s high-speed train network, the AVE, connects major cities on the peninsula at impressive speeds, providing a convenient alternative to flying.

Those preferring to travel by road can enter Spain via an extensive network of highways and roads connecting it to France and Portugal. Long-distance bus services are available for those looking for a cost-effective means of transport.

For visitors coming from the UK or other parts of Europe, traveling to Spain by ferry is another option, with regular routes to the northern coast from the UK and Italy.

Lastly, Spain is a popular stop for cruise ships, with ports like Barcelona, Valencia, and Malaga serving as gateways to the Mediterranean.

Visas for Spain

Spain is a member of the European Union and part of the Schengen Area. It allows for passport-free travel between 26 European countries. Visitors from other Schengen countries do not require a visa to enter Spain for short stays.

For non-Schengen area travelers, the requirements depend on their nationality:

Visa-exempt countries: Citizens from countries like the USA, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Japan, and others can enter Spain without a visa for short stays of up to 90 days within a 180-day period for tourism, business, or family visits.
Visa-required countries: Travelers from countries that do not have a visa waiver agreement with the Schengen zone must apply for a Schengen visa. This visa allows them to travel within the Schengen Area for up to 90 days within a 180-day period.

For longer stays or for purposes such as work, study, or residency, a national visa specific to Spain is required, and applicants should apply through the Spanish consulate or embassy in their home country.

Best time to visit Spain

The best time to visit Spain largely depends on the region you plan to explore and your personal preferences for weather and activities. Here’s a general guide:

Spring (March to May): This is an ideal time to visit most of Spain, as the weather is pleasant with mild temperatures. The countryside is lush and vibrant with blooming flowers, and it’s before the peak tourist season, so attractions are less crowded.
Summer (June to August): Summer is perfect for beach holidays, especially in coastal areas like Costa del Sol or the Balearic Islands. However, it can get extremely hot, particularly in inland cities like Madrid and Seville, and this is also the peak tourist season with higher prices and more crowds.
Autumn (September to November): Similar to spring, autumn offers comfortable temperatures and fewer tourists. It’s a great time for cultural visits and outdoor activities. Additionally, autumn hosts several food and wine festivals.
Winter (December to February): Winters are generally mild compared to other European countries, making it a good time for city breaks without the extreme cold. In the north, you can enjoy winter sports in the Pyrenees. Note that some coastal resorts and attractions may be closed or have reduced hours during this off-peak season.

Ultimately, the best time to visit Spain is when it aligns with the experiences you’re seeking, whether it’s sunny beach days, cultural festivals, or quiet, scenic explorations.

Important Information

Capital – Madrid

Territory – 505,994 km²

Currency – Euro

Time zone – UTC+0 to +1 (CET) / UTC+1 to +2 (CEST)

Population – 48,592,909

Demonym – Spaniard / Spanish