Spain

40° 27′ 49” N, 3° 45′ 57” W

Sunset overlooking the city of Barcelona

Capital

Madrid

Language

Spanish

Currency

Euro

Flight time

+/- 2 hours

  • The country
  • Travel advice
  • Best travel time
  • Visa
  • Vaccinations
  • Day budget
View over Barcelona with Sagrada Família in the distance

The country Spain

Spain, the land of sun, sea and culture. Whether you opt for a long beach holiday or a short city break, this country has something for everyone. Its mild climate and many hours of sunshine mean you can visit almost all year round.

Read our blogs on Spain for tips on the best places to visit, hidden gems, and must-see sights.

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View over Barcelona with Sagrada Família in the distance

Travel advice for Spain

Spain is subject to a positive travel advice. You only need a valid passport or ID card.

View over Barcelona with Sagrada Família in the distance

Best travel time for Spain

Most of you probably know the phrase ‘ under the Spanish sun’. Every year, millions of tourists flock to Spain to enjoy the sun and for good reason.

The best travel time for Spain is during our spring and autumn seasons:

  • Spring: April to July
  • Autumn: September & October

When you go during these periods, you avoid the worst heat of the summer months. Want to know more about the best time to travel? Scroll to the bottom of this page!

View over Barcelona with Sagrada Família in the distance

Visa for Spain

For European countries, citizens of the European Union have no visa required. You only need a valid passport or ID card.

You can stay up to 3 months without registering. If you want to stay longer than three months, you will need a residence card (Tarjeta de Residente Comunitario) application. For more information, visit the website Netherlandsworldwide.co.uk

View over Barcelona with Sagrada Família in the distance

Vaccinations for Spain

No vaccinations are required for Spain.

View over Barcelona with Sagrada Família in the distance

Daily budget for Spain

Prices in Spain are just slightly lower than in the Netherlands. The amounts below are therefore realistic to stick to as a daily budget.

Budget Traveller €35 - €50 p.p.
Traveller €50 - €75 p.p.
Traveller + €75+ p.p

Spain

Spain, an ideal destination for both long beach holidays and short city breaks. This beautiful country can be visited all year round and offers something for everyone. From lively cities to picturesque villages, from breathtaking beaches to impressive mountain landscapes, Spain has it all and you will find it less than 2 hours' flight from the Netherlands. Let our blogs inspire and prepare you for an unforgettable trip to this diverse country!

Why choose Spain?

Besides being just around the corner, Spain has been a popular holiday country for years. Sip fruity sangria in the sun, relax on one of the beautiful beaches or enjoy the beautiful colourful villages or landscapes.

You have endless destinations to choose from. Do you love surfing? Then check out the northern beaches or the windswept southern tip of Spain in places like Tarifa, where surfing and kitesurfing are popular. For those who want sunbeds and chic beach bars, the coastline near Malaga offers plenty of choice. If you prefer city breaks then we can offer you Barcelona absolutely recommend. And if that is not enough, you also have a choice between some beautiful islands. Discover small islands like Formentera with white sands and clear oceans, the nightlife of Ibiza, or the steep cliffs and narrow mountain roads of Mallorca.

In short, whether you are looking for adventure, relaxation, culture, or a combination of all. Do you have any questions or would like more information? Send an e-mail to info@thousandtravelmiles.nl or contact us at Instagram.

Best travel time for Spain

We touched on it briefly above but a bit more information is never wrong.

High season (May-September): The most popular period is in summer (also the high season). Temperatures are high and you can expect endless days of sunshine. Perfect if you want to enjoy the beach.
Although this period can be very busy, it is the best time for people who want to enjoy the sun, the beach and the sea.

Intermediate season (March, April, May, October, November): We think the best time is the in-between months. So our spring and autumn, when the sky is still blue but the temperatures a bit milder. It is the ideal time for a city break or for hiking and camping.

Low season (November-February): In winter, you can still enjoy the sun in most parts of Spain, unless you visit mountainous areas or the north. It is the perfect period if you want to travel on a small budget or do a full hike tour. Prices are a lot lower during this period and it is less crowded than other periods.

Whatever experience you are looking for, every season has something to offer. Choose the period that suits you best and enjoy a great trip!

Do I need a visa for Spain

For Spain, as a citizen of the European Union, you have no visa required. You only need a valid passport or ID card.

You can stay up to 3 months without registering. If you want to stay longer than three months, you will need a residence card (Tarjeta de Residente Comunitario) application. For more information, visit the website Netherlandsworldwide.co.uk

Transport to and in Spain

Planning your transport to and in Spain takes no time at all, as you have several options. Opt for plane, car or even train!

Plane: With numerous international airports spread across the country, flying is the obvious choice for many travellers. Opt for major international airports like Barcelona and Madrid or go for regional airports like Malaga and Mallorca,

Train: Maybe not the first thing you think of but you can also take the train to Spain! Just check the NS site and look for a train ticket that suits you.

The country itself is also a good option by train as it has an extensive rail network, which connects major cities. This is a convenient and comfortable way to travel long distances while enjoying the beautiful countryside. Moreover, there are regional trains that take you to picturesque towns and villages, giving you an authentic Spanish experience.

Rental car: Want to get in a bit more freedom and flexibility? Then renting a car is an excellent option. With companies such as Sunny Cars you can easily book a reliable hire car and explore the many attractions at your own pace. Whether you want to drive along the beautiful coastlines, meander through quaint mountain villages or discover the hidden gems of the countryside, with a hire car you have the freedom to go wherever you want.

With these various transport options, nothing stands in your way of making it an unforgettable trip.

What are great cities for a city break in Spain?

Personally, we can have fun in any city under the Spanish sun but there are of course some favourites. Besides classics such as Barcelona and Madrid, Valencia, Seville and Bilbao are also highly recommended. And don't forget the somewhat smaller gems like Girona, Cadiz or Salamanca!

Where in Spain can you find peace and nature?

The interior of Andalusia, the green north (such as Galicia) or islands like La Palma are perfect for those seeking peace and quiet. Here you will find natural parks, deserted bays and authentic villages.

Which island of Spain is the cheapest?

Tenerife is the cheapest Spanish island according to most surveys. You save significantly on food, accommodation and activities here. On average, the daily budget is some 15% lower than on, say, Ibiza or Mallorca. So you can enjoy sun, sea, beach and nature for as little as €75 a day.

Is Mallorca only suitable for beach holidays?

Definitely not! Mallorca has a surprisingly diverse character. In Palma de Mallorca, for example, you will discover the Santa Catalina district, a former fishing quarter now bursting with atmosphere and trendy addresses. Read more about Santa Catalina In Eva's blog Omnitraveler!

What does 4 months wintering in Spain cost?

You can make spending the winter in Spain as expensive as you like, but on average the Dutch spend around €1,000 per person per month. This includes accommodation, food and daily expenses. You can easily save by travelling outside school holidays, cooking for yourself and staying longer in one place. Popular winter spots such as the Costa Blanca or Andalusia offer a nice climate and many facilities for winter visitors.

Want to know more about this? Feel free to let us know! Our guest blogger Annick lived and did an internship in Barcelona and is happy to share her personal tips with you.

Which is cheaper, Spain or Greece?

Both Spain and Greece are popular and accessible sun destinations, but if you are really travelling on a budget, Greece is often just a bit cheaper. Especially if you avoid the well-known (and more expensive) islands like Santorini, Greece offers great food, affordable accommodation and plenty of authentic island life. That said, Spain is also a great place to travel inexpensively, especially in less touristy regions or during the early and late season.

What are the 4 official languages of Spain?

Spain has three other official languages besides Spanish (Castilian):

  • Catalan (spoken in Catalonia, the Balearics and Valencia),
  • Basque (in the Basque country),
  • and Galician (in Galicia).

These regional languages are recognised and cherished. Are you travelling to these areas? Then it is extra fun to learn a few words in the local language!

How to plan your trip to Spain

Check out our blogs for the best tips to plan your ultimate trip! Whether you are travelling around the country or longing for a city break, we share all our tips here. Can't find your question? Then we are happy to look with you. Discover our favourites spots like ancient Seville, artistic Barcelona, or beautiful Mallorca.

Our aim is to make planning your trip a lot easier and more fun. Therefore, in our blogs we share practical tips on the best time to travel, which places to visit and which activities not to miss.

Could you use some help organising? Check out our Travel journal where you can easily keep track of your budget, activities, favourites restaurants and excursions.