Travel to Spain

One thing’s for sure: Spain travel will keep you enchanted from siesta to fiesta. 

Madrid and Barcelona top the list of places to visit in Spain for first-timers. As the country’s capital, Madrid has everything you could want for a proper introduction to the country: the Prado (one of the largest museums in the world), packed tapas bars, a grand Royal Palace and plenty of parks and plazas to mingle among the locals. 

Barcelona is Madrid’s cool coastal sister, with an enviable mix of art, architecture (no Barcelona vacation is complete without a visit to Gaudi’s Sagrada Familia), coastline and cosmopolitan flair. 

If your Spain tour allows for extra time, you can check out the more unique places to visit in Spain. Head south to Seville (home of the famous Flamenco dancers) or San Sebastián (a gorgeous cultural hub). 

When you’re ready to leave the mainland on your Spain vacation, the pulsing nightclubs of Ibiza call out to night owls, while Mallorca is a paradise of beach coves and medieval towns (both are excellent destinations for a Spain bachelorette party, by the way).

Spain’s heart dances to the beat of its vibrant culture: golden paella colored by delicate saffron, Flamenco dancers with fancy footwork, dazzling Mediterranean beaches, priceless artwork by Goya, Picasso, and Dalí and stunning architecture influenced by the Romans, Catalans and Moors. 

When planning your travel to Spain, consider what type of experience you want to have. Do you want a blend of art, architecture, culture and gastronomy? Are you visiting Spain with kids (or specifically Barcelona with kids)? Do you want to spend your stay sunbathing in a beautiful coastal town?

Once you decide on the experience you want to have, your Spain travel planner — aka Fora Advisor — can offer suggestions on the best way to realize your Spain bucket list.

Generally, we recommend planning your travel to Spain at least three to six months before your intended departure date. However, the time of year, places you’re visiting and many other factors play a role. 

In some cases, especially when it relates to Spain’s most popular destinations or busiest seasons, it may be wise to book your trip further out — even as much as a year, as this should ensure that you get to do all the things you wish to do while there. 

In any case, a Spain travel planner can provide a tailored answer to this question — or any travel question, like where to stay in Barcelona for the first time or what are the top boutique hotels in Madrid or Barcelona.

We have great news for you: Spain travel can be experienced year round thanks to its mild weather. 

As with many Mediterranean destinations, summer is the peak travel season. You’re likely to see an influx of crowds from June to August, especially to beach destinations like Marbella, Ibiza and Mallorca. Your best bet for visiting Spain’s beaches is to visit at the very beginning or end of the season. The beaches won’t be as crowded and the temperatures will be warm enough for sunbathing and swimming. 

If your Spain vacation is concentrated in Madrid or Barcelona, September through November and April through May are wonderful times to visit.

Ultimately, however, the best months to travel to Spain depend on what you want to do. As always, this is something a Spain travel planner (Fora Advisor) can help you with.

Spain generally has great weather all year long, but June, July and August tend to be the best months to travel to Spain for sunny weather, regardless of your specific destination. If you’re looking for milder temperatures, though, spring and fall may be better.

The northern and western regions of Spain tend to see the heaviest rainfall during fall and winter, but the southern and eastern regions, which include Ibiza and Mallorca, rarely receive rain.

Exact costs vary wildly by trip and preferences, but the average week-long vacation to Spain costs between $1,000–$5,000 per person.

Our top tip to make Spain travel budget friendly is to travel outside of the summer months. Airfare and hotel prices tend to skyrocket during the summer since so many people flock to Spain’s coastal beaches and islands (with good reason!). 

Your Spain travel planner can make specific recommendations for destinations and hotels within your budget. They can also recommend Spain all-inclusive resorts that fit your travel style.

Your Fora Advisor can alert you to Spain’s specific entry and exit requirements, and you can also check out official government websites for more information. You’ll want to make sure that your passport is valid for at least six months from your date of departure.

Americans planning to travel to Spain for 90 days or less within a single 180-day period do not need a visa.

Travelers may need to show proof of vaccination or a negative COVID-19 test before they can enter the country. There are exceptions, though. 

Your Fora Advisor can offer more details.

Spain is a culturally rich and diverse country. Even a fraction of the top 15 destinations in Spain could take weeks to fully enjoy. 

We recommend connecting with a Spain travel planner, who can help you maximize your trip based on your time constraints, budget and any other factors important to you.

Generally, yes. Spain is a safe and welcoming destination for all travelers, including the LGBTQ+ community. In fact, Spain, and particularly exciting places like Ibiza, Madrid and Barcelona, is widely considered to be one of the top LGBTQ+ friendly travel destinations.

When you book your travel to Spain with Fora, you’ll enjoy VIP hotel perks and upgrades at many of the best hotels in the country — at no extra cost. Plus, you’ll have access to expert travel recommendations and tips, personalized itineraries and more.