SPAIN
CITIES
COMING SOON
THINGS TO KNOW, BEFORE YOU GO
Spain is a beautiful, vibrant country known for its life-over-work balance, and fun-loving people, full of emotion.
LANGUAGE | SPANISH
GETTING THERE
PLANES
To get to Spain, fly into Barcelona or Madrid. From there, you can take smaller flights, trains or busses to smaller Spanish cities.
TRAINS
The train system in Spain is robust and easy to navigate. You can buy tickets at the train stations, or ahead of time.
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THE BEST TRANSPORTATION APPS
We like using Rome2Rio to plan getting from A to B on most of our European trips. Then the Trainline ifor purchasing most tickets.
BEST TIME TO VISIT
GENERALLY, MAY – OCTOBER
HOWEVER, IT DEPENDS, NORTH OR SOUTH?
CHECK THE WEATHER!
The weather in Spain can get extremely hot in the summer. Especially, in Southern Spain in the summer.
Make sure you come prepared. Don’t forget your favorite travel water bottle and sunscreen, to keep yourself hydrated, happy, and healthy along the way.
THINGS TO DO AND SEE
CITIES
ALICANTE
BARCELONA
CADIZ
CORDOBA
GRANADA
MADRID
MALAGA
MARBELLA
SALAMANCA
SAN SEBASTIAN
SEVILLE
FOOD AND DRINK
BALSAMIC VINEGAR
BOCADILLOS
BREAD
CHURROS
CROQUETAS
CURED MEATS
LENTILS
MEATS
OLIVE OIL
PAELLA
PATATAS BRAVAS
SANGRIA
SEAFOOD
TAPAS
WINE
CULTURAL DIFFERENCES
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ENTERING CHURCHES
DRESS CODE
Your shoulders must be covered and no excessive cleavage or offensive images on clothing is permitted.
No mini skirts or booty shorts are allowed, mid-thigh to longer skirts are acceptable. While, you can probably get away with a 5 inch inseam on shorts.
SHOWING RESPECT
WITHOUT RUINING YOUR OUTFIT
If you are worried about your shoulders or cleave showing. Just pack a lightweight sweater or shawl in your purse. Or tie one around your waist.
One of our favorite shoulder-coverings is a swim cover up to tie around our waist. Or a sheer/lightweight, button-up shirt.
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SIESTA
Don’t forget about siesta! If you’re from the USA, it’s probably not something you’re accustomed to.
From around 2-5pm, every day, throughout Spain, almost everything closes.
Siesta is the name for a break in the day for Spanish people where they go home, eat a big meal, spend time with family, and/or have a nap.
Then get back to work for a few hours to end the day.
WHAT DOES THIS MEAN FOR VISITORS?
You need to plan around it.
You’ll most likely be burning a lot of calories while traveling. So, make sure you plan to eat your meals outside the hours of siesta. Or at least plan around it by having access to food, drinks, and snacks ready for that time.
EVENTS
FÚTBOL GAMES
Real Madrid and Barcelona FC may be the most recognizable teams in Spanish fútbol. But even seeing a small city soccer game is well worth the price.
We highly recommend attending a soccer game while in Spain!
However, it is advisable NOT to wear team colors, be combative, or sit in the shielded section. Soccer hooligans are very real in Europe.
Research game etiquette in Spain, or ask a local guide to take you. To have the best time possible.
In Spain, during The World Cup? What an experience! Don’t miss a game at any of the local bars.
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CARNAVAL
After living in Cadíz, how could Carnaval not be my favorite holiday?!
You’ve never been to a party until you’ve been to carnaval.
If it’s not on your bucket list, add it now. There’s something for everyone.
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CATHOLIC HOLIDAYS
Throughout December, streets will be lit with christina’s lights
SEMANA SANTA
A quieter time of year, despite the parades.
NEW YEARS
Quite a ball!
MEDIA
Here are some of the most popular movies and shows, whose locations were filmed in Spain!
007: DIE ANOTHER DAY
007: QUANTUM OF SOLACE
007: THE WORLD IS NOT ENOUGH
BLACK MIRROR
THE BOURNE ULTIMATUM
CLASH OF THE TITANS
CLEOPATRA
DR WHO
DR ZHIVAGO
EL GRECO
EMPIRE OF THE SUN
FAST & FURIOUS 6
GAME OF THRONES
HAN SOLO: STAR WARS
INDIANA JONES: AND THE LAST CRUSADE
JASON BOURNE
KAOS
LIFE ITSELF
PAPILLON
REDS
STAR WARS: ATTACK OF THE CLONES
TOMORROWLAND
VICKY CHRISTINA BARCELONA
THE WHITE PRINCESS
ZORRO
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SPECIAL SHOUTOUT
To Las Tontas no van al Cielo! The Spanish soap opera my local family and I watched together during siesta, after our meal.
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Last updated: Sept 2024