Spain Travel Information

For those planning to visit sunny Spain, here is some useful travel information regarding Spanish geography, health and safety, weather, airport locations, and driving laws. As of 2026, travelers who wish to visit Spain will have to apply for an ETIAS Spain. Consult the Spain travel information below to understand further about traveling Spain and certain aspects that you might have to take into account before your visit.

Spain consists of various regions that have a diverse culture, climate and even have autonomous governments. The geography of Spain makes for any vacation possibly desired thanks to the mountainous regions in the north and even some in the south, as well as sand-swept coastlines from all coastal angles.

The north of Spain is typically wetter and receives harsher winters than the more mediterranean south. However, in summer, the heat can take its toll in southern areas, with temperatures reaching 40-45 ºC. In general, the Spanish climate is altogether pleasant with mild winters and warm summers. This makes for fantastic agricultural production and aids Spain to be the world’s biggest olive oil producer, as well as a top producer in fruit and vegetables such as oranges, lemons, tomatoes and plenty more.

There are ubiquitous beach areas that are popular amongst both locals and visitors. Beach regions in Spain that are particularly popular include:

You can also go skiing in multiple areas of Spain. The Pyrenees are shared between Spain, Andorra, and France, with ski resorts La Molina and Baqueira-Beret in Catalonia featuring as two of the most extensive ski locations in Spain. You can also find mountains further south such as the prestigious Sierra Nevada, an Andalucian mountain range near Granada, not to mention other Spanish regions such as Castilla y León, Galicia, La Rioja, and Asturias.

Spain is the 2nd most visited country in the world in terms of tourists with 83 million vacationers choosing the Iberian nation as their destination of choice each year. Among its most popular hotspots are its major cities, with millions of visitors discovering and enjoying their unique charms all year round. To introduce some of the most popular destinations to experience in Spain this article looks at Spain’s most visited cities and explains how to get ready to visit the Iberian peninsula before arriving in the country. Find out just why so many tourists visit Spain’s cities and what each location has to offer on a tour around the country.

Madrid: Spain’s Heart and Soul

Spain’s capital city is of course also one of its most visited. It is not only at the geographic center of the country but is also at its cultural heart. Madrid is located high up on the central Meseta of the Iberian Peninsula and is one of Europe’s highest capitals at an altitude of 646 meters above sea level. This huge metropolitan center is punctuated throughout with green spaces, museums, opera houses, and theatres. It also offers some of the best nightlife and food culture within the country.

Barcelona: Iberia’s Tourism Capital

Barcelona has a little of everything. It offers a vibrant mix of Spanish and Catalan cultural influences, beautiful beaches and tall imposing mountain landscapes. It is also one of the sporting capitals of the country, as home to one of Europe’s most successful football teams: FC Barcelona. The city grew into the tourist magnet it is today following major investment and development work following the 1992 Olympic Games. Since then it has become a major destination for city breaks, cruise passengers and art, and technology lovers. With its location just next to the Costa Brava, this is the perfect starting point for a scenic beach break.

Seville: The Southern City of Culture

Seville is the capital of Andalusia, Spain’s biggest and most culturally distinct region. This spectacular city is the home of many traditions considered uniquely Spanish, such as flamenco dancing, siestas, and bullfighting. There’s a huge amount to see and do here. There are historical landmarks such as the Cathedral and its famous bell tower La Giralda and more modern attractions such as the 20th Century Plaza España and Parque Maria Luisa.

What to Know Before Traveling to Spain’s Cities

Spain is a relatively easy country to visit as a tourist. At present, more than 50 nationalities can travel to the Iberian nation visa-free and only need to present a passport on arrival. However, this is soon to change as the EU rolls out its brand new Electronic ETIAS visa waiver.

From 2026, it will be necessary for citizens from these countries to apply online for an ETIAS prior to traveling to Spain. Once approved, this will be valid for 3 years and will allow multiple short trips of up to 90 days each to the European Schengen zone countries. Spanish cities have much to offer on a trip to Southern Europe. Each destination presents its own unique experiences and provides everything a tourist could hope to enjoy on a European break.

It is always a good idea to research the country to which you are traveling to check for last-minute updates or health and security alerts. It is also wise to check the particular status of your country origin and visits to the specific country. In the case of Spain, tourism in Spain is particularly high, with Spain being one of the most visited countries in the world. Out of all the visits and trips paid every year, most are trouble-free.

Thieves are also likely to pretend to be police officers and ask to see identification (which most likely will be in a wallet/purse), If this is the case, be sure to establish the ID of the police officer. Remember: It is unlikely that a police officer will ask to see ID unless in the case of an incident or emergency.

In the case of an emergency, theft or other incidents, dial 112 or visit a police station to report the incident or theft, etc.

Police phone line specifically dedicated to English-speaking needs: +34 90 210 2112.

Top travel tips for staying safe in Spain include:

The weather in Spain is subject to the region that you visit. North Spain is colder in the winter and has more rainfall, although summers are also very warm. South Spain can be stifling hot, peaking 45 ºC in some areas and there are also mountainous regions that are very chilly and receive snow in the winter.

The important point to take into account is that the temperatures can be subject to a big drop overnight or in a short space of time, signifying that travelers should prepare for trips and excursions by looking up the weather forecast beforehand to check that there have been no weather warnings.

Heat waves are common from June to August and it is recommended that visitors take the necessary precautions to avoid getting heatstroke or dehydrated. Drink plenty of water and stay out of the sun from 1-4 pm if the sun is strong or you know that you are prone to heatstroke.

Hikers should take particular precaution by ensuring that they take both suncream and extra layers with them. The weather is subject to drastic changes in the mountains so it is key to be prepared prior to embarking on excursions and trips.

In case of an accident while hiking, climbing, canoeing (and other activities), you can call 112 which is the number for the emergency services in Spain. You can also call the Civil Guard on 062.

Please be aware that in areas such as the region of Catalonia, if you fail to acknowledge official weather warnings or prepare adequately, you can be billed for your rescue and putting others at risk.

Traveling to Spain in the Summer

Spain in the summer sunshine is blissful, but beware; if you plan to travel to the south of Spain, it may be better to travel at the beginning or end of summer, or even in the spring or fall, as the south of Spain can heat up to as much as 45 degrees during the daytime in peak summertime, It might seem like a tropical paradise but travelling in the heat can take it’s toll and even be dangerous at times.

On the other hand, if you plan on traveling to the north of Spain to regions such as Galicia, Asturias or Catalonia, visiting in the summertime can be pleasant as the north of Spain is typically less. It also rains less during this time of year and makes summer activities such as surfing, kayaking, and swimming possible.

Traveling to Spain in the Winter

Don’t be fooled by Spain's exotic charm, as there are plenty of snowy mountains in the winter, including in regions as far south as Granada. Visiting Spain in the winter can be excitingly warm though, especially if you catch one of Europe’s winter heatwaves whilst visiting.

Temperatures can vary between 15-20 degrees during the daytime, meaning that while you might have to wear a jumper and wrap up in the evenings, you can still enjoy a glass of wine in the sun at lunchtime.

One of the best things about Spain in the wintertime is that you can enjoy the blue skies and crisp sunshine but ski and snowboard lovers can take to the slopes in the Pyrenees or the Sierra Nevada, too!

The most popular international airports in Spain are the following:

Driving rules and customs, as with every country, may differ. Driving is on the right in Spain. If you know that you are going to drive in Spain on your vacation, it is recommendable to research the differences in driving customs between Spain and your native country.

Whether renting a car in Spain or driving your own vehicle, drivers must carry two red warning triangles at all times in the event of a breakdown or accident. These triangles should be placed in front of and behind the vehicle. It is also necessary to carry a spare wheel and the necessary tools for changing it. Wear a reflective vest if you have to get out of your car or need to leave it unattended on a road due to a breakdown or accident. You can be fined in Spain if you do not wear a reflective vest in these circumstances.

Regardless as to whether travelers are driving rented cars or their own, an insurance certificate is required to be kept in the car at all times. Contact your insurance company prior to your travels to make sure that your insurance will be valid for the period of time you are traveling.

You can receive on-the-spot fines for driving offenses such as speeding and driving offenses such as drink driving are taken very seriously, with penalties ranging from license withdrawals to prison sentences.

Seatbelts must be worn at all times by all passengers and children under the age of 12 years old should only sit in the back seat. Small children, infants, and babies must have an appropriate car seat or child safety seat in the back seat.

It is forbidden to use or talk on a mobile phone while in the car, even if you are not driving or have pulled over to the side of the road. The car must be away from the road entirely in order to permit the use of a mobile phone. Earpieces are prohibited, although hands-free units are permitted.

Travelers in Madrid should acknowledge the pollution policies which can cause certain mobility restrictions when pollution levels are higher than normal. In the case that a restriction is in place, cars with a license plate that end in an odd number are permitted to circulate on odd dates and cars with an even number at the end of their license plate are permitted to circulate on even dates. Cars with more than 2 passengers, motorbikes or zero-emission and hybrid vehicles may be exempt from these temporary restrictions.