SPAIN 🇪🇸

SPAIN 🇪🇸

BEST COUNTRIES TO VISIT — SPAIN 🇪🇸

RECOMMENDED BY TRAVEL WORLD GLOBAL AWARDSâ„¢ | WWW.TRAVELWORLD.GLOBAL
COUNTRY PROFILE

Country: SPAIN

Capital City: Madrid

Continent / Region: Southwestern Europe, Iberian Peninsula

Official Language(s): Spanish (Castilian); regional languages in autonomous communities

Currency: Euro (€)

Time Zones: CET (UTC+1), CEST (UTC+2); Canary Islands: WET (UTC+0), WEST (UTC+1)

Population: ~47 million

WHY VISIT SPAIN

Spain pairs living history with modern creativity: world-class museums, diverse regional cuisines, vibrant festivals, and sunny coasts. Recognized by Travel World Global Awardsâ„¢ for destination variety, cultural integrity, and hospitality standards, Spain suits city breaks, road trips, island escapes, and culinary tours.

TOP DESTINATIONS & POPULAR LOCATIONS
  • Madrid — Royal Palace, Prado & Reina Sofía museums, grand boulevards.
  • Barcelona — Gaudí architecture, Mediterranean beaches, dynamic dining.
  • Seville — Alcázar, cathedral & Giralda, flamenco heritage.
  • Granada — The Alhambra, Albaicín quarter, Sierra Nevada access.
  • Valencia — City of Arts and Sciences, Turia Park, paella birthplace.
  • Bilbao & San Sebastián — Guggenheim, pintxos, Basque coast.
  • Balearic Islands (Mallorca, Menorca, Ibiza, Formentera) — coves, sailing, nightlife.
  • Canary Islands (Tenerife, Gran Canaria, Lanzarote, Fuerteventura) — year-round sun, volcanic parks.
  • Santiago de Compostela — Pilgrimage finale, historic old town.
  • Córdoba — The Mezquita, patios, and Moorish heritage.

Official resource: Spain.info — Official Tourism

HOTELS, ACCOMMODATION & RESORTS

Choose luxury city hotels, boutique paradores in heritage buildings, coastal resorts, rural guesthouses, and island retreats. Book early for Semana Santa, summer, and major festivals.

FOOD & CULINARY EXPERIENCES

From tapas and pintxos to paella and Michelin-starred tasting menus, Spain is a culinary powerhouse. Explore regional wines (Rioja, Ribera, Albariño, Cava, Sherry) and market culture (La Boqueria, San Miguel).

Culinary portal: Food & Wine — Spain.info

CULTURE & HERITAGE

Roman, Moorish, and Catholic legacies shape architecture and arts—from the Alhambra to Sagrada Família. Festivals like Feria de Abril, Las Fallas, and La Mercè animate the calendar.

UNESCO: Spain — World Heritage

SACRED & HISTORICAL PLACES

Highlights include the Mezquita of Córdoba, Cathedral of Santiago, Monastery of El Escorial, Seville Cathedral & Giralda, and Toledo’s synagogues and churches.

NATURE & ADVENTURE

Hike Picos de Europa, ski Sierra Nevada or Baqueira-Beret, surf the Cantabrian coast, and explore volcanic trails in the Canary Islands’ national parks.

AIRPORTS & TRAVEL ACCESS

Major international airports: Madrid (MAD), Barcelona (BCN), Málaga–Costa del Sol (AGP), Valencia (VLC), Seville (SVQ), Palma de Mallorca (PMI), Gran Canaria (LPA), Tenerife (TFS/TFN).

TRANSPORTATION

High-speed AVE trains connect major cities; extensive regional rail and buses cover smaller towns. Urban metros operate in Madrid, Barcelona, Valencia, Bilbao, and Seville; ferries link islands and North Africa routes.

Transport: RENFE — Spanish Rail

FASHION, SHOPPING & LOCAL MARKETS

From luxury labels and Spanish designers to artisan markets (El Rastro, Boqueria’s food stalls), shopping spans heritage crafts, leather, espadrilles, ceramics, and contemporary fashion.

ENTERTAINMENT, NIGHTLIFE & CASINOS

Vibrant nightlife in Madrid, Barcelona, Valencia, Ibiza, and Marbella—rooftops, beach clubs, live music, and festivals. Casinos operate in major cities under regulation.

LIQUOR, DRUGS & SOCIAL POLICIES

Legal drinking age is 18; local rules may restrict public drinking. Drug possession is illegal; penalties apply. Smoking bans cover most indoor public places.

VISA & ENTRY REGULATIONS

Spain is in the Schengen Area. Many nationalities are visa-exempt for short stays (90/180). Confirm entry rules and any electronic travel authorizations before departure.

Official visa portal: Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Spain

CURRENCY & MONEY EXCHANGE

Euro (€). Cards widely accepted; cash useful in markets and small towns. ATMs common; watch for dynamic currency conversion fees.

HEALTHCARE & HOSPITALS

High-standard care in public and private facilities; travel insurance recommended. Pharmacies (farmacias) are widespread with marked green crosses.

  • Emergency Numbers: EU Universal 112; National Police 091; Guardia Civil 062; Fire 080/085; Health Emergency 061
SAFETY, SECURITY & EMERGENCY CONTACTS

Generally safe; be mindful of pickpocketing in busy areas and transport hubs. Follow local guidance during festivals and large public events.

WIFI & MOBILE NETWORK

Excellent 4G/5G coverage; free WiFi in many hotels, cafés, and public spaces. Prepaid SIMs from major carriers available at airports and retailers.

CLOTHING & SEASONAL ADVICE

Mediterranean summers are hot; pack breathable layers, sun protection, and smart-casual attire for evenings. Cooler, wetter winters in the north and interior—bring layers.

WAR STATUS & POLITICAL STABILITY

War-free, politically stable EU member state. Seasonal wildfires or weather can cause local travel advisories—check updates in summer.

TOURISM BOARD RULES & REGULATIONS

Respect heritage protections, festival protocols, and beach/environmental regulations. Drones and short-term rentals are regulated in certain municipalities—verify local rules.

Official portals: Spain.info | Ministry of the Interior

EXPERT REVIEW & PUBLICATION NOTE — TRAVEL WORLD GLOBAL AWARDS™

This article is curated and recommended by Travel World Global Awardsâ„¢ to educate travelers with high-quality guidance. Content reflects our expert assessment at the time of publication and selection.

Disclaimer: Information is provided for general guidance only. Rules, regulations, safety advisories, visa and health requirements can change without notice due to government policy or global conditions. Verify details with official tourism boards, immigration/e-visa portals, and health authorities before travel.

Liability: Travel World Global Awards™ and its partners do not assume responsibility for any loss, injury, delay, or inconvenience resulting from reliance on this content, emergencies, or third-party services. Travel decisions are the reader’s responsibility.

© Travel World Global Awards™ | www.travelworld.global

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