Spain travel itineraries

Barcelona (Gaudí and beaches), Madrid (art museums, nightlife), Seville (flamenco, Moorish architecture), Granada (Alhambra), Valencia (City of Arts & Sciences, paella), Basque Country (San Sebastián, Bilbao), Balearic Islands (Ibiza, Mallorca), Canary Islands, and Camino de Santiago routes.

Spain is very safe, though pickpocketing is common in busy areas like Barcelona’s La Rambla or Madrid’s Puerta del Sol.

Spring (April–June) and fall (September–October) offer the best weather. Summers can be extremely hot inland (Madrid, Seville) but ideal for beach destinations. Winters are mild along the coast but cold in the interior.

Tapas, paella, jamón ibérico, churros with chocolate, gazpacho, tortilla española, and regional wines (Rioja, Cava, Sherry).

Mealtimes are later than many visitors expect (lunch ~2 pm, dinner ~9–10 pm). Siestas (afternoon breaks) still exist in smaller towns. Tipping is not required. I you want to tip, round up or leave 5–10%.