💱 Currency
• Spain uses the Euro (EUR). Credit cards are widely accepted, but keep some cash for small towns, markets, and older establishments.
🗣️ Language
• Spanish is the official language, though Catalan, Galician, and Basque are spoken in their respective regions. English is spoken in tourist areas, but not as widely in rural spots.
🕒 Time Zone & DST
• Spain follows Central European Time (CET) and observes Daylight Saving Time from the last Sunday in March to the last Sunday in October.
🔌 Plugs
• Plug Types C and F, 230V, 50Hz. Bring an EU adapter if coming from the UK or outside Europe.
💰 Tipping Culture
• Tipping is low-key. Round up your bill or leave 5–10% at restaurants if service was good. Not expected at bars or cafés.
🏧 ATM Access
• ATMs are easy to find and typically accept Visa, Mastercard, and contactless cards. Watch out for fees at non-bank machines.
🚨 Emergency Information
• Dial 112 for police, ambulance, or fire services across Spain.
🔗 Embassy Info
• List of Embassies
🛂 Visa Requirements
• Do I need a Visa?
💉 Vaccine Requirements
• Vaccine Information
✈️ Major Airports
• Major hubs include Madrid-Barajas (MAD), Barcelona-El Prat (BCN), and Málaga-Costa del Sol (AGP), with many regional airports offering EU connections.
🍽️ Food to Try
• Patatas bravas became a must-order every time we sat down to eat. Pair it with sangria or a bold Agua de Valencia and you’ll fit right in.
📍 Must-See Spot
• Barcelona is bursting with iconic sights—from Gaudí’s mind-bending architecture to the panoramic views atop Mount Tibidabo. Sagrada Familia alone is worth the visit.
🏞️ Our Favorite Location
• Spain’s coast is full of “wait, is this real?” moments. From Peñón de Ifach in Calpe to the seaside castle in Peñíscola, we found new favorites each day. Basque Country’s blend of French-Spanish culture and laid-back charm made San Sebastian our unexpected comfort zone. It’s one of those countries where your favorite spot depends on your mood—and they’re all great moods.
🌤️ Best Time to Visit
• Late spring (May–June) and early fall (September–October) offer the best mix of pleasant weather and fewer crowds. Summers are hot and busy, especially inland.
🚌 Transportation Tip
• Major cities have efficient metros, trams, and buses. Trains are excellent for regional travel. Rideshares like Cabify or local taxis work well too—just watch for siesta hours in smaller towns.
🚰 Water Safety Info
• Tap water is safe to drink across most of Spain, especially in cities. Bottled water is a common preference, but not a necessity.
📶 Wi-Fi & Connectivity
• Wi-Fi is widespread and generally strong. A local SIM from Movistar, Orange, or Vodafone makes navigation and translations smooth.
🚻 Bathroom Availability
• Public toilets can be scarce outside of train stations and shopping centers. Keep coins handy—some charge a small fee. Otherwise, cafés are your best bet.
🤝 Cultural Custom Tip
• Don’t expect dinner before 8 p.m.—Spaniards eat late and often linger. And yes, locals really do greet each other with a kiss on each cheek.
🤯 Fun Fact
• Spain has more bars per capita than any other country in the EU—yes, more than Ireland.
Spain was our first real “home” in Europe—and Valencia, specifically, won our hearts fast. We spent countless days wandering the Ciudad de las Artes y las Ciencias, from the planetarium to the science museum, and even enrolled our daughter in a “scientist for a day” program where she got to do hands-on experiments with local kids. She also had her first-ever movie theater experience there, watching dinosaurs come to life on a giant immersive screen in the Hemisfèric. It was the kind of place that made everyday life feel like a field trip.
Then there was that trip to Peñíscola. What started as a casual day trip by train turned into a multi-day stay, all because the beach was too pretty, the castle too charming, and we were too unprepared. We had no hotel booked, no toothbrushes packed, and only one change of clothes—but we had zero regrets. Pro tip: in Spain, always pack an overnight bag. You never know when a “quick visit” will sweep you off your feet.
English is spoken in most touristy areas, but knowing a few Spanish basics will go a long way—especially in smaller towns. Tipping is minimal, and card payments are widely accepted. Spain balances ease with charm, and every region has a distinct flavor. Whether you’re into big cities, coastal escapes, or tiny mountain villages, it offers more than most people expect—and keeps you wanting more.
