Spain has a unique energy and culture, filled with charming and friendly people, lively nightlife and, of course, an afternoon siesta in the sunshine. The exuberant architecture reflects the genius and eccentricity that informs the art, the culture and the traditions. From coastal towns to mountains, cobblestone streets to tranquil gardens, visiting Spain is a must.
For dreamers and planners, experiencing the magic of Spain starts by learning what is in store and the things you need to know for a smooth journey.
Where to go in Spain
Steeped in history with stunning palaces or freshly whitewashed for spring, each city has a unique experience in store. Taste new flavours, try the local wines and immerse yourself in a culture dedicated to connection and relaxation.
Seville
Adorned with orange trees and traditional ceramic tiles, Seville is the birthplace of tapas and home to thriving flamenco dance. The Old Town of Seville takes you back in time through narrow streets and alleys, majestic palaces in Spanish and Moorish styles and familiar squares lined with homes with flowered balconies, painted in the traditional Southern Spanish style.
Seville, Spain by Dennis Bunnik
Visit the Alcazar de Seville (castle of Seville), a 10th-century landmark that blends Christian and Moorish influences.
The Old Town (Barrio de Santa Cruz) was formerly the Jewish quarter from 1248 to 1492 until the Jewish community was driven out. Seville is also famous for being the setting for more than 100 operas by composers including Mozart, Rossini, Verdi, Beethoven and Bizet. Well-known operas set here include Carmen, Don Juan, The Barber of Seville, Fidelio and The Marriage of Figaro.
Finally, a visit to Seville must include flamenco: a vibrant, lively and moving dance. You may be lucky enough to witness flamenco’s controlled energy in a street performance, or book in to see a theatre performance.
Barcelona
Barcelona is a sophisticated, modern, welcoming city, a global leader in culture, fashion and art and sometimes called the “city of marvels” or the “Paris of the Mediterranean”. There is plenty to enjoy, with beaches, parks, galleries with Picasso’s blue and pink period works, a bustling tree-lined mall, and unforgettable architecture by Antoni Gaudi.
At the top of the nearby mountain of Montserrat, the Santa Maria de Montserrat is a monastery founded in 1025 and rebuilt between the 19th and 20th centuries. Views from the abbey extend across Catalonia’s hinterland. This stunning cathedral is well worth a visit, and if you are fortunate you may hear the boys' choir singing while you are there.
Barcelona, Spain by Ann McCormack
Granada
Generalife Gardens Granada, Spain by Ann McCormack
Complex, bound in history, endlessly romantic — Granada is in the Andalusia region of Southern Spain. The key attractions are the Alhambra Palace, with its reddish-coloured walls and views across the whole city, and the Generalife Gardens, a tranquil escape.
Foods to try in Granada include ‘la tortilla del Scaromonte’, a type of omelette made with sweetbreads and ham and ‘la pipirrana’, a type of salad.
Madrid
Madrid is home to many famous works of European art, including works by Goya, Velazquez and other Spanish artists in the “Golden Triangle of Art”, the Museo del Prado, Reina Sofia and Thyssen-Bornemisza.
Outdoors you find elegant boulevards, well-tended gardens and parks. Avid readers can follow in the footsteps of Hemingway, visiting the Restaurante Botin, the world’s oldest restaurant housing a 16th-century cellar, and La Venecia, a dimly lit sherry bar (be aware that no photos are allowed inside).
Plaza de Cibeles Madrid, Spain by Annelieke Huijgens
Valencia
A true “living museum”, Valencia is a lively and friendly coastal city with numerous gardens and aspirational architecture. On the must-see list are the Valencia Cathedral, Puerta de la Trinidad, Puerta Real and Serranos Gate, all examples of Valencian Gothic architecture from the end of the 14th century.
The Lonja de la Seda (Silk Exchange) is a UNESCO-listed building in Gothic style built between 1482 and 1533 and as the name suggests, originally used for trading silk.
Valencia is the origin of paella, traditionally cooked over a fire. Paella Valenciana consists of rice, olive oil, rabbit, chicken, saffron, tomato, ferradura or flat green beans and lima beans. The ‘bomba’ rice used in the original recipe is a locally grown short-grain rice, a dish you must try for lunch while in town.
Unique experiences in Spain
La Sagrada Familia Barcelona, Spain by Dennis Bunnik
The Camino de Santiago (The Way of St James) is a pilgrimage trail to the Cathedral of Santiago de Compostela in Galicia, Spain, said to be the burial place of the Apostle Saint James the Greater, one of the three closest apostles to Jesus. While the entire trail takes around a month to walk, many visitors walk a part of the trail to taste the pilgrimage experience.
In Barcelona, you find the Sagrada Familia, a huge, yet unfinished cathedral designed by Antoni Gaudi which is set to be completed in 2026 after more than a hundred years of construction. Once complete, this will be the tallest church in the world and will have 18 towers, each representing a biblical figure.
After seeing the cathedral you may wander to Park Guell, view the unique and quirky gardens, and the city’s rooftops, catching a sunset as the light softens over Barcelona.
For wine lovers, the La Rioja wine region should be on the list, with over 500 wineries to visit ranging from small, traditional cellars to major commercial wineries. Overlooked by the Cantabrian Mountains, the ochre earth and abundant sunshine create rich and unique flavours, with grape varieties including Tempranillo, Garnacha, Graziano, Mazuelo and more.
How to get around Spain
The best way to see Spain is in a vehicle, one with air-conditioning is more comfortable in warmer months. If taking a bus, a coach with extra room to spread out and get comfortable allows you to relax and rest between the sights (this is by far the preferred option for 40+ year-olds touring Spain).
There is also a railroad network throughout Spain connecting cities and destinations, with high-speed trains and most railway lines radiating out of Madrid. The train stations can be busy and big or small and quiet, and in major cities, you will want to plan ahead and arrive with sufficient time before the train leaves. Unlike other destinations worldwide (for example, Japan), there’s no easy-to-use rail pass, so catching public transport requires extensive organisation and planning.
At each destination, you will want to walk about, hire a bicycle or even a scooter. Viewing parks, gardens and architecture is much more enjoyable at a slower pace.
How to get to Spain
Travellers from Australia can choose a tour with airfares included, flying into Barcelona, or if you are already in Europe, you can take a ferry from Tangier in Morocco to reach Spain.
Who doesn’t need a visa for Spain?
Spain is part of the Schengen area, a zone of European countries which allows unrestricted movement across borders. If you are a citizen of a country in Europe that is not part of the Schengen area, after showing your national ID or passport, you can move freely around the travel zone without a visa.
Countries outside Europe that permit visa-free entry for tourism of up to 90 days of travel within 180 days include the UK, Australia, Canada and New Zealand. If you plan to stay longer, count the number of days in each country to work out the total, and apply for a visa through the Spanish consulate.
When to go to Spain
The most temperate time of year in Spain is late springtime, from April to May, or early autumn, from September to October. Being comfortable outdoors is key to making the most of Spain’s unique experiences, and spring and autumn also offer the most beautiful seasons to enjoy the various historical gardens.
Useful Spanish travel phrases
In the cities, the culture varies from what you will experience in the countryside. Finding your way around Spain is easier if you can speak a few phrases and connect with the local people.
- Hola – Hello
- Buenos días – Good morning
- Buenas tardes – Good afternoon/good evening!
- Buenas noches – Good night
- Cómo está? – How are you? (formal – to a stranger)
- Bien, gracias – I’m fine, thank you
- Cómo te llamas? – What’s your name?
- Me llamo… – My name is…
- Mucho gusto – Nice to meet you
- Por favor – Please
- Gracias – Thank you
- Yo no entiendo – I don’t understand
- Habla inglés? – Do you speak English?
- Disculpe – Excuse me
Spanish food
Spain is a degustation heaven, from olive oil to tapas, locally grown rice, wine and of course, sherry. As food is a central part of Spanish culture, there’s plenty of diversity throughout different regions. Traditional tapas gives travellers a sample of dozens of dishes, seasoned with local spices. Churros dipped in chocolate are a moreish after an afternoon siesta.
Visiting an olive mill in Andalusia is on the list in southern Spain, where visitors can taste local delicacies and ask questions about the growing and production process. Complementing each meal are Spanish wines, the most famous being sherry.
Spain by Dennis Bunnik
A Spanish cooking class will give you new skills and techniques to try at home, learning traditional methods that bring out the flavours. Foods to try or make include paella, tortilla, and gazpacho — there are many more that you can explore.
Nearby destinations to include
When visiting Spain, you may extend your travels to embrace Portugal or Morocco. Lisbon in Portugal is picturesque and of course, you must sample a Portuguese tart. Nearby is Evora, a beautifully preserved UNESCO-listed medieval town with harmony across architectural styles spanning 2,000 years.
In Morrocco, you find markets, mountains, colourful building materials and energetic locals. With medinas, mosques, the magical blue city of Chefcaouen and so much more, Morocco is a worthy extension of your trip to Spain.
Frequently asked questions
What do Australians need to enter Spain?
To enter Spain Australians need a valid passport, a credit or debit card to pay a small ETIAS (European Travel Information and Authorisation System) fee and a valid email address to receive the ETIAS. Passports should be valid for at least three months from the intended date of departure from the Schengen area.
Which is the best month to visit Spain?
Late spring (April to June) and early autumn (September to October) provide pleasant temperatures. In July and August, it gets hot, and while winters are mild, rain, fog and wind sweep through, especially around the Bay of Biscay.
How long can I stay in Spain as an Australian citizen?
When visiting as a tourist you can stay up to 90 days without a visa, as Spain is part of the Schengen Area, along with many European countries. If planning to stay longer than 90 days, or if your visit is for a purpose other than tourism, be sure to make the proper visa arrangements through the Spanish Embassy before travelling to Spain.