ℹ️ Quick info
📅 When to go
Best period based on climate data · Open-Meteo
Spring and early autumn are perfect: mild weather, liveable cities and reasonable prices. July and August are baking (40°C+ in Andalusia) and crowded. The coast is great through to October.
💶 Costs
🛡️ Safety
La Rambla and the Gothic Quarter are extremely high-risk for pickpocketing.
How to avoid it: Keep your phone in a deep pocket. Don't use backpacks with external zips. Never leave things unattended.
The classic three-cup game on the street is an organised scam.
How to avoid it: Never stop to watch these games. The "winners" in the crowd are accomplices.
Seville and Granada top 40°C in July and August.
How to avoid it: Visit sights early morning or late evening. Avoid walking between 1pm and 5pm.
- SPAGNA: incendi.
🚌 Transport
High-speed trains link Madrid, Barcelona, Seville and Valencia in 2–3 hours. Book on renfe.com.
Efficient and extensive. Buy a multi-journey tarjeta or a 10-trip pass.
Alternatives to Uber. Cheaper than traditional taxis.
A great alternative to the train for destinations the AVE doesn't reach. Cheap and comfortable.
🧳 What to pack
- Comfortable shoes (lots of walking)
- Light, breathable clothing
- A jacket for cool evenings (in the north)
- High-SPF sunscreen
- A compact anti-theft bag
- ID card or passport
- Credit card with no foreign transaction fees
- Book AVE trains on renfe.com (prices rise near the date)
- Download Moovit for public transport
- Anti-theft bag for tourist areas
🎉 Seasonal highlights
A week of flamenco, casetas (private marquees), colourful dresses and sherry. It's Spain's most authentic festival. Try to get invited into a caseta by locals — that's where the real experience is.
The most famous tomato fight in the world. Buy tickets in advance (limited). Wear old white clothes and shoes you can throw away.
Enormous papier-mâché sculptures are burned in the streets on the night of 19 March. Music, fireworks, marching bands. It's a UNESCO Intangible Heritage. Book your hotel months ahead.
The best food scene in Europe. The old-town bars compete for the best pintxo (Basque tapas). September is the month of the international film and gastronomy festivals.
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