Spain Travel Guide
Tourist season
Are December and January good months to visit Spain?
December
Shoulder
season
January
Shoulder
season
Did you know?
The surface area of Spain is 195.4 thous. mi², which puts the country in position number 53 in terms of the area in the world.
How far is it?
1. The site uses the Great Circle method of calculating distances between two points on the Earth
2. To change the cities for comparison, change Your Country in settings
The distance between Madrid (ES) and Washington D.C. (US) is 3783 miles
To calculate distance between your location and Madrid click here
Time • Timezone
Safety
General travel safety level in Spain on a scale of 1 (safe) to 4 (unsafe).
Level 2 • Exercise a high degree of caution.
Update: 13 Oct 2024Currency
Euro (EUR) - rate compared to selected currencies
GBP 
USD Get ready for your next trip
With just a few clicks you can find the best accommodation, airline tickets, or buy insurance that provides comprehensive protection for your next journey.
Cities and Top Tourist Attractions
From historical cities to picturesque landmarks and fascinating places - don't miss out on these attractions when planning a visit to Spain
| Miles | Madrid | Barcelona | Seville | Valencia | Bilbao | Granada | Tenerife | Zaragoza |
| Madrid | - | 313 | 243 | 187 | 200 | 224 | 1111 | 170 |
| Barcelona | 313 | - | 516 | 188 | 290 | 424 | 1390 | 159 |
| Seville | 243 | 516 | - | 336 | 437 | 132 | 877 | 401 |
| Valencia | 187 | 188 | 336 | - | 293 | 236 | 1204 | 153 |
| Bilbao | 200 | 290 | 437 | 293 | - | 422 | 1283 | 152 |
| Granada | 224 | 424 | 132 | 236 | 422 | - | 970 | 341 |
| Tenerife | 1111 | 1390 | 877 | 1204 | 1283 | 970 | - | 1277 |
| Zaragoza | 170 | 159 | 401 | 153 | 152 | 341 | 1277 | - |
A Brief History of Spain
Important historical events that significantly shaped the nation's trajectory throughout the centuries
206 B.C.
Roman ruleHispania becomes part of the Roman Empire. Rome rules it for 500 years.
711 A.D.
Muslim influenceMuslims from North Africa take control. They greatly influence art and architecture.
1469
Catholic Monarchs of SpainKing Ferdinand II and Queen Isabella marry, uniting the Christian portions of Spain.
1492 - 1502
Roman CatholicismChristopher Columbus arrives in the New World, beginning an era of exploration and conquest. Roman Catholicism is established as Spain's state religion. Within 10 years, most Jews and Muslims are forced to convert or leave.
1588
British navy winsBritish forces defeat the Spanish Armada. Spain is no longer a sea power.
1605
Don QuixoteMiguel de Cervantes writes Don Quixote. It is considered the first modern novel.
1811 - 1898
Spain losing influenceVenezuela declares its independence from Spain. Soon, other colonies claim their independence. After losing the Spanish American War to the U.S. in 1898, Spain gives up control of Cuba, the Philippines and other possessions.
1931 - 1936
Civil warKing Alfonso XIII is forced out. Spain becomes a republic. Five years later, the country is plunged into civil war.
1939 - 1975
Dictator FrancoGeneral Francisco Franco emerges as the war's victor. He rules as a dictator until his death in 1975. Juan Carlos de Borbon is named king, and Spain becomes a constitutional monarchy.
1992
Olympic GamesThe summer Olympic Games are held in Barcelona. The 500th anniversary of Columbus' voyage to America is celebrated around the country.
2004
Bomb attacksA series of explosions at a train station in Madrid leaves 191 people dead and 1,460 wounded.
2006
ETA declares ceasefire'A Basque terrorist group, ETA, agrees to lay down its arms and work toward independence through diplomatic means.
Best Ways to Experience Spain
- Cuisine
- Art
- Animals
Practical Information for Travelers
- Budget
- Currency
- Vaccinations
- Visa
- Electricity
Determine the expenses for your travel or vacation budget, as well as the expenditures associated with residing in another country
MoreBackpacker's budget
Daily budget for one person, assuming that two people travel in a standard close to 1 star (hostels, public transport). When traveling alone, the cost may be slightly higher (hotel room) or the same (dormitory accommodation).from
Tourist's budget
Daily budget for one person, assuming that two people travel (they share the cost of a hotel room, taxis, etc.) to a standard close to 3 stars. Costs for a solo traveler will be higher.from
Currency
MoreEuro (EUR)
- EUR
- GBP
- USD
- EUR
- GBP
- USD
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Vaccinations
MoreAll travelers
You should be up to date on routine vaccinations while traveling to any destination. Some vaccinations may also be required in Spain.
Some travelers
Vaccinations and medications that may be recommended under certain conditions, depending on where you will be, the length of your stay and the nature of your stay.
Hepatitis A
Hepatitis A is a digestive disease caused by the hepatitis A virus and is closely related to a lack of good hygiene.It can be asymptomatic, moderate, or very severe.Prevention
- Get vaccinated
- Eat and drink safely
Hepatitis B
Hepatitis B is a disease caused by the hepatitis B virus.Infection occurs through contact of injured skin or mucous membranes with virus-infected blood or other secretions (e.g. during sexual contact, through contaminated needles or as a result of medical procedures).Prevention
- Get vaccinated
- Avoid sharing body fluids
- Avoid non-sterile medical or cosmetic equipment
With or without a visa?
Visa requirements for citizens of
- United States
visiting 
Spain for tourism
A visa is not required.
- Allowed stay: 90 days
- 90 days within any 180-day period in the Schengen Area.
Electricity
230V (50 Hz)
In Spain the standard voltage is 230V and the frequency is 50 Hz. Type C, F sockets are used.
Click on the socket icon to see more information
Type C
Type FFacts and Figures
Fundamental socio-economic statistical data pertaining to the country
Population | 30 / 231 Ranking | 46 754 778 composite of Mediterranean and Nordic types |
Area | 53 / 230 Ranking | 195.4 thous. mi² It is approximately 5% of the territory of United States. |
Life expectancy | 18 / 196 Ranking | 82.2 Life expectancy expressed in years.men 79.2women 85.4 |
Median age | 145 / 157 Ranking | 43.9 Average age of population expressed in years.men 42.7women 45.1 |
Population growth | 144 / 172 Ranking | -0.03% The difference between live births and deaths. A negative value means natural loss. |
Literacy | 14 / 131 Ranking | 98.6% Ability to read, write and count.men 99%women 98.2% |
GDP | 40 / 194 Ranking | 38 343 INT$ GDP per capita is gross domestic product converted to international dollars (Int$) using purchasing power parity rates and divided by total population. |
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