Backpacking Spain Travel Guide

Backpacking Spain is something that I would highly recommend anyone does. Strictly speaking, I didn’t backpack Spain, as I was living there, but I did travel around a fair bit!

One of the things that I wish I knew before I moved to Spain was just how diverse the country was!

I was blissfully ignorant of the cultural and geographical differences in Spain. This just goes to show that most assumptions are wrong!

A trip to Spain is essential while backpacking Europe, as the country is absolutely beautiful and full of interesting places to see.

You can go surfing in the Basque Country, hiking in Galicia, catch the sun on the Mediterranean coast and experience mountains and deserts in Andalucia! It’s so diverse!

Best of all, travelling in Spain is cheap! The country is not as expensive as you would imagine! It’s not too difficult to survive on less than €50 a day!

So without further ado, let’s get into my Spain travel guide!

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Backpacking Spain

General info

• Capital city: Madrid
• Language: Spanish
• Currency: Euro (€)
• Plug: Type F Get an International Travel Power Adapter here
• Population: 46.5 million
• International dialling code: +34

My Backpacking in Spain Experience

My time in Spain started when I moved to Barcelona for two years to teach English. During that time I travelled around the country a lot and I’ve been back numerous times.

I’ve now seen almost all of the country over several backpacking trips. I love Spain and think it’s one of the best countries to visit in western Europe for numerous reasons.

One is that there are so many great places to see such as the major cities of Barcelona and Madrid and what feels like a UNESCO world heritage site in every corner of the country!

Spain is a much diverse country than people realise. Yes, you have the laid back lifestyle, great beaches and world class architecture, but the different regions all have their own unique character.

This makes the country a lot of fun to visit as a trip to Galicia is very different from one in Andalucia. So even if you’ve been to Spain a lot, you’ll experience something different if you travel to other parts of the country!

Backpacking in Spain is also easy thanks to the brilliant high-speed rail network with its cheap fares. This makes getting around the country seamless and ideal for a lengthy backpacking trip.

There are plenty of other Western European countries you can visit and have a good time but I’m not sure you’ll any with the range of places you can see in Spain.

This is why I like it so much and will always keep coming back my another backpacking trip. There’s so much to see and do here and even if you’ve been places before, they’re still a lot of fun to explore!

Here are a few things I liked about Spain and a few things that aren’t too great:

Good

• As I mentioned above the diversity of the regions in Spain make it an excellent destination. Barcelona is a much different city from Seville as is Bilbao from Madrid Spain’s capital. This means you can keep coming back and exploring new places without getting bored!
• Spain is a budget friendly destination especially compared to other Western European countries. A mid range budget will go a long and the affordable prices mean you won’t break the bank, even in the major cities!
• The weather in Spain is the main reason a lot of people visit and it is brilliant. Southern Spain has excellent weather year round as do most other places. If you book a trip from March to October you’re almost guaranteed good weather anywhere in the country!

Bad

• If you don’t speak a bit of Spanish, you might struggle a bit outside of the main tourist spots as not everyone speaks English in Spain. This isn’t a bad thing, but if you’re in an unfamiliar place and need help, knowing a bit of Spanish will go a long way!
• While the weather in Spain is what attracts a lot of people it can be bad at times. This is true in Andalucia where summers can be unbearably hot, with temperatures over 40 degrees. As I found out, you can’t walk around in that during the day. You can also get a lot of rain in the north and adverse weather during the rest of the year.
• Again, this isn’t exactly a bad thing, but time operates differently in Spain. Meals are eaten much later in the day, so if you want to get something to eat at 5 or 6 pm, you might struggle unless you get fast food. It’s much more common to eat at 8 or 9 pm, so you might have to adjust your schedule while you’re there!

Why You Should Visit Spain

There are an absolute plethora of reasons to visit Spain! These range from simply getting some sun, which is why a lot of people from northern Europe head there during the summer, to the rich cultural history of the country!

Spain as a destination is a lot more diverse than you would first think. Almost everyone has the image of golden beaches and tapas in their minds when they go to Spain, I was no different!

Well, the reality is a little more nuanced!

There certainly are great beaches and a lot of tapas should you want to do these things. However, there are plenty of other points of interest in Spain as well! There are many unique things you can only do in Spain!

An overlooked fact about Spain is that it’s the second most mountainous country in Europe after Switzerland!

That makes Spain a great destination for skiers, hikers and people who love beautiful scenery! Driving around Spain is a great way to see all of these sights! This is why so many people want to retire in Spain because there is so much to do!

What’s more:

Spain has a rich culture and history, which means that no matter where you go, you’re going to find places that have plenty of great sights. This is why there are so many quotes about Spain extolling its history and beauty!

Andalucia is a case in point.

The number of historical buildings in the region is incredible. If you visit Sevilla, you’ll discover a number of these buildings. The Alhambra and La Mezquita are among some of the most popular tourist spots in Spain. The country is teeming with these types of places!

When I first travelled to Spain I thought the whole country was more or less the same culturally and even geographically.

I could not have been more wrong!

Living in Barcelona, I realised this rather quickly. The majority of the people there don’t consider themselves to be Spanish, rather they consider themselves Catalan.

Further travels across the country only confirmed this further. The people in the Basque Country identified as Basque predominately rather than Spanish. Even in Valencia, there were more flags of the regional community than Spanish ones!

This makes a visit to Spain more interesting as you learn more about the fascinating history of the country and why the regional differences are so profound. I was quite shocked that I wasn’t more aware of this fact!

A great book on this subject is Ghosts of Spain, which delves into the topic and explains some of the cultural peculiarities that baffled me while I was in Spain!

Learning more about a country’s past and culture is one of my favourite things to do when visiting a new place. So you’ll have a great time in Spain if you’re like me!

Where to Stay in Spain

There is a lot of accommodation in Spain and it can be a little daunting at times to try and sift through it. There’s a plethora of hotels, hostels and other options in the country, primarily as tourism in Spain is one of the biggest contributors to the economy!

When I went backpacking in Spain, I mostly stayed in hostels, as I’m a budget-conscious traveller. Virtually every notable tourist destination in Spain has a lot of hostels and hotels in it, so you’re normally spoilt for choice.

This can be good and bad. Good, because you will find some great deals, bad because there are a lot of choices and it can be overwhelming at times.

Accommodation	Location	Description	Link
Latroupe la Granja	Bilbao	A nice hostel which is ideally located near the city centre. Great staff and facilities!	Book Now
Hello BCN	Barcelona	A cool hostel located near Avinguda Parallel in Barcelona. Friendly staff and great facilities and close to Las Ramblas and Barceloneta.	Book Now
Urbany Hostel	Barcelona	Big hostel located near Sagrada Familia in Barcelona. Great staff and lots of events happening throughout the week.	Book Now
Colo Colo the Smart Hostel	San Sebastian	A lovely little hostel close to the city centre and bus station that has a friendly vibe!	Book Now
Purple Nest Hostel	Valencia	Great hostel that is cheap and centrally located! Great social area and bar downstairs!	Book Now
Oasis Backpackers Hostel	Granada	Great hostel in the Arabic Quarter. Staff and facilities are excellent.	Book Now
Hostel One Centro	Sevilla	Beautiful hostel with a chilled atmosphere and great staff	Book Now
MuchoMadrid	Madrid	Great hostel on Gran Via. Spacious rooms and very helpful staff!	Book Now
Hostel Santander	Santander	Nice little hostel in the heart of Santander. Fantastic amenities and lovely staff.	Book Now

Backpacking Routes in Spain

As one of the biggest countries in Europe, there are plenty of self-driving routes in Spain that you can do. I firmly believe that road trips are the best way to see a country.

With plenty of places to visit in Spain throughout the country, it’s the perfect place for road trips! There are plenty of Spain road trips you can do. Below are a few that I think you should include on your Spain travelling itinerary.

Andalucia

Travelling to Andalucia is something that you should do when visiting Spain!

Andalucia is arguably the most beautiful and culturally rich place in all of Spain. Cities such as Cordoba, Granada and Sevilla have a rich history, great food, and in the case of Granada, you can eat free tapas! Plus, you could spend 3 days in Malaga, the warmest city year-round in Europe!

This is where the Moors ruled Spain and they left behind numerous beautiful buildings such as the Alhambra in Granada, which is one of the most famous tourist attractions in the country!

There are also lesser-known spots such as Cadiz, which is the oldest settled place in the Iberian Peninsula and Ronda, where a spectacular bridge can be found spanning a gorge. You can visit Mijas, a white village or Pueblo Blanco, which is one of the best places to visit in Andalucia.

Andalucia is an interesting and beautiful region in Southern Spain and one that shouldn’t be overlooked when you visit! It’s one of the best backpacking routes in Europe!

Read more: Andalucia road trip

Mediterranean Coast

The East Coast is the most popular destination in Spain. This is where the country meets the Mediterranean, with major cities such as Almeria, Barcelona and Valencia dotted along the coast.

This would be one of the spots for a Spanish Road trip, as there are lots of great places to visit on the Costa Brava, Dorada and further south. Lesser heralded places such as Murcia and Tarragona are well worth a visit!

If you’re looking for a dose of sun, sea and sand, then this is the place to go, as there are miles of beautiful coastline.

This is an ideal place for a road trip in Spain, as there are lots of places to see and you can swing down into Andalucia and go along the Costa del Sol or inland afterwards if you wish!

Northern Spain

A visit to Northern Spain is often overlooked by most people backpacking in Spain, which I find a little odd. This is one of the best parts of Spain, nature and culture here are just incredible!

You have the Basque Country, where green hills meet golden beaches, and that’s without mentioning the quirky Basque culture. Visiting Bilbao and San Sebastian will expose you to some of the most interesting places in Spain. Further west, you can visit Cantabria, which has great destinations like Santander.

Even further, is Galicia, which like the Basque Country has beautiful nature and intriguing cultural delights. You could do a trip to Galicia all on its own, with the number of places you can see there!

Places such as Santiago, A Coruna and Vigo are must-visits while travelling the region! You also have to check out the amazing local cuisine which focuses on seafood!

There’s also the chance to extend this trip and drive down the Iberian Peninsula into Portugal if you wish!

A northern Spain Road trip is one you should do if you want to do a different side of the country than widely publicised Spain of sun and beaches!

Read more: Northern Spain road trip

Lap of Spain

This one is for ambitious travellers and those with a lot of time. Spain is a country that’s made for a road trip. As I’ve mentioned above, there are plenty of great places to visit in Spain, so you’re not short of a choice!

The layout of the country lends itself to a road trip in a lap format. You can essentially start from any destination and then drive around in one big lap until you return to your starting point.

One potential problem is that Madrid, the capital, is in the centre of the country. So, you might have to make a slight detour to see it if you want to!

This is a big undertaking and would require about 2 months to complete and see everything properly. However, if you have the time, then why not do it?

Places to Visit in Spain

As one of the biggest countries in Europe, there are plenty of places to visit in Spain. There are so many that it would be some feat to see them all in one trip!

Don’t forget that as well as mainland Spain there are also the Balearic and Canary Islands! Both of these island chains are beautiful destinations and in the case of the Balearics could be added as an extension to your Spain travelling itinerary!

I really could list about twenty places, such is the wealth of destinations in Spain! If you’re wondering where to go in Spain, then check out some of my suggestions below!

Galicia

Galicia is one of the underrated destinations in Spain. This probably isn’t helped by its location in the northwest of the country above Portugal and away from the tourist hubs of the South and East.

However, that plays into Galicia’s hands as there are fewer tourists and you’re free to explore its incredible natural beauty.

Places such as A Coruna, Santiago de Compostela and Vigo are unheralded cities in Spain and are worth a visit if you get the chance. Galicia has an interesting culture and they even have their own language, Gallego!

Galicia is very different from the rest of Spain and is worth a visit if you want to get away from the crowds on the Mediterranean! I would include it as part of any Spain travel itinerary!

Girona

Girona may not be the most well-known place in Spain, however, it’s one that you should visit. It’s become more popular recently due to the city featuring in Game of Thrones, which is all the more reason to visit Girona!

You’ll find many things to do in Girona. It’s a beautiful city, and the main attraction is the church, which towers into the sky. It’s a striking building and one that you literally can’t miss while you’re in Girona.

The city has a charming medieval feel to it and exploring the old streets is a joy. It’s also worth heading to the nearby river to view the picturesque houses located next to it!

I went to Girona in the winter, but it was still beautiful and if you’re visiting Barcelona, it makes a great day trip from there!

San Sebastian

It’s safe to say, that I was pleasantly surprised by my trip to San Sebastian!

Let me explain:

Quite simply, San Sebastian is beautiful! I didn’t know an awful lot about this place in the Basque Country before I visited, but perhaps that was to my benefit. I certainly appreciated the city while I was there.

San Sebastian is a mix of stunning nature and beautiful buildings. La Concha Bay and Monte Igeldo are incredible spots and the old town or Parte Vieja in Spanish is a hive of activity!

This is one place to visit in Spain that you cannot miss while you’re in the country!

Sevilla

Sevilla is one of the most beautiful cities in Spain. As one of the economic centres of the old Spanish Empire, Sevilla is awash with spectacular and ornate buildings!

There are plenty of reasons to visit Sevilla apart from the buildings. The culture here is amazing, especially around Semana Santa, when there are week-long festivities. They like a party down here in Andalucia!

There are many great buildings to see in Sevilla, such as the Alcázar, Giralda, Metropol Parasol and Plaza de Espana. If you’re an architecture buff, then visiting Sevilla will be a dream come true for you!

Another reason to visit Sevilla is that it can be used as the hub of a trip to Southern Spain. Arguably the most interesting region to visit in Spain!

You can easily travel to Cordoba, Granada and Malaga from there!

What’s Not So Great About Spain

Spain is an interesting country to visit there’s no doubt about that. However, as with every place, there are a few things which are a bit annoying and not as great as you might think.

I’m a big believer that only by living in a country do truly get under its skin and find out the nitty-gritty details you otherwise never would!

This section of my Spain travel blog is a result of living in the country for 2 years, and are a few things that weren’t so great!

Barcelona

This might come as heresy to some people, as nearly everyone adores Barcelona. Well, it’s safe to say that I am not one of those people. I lived there for 2 years and didn’t understand what all the fuss was about!

Sure, there’s no getting away from the fact that there are lots of things to do in Barcelona, and parts of the city are stunning. Passeig de Gracia, Montjuic and Parc Guell are incredible.

However, that was about it for me, I felt like the city was a bit bland. The endless rows of identikit apartment buildings in Eixample are mind-numbing after a while!

I struggled to understand why everyone wanted to visit Barcelona. Sure, it has its beautiful spots, but I feel that there are more beautiful and culturally interesting places to go in Spain.

This is a controversial opinion, but I just don’t see what the attraction of Barcelona is. Maybe, the fact that I didn’t like living there impeded my judgement, and I might change my mind if I went back solely as a tourist.

However, I doubt I’ll be heading back anytime soon!

Living in Spain

For a lot of people, living in Spain is a dream! Living in Madrid, Barcelona or Sevilla is something a lot of people would like to do!

Whenever I told somebody that I had moved to Spain, they almost always said how lucky I was, and that they would love to do it!

Well, moving to Spain isn’t as glamorous and amazing as it sounds. It’s certainly, not all sun, sea and sangria. As with living in any foreign country, there can be a lot of difficulties. Especially, when the culture is quite different from your home country!

The culture in Spain can take a bit of getting used to. The pace of life is slower here, people don’t seem too bothered about getting things done and are quite laid-back about most things.

Also, if you plan on working in Spain, then the bureaucracy here is a nightmare! Trying to get an NIE (which is the national insurance number) was an experience I would like to forget! The number of forms you have to fill out and wait around is beyond belief!

Spain is a beautiful country and a great destination for a holiday, but living there can be a challenge at times! I would think long and hard before moving to Spain, as it can be stressful. If you can deal with the above then go for it!

Weather

Wait a minute!? The weather in Spain? Are you mad!? Well, a little bit, but that’s beside the point!

This might seem like a strange thing to mention as a negative about Spain but bear with me. Summers in Spain can get hot, I mean really hot! Depending on where you are, you could be looking at temperatures of over 40 degrees!

Let me tell you that is simply too hot! If you’re planning on visiting Andalucia during the summer then I would advise against it, as the heat is incredible!

You’re better off going during the spring, or in September and October when it’s a bit cooler!

It’s vital to take the best time to visit Spain into consideration when travelling there. It’s a big country and the weather can vary a lot.

Northern Spain, has a very different climate to Catalunya. While the centre of Spain can be blisteringly hot in the summer, and piercingly cold in the winter!

You see, there is a downside to the weather in Spain, but it does depend on when and where you go!

Spain Travel Tips

You’ll find a range of practical tips for visiting Spain in this section, such as getting any necessary visas, rough estimates of costs and the best time to visit.

Spanish Travel Visa

Spain is part of the European Union, so if you’re from one of the 27 countries in the union, you can travel and work in Spain without a visa.

If you’re not from an EU country, then you will need to get a Schengen visa. These cost about €60 and allow you to travel to Schengen countries in Europe for 90 days in a 180 day period.

It’s always best to check what your country’s immigration department says about getting a visa before you go. As these things can vary from country to country!

Before you start your trip to Spain, ensure you get travel insurance! To put it simply, if you can’t afford travel insurance you shouldn’t be travelling. Take it from someone who’s had a few incidents abroad you need it! I use SafetyWing and recommend that you do too!

You’ll also need to know what to pack for Spain. The climate can vary from place to place. If you’re doing an extended trip around Spain, then you will need to take a variety of items with you.

Check out my Spain packing list to see what you’ll need for your trip!

How to Get to Spain

If you’re in Europe, travelling to Spain is relatively straightforward. There are numerous land borders with France, Italy and Portugal to name a few countries.

Spain is also linked to most of Europe through its high-speed rail network. Travelling around Spain by train is a great way to see the country if you don’t have a car.

The most common way of getting to Spain is by flying. The number of cheap flights to Spain is ridiculous! This is especially true if you’re coming from the UK.

Ryanair and Easyjet fly into several destinations on the Iberian Peninsula such as Barcelona, Madrid and Malaga. If you book well in advance you can get flights for as cheap as €22 without check-in luggage!

If you’re flying to Spain from outside of Europe then you will be paying more. You will also have to fly into one of the main cities such as Barcelona or Madrid.

It’s best to book your flights in advance to avoid paying over the odds! 3 days in Barcelona for example, would be cheap if you book well in advance!

Best Time to Visit Spain?

When most people think of going to Spain it’s for the sun that the country is so readily associated with. Well, the truth is, the weather in Spain does not exactly fit this stereotype. The weather can vary markedly depending on where you go in Spain!

Certainly, the best time to visit Spain weather-wise is during the summer. Temperatures regularly reach over 30 degrees and rain is a rarity in most parts of the country, with the exception of the North.

Bear in mind, that the temperatures in most parts of Spain at this time can get very hot, especially in Andalucia.

It’s not unusual for temperatures to exceed 40 degrees from June to August, so it may be best to visit during April/May and September/October if you want cooler weather.

The temperature decreases sharply during winter. In most places, temperatures can reach below 10 degrees and there can be a fair bit of rain as well.

As a big country, Spain has a diverse climate, so it’s best to check the climate and weather of the region you’re going to before you leave!

How Much Does it Cost to Travel in Spain?

When I first decided to visit Spain, I was expecting the country to be quite expensive. I was quite shocked to find that this is certainly not the case at all. If you look in the right places, Spain can be very cheap indeed!

If you want to know how to travel to Spain on a budget, then read on!

The big cities such as Barcelona and Madrid will be more expensive than places such as Bilbao and Sevilla. However, even in these cities, you can still travel cheaply if you look in the right places!

I did Valencia in 3 days and was able to save a lot of money simply by being clever. It also helps that the city is cheap, but if you cook your own food, and eat out at cheap places, you can save a lot in Spain!

Getting to Spain is relatively cheap from most places in Europe. Flights to Spain can cost as little as £18 at times to destinations such as Barcelona and Malaga. Once you get to Spain, it’s a bit more expensive to get around, but you can still do it cheaply.

Travelling by bus is the cheapest method, although it’s a lot slower than by train. If you book in advance, the RENFE, which is the Spanish train service, can be cheap and it’s also very fast between certain destinations.

One method of travelling in Spain I would avoid is flying. Internal flights are not cheap and you would need to book well in advance to get the cheapest flights. Try and travel by train or bus if you can to keep costs down!

Eating out in Spain and buying groceries can be cheap if you’re careful. You can easily get two dishes at most cafes for around €8.90, even in big cities such as Barcelona. These are known as the ‘menu del dia’ which translates to Menu of the day, be sure to take up these offers if you’re peckish!

Likewise, food shopping can be relatively cheap. I was pleasantly surprised at what I could buy for €30 a week. It was certainly easy living on a budget in Spain!

Tips For Saving Money While Travelling in Spain

It’s surprisingly easy to save money during a trip to Spain. There are lots of ways you can do this and below are a few of my most useful Spain travel tips!

• Stay in hostels that have kitchens if you can. Most of the hostels in Spain have kitchens, although there are a few that don’t. This is easily the best way to save money while backpacking Spain, as eating out every day will slowly drain your budget. Cooking a meal that will last you a few days is another great way to save money!
• When backpacking Spain, try to book your transport as far in advance as you can. I found this out to my cost, especially with trains. The prices do steadily increase the closer to your date of departure. The bus is almost always cheaper than the trains as well, but they do take longer.
• If you’re staying in Granada or Leon, then you’re in luck, as these cities are famous for their free tapas. Simply order a drink and you’ll get a plate of tapas with it for free! You might find this in other places such as Almeria, Jaen and Madrid, but it’s much rarer.
• A good way to see cities is to do a walking tour. A lot of the hostels in Spain offer free walking tours which you can join. They are a great way to learn more about the history of the cities and save money too!

Concluding Thoughts

Backpacking Spain is a must on any trip to Europe in my opinion. The diversity and beauty of the country make it one of the best places to go.

There is everything you could imagine in one country and with so many places to see, you could keep coming back for years and discover new places in Spain!

It certainly is an interesting destination and the more that you scratch away at the surface, the more you discover about the country. Perhaps, the best thing about Spain is there are a lot of hidden gems waiting to be discovered!

There’s certainly more to the country than the big over-commercialised tourist cities! Do you agree with my assessment of backpacking Spain?

I would love to hear your thoughts in the comments below!

Want more info on Spain travelling routes? Get your Lonely Planet guide to Spain now!

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