Spain tours

We recommend visiting Spain in the spring and fall: Temperatures run cooler, and crowds at landmarks and major sites aren’t as big as they are during the high season. Can’t travel then? Opt for a summer trip and bask in the country’s famous sunshine.

We recommend you spend at least six days in Spain. While our most popular Spain tours run nine days or more, you can enjoy a shorter trip if you limit yourself to one or two cities.

Located on the Iberian Peninsula in southwestern Europe, Spain has a climate that varies across its different regions. Along the eastern coast, you can expect to find a Mediterranean climate, which means hot summers and mild winters. Central Spain experiences very hot summers and cold winters, while northern Spain tends to have milder and more humid weather.

We recommend packing light for a trip to Spain—one suitcase and one carry-on per person. You should also bring lightweight, layerable clothes to accommodate a range of temperatures; a hat and other sun protection; and comfortable walking shoes.

Once you’ve reserved one of our Spain tour packages, we’ll send you detailed information about what to bring with you. Don’t forget to download the Go Ahead app before you take off, so you’ll have all the info you need about your trip right in your pocket.

From the museums of Madrid to the sands of the Costa del Sol, Spain sparkles with places to visit. Whether you’re in search of incredible art and architecture, flamenco shows, delicious plates of tapas, Spanish culture, or history, you’ll find plenty of it in the cosmopolitan cities and picturesque countryside. The top places to visit on our tours of Spain are:

• Barcelona. Appealing to artists, foodies, sports fans, history buffs, beach lovers, and even mountain-goers, it’s no surprise that the capital city of Catalonia is one of Europe’s most dynamic destinations. Among its many attractions are the Sagrada Familia, Park Güell, and the Gothic Quarter. Check out our best travel tips for a trip to Barcelona.
• Madrid. Spain’s most populous city is full of energy: Its elegant boulevards, leafy parks, and rich collections of European art make it a must-see. Here’s how to spend 48 hours in Madrid.
• Seville. There’s no better place to experience flamenco than this charming city. Seville’s also known for its tapas and festivals, including its world-famous April Fair.
• Granada. Granada is full of historical and cultural attractions, including the Alhambra, the Nasrid Palaces, and the Albayzin district. It’s also home to the Sacromonte district, which is famous for its flamenco shows.
• Valencia. With its rich history, delicious food, and vibrant nightlife, Valencia is a traveler’s delight. If you love beaches, Valencia’s location on the Mediterranean coast offers some of Spain’s best.
• Malaga. Located on the Costa del Sol, Malaga is one of the most popular destinations in Spain. The combination of great food, beautiful beaches, and cultural attractions (like the Alcazaba, the Cathedral of Malaga, and the Picasso Museum) will make you want to return again and again.
• Costa del Sol. Dreaming of sunny days by the water? The Costa del Sol (or Coast of the Sun) boasts golden beaches and stunning views of the Mediterranean Sea. You’ll get your fill of Spanish food and wine, historical sites, and lively nightlife, too.

Ready to explore northern Spain? Here are eight of the best places to see →

Spain is many things: cosmopolitan, historic, and laid-back. You’ll find incredible art and architecture, delicious food, and captivating countryside and coastlines, all infused with Spanish flavor. In a country so diverse, there are many popular activities to experience. Some of the most popular include:

• Exploring the countryside. From the snow-capped Pyrenees mountains to the sunny beaches of the Costa del Sol, Spain is a beautiful country with stunning scenery. There are many opportunities to explore the countryside, including hiking, biking, and fishing.
• Visiting historical sites. With its rich history, Spain has many intriguing sites to visit, including the Roman ruins of Merida, the medieval city of Toledo, and the Alhambra in Granada.
• Enjoying the food and wine. You’ll find many opportunities to sample Spain’s delicious food and wine. Some of the most popular dishes and drinks to try on our Spain trips include paella, tapas, and sangria.
• Attending a festival. Spaniards love to celebrate, and there are many festivals throughout the year, including the Tomatina Festival in Bunol and the Semana Santa processions in Seville.
• Relaxing on the beach. Blessed with long coastlines and many breathtaking beaches, Spain is perfect for swimming, sunbathing, and participating in water sports. Some of the most popular beaches are Playa de la Barceloneta in Barcelona, Playa de las Americas in Tenerife, and Playa de la Concha in San Sebastian.
• Touring the cities. Spain is home to many beautiful and vibrant cities, each with its own unique character. Some of the most popular cities to visit include Madrid, Barcelona, Seville, and Granada.

Check out our bucket list of things to do in Spain →

A visit to the country of fiestas and siestas isn’t complete without exploring its incredible food culture. Good food, drinks, and company are always on the menu: The combination of sampling flavorful dishes, trying delicious wines, and lingering around the table makes the dining experience in Spain quite different from what you’ll have anywhere else in the world.

Spanish cuisine is known for its fresh ingredients, bold flavors, and use of olive oil. Here are some of the best dishes to sample on our trips to Spain:

• Paella. A quintessential rice dish that everyone visiting Spain needs to try. There are many ways to enjoy it: Traditionally, it’s made with saffron, chicken, seafood, and vegetables, but locals also enjoy it with rabbit.
• Tapas and pintxos. Many people are familiar with tapas, the small-plate meals that Spain made famous the world over. But did you know that tapas are only tapas if they’re on a plate? In the Basque Country, pintxos are tiny bites skewered with toothpicks.
• Jamon Iberico. A prized delicacy in Spain, this cured ham is made from free-range pigs that are fed a diet of acorns, which gives the ham its distinctive flavor.
• Tortilla Espanola. A hearty and filling favorite, this Spanish omelet is made with thinly sliced potatoes, onions, and eggs. If you’re on the go, this portable dish makes a great snack.
• Gazpacho. On a hot summer day, this cold soup—a blend of tomatoes, cucumbers, onions, peppers, and garlic—is a delicious way to cool off.
• Wine. Spain is home to a few of the world’s top wine regions. Three of the best sips you can try on tour are Rioja (a fruity red wine), cava (a sparkling wine similar to Champagne), and vermouth (a strong, fortified wine).

Know before you go: tips for eating in Spain →

From mesmerizing museums in Madrid to whimsical architecture in Barcelona, this country offers experiences you won’t find anywhere else. Here are a few that make our guided tours to Spain extra special:

• Seeing a flamenco show in Seville
• Exploring the fairy-tale Alcazar of Segovia
• Stepping inside the Mezquita of Cordoba
• Sampling pintxos in the Basque Country
• Throwing tomatoes at the Tomatina Festival in Bunol
• Visiting a finca, or traditional farmhouse, in Salamanca
• Stopping at the Valley of the Fallen in the Sierra de Guadarrama
• Taking a cooking class in Andalusia
• Touring an olive oil farm in Cordoba

Explore more unique things to do in Spain →

The euro. For tips on using the euro while on a trip to Spain, check out our blog post about currency exchange.

Spanish is the most widely spoken language in Spain. While some of the country’s autonomous communities have their own co-official tongues—like Galician in Galicia, Catalan in Catalonia, and Basque in the Basque Country—the vast majority of Spain’s residents are fluent in Spanish. English is also quite prevalent in major cities and other popular areas. That being said, it’s helpful to know some common Spanish phrases.

Some key Spanish phrases to know before you go →

• Greetings. When greeting someone in Spain, it’s customary to shake hands. It’s also common to kiss someone on the cheek as a greeting, but this is more common among friends and family.
• Dining. Lunch is the largest and most important meal of the day, served at 1 p.m. or later. It often consists of several courses and is followed by the famous siesta, or rest. Many businesses and restaurants are closed from about 2-4 p.m. Dinner is a much lighter meal and often doesn’t start until 9-10 p.m. During the long days of summer, locals might not eat dinner until around midnight!
• Tipping. Tipping isn’t expected in Spain, but it’s appreciated. A tip of 5-10% is considered appropriate for good service.
• Dress. Spain is a relatively casual country, but it’s still important to dress appropriately for the occasion. For example, you wouldn’t want to wear shorts and a T-shirt to a nice restaurant or beachwear when you’re not at the beach.