By Michelle Yastremsky
Tapas, flamenco, whimsical buildings that seem to reach towards the sky... Spain is a country for the explorer! But if you're planning your dream getaway to La Piel de Toro, you probably have lots of questions! Does Spanish custom really mean eating dinner at 10pm? Should you pack your shorts or your jacket? And how much Spanish should you have under your belt if you want to survive the week?
So don't worry, we're breaking down everything you need to know before you go on a Spanish vacation!
Experience the highlights of this country with our vacation packages to Spain.
Culture/Customs
Avoid Looking Like a Clueless Tourist in Spain
Be mindful of the siesta. While most tourist spots will stay open during regular business hours, many businesses throughout Spain will close between the hours of 1pm-4pm (hours vary by city). Keep this in mind when planning your itinerary for the day so you don't miss the destinations you've been dreaming about.
Remember to relax. Things in Spain move at a slower pace. Don’t expect to sit down at a restaurant for a rushed meal. In fact, waiters in Spain will leave you be until you demand their attention so you can enjoy your meal at leisure.
You can experience a lot of Spain's world-famous culture by visiting top destinations for travelers, like the stunning La Sagrada Família in Barcelona or The Royal Palace in Madrid. You can also take a day trip from Spain's capital city to immerse yourself in Spanish culture even more.
Spain is even home to a whopping 50 UNESCO World Heritage sites including beach towns, historic palaces, and more can't-miss things to do.
Food in Spain
When & What You'll Eat on a Spanish Getaway
Spain is a city of discovery.. especially culinary discovery. Be sure to sample the specialties of each city or region, such as paella in Barcelona or Jamon Iberico in Madrid. While you’ll love indulging in the mouth-watering snacks and sips, following Spain’s unique eating schedule make time some getting used to.
Breakfast is optional. Many locals skip breakfast altogether, but if it is a breakfast meal you’re after, you can do so between the hours of 7:00-9:00am. Spain is a country of late mornings, so finding a café that opens before 7:00am is a rarity. Once you do find a breakfast spot, your options will almost always include a variety of sandwiches (with omelets or meat paste slathered inside) or a selection of sweet baked goods.
Mid-morning snack (Almuerzo). This late-early snack (10:30-11:00am) will usually consist of coffee or juice, paired with a croissant sandwich.
Don’t forget lunch. Lunch is the most important meal in Spain, so important in fact, that the word for lunch, "la comida," translates to “the meal.” Satisfy your craving between the hours of 2-3:30pm, and make sure to always ask for the menu of the day!
Snack for socializing. The merienda, or mid-afternoon snack, is served between 5:30-7:30, and is a time to just grab coffee and a light snack over some socialization with friends and family.
**Time for Tapas! **The moment you’ve been waiting for... tapas! The city streets come alive from 8:00-10pm when locals and visitors pour into the city’s most popular tapas bars. Size and style of the tapas vary by region, and are often eaten standing up at the bar.
Tapas at 8, Dinner at 10. Dinnertime in Spain is typically from 9:00-11:00pm, and is usually much lighter than that of an American dinner. You won’t find many of Spain’s heartier dishes on the dinner menus, but are more likely to find a menu offering Spanish omelets, cured meat assortments , and a variety of croquettes, waiting to be devoured.
And now it's time for... dessert! One of the go-to sweet treats in Spain are churros, and it's even a staple for breakfast as well. Crispy, doughy, and cinnamony, these iconic delights are best served with a fresh cup of coffee, hot chocolate, or even a thick chocolate sauce.
You could also try the other most popular dessert in Spain: flan! This traditional dish is made with creamy vanilla egg custard and finished with a decadent caramel glaze.
Weather in Spain
Don't Expect the Spanish Sky to Rain on Your Parade
Spain is known throughout Europe for its fantastic climate! The Mediterranean coastline sees an average of over 300 days of sunshine a year, and the city of southern city of Seville has warmest average temperature in Western Europe. Feeling caliente yet?
Currency in Spain
This European Destination is Surprisingly Affordable!
Spain uses the Euro, but you won't need as many of them as you might think.
When you think of planning a European vacation, budget-friendly probably isn't the first thing that comes to mind, but Spain is pretty easy on the wallet! Many bars will serve free tapas with beer – who says there’s no such thing as a free lunch?
Transportation in Spain
Public Transportation is Usually a Safe Bet in the Cities
Spain’s major cities have a convenient public transportation system including trams and busses. Getting around in between cities is fairly easy as well; choose from trains, buses, or rent a car and hit the road.
Language in Spain
How Much Spanish Do You Actually Need to Know Before You Go?
While English is not spoken everywhere, in most major cities you will be able to get by with English. Spanish is the official language of Spain, however any regions in Spain have their own dialects – some so different they are actually different languages, such as Catalan, spoken in the Catalonia region of Spain (Barcelona!).
Useful Spanish Phrases:
Hello - Hola
Thank you - Gracias
Where is the bathroom? - Donde esta el baño?
One beer, please - Una cerveza, por favor
Cheers - Salud
Sorry - Perdon
Click here to learn more helpful Spanish phrases.
Say ¡Hola! to Adventure with a Trip to Spain.
We hope this guide answered some of your biggest questions about traveling in Spain, from how to get around to how to pay for dinner. If you're still feeling a little overwhelmed by all of the know-before-you-go info for a trip to Spain, consider checking out one of our vacation packages. Whether you're a solo traveler looking to soak up some sun in Ibiza or a whole family of history buffs heading to historic sites like the Alhambra in Granada, we've got you covered with affordable vacation packages that include flights and hotels.
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