Spain promises a summer full of relaxation, food, and culture. To get you ready for summer vacation, we’ve gathered some of our top travel hacks for Spain. From day trips to dining out, make your escape unforgettable.
1. Time your trip
Trying to align your schedule with flight times, hotel availability, and the weather is difficult. To make planning go smoother, here are some ways you can time your trip perfectly this summer.
Flights price alert
Make planning as smooth as possible with Booking.com’s flight price alerts. As a Genius member, you’ll get notified when flight prices go up or down via our app, so you can get the best deal. Stay alert with ease and plan smart – without constantly refreshing your browser.
Flexible flight fares
We know that life happens sometimes. Your vacation shouldn’t be impacted by a fixed flight time. If you buy a flexible ticket, you can change your flight time or date up to 24 hours before your departure time on select airfares.
If you fly with the same airline and route as originally planned, you’ll only have to pay for the fare difference – if there is any.
Still not sure when you want to go to Spain this summer? Now you can browse a selected date range to compare prices within a specific month or up to six months in advance.
2. Pack smart
Knowing how to pack for Spain is essential. Here are a few travel tips for summer packing.
Essentials for the Spanish summer
Summer in Spain is hot. Inland temperatures often exceed 95º. To stay cool, remember to pack:
A dry bag – If you’re doing any watersports this summer, a dry bag will help keep your valuables safe. It will keep your most precious belongings safe while relaxing on the beach.
A camera (and waterproof case) – What better way to capture memories of Spain than on a camera? If you’re headed to the beach, a waterproof camera cover will let you take photos without worrying.
Sunscreen – Protecting yourself from the sun will make your trip both safe and enjoyable.
Comfortable clothing tips
Packing the right clothes will make your adventures as seamless as your planning. Consider bringing:
A light scarf – This simple accessory can elevate an outfit, keep you warm on cooler evenings, and help you adhere to the dress codes of religious sites. Versatility is key.
Comfortable footwear – Shoes that are light, airy, and comfortable will keep you cool this summer. Sandals and flip-flops are great for the coast, while walking shoes are ideal for exploring cities with old cobblestone roads.
Sunglasses – The Spanish sun is powerful. Keep your eyes protected with a pair of sunglasses.
3. Keep an eye out for hidden beaches
Spain has plenty of popular cities. From Barcelona to Málaga, cities across the country are packed with metropolitan excitement. But if you’re looking to unwind, the beaches of Spain are ideal for relaxation.
Praia Arnela, Galicia
Praia Arnela’s lack of crowds makes this beach uniquely peaceful. The coastal scenery alone is breathtaking.
Want to explore a historical site after a day in the sun? Torre de Hércules is only a 40-minute drive from the beach. This UNESCO-listed ancient Roman lighthouse is Spain’s second tallest lighthouse at 180 feet.
Cala de Enmedio, Andalucía
Accessible by foot or boat, the trek to Cala de Enmedio in Andalucía is well worth the views. This spot is somewhat popular with hikers but still offers seclusion at certain times of the day.
The cove features a white cliff that casts plenty of shade, sure to keep you cool on hot afternoons. The views here are incredible, looking out to Mesa Roldán Hill with its lighthouse and castle.
Calas de Conil, Cádiz
If you prefer exploring on foot, the Conil coast in Ćadiz is the beach for you. It has long, sprawling coastlines perfect for strolling.
4. Embrace Spain’s culinary culture
Spain’s culinary scene is diverse, delicious, and designed for sharing. Here are some useful travel tips to make your dinners unforgettable.
Tips for finding authentic Spanish dining experiences
Ask the locals
Locals always know the best spots, so asking where to go will ensure your experience is as authentic as it gets. If you’re too shy to try asking the locals, just take a look at restaurants’ clientele as you walk by. If it’s mostly locals, you’ve found a traditional spot.
Also, knowing a few phrases when ordering will make your experience even more authentic. Some key phrases include, “¿Qué me recomienda?” (What do you recommend?) and “¿Cuál es su plato favorito?” (What is your favorite dish?).
Check the business hours
Business hours are a great indicator of authenticity. Typically, Spaniards eat lunch around 2 to 4 pm, and dinner around 9 to 11 pm. If you find a dinner spot that’s open and busy at 6 pm, that probably means it’s a tourist trap.
Check the menu before deciding
Menus give you a peek at how traditional your dining experience will be. If you know any regional specialties, check to see if they're on the menu. If they are, you’ve probably found an authentic spot.
Look for classic Spanish dishes such as patatas bravas (potatoes in a spicy sauce), gambas al ajillo (shrimp with garlic), and tortilla española (Spanish omelet). These are all a good indicator of authenticity.
Different types of tapas
If you’re a food lover, one of the most important things to know before visiting Spain is the different kinds of tapas. Knowing them can help you to find the perfect spot.
Pintxos
Like a small appetizer, pintxos (or pinchos) are usually held together with a toothpick and a slice of bread. They’re especially popular in northern Spain, specifically in the Basque Country. Restaurants that serve pintxos display all their delicious sandwiches on the bar, rather than listed on a menu.
Montaditos
Similar to pintxos, montaditos are also small open-face sandwiches, but normally larger than pintxos.
Cazuelas
Cazuelas (or cazuelit) are warm tapas that are normally served with some type of sauce in a clay pot. They include all sorts of stews, meatballs, or garlic shrimp. They're the perfect traditional dish to try on your Spanish adventures.
Banderillas
If you want to check out a local supermarket, banderillas are the tapas for you. Typically served pre-packed in supermarkets and freshly made in restaurants, these tapas are a small cold skewer full of ingredients like prawns, cheese, and olives.
5. Make the most of stunning day trips
Spain certainly lends itself to adventure.
With so many cities and villages to choose from, here are some travel tips for planning a day trip:
Consider renting a car – If you want to visit more secluded areas of Spain, a rental car will grant you the freedom to explore at your own pace. Areas like the Pyrenees and certain regions within Catalonia are harder to reach via public transit. Though that’s not to say that Spain’s public transit should be avoided. In fact, the transportation systems are excellent in bigger cities. From buses to trains, Spain is a well-connected country.
Plan around the temperature – Try to embark bright and early so you’ll have more time at your destination before the hottest point in the day. Spain is usually at its hottest between 2 and 5 pm in the summer. If the forecast shows a temperature drop in the evening, plan to travel back before it gets cooler.
Check local itineraries – The summer in Spain means lots of local festivals. From concerts to food markets, planning your day trips around local events will help you to make the most of your trip.
Explore Spain with our summer travel hacks
With these travel tips for Spain, your summer trip will be on track in no time. By finding the best flight options and embracing Spain’s culinary scene, your summer promises a getaway that’ll create lifelong memories. What are you waiting for? It’s time to take these summer travel hacks and travel to Spain.