Welcome to Spain!
Spain is the land of siestas, sunshine, and occasionally, sangria. (Although I’m much more partial to the more cost-effective tinto de verano that’s extremely similar!) Spain is an incredibly diverse country, from the sparkling blue Mediterranean and dusty hills of the south to the metropolis of Madrid, the sophistication of Barcelona and the green landscapes and stunning beaches of the north. It has a relaxed pace of life, great food, and great company. What more are you looking for?
Spain Essentials
Currency: Euro
Language: Spanish
Accommodation: It varies from town to city and touristy area to not. But averagely hostels are from €15 and budget hotels from €40. Airbnb is available.
Food: Despite being known for tapas and paella, food in Spain can actually be quite diverse. Tapas, which are small plates of food that you receive with a drink. However, depending on where you are in Spain you may be able to expect free tapas or have to pay a small amount. Pinchos, small mouthfuls of food, often consisting of something on bread, are more common in the north. Eating out in Spain won’t set you back too much, with meals typically costing anywhere from €10-15, depending on where you are. Food in supermarkets is cheaper than elsewhere in Europe, and there are many smaller “corner shop” type places selling cheaper fruit and vegetables as well.
Transport: Public transportation is relatively cheap. There are buses and trains between major cities or try Blabla Car, a carsharing website regularly used by locals and travellers alike.
Where do you want to go?
Andalucía
- 7 of the Most Beautiful Villages in Andalucía
- The Beautiful Spanish Town of Ronda
- Andalucía’s Secret: The Beaches of Cabo de Gata
- Las Alpujarras: Walking from Pampaneira to Búbion
Almería
- Top 10 Things to Do in Almeria City, Spain
- 7 Facts that Will Make You Want to Visit Almería
- Top 5 Places to Visit Outside Almería
- How to Visit Los Refugios de Guerra Civil, Almería
- My 5 Best Places to Eat in Almeria, Spain
- From Almería to Cádiz Carnival
Barcelona
Córdoba
Costa Brava
- 33 Best Things to Do in the Costa Brava + Things to Know Before You Go
- Girona: Game of Thrones Locations + Awesome Things to Do
- Why You Need to Visit the Fairytale Town of Besalú
Granada
- Graffiti in Granada: The Backstreet Art Gallery of Spain
- How to Buy Alhambra Tickets (In Advance + On the Day!)
Madrid
- Visiting Madrid in Autumn + Falling in Love with Travel Again
- The Best Day Trips From Madrid
- 5 Ways to Get Around Madrid
- How to Find Apartments for Rent in Madrid
Malaga
- Work Exchange in the Spanish Countryside
- Day Trip: Things to Do in Frigiliana
- Discovering Nearby Places: One Day in Nerja, Spain
Seville
Spanish Experiences
- 13 Spanish Festivals That Will Make You Want to Visit Spain
- Spain in Winter: Why You Should Go + Best Places to Visit
Expats in Spain
I lived in the south of Spain for a year teaching English. You can read about my adventures and other expats in Spain here, plus get tips on living in Spain.
- An Ode to a Year in Spain
- 12 Things I’ve Learned From Living in Spain
- Teaching English in Spain with the Auxiliar de Conversacíon Program
- Things I Didn’t Expect About Teaching English in Spain
- How to Find Apartments for Rent in Madrid
- Can you really learn a language by moving abroad?
- 5 Reasons to Live Abroad in a Country That Doesn’t Speak Your Language
- Settling in to Living Abroad in Spain
- Did I Make a Mistake Moving to Spain?
- How I Moved to Spain to Teach English
- Expat Interview: Living it up in Barcelona
- Expat Interview: Teaching English in Valencia
Spain Archive
View all of the posts in the Spain category archive HERE.
