Spain
WHAT CAN I EXPECT FROM SPAIN
Picture yourself in Spain: majestic, fairytale-esque buildings rise against clear skies, beautiful sunsets paint the horizon, and picture-perfect beaches await. Spain’s charm is truly something special. Imagine stepping into a country where thousand-year-old castles stand proudly amidst modern cityscapes, and every sunbeam that touches your face feels like a gentle invitation to explore further.
Wander through sun-drenched vineyards, where grapes ripen to become some of the world’s finest wines. Savor a morning café con leche in a cozy plaza, or get lost in the winding streets of a medieval town that feels like stepping back in time. Let the rhythm of flamenco sweep you off your feet, indulge in mouthwatering street food, and immerse yourself in Spain’s vibrant culture. It’s not just a destination—Spain is an experience, and one you’ll be recommending to everyone after you visit.
Nature
Even if you’re not an outdoor person, you’re equally at risk of falling in love with nature in Spain. Let me set the scene for you: Pristine beaches lapped by clear waters. Majestic mountains that touch the clouds. Lush greenery. Exotic wildlife…
Somiedo Natural Park
Venture inland to Somiedo Natural Park, where the Cantabrian Mountains surround a world of hidden valleys and crystal-clear lakes. Here, you might find yourself standing in awe as a majestic brown bear makes its way across a distant meadow or holding your breath as a golden eagle soars overhead.
Lagunas de Ruidera Natural Park
Journey to the heart of the country, to Lagunas de Ruidera Natural Park. Here, fifteen interconnected lakes ascend down a gentle slope, linked by foaming waterfalls and gurgling streams.
Dehesas Forest Biosphere Reserve
Outside of Sevilla is the Dehesas Forest Biosphere Reserve, where humans coexist with nature. Here, you can catch a glimpse of the elusive Iberian lynx, which is the world’s most endangered feline.
Gaztelugatxe
Imagine standing on a winding stone bridge, the salty breeze tousling your hair as you gaze upon the silhouette of Gaztelugatxe in the north of Spain. This tiny, rocky islet rises from the Bay of Biscay like a fortress from a fairy tale, crowned by a centuries-old hermitage.
The 200+ zigzagging steps to the top might leave you gasping for breath, but the panoramic views of the wild Basque coastline will steal what’s left of your breath anyway.
Fun Fact:
San Juan de Gaztelugatxe, one of the most iconic spots in the Basque Country, gained even more fame after being featured in the seventh season of *Game of Thrones*. The stunning location was transformed into Dragonstone, where Jon Snow first meets Daenerys Targaryen.
Architecture
Architecture is basically art in Spain. This is evident in the show-stopping Islamic buildings, majestic cathedrals, and whimsical creations of architects like Antoni Gaudí.
The unique architectural stylings of every region tell a unique story about the powerful historical forces that shaped this country.
Barcelona
In Barcelona, the Sagrada Família stands tall—and I mean tall. Its towers seem to touch the clouds, and its facades tell biblical stories in intricate detail. This Roman Catholic basilica has been under construction for over 140 years, and it’s still not finished! As you step inside, you’ll be bathed in rainbow light from the beautiful and artistic stained-glass windows.
Bilbao
The port city of Bilbao is home to some stunning architectural pieces, like the Guggenheim Museum. Its ultramodern—and, at the same time, futuristic—design is dazzling. It features shimmering titanium and glass, curving and twisting in ways that shouldn’t be possible.
Cordoba
If buildings could tell stories, the Mosque-Cathedral of Córdoba would be a bestseller. It started off as a mosque, but was later converted into a cathedral, and now, it is a combination of Islamic and Christian influences.
Madrid
The Royal Palace of Madrid, a magnificent example of Baroque architecture, offers a glimpse into the majesty of Spanish royalty.
Seville
Spain has a stunning collection of churches that showcase the evolution of its architectural styles. The Gothic-style Cathedral of Seville is the largest cathedral in the world, with its majestic stained-glass windows and delicate details.
Culture
Spain’s history is marked by the passage of Romans, Visigoths, Moors, and Catholic Monarchs, and as such, it has a variety of cultural influences. It’s a mix that’s uniquely Spanish.
It’s in the thrum of a flamenco guitar, the sizzle of paella in a pan, and the roar of a crowd at a festival. This country’s culture is as rich and varied as its landscape.
Festivals
Spaniards know how to party, and boy, do they do it well. Take the Fallas festival in Valencia. Giant, colorful statues fill the streets for days. People dance, drink, and make merry. Then, on the last night, they set it all on fire. It’s beautiful to witness.
Or the Running of the Bulls in Pamplona. It’s exactly what it sounds like. Brave (or crazy) folks run through the streets with bulls hot on their heels. It’s not for the faint-hearted, but it sure is a spectacle.
These festivals really bring out the wild side of the Spanish spirit. Towns transform. Music fills the air. People dance in the streets. It’s ridiculous fun, and you can’t help but get swept up in it.
That’s Spain for you. It’s loud, but also quiet, it’s ancient, and it’s modern. It’s a country that knows how to honor the past while embracing the future. And Spaniards are more than proud to share it all with you.
THINGS TO SEE AND DO IN SPAIN
TYPICAL COSTS WHEN TRAVELLING
Accomodation
Low Budget:
- Hostels: $30-$85 per night for a single bed in a hostel dorm room.
- Couchsurfing/Housesitting/Volunteering: These options can provide free accommodation in exchange for your help or company.
Mid-Range:
- AirBnBs: $95-$180 per night for a private room in a good location, including cleaning and service fees. Be prepared to show your passport and pay a tourist tax.
- Local Bed and Breakfasts: $70-$180 per night for a double room, for a more personal touch compared to hostels.
Luxury:
- Famous Hotel Chains: $120-$360 per night for a double room, depending on location and season.
Food
Low Budget:
- Local Markets: Stock up on fresh produce, cheese, and bread for picnics ($2-$5).
- Tapas Bars: Order a variety of tapas to share ($3-$12 per tapa).
- Supermarkets: Purchase groceries for quick meals ($5-$10).
- Street Food Vendors: Enjoy local favorites for a low cost ($2-$6)
Mid-Range:
- Casual Restaurants: Enjoy typical Spanish meals in local restaurants ($25-$50).
Luxury:
- Upscale Restaurants: Indulge in gourmet meals ($50+).
Transportation
Low Budget:
- Public Transportation (Metro, Buses): Utilize the extensive network for intra-city travel ($1.50-$2.50 per ride, day passes $5-$15). Consider buying tickets in advance for inter-city travel on buses ($10-$20).
Mid-Range:
- Intercity Buses: Opt for buses between major cities for a budget-friendly option, although journeys may be longer due to frequent stops ($10-$20).
Luxury:
- Bullet Train (AVE): Travel between major cities quickly and comfortably on the high-speed train network ($50+ depending on distance and booking time).
- Ride Sharing (Uber, Cabify): Utilize ride-sharing apps for convenient door-to-door service, especially during off-peak hours to avoid surge pricing ($35+).
Suggested daily budget
Here’s a breakdown of the average daily budget for travelers in Spain:
- On a Budget: $50 – $70 per day
- Mid-Range: $100 – $150 per day
- Luxury: $162 per day
MONEY SAVING TIPS
THINGS TO NOTE ABOUT SPAIN
- Spanish is the main language, but other co-official languages exist in some regions.
- Spain is a constitutional monarchy with a Prime Minister and a King with ceremonial power.
- Spain’s national anthem, “La Marcha Real,” is unique because it has no official lyrics.
- Spain observes Central European Time (CET), even though it is geographically suited for GMT.
August 15, 2024
