The land of the siesta, daily life in Spain moves slowly and runs late.
Everyone here is just enjoying life.
Which is why traveling and backpacking Spain is so much fun.
Spain is a beautiful, interesting, and dynamic country with a lot of regional uniqueness and variety. Madrid and Barcelona are hip and energetic cities, Granada has a Moorish touch, Basque Country up north contrast itself to Southern living.
The Spaniards love visitors, hosting strangers, drinking good wine, laughing at a good meal, and enjoying life. People aren’t in a rush here.
And, as an added bonus, Spain is super cheap. It’s a very inexpensive country to visit.
I’ve been visiting Spain for over a decade and have been throughout the country.
This budget and backpacking travel guide to Spain can help you figure out what to see, do, how to save money, stay safe, and everything in between!
Table of Contents
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Spain
Top 5 Things to See and Do in Spain
1. Enjoy Barcelona
2. Explore the history of Granada
3. Explore Madrid
4. Revel in La Tomatina
5. Explore the islands
Other Things to See and Do in Spain
1. Join the Running of the Bulls
Held in July in Pamplona, the Running of the Bulls attracts both the brave and the stupid. While I’d never do the actual running, the multi-day celebration is still a good place to go drink sangria, eat good food, wear a red scarf, and celebrate the way only Spain can.
2. Lounge on the Costa Del Sol
Come hang out on the beach and enjoy the laid-back life for which Spain is famous. The sun coast in southern Spain is famous for its beautiful beaches, great nightlife (and tons of tourists). Malaga is one of the biggest places on the coast but I think there are better places further down.
3. Go to Valencia
Valencia is a pretty amazing town. Initially, I wasn’t attracted to Valencia for any reason in particular — I came for the tomato fight in the nearby town of Bunol, which attracts thousands of people each August, most of whom use Valencia as their home base. However, Valencia grew on me. It has great seafood, paella, history, and a good soccer team. I would go back in a second. It’s a wonderful city!
4. Walk The Camino
El Camino de Santiago, or The Way of Saint James, is a popular pilgrimage route stretching from the border of France all the way to Santiago de Compostela in North-Western Spain. Stretching 800km, this month-long walk takes a lot of dedication. Nevertheless, it’s a great way to see the country and some of the less-visited areas of Spain.
5. Wander through Seville
Seville is an amazing city with great churches, palaces, and historic sites. They also have good shopping here. I really like the Jewish Quarter here and the monument dedicated to the different regions of Spain. This is also a big student town.
6. Visit Gibraltar
Bordering Spain on the Iberian peninsula, Gibraltar is actually an overseas territory of the United Kingdom. Here you’ll encounter an interesting mix of cultures, with influences from Britain, Spain, and North Africa all colliding.
7. Hike in the Sierra Nevada
This mountain area is a great place for summer hiking, winter skiing, and exploring small towns. This area is one of the prettiest and most rugged in Spain and one of the better areas for outdoor activities in Spain. There are plenty of trails ranging in length and difficulty, as well as the possibility for guided tours.
8. Visit San Sebastián
The center of the Basque area of Spain, this place has a killer nightlife and beach. Moreover, the architecture makes it one of the most beautiful and unique cities in all of Spain.
9. Hike the Pyrenees
The majestic mountain chain that walls off France is laced with medieval villages, high mountain walking trails, and great skiing. It’s also the traditional start of The Camino.
10. Great Cathedral and Mosque
The Mezquita de Cordoba is by far the most exquisite example of the Muslim fabric in Spain. Its giant arches, jasper columns, marble floors, richly gilded prayer niches, and the awe-inspiring domed shrine of Byzantine mosaics take you back to when Córdoba was under Muslim influence.
11. Unwind in Salamanca
Salamanca seems to be in the middle of nowhere, but it’s got a huge amount of life to it. This is a university city, but it’s not huge, so you can expect a mix of small-town atmosphere, great nightlife, and many backpackers.
12. Visit the Guggenheim Museum
One of the most famous museums in the world, the Guggenheim Museum in Bilbao always has some interesting exhibits on modern art. Even if you’re not a modern art fan, you should stop by just to check it out. The architecture of this museum is something to marvel at. Frank Gehry, arguably one of the most famous living architects of today, designed it to have a very unique undulating style.
13. Explore Basque Country
Basque Country is an autonomous region in Spain, a place with its own unique culture and heritage. Located in the north-east corner of Spain, you’ll notice the difference as soon as you step foot in the region. If you’re into off-the-beaten-path locations, be sure to visit Basque Country.
For more information on specific cities, check out these guides!
Spain Travel Costs
Accommodation – Accommodation in Spain is pretty cheap when compared to other Western European countries. Dorm beds in hostels typically begin around 15 EUR (17 USD) per night and go as high as 30 EUR (35 USD) in major cities like Barcelona or Madrid. Hostel private rooms start around 40 EUR (45 USD) per night for a double. Free WiFi is standard, and it’s not uncommon to find hostels with free breakfast, either. Budget hotels begin around 45 EUR (50 USD) for a twin/double and go up from there. Prices will be slightly lower outside of the major cities and tourist areas.
Airbnb is common in most major cities, with shared accommodation starting around 25 EUR (30 USD) per night. For a private home or apartment, expect to pay at least 80 EUR (90 USD) per night. There are also over 400 campsites across Spain offering basic facilities to those who travel with a tent. Campground prices start around 15 EUR (17 USD) per night.
Food – You can get cheap tapas and sandwiches meals for between 3-10 EUR (4-12 USD). If you want wine included, expect to spend about 10-15 EUR (11-17 USD) per meal. A good restaurant meal will set you back around 13 EUR. If you go out for paella, drinks, or appetizers, then you should plan to spend around 20 EUR (25 USD) for a meal. Spain has a lot of expensive restaurants, and meals there begin around 30 EUR (35 USD) with a drink.
Fast food like McDonalds and Maoz cost around 7 EUR. Groceries will cost around 25-30 EUR (30-35 USD) per week, especially if you stick to the copious local markets around the country. You’ll find the cheapest (and freshest!) produce and meat at the local markets.
Activities – Museums and attractions in Spain cost between 2-14 EUR (3-15 USD). Diving on the islands will cost around 45 EUR (50 USD) per dive.
Backpacking Spain Suggested Budgets
So much does it cost to backpack or travel Spain?
The cost of traveling in Spain largely depends on where you visit. Popular cities like Barcelona and Madrid are much more expensive than smaller Spanish cities, like Seville and Valencia. In rural communities and townships or in less busy tourist places, prices can be very cheap!
A suggested daily backpacking budget for Spain is between 50-60 EUR ($55-65 USD). This will cover staying in a hostel bed, cooking most of your meals (or dining out cheap here and there), some nights out, using local transportation, and admission to a few attractions.
A mid-range budget of 85-115 EUR ($100-130 USD) per day will get you your own private room in a hostel or budget hotel, frequent meals outs, high speed trains, as many nights out as you want, more activities, and private tours. Think of this budget as being able to afford anything you want expect 5 star meals and hotels!
A luxury budget of 130-175 EUR ($150-250 USD) per day (or more) will afford you a big name hotel, travel on high-speed trains, private tours, luxury meals, and really anything you want! The sky is the limit here. On a luxury budget, you can do what you want!
Here’s a table with a daily breakdown of average costs per day (some days you’ll spend more, some days you’ll spend less):
Spain Travel Guide: Money Saving Tips
While our individual city guides have more specific information for each place, here are some general ways to save money when you travel around Spain:
- Get the menu of the day – Most restaurants have a cheap “menu of the day” during lunch around 7-9 EUR. They are a good way to save money on food and taste delicious Spanish food. Skip eating out for dinner — it’s too expensive!
- Couchsurf – Couchsurfing is a great way to save money on accommodation while also getting some insight from the locals. You’ll have better luck in the larger cities, but be sure to request early as the major cities also see the most requests.
- Take the bus – While the train system is fast, it’s expensive. If you have the time and want to save money, take the buses.
- Get city passes – Most travellers in Spain don’t get city passes, but if you plan to do a lot of city sightseeing, they are a good investment. All the major cities have multiple museums, attractions, and activities. Getting a city pass can save you up to 20% on these activities and get you free transport. If you are going on a sightseeing binge, get the pass!
- Camp – While Spain’s rugged terrain isn’t the best for camping, budget campgrounds with basic facilities can be found for as little as 15 EUR (17 USD) per night.
- Use BlaBlaCar – A growing trend is to share rides with people. Drivers are vetted and verified and it’s a much better way to get out of stuffy trains and buses, meet interesting characters, and take a mini-road trip. It’s one of my preferred methods of travel. The biggest player in this space is BlaBlaCar, which is huge for getting around Europe and a couple other parts of the world.
Where to Stay in Spain
These are my recommended places to stay in Spain:
- Kabul (Barcelona)
- Hello BCN (Barcelona)
- The Hat Hostel (Madrid)
- OK Hostel (Madrid)
- Home Youth Hostel (Valencia)
- Red Nest Hostel (Valencia)
- Oasis Backpackers’ Hostel (Seville)
- Sevilla Hostel One Centro (Seville)
- Eco Hostel (Granada)
- Hostal Antares (Granada)
How to Get Around Spain
Spain is a very well connected country. You have plenty of affordable options for getting around.
Public Transportation – Madrid and Barcelona have extensive metro systems, while Valencia, Zaragoza, Bilbao, and Seville have limited but practical metro systems (or light rail). The same goes for public buses. Single rides usually cost between 1-2 EUR (2-3 USD). You can buy combo passes that will save you money overall if you plan on using the metro system quite a bit. Ten-trip tickets cost about 13 EUR (15 USD) in Madrid, and 10 EUR (12 USD) in Barcelona.
Taxis are prevalent in all major cities and you’ll pay between 1-2 EUR (2-3 USD) per kilometer. Prices sometimes increase in the evenings.
Trains – RENFE is the national rail line in Spain, and the country has both high-speed trains and regular trains. High-speed trains are more expensive – but you can travel between Madrid and Barcelona in just 2.5 hours, which might be worth it depending on how much time you have. Even on the high-speed train, however, you can find tickets from Madrid to Barcelona for as low as 40 EUR (45 USD).
A Eurail Pass, which allows travelers to explore Europe by providing a set number of stops in a specific time period, might also be a good option. For more information, here’s a detailed breakdown of how Eurail passes work and can save you money.
Bus – The bus is another cheap option, with prices on FlixBus starting as low as 5 EUR (6 USD). Most buses come with outlets and free WiFi! A 20+ hour trip from Madrid to Barcelona starts from about 30 EUR (35 USD) – but it’s more worth your time to take the train for such a distance. Alsa is another popular bus company in Spain, with more routes in the south. A 4.5-hour trip between Seville and Granada will cost from 25 EUR (30 USD).
Budget Airlines – If you’re pressed for time and are looking to jump from one city to the next, a budget airline might be the way to go. EasyJet and Ryanair are two big budget airlines in the area, but book in advance to keep costs down.
However, be aware that you’ll have to pay to check your baggage on these cheap flights. It costs about 25-40 EUR (30-45 USD) for one checked bag. If you wait to pay for your luggage at the gate you’ll end up paying almost double.
Car Rental – If you’re driving, make sure to buy an International Driving Permit (IDP) – you’ll need one for any car rental! It costs about 18 EUR (20 USD) and is valid for one year after the date of issue (plus it’s valid in 150 countries). Car rentals can sometimes be as low as 25 EUR (30 USD) per day, but this certainly isn’t the most economical way to get around.
Ride sharing/Car sharing – If your schedule is flexible, use a ridesharing service and catch rides with locals between cities. Drivers are verified and it’s perfectly safe. BlaBlaCar is the biggest company.
Hitchhiking – Hitchhiking in Europe is very safe, but it’s not for everyone. Hitching is quite common around the continent. HitchWiki is the best website for hitchhiking info.
When to Go to Spain
Spain is lovely year-round, but peak season is definitely in the summer months from June to the end of August. Popular destinations like Barcelona and Ibiza experience a massive influx of tourism – so much so that Barcelona’s residents have started resisting visitors. Be mindful of your behavior, and respect the locals. That being said, the weather is fabulous this time of year, with high temperatures well into the 90s°F (30s°C).
The temperature in Spain doesn’t often drop too low, with winter temps between 40-50°F (4-10°C) country-wide. However, Northern Spain does sometimes experience snowfall – especially in the mountainous areas.
Shoulder seasons (spring and autumn) are really great times to visit. This is typically the time between April to the end of May, and September to the end of October. Tourism traffic will be much less congested, and pricers are cheaper overall. Temperatures are pleasant, although it’s not exactly beach season. Beach destinations like Ibiza and Mallorca tend to get very quiet during this time (and are overrun with rowdy holiday goers in the summer).
How to Stay Safe in Spain
Spain is very safe for backpacking and solo traveling, and violent attacks are uncommon. Petty crime is the most common type of crime, and you should always be vigilant about scams, which are common in the continent. There’s a lot of travel scams and pickpockets in major tourist areas of the continent.
Be extra careful in Barcelona where people will try to snatch your phone on the street and pickpocket or grab your stuff in crowded subways (it’s not as bad elsewhere in Spain).
You can read about the 14 travel scams to avoid here.
Always trust your gut instinct. If a taxi driver seems shady, stop the cab and get out. If your hotel is seedier than you thought, get out of there. Make copies of your personal documents, including your passport and ID.
If you don’t do it at home, don’t do it here!
The most important piece of advice I can offer is to purchase good travel insurance. Travel insurance will protect you against illness, injury, theft, and cancellations. It’s comprehensive protection in case anything goes wrong. I never go on a trip without it as I’ve had to use it many times in the past. You can use the widget below to find the policy right for you:
Spain Travel Guide: The Best Booking Resources
These are my favorite companies to use when I travel around Spain. They are included here because they consistently find deals, offer world-class customer service and great value, and overall, are better than their competitors. They are the ones I use the most and are always the starting points in my search for travel deals.
- Momondo – This is my favorite booking site. I never book a flight without checking here first.
- Skyscanner – Skyscanner is another great flight search engline which searches a lot of different airlines, including many of the budget carriers that larger sites miss. While I always start with Momondo, I use this site too as a way to compare prices.
- Airbnb – Airbnb is a great accommodation alternative for connecting with homeowners who rent out their homes or apartments.
- Hostelworld – This is the best hostel accommodation site out there, with the largest inventory, best search interface, and widest availability.
- Couchsurfing – This website allows you to stay on people’s couches or spare rooms for free. It’s a great way to save money while meeting locals who can tell you the ins and outs of their city. The site also lists events you can attend to meet people (even if you’re not staying with someone).
- Booking.com – The best all around booking site that constantly provides the cheapest and lowest rates. They have a no money down policy, great interface, and the widest selection of budget accommodation. In all my tests, they’ve always had the cheapest rates out of all the booking websites.
- Eurail – If you are going to Europe and taking a lot of high speed or long distance trains, get a rail pass. I’ve used a rail pass three times and saved hundreds of dollars each time. The math just works.
- Intrepid Travel – If you want to do a group tour around Europe, go with Intrepid Travel. They offer good small group tours that use local operators and leave a small environmental footprint. If you go on a tour with anyone, go with them. And, as a reader of this site, you’ll get a discount when you click the link!
- The Man in Seat 61 – This website is the ultimate guide to train travel anywhere in the world. They have the most comprehensive information on routes, times, prices, and train conditions. If you are planning a long train journey or some epic train trip, consult this site.
- Rome 2 Rio – This website allows you to see how to get from point A to point B the best and cheapest way possible. It will give you all the bus, train, plane, or boat routes that can get you there as well as how much they cost.
- FlixBus – German based Flixbus has routes between 20 European countries with prices starting as low 5 EUR (6 USD)! Their buses include WiFi, electrical outlets, and up to three 3 free bags.
- Bla Bla Car – BlaBlaCar is a ridesharing website that lets you share rides with vetted local drivers by pitching in for gas. You simply request a seat, they approve, and off you go! It’s a cheaper and more interesting way travel than by bus or train!
- Stoke Travel – If you’re looking for a fun, young, party-focused tour company then check out Stoke. They have tons of amazing tours and festival trips all around the world aimed at the youth market. They’re great and, if you use code NOMADICMATT, you can save 10% off your next trip!
- World Nomads – I buy all my travel insurance from World Nomads. They have great customer service, competitive prices, and in-depth coverage. I’ve been using them since I started traveling in 2003. Don’t leave home without it!
Spain Gear and Packing Guide
If you’re heading on the road and need some gear suggestions, here are my tips for the best travel backpack and for what to pack!
The Best Backpack for Travelers
Size: 45-47L
Straps: Thick and cushy with compression technology that pulls the pack’s load up and inwards so it doesn’t feel as heavy.
Features: Removable top lid, large pocket at the front, hydration compatible, contoured hip belt
If you want something different, refer to my article on how to choose the best travel backpack for tips on picking a pack and other backpack suggestions.
What to Pack for Your Trip
Clothes
- 1 pair of jeans (heavy and not easily dried, but I like them; a good alternative is khaki pants)
- 1 pair of shorts
- 1 bathing suit
- 5 T-shirts (Unbound Merino is my preferred company. If you’re a member of NM+, you can get 15% off your purchase)
- 1 long-sleeved T-shirt
- 1 pair of flip-flops
- 1 pair of sneakers
- 6 pairs of socks (I always end up losing half)
- 5 pairs of boxer shorts (I’m not a briefs guy!)
- 1 toothbrush
- 1 tube of toothpaste
- 1 razor
- 1 package of dental floss
- 1 small bottle of shampoo
- 1 small bottle of shower gel
- 1 towel
- Deodorant
Small Medical Kit (safety is important!!!)
- Band-Aids
- Hydrocortisone cream
- Antibacterial cream
- Earplugs
- Tylenol
- Hand sanitizer (germs = sick = bad holiday)
Miscellaneous
- A key or combination lock (safety first)
- Zip-lock bags (keeps things from leaking or exploding)
- Plastic bags (great for laundry)
- Universal charger/adaptor (this applies to everyone)
- LifeStraw (A water bottle with a purifier)
Female Travel Packing List
I’m not a woman, so I don’t know what a woman wears, but Kristin Addis, our solo female travel guru, wrote this list as an addition to the basics above:
Clothing
- 1 swimsuit
- 1 sarong
- 1 pair of stretchy jeans (they wash and dry easily)
- 1 pair of leggings (if it’s cold, they can go under your jeans, otherwise with a dress or shirt)
- 2-3 long-sleeve tops
- 2-3 T-shirts
- 3-4 spaghetti tops
- 1 light cardigan
Toiletries
- 1 dry shampoo spray & talc powder (keeps long hair grease-free in between washes)
- 1 hairbrush
- Makeup you use
- Hair bands & hair clips
- Feminine hygiene products (you can opt to buy there too, but I prefer not to count on it, and most people have their preferred products)
For more on packing, check out these posts:
Spain Travel Guide: Suggested Reading
Don Quixote, by Miguel De Cervantes Saavedra
Don Quixote had become so enamored with reading tales of chivalry that he decides to be a knight himself. With his faithful squire, Sancho Panza, they roam the world together in a series of adventures and misadventures – including mistaking windmills for giants. Is Don Quixote a wise fool, or a madman? This book from Cervantes is considered the world’s first true novel, and it has been delighting people for 400 years!
For Whom the Bell Tolls, by Ernest Hemingway
Back in 1937, Ernest Hemingway went to Spain to cover the civil war for an American newspaper. This book is the result of his experiences there. It’s about Robert Jordan, an American in the International Brigades tied to an antifascist guerrilla movement in the mountains. It’s one part love story, and other parts about significant moments in the war – including El Sordo’s last stand, and the demise of La Pasionaria. This is considered one of Hemingway’s best novels, and the best literature to come out of the war. It’s a must-read.
Winter in Madrid, by C. J. Sansom
This book about life in post-Civil War Spain is an international bestseller and for good reason. After the war is over, Madrid is completely in ruins – and the Germans are moving in, although General Franco denies Hitler’s request to lead the country into another war. Along comes a spy for the British Secret Service, sent to earn the confidence of an old school friend/shady Madrid businessman named Sandy Forsyth. There’s also an ex-nurse with a mission all her own. This book is a thrilling read, but it also gives us a sense of history unfolding as the story does. It’ll keep you on your toes.
Ghosts of Spain: Travels Through Spain and Its Silent Past, by Giles Tremlett
After the Spanish Civil War ended, Spaniards kept quiet about the whole affair – calling it “the pact of forgetting.” But then a discovery of mass graves filled with victims of Francisco Franco’s death squad came to light, and the pact was broken. In this beautiful book, Tremlett sets out on a journey around Spain and through its history to better understand what kept the Spaniards quiet for so long. It’ll give you some amazing insight into the country.
Driving Over Lemons: An Optimist in Spain, by Chris Stewart
Here’s your comedic relief to all that Civil War literature. Chris Stewart had set his eyes on El Valero for maybe two minutes before handing over a check – and then all he had to do was explain to his wife that they were now the happy owners of a remote sheep farm in Alpujarra Mountains in Southern Spain. Despite being overrun with olive, lemon, and almond groves, the farm is clearly lacking in other areas – like running water, and electricity. There’s not even much of an access road. Then there’s Pedro Romero, the previous owner who just won’t leave. Thankfully, Stewart’s eternal optimism pushes them through, and along the way, he’s enchanted by the gorgeous landscape of the mountain range and the people he meets along the way. (Maybe not Pedro, though.)
Spain Travel Guide: Related Articles
Want more info? Check out all the articles I’ve written on Spain travel and continue planning your trip:
