Spain Travel
Spain boasts a colorful mix of history, culture and modern flavor. That's part of what makes travel in Spain so appealing. Whether you're planning to watch the running of the bulls, attend a festival, relax in the quiet countryside or wander along a beach, this Spain Travel Web Guide points you to the best Internet resources to make your visit to Spain a memorable one.
Expand All Guide SectionsSpain Travel Information
The opportunities for culture and adventure in Spain are vast. Use the Web to make the most of your trip by discovering cities, attractions, and events you'll want to experience first-hand.
Dulcinea's Insight
- The English name for this country is "Spain," but Spaniards say, "España." If you are having trouble locating specific information about Spain, it can help to search for "Espana." Also the names of many cities as you know them might not be the same as they are pronounced or written in the country. For example, "Majorca" is also known as "Mallorca."
- Spain's territory extends beyond mainland Europe. The country also includes several islands, such as the Canary Islands and the Balearic Islands; the Plazas de Soberanía ("places of sovereignty") in the Strait of Gibraltar; and other coastal islands, such as Islas Cíes.
- Did you know Spain is the setting for the novel from which findingDulcinea gets its name? In Don Quixote, by Miguel Cervantes, a country gentleman imagines a new reality for himself after reading too many stories of chivalry. Convinced he is a knight, he sets out in pursuit of Dulcinea, a beautiful woman created in the workings of his imagination. Ultimately, Quixote's quest proves futile, but we took the name because we're here to help you find what you seek-to ensure that your quest for information is anything but quixotic. Learn more about Don Quixote at The Literature Network, or read the book yourself.
- Web sites with a ".es" in the URL will likely be written in Spanish. If you're not familiar with the Spanish language, look for a British flag or an "Inglés" link on a Spanish site, which should take you to an English version of the same content.
- Planning a trip to more than one country in Europe? Try exploring the whole continent with our findingDulcinea Europe Web Guide.
Dulcinea's Picks
For an overview of Spain ...
National Geographic
provides videos, music, and maps of Spain, along with a short history of the country. A major draw of this site is the vividly colorful photography, which offers a great view into Spanish life.
Infoplease.com
has historical, cultural, and statistical information about Spain. Some links present worldwide statistics to give you an idea of how Spain compares with other countries.
Spain Tourism
is the official site of the Instituto de Turismo de España (the Institute of Tourism of Spain). This one-stop travel guide has information about planning your trip and recommendations for attractions to see. You'll also find videos, photo galleries, and virtual tours of Spain.
For some popular tourist attractions ...
The Spain Travel Guide
offers a map of Spain that leads you to the country's most popular tourist destinations. Check the menu on the right side of the page for information about Spain's major cities, Spanish culture, airport transfers, and general travel facts.
Frommer's
features a "Best of Spain" section in its Spain travel guide. Review this site for Frommer's opinion on the best castles, cathedrals, hotel bargains, and museums to see. Browse the "Complete Guide to Spain" section for dining recommendations, an art and architecture guide, and suggested itineraries for families and trips of one week or longer.
Temple Expiatori de la Sagrada Familia
is the official site for the famous work of architect Antoni Gaudi. Study the history of this cathedral; learn about Gaudi, himself; and take a virtual tour of the Temple (available under the "What you can see" link). Tour information and admission fees are also available.
FCBarcelona.cat
is the official site for the Barcelona sports club in Spain. Much of the site features information about the football (soccer) team of Barcelona, which features stars such as Ronaldinho, Messi, and Henry. You can also find ticket information to an FC Barcelona game at the 90,000-seat Camp Nou stadium, which has housed Olympic events, major concerts, and even a visit from the Pope.
The Museo Picasso
explains the life and works of artist Pablo Picasso. The site also includes tour information for the museum.
To learn about local customs and traditions ...
Virtual Tourist
explains some of the elements of Spanish culture and traditions. This site also highlights many of the popular destinations in Spain, accompanied by tips and photographs from travelers who have been there.
Don Quijote
is primarily a site dedicated to highlighting Spanish-language study-abroad programs for students. However, this site also delves into aspects of Spanish history and culture, which can aid any traveler.
Encyclopedia Britannica
has a discussion of religion in Spain, including the presence of Catholicism in the country.
For a bit of Spanish cuisine ...
Spanish Recipes
presents a selection of recipes to browse through if you are interested in the country's ethnic cuisine. To get frequent updates of recipes, go to the Spain Recipes Blog.
The Spanish Wine Page
familiarizes you with the various wines produced in the country, explaining differences in taste, grape varieties, and how to interpret wine labels. You'll find wine dealers listed at this site, as well as Spanish wine news.
For major cities ...
The About Madrid Travel Guide
highlights popular attractions in Spain's capital, provides map links, and lists contact information for transportation hubs and tourist offices. Follow the clearly labeled menu on the left side of the page for other great information about Madrid, including the city's history, profiles of some popular parks, information about exciting nightlife, and more.
Barcelona On-Line
reveals a selection of sights to visit in Barcelona, as well as maps of the city, and suggestions for what to look for along the way. If you need to rent a car or arrange lodging, this site also functions as an online travel agent, and might be able to accommodate your needs.
ValenciaValencia.com
is an independent tourist guide to Valencia. It's another clearly organized site on which you can easily search for information by skimming the menu on the left. Get inspired for your trip by visiting the photos section of this site.
Malaga City Guide
offers great photographs and an in-depth look at the city of Malaga. Learn about the culture and art of Malaga, get a feel for the nightlife, or learn about places to explore in the "City Guide" section. You'll find a wealth of knowledge about Malaga here.
Bilbao.net
is the Web site of the Bilbao Council. Search the sections along the top or down the left side of the page for information about the city of Bilbao. Unfortunately, much of this page is still written in Spanish (even though we've given you the link to the English version), but you should still have an easy time finding relevant tourist and visitor information.
Palma de Mallorca
is a guide for the city of Palma de Mallorca, Spain. This site offers recommendations for what you should see and do during a visit to Palma de Mallorca, and it also provides links for Internet cafés, a street finder, and transportation options.
For festivals and major events of Spain ...
About.com's Guide to Tomatina Tomato Fight
teaches you what to do and expect at what arguably could be the largest food fight in the world. Learn how to dress, how to waterproof your camera, and what the rules are (yes, there are rules) if you want to participate in this unique event. This article also contains pictures of the tomato throwing and its aftermath.
The San Fermín Guide
recounts the history of the San Fermín festival and gives you the facts you need to know if you want to watch or participate in the famous running of the bulls. Click the "Pamplona" link if you're planning an extended stay in Pamplona and need to know where to stay and eat.
Spanish Fiestas
offers this video of the Running of the Bulls in Pamplona, Spain. A short explanation of the history of the bull run is also available.
SpainTurismo.com
has provided a helpful calendar of festivals around the country. The design of this page is simple, but useful if you're hoping to plan your trip around a noteworthy event.
For pictures of Spain ...
PlanetWare
has pictures of tourist sites, buildings, and various attractions to potentially inspire your Spanish getaway. Photos are grouped together by city, beginning with Madrid. Be advised that there are many ads on this site.
My Photographs
features numerous photographs from Barcelona, Madrid, Sevilla, Cordoba, Granada, and Valencia in a well-organized format that presents photos in order from Barcelona to Valencia. Thumbnails of each image are big enough to see easily, before you download a larger size.
Sacred Destinations Travel Guide
has pictures of religious locations in the country, specifically the Mezquita de Cordoba, Montserrat, and Mezquita de Cristo de la Luz. This site also contains travel guides and photos for some of Spain's villages.
To read news from Spain ...
Typically Spanish
provides breaking-news updates for Spain. The main breaking-news page covers news from several regions of the country. Look at the "Spain News Sections" to the right for news from a specific area.
Madrid News
focuses on recent events in the capital, and publishes an English version. You'll also find news about the European Union and links to other newspapers in Spain.
The Barcelona Reporter
is an online newspaper focused on the Catalonia region. The publication aims to foster citizen journalism, encouraging feedback and commentary from local readers, or from those passing through Barcelona. Content has a local, homegrown feeling that might offer valuable information and insight you wouldn't find in a larger news source.
Spain Travel Requirements
Vacationing in a foreign country isn't as simple as boarding a plane. You'll have to consider the season in which you're traveling, as well as health and safety precautions. The sites in this section will inform you of factors to consider before visiting Spain.
Dulcinea's Insight
- It's not a bad idea to know a few Spanish phrases before you go. Learn Spanish has free online Spanish lessons to help you with basic phrases.
- If you are planning a lengthy stay in Spain, or any other foreign country for that matter, it's important that you register with a U.S. Embassy or Consulate to protect yourself in the event of an emergency. The U.S. State Department offers information and advice to help you do so.
- Spain has a history of dealing with Basque separatist violence. This article from the U.S. Department of State profiles Spain, and it also has a section about the violence in the Basque region of the country.
Dulcinea's Picks
For safety advisories ...
The Embassy of the U.S. in Spain
has U.S. Citizen Services Information page offering travel information about the country, including safety warnings and emergency assistance contact numbers. The site also links to information about the Barcelona Consulate General, which serves the regions of Catalonia, Aragon, and the Balearic Islands.
The U.S. Department of State
contains a Consular Information Sheet with crime, safety, health, and other facts you should know before traveling to Spain. Additional links on this page offer information about specific warnings, take you to official Spanish government sites, and provide general advice for traveling abroad.
For health information ...
MD Travel Health
reviews pertinent medical information, ambulance services, and vaccinations you should consider before visiting Spain.
For information about when to go ...
The Weather Channel
offers an article about the best times to visit Spain, and their site also provides an overview of how you can travel to and around the country.
InfoHub
also offers advice on when to visit Spain. To help you arrive at the ideal time for you to book your trip, the site charts the average temperatures for the country. This site also contains health information, communication facts, and "red tape" and visa information for the European Union.
Traveling to Spain
Figuring out how you'll arrive at your destination is one of the most important decisions you'll have to make for your trip. Use the Web to make your travel arrangements, whether you're flying in from overseas, or coming from another country in Europe.
Dulcinea's Insight
- When booking your flight, it might be less expensive to book a layover in another European city, and then fly from there to Spain. You'll often find inexpensive intercontinental flights within Europe.
- Many airlines have Web sites with destination lists, making it easy to determine whether service is available to your location of choice.
- Not all trains in Europe require that you make reservations to travel, but some do. Research as much as you can about your travel options before you go, so that you're not left stranded abroad.
- Spain-2.com has a list of travel guidelines, including how much to tip, where to leave a service complaint, and what electric voltage the country uses. The tips are short but useful.
- For more tips about making travel arrangements, see our findingDulcinea Travel Guide.
Dulcinea's Picks
For air travel ...
Spanish Airport Guide
reviews many of the airports in Spain and offers information about car rentals, airport trains, buses, taxis, and terminals. The list of airports to choose from is on the left side of the page.
AirEuropa
has several flight destinations around Spain. You can make reservations at this site, view the destinations map, or print a copy of your boarding pass.
Spanair
operates in Spain and throughout Europe, and has flights between Washington, DC, and Madrid. At this site, you can book flights and search for special offers, such as Avant Option, which features business class service at economy class prices.
Air France
also flies to Spain. You can make flight reservations online, view a list of Spanish and other Air France destinations around the world, and check the status of your flight.
easyJet.com
is another site that tracks flights to and from various destinations in Spain and other European countries. Book airline tickets online, or look into hotel, car rental, and travel insurance options for your trip at this site.
For rail travel ...
Rail Europe Group
provides an online option for making many railroad travel arrangements. You'll find train schedules and travel information for many European cities here. If you're not sure where all of the railroads go, use the interactive map at the bottom right-hand side of the page.
Travel CUTS
explains the advantages of seeing Europe by train. If you think flying from location to location is the best way to save time, this site may make you reconsider. You can also review a variety of rail pass options for Spain and for the rest of Europe.
For bus travel ...
Busabout Europe
encourages a flexible European travel schedule and allows you a "hop on, hop off" approach to your time on the bus. Stay as little or as long as you like at any stop; you can come or go with any Busabout bus. Use the "trip options" page to see if there is a Busabout route to suit your interests.
Spain Hotels
Whether you're looking for a quiet finca in the Spanish countryside, a luxurious resort, or an economical hostel, the Web can help you make lodging arrangements that will meet your needs when you visit Spain.
Dulcinea's Insight
- If you're looking to leave the busy city life, a finca might be a good fit for you. Finca is "property" in the Spanish countryside, and can be almost anything, such as historic ruins or a modern mansion. Some fincas, such as Finca La Corchuela, accept boarders.
- Our findingDulcinea Travel Guide contains Web sites to help you make lodging arrangements for your trip to Spain.
Dulcinea's Picks
For hotels ...
Hotels Spain
is an interactive database of hotels in Spain. You can review room prices, check for availability, and make reservations online.
SleepinSpain
is another database of Spain's hotels, and also includes hotels in Majorca and Menorca. Use the grey box to search for available rooms. If you need to find a specific hotel by name, browse the extensive listings below the search box.
For hostels ...
Hostelworld.com
allows you to search for and make online reservations at a hostel. Pages for individual hostels have maps and driving directions.
Hostels.com
has another directory of Spanish hostels, but not all hostels listed on this site have the capability of accepting online bookings.
For fincas...
Bed and Breakfast Accommodation
lists contact information for several different fincas and bed and breakfast facilities in Spain. You'll find brief descriptions of the accommodations to help you find the right fit.
Getting Around in Spain
Navigating a foreign country isn't always an easy task. If you're not sure how you want to travel in Spain, the Web offers plenty of possibilities.
Dulcinea's Insight
- You can purchase maps of Spain and city maps when you arrive, or you can sometimes obtain free maps from a hotel or hostel. To find a map before you go, try Google Maps, which may be of help .
- If you're staying in a particular city in Spain, many city guides include travel information. We've recommended guides for a few of Spain's major cities in the "How can I explore Spain online?" section of this guide.
Dulcinea's Picks
For maps and general travel information ...
Spain Travel Guide
features a good review of how to get around Spain, whether you're interested in traveling by bus, train, car, bicycle, or even hitchhiking.
For car rentals ...
Auto Europe
has car-rental information and driving facts you should know before you tool around Spain. The "Driving Information" tab is particularly important because it explains requirements for renting a car and driving in Spain, along with driving procedures and car insurance information.
For rail travel ...
Europrail International
facilitates European travel by rail. Rail passes are available for purchase, or you can check out the Trip Tools section, which reviews rail schedules, maps, and point-to-point fares.
Rail Europe
points you to many rail pass options if you want to travel around Spain or Portugal by train. You can purchase rail passes and learn about train travel in Europe.
For traveling around a city ...
Spain-Info.com
describes public transportation in Spain's cities, and notes that if you plan to spend an extensive amount of time in the city, public transport will likely prove to be a less stressful method of traveling around than attempting to drive yourself.
Spain Travel Blogs and Forums
Second opinions can be beneficial when you're hoping to plan a great vacation. With travel guides, blogs, and tips from other travelers who have been to Spain, the Web can help you start shaping a great Spanish experience before you ever leave your home.
Dulcinea's Insight
- Keep in mind when you are reading travel blogs that other travelers' goals might be different from your own. Some people are adventure travelers, while others are luxury travelers. Read several travel blogs to get a good picture of what you can expect in Spain.
- Search for travelers' blogs on a blog search engine such as Technorati.
- See the findingDulcinea Blogs Guide for information and advice to help you find or start a blog.
Dulcinea's Picks
RealTravel
has a collection of stories about travelers' adventures in Spain. You'll find many varied accounts of travelers' visits, including a humorous flight anecdote and one woman's tale of life on a Spanish farm.
Notes from Spain
features the writings and podcasts of a married couple living in Spain. Most of the entries are written by Ben Curtis, while his wife works on the "Cuisine from Spain" podcast. This blog recounts the couple's travels around the country and their experiences of different travel guides.
TravelLibrary
has a collection of travelogues submitted by visitors to Spain. Read about travels through Andalucia, a spring visit to Mallorca, or a bicycle tour of Spain. Not all of the travelogues are written by native English speakers but, if you're willing to forgive a misspelling or two, you'll find plenty of insights into your travel destination.
The Tour Spain Blog
is a blog about travel in Spain. The entries are quick, easy reading, and some include short video clips.
The Spain Travel and Tourism Blog
provides news updates, travel recommendations, and other facts about Spain. The reading is breezy, and the tone of the blog is casual.
© 2009 Dulcinea Media, Inc.
