Spain is a dream destination for so many travelers! Here you’ll find the perfect mix of culture, relaxation, gastronomy…and fun!
From the nightlife of Barcelona to the desert silence of Andalusia, passing through the Balearic coastlines and the vineyards of La Rioja… a trip to Spain is an experience to treat yourself to at least once in a lifetime, or even more than once, to fully explore each Spanish region.
Staying connected while traveling is now a necessity, and thanks to Spain eSIMs you can stay online at every stage of your trip, stress-free and without high costs.
Read our complete guide, discover the must-see spots and all the available options to have internet in Spain!
Best time to travel to Spain
Spain is beautiful in every season, so your choice depends on the area you want to explore and the kind of experiences you’re looking for.
- Spring (April to June): the weather is very pleasant and the big cities are generally less crowded, it’s the best time to explore inland Spain and the most famous cities like Madrid and Seville
- Summer (July to August): heat can be intense in many areas, so it’s better to go for a seaside holiday exploring the Balearic Islands or the Costa del Sol, or you can head north to visit Galicia and the Basque Country, which are much cooler
- Autumn (September to October): temperatures are mild and landscapes glow with warm autumn colors… it’s the best time to visit the south of the country and follow the food and wine routes
- Winter (November to February): in Andalusia and the Canary Islands you’ll find a mild climate even in winter, perfect for a break from the cold
The 10 unmissable places and activities for your trip to Spain
Barcelona – art, sea and fun
This is probably one of the most famous cities in the world! A real metropolis: cosmopolitan, creative and always awake! In Barcelona you’ll find activities and venues to keep you up all night… and maybe enjoy a beautiful sunrise at La Rambla. Then you can relax on the beach or explore the local architectural wonders like the Gothic Quarter, the Sagrada Familia, Parc Güell and the many works by Gaudí that make this city truly unique.
👉 Recommended activity: climb the towers of the Sagrada Familia for an incredible view of the city!
Madrid – the beating heart of Spain
The Spanish capital is all about art, nightlife and food! At the Prado Museum and Reina Sofía you can admire masterpieces by Goya and Picasso, then relax in the city’s beautiful green parks like El Retiro.
At night, tapas and tinto de verano await in downtown bars, with unique music and vibes!
👉 Recommended activity: for the Prado Museum, go with a guided tour, trust us – it’s worth it! And in the evening, for the best tapas, head to the “La Latina” neighborhood
Seville – the soul of Andalusia
One of the most fascinating cities in Spain, with a truly unique atmosphere! The Alcázar, the Cathedral with the Giralda, the Triana neighborhood and the flamenco spirit make every corner of Seville magical and unforgettable.
👉 Recommended activity: don’t miss the chance to watch a real flamenco show in a local peña.
Granada – moorish heritage
A true architectural and cultural gem, walking through the Albaicín or relaxing in the arab baths will take you back in time!
For a truly magical moment, enjoy the view of the Alhambra at sunset from the beautiful Sacromonte hill.
👉 Recommended activity: we’ve already recommended many, but don’t forget to book the evening tour of the Alhambra with a guide who can tell you all the secrets of the Nasrid dynasty!
Valencia – future and tradition
This Spanish city is the perfect mix of old and new: in the historic center you’ll find the ancient Cathedral, while the City of Arts and Sciences will transport you into a futuristic atmosphere!
In Valencia you can also enjoy the beautiful urban beaches… and taste Valencian paella, our favorite version of this amazing dish!
👉 Recommended activity: visit the oceanographic museum (book your ticket HERE to skip the lines) and afterwards enjoy dinner on the famous Malvarrosa beach
Bilbao – “capital” of the north
Thanks to the Guggenheim Museum, the city of Bilbao has been reborn, gaining new fame. But there’s more to Bilbao than that! Basque cuisine and green landscapes will win you over, as will the smart blend of tradition and innovation that you’ll feel all over the city. If you’re looking for “another Spain,” don’t skip this stop!
👉 Recommended activity: book a food tour with pintxos in the historic center’s bars
San Sebastián – elegance and sea
If you dream of a luxury holiday, with Michelin-starred restaurants and urban beaches, add San Sebastián to your itinerary!
La Concha Bay is definitely one of the most beautiful in Europe and you can even enjoy a morning of surfing with just the right waves!
👉 Recommended activity: if you’ve never surfed, this is the perfect chance to take a surf lesson! And right after, treat yourself to a gourmet dinner in one of the city’s many starred restaurants
Santiago de Compostela – pilgrimage and spirituality
The final destination of the famous Camino, Santiago will win you over with its spiritual and moving atmosphere! Its stunning Cathedral looks like something out of a postcard and the historic center is a UNESCO World Heritage site. Santiago de Compostela is worth a visit even if you haven’t walked the whole Camino – trust us!
👉 Recommended activity: walk at least a short stretch of the Camino de Santiago, even just for one day… it will give you a taste of the pilgrim experience
Mallorca – relaxation and nature
Mallorca is the largest island in the Balearics. Its beaches are obviously beautiful, but there’s much more to discover! You’ll find hidden coves, mountain trails in the Serra de Tramuntana and lovely authentic villages like Valldemossa – all making this the perfect island for a relaxing trip.
👉 Recommended activity: rent a bike to ride along the island’s coastal trails, all the way to Cap de Formentor
Tenerife – sun and volcanoes
Tenerife is the perfect island for a winter getaway… here you’ll find sunshine all year round and the highest volcano in Spain, inside Teide National Park. The beaches in Tenerife are also unique, with their fascinating black sand!
Tenerife is beautiful in any season, definitely one to add to your Spanish itinerary!
👉 Recommended activity: don’t miss a sunrise excursion to Mount Teide, especially with a guide and followed by a scenic breakfast!
How to have internet abroad: stay connected in Spain
During a trip to Spain, an internet connection is essential to get around, book activities and museums, translate (yes, not just Spanish is spoken – there’s also Catalan, a totally different story!) and to share your adventure in real time with friends and family!
Here are your options to stay connected in Spain:
- Public Wi-Fi: most cafés and hotels offer free Wi-Fi to guests, but it’s often unstable and far from secure
- Local SIMs: you can buy them at the airport or in phone shops, but finding the right deal can be tricky and time-consuming
- EU roaming: often very expensive, European residents may have discounted rates, but with many limitations on data and speed
- Virtual SIMs: also called eSIMs, they are digital SIM cards that can be easily purchased online before departure
Spain eSIM: the perfect solution to have internet in Spain
On websites like eSIM.sm you can easily buy your Spain eSIM. Just go to the Spain page, select the data plan that best suits your needs and install your virtual SIM by scanning the QR code sent by email after your purchase.
Main benefits of eSIM.sm:
- You can buy your eSIM online before your trip, in just a few clicks
- You can choose the right data amount based on your actual needs, without overpaying
- From your personal dashboard, you can top up data at any time
- If needed, you can choose the unlimited plan
- You’ll avoid international roaming charges
- Instant activation as soon as you arrive
- Speeds up to 5GB
- 24/7 multilingual support
What to know before your trip to Spain
The Spanish people are very welcoming and life moves at a relaxed pace… here are a few things to keep in mind for a smooth trip:
- Meal times: meals are later than in many other countries. For example, lunch is around 2:00 pm and dinner never before 9:00 pm
- Siesta: in smaller cities, shops close between 2:00 and 5:00 pm for a proper nap! Plan your movements accordingly
- Tips: not mandatory, but appreciated in restaurants
- Language: Spanish is the official language, but as mentioned Catalan and Basque are also spoken, so download a good translation app
- Safety: in tourist areas pickpockets are very active, so keep a close eye on your phone – one of the most stolen items – never leave it unattended and consider using a lanyard case
