A typical first trip here runs about $775 to $1,050 per person for 7 days at a mid-range style, before flights. Get your own number from the Budget Calculator.
- Tapas culture - small plates for sharing
- Paella from Valencia, jamón ibérico, churros con chocolate
- Late dining times (lunch 2-4pm, dinner 9-11pm)
- Regional specialties: pintxos in Basque Country, gazpacho in Andalusia
- Siesta tradition (afternoon rest, shops close 2-5pm)
- La Tomatina tomato throwing festival (August, Buñol)
- Running of the Bulls (July, Pamplona)
- Semana Santa (Holy Week) processions
Spanish (Castilian) is primary, with regional languages like Catalan, Basque, and Galician. English is common in tourist areas.
Learning basic Spanish is very helpful.
- Late schedule - lunch at 2pm, dinner at 9-10pm
- Greet with two kisses on cheeks (right, then left)
- Be patient with slower service - it's not rude, it's relaxed
- Learn regional differences (don't call everything "Spanish")
- Barcelona: Gaudí's surreal architecture (Sagrada Família, Park Güell), proud Catalan culture, vibrant beaches, and world-renowned nightlife
- Madrid: Royal palaces, the Prado Museum housing masterpieces by Goya and Velázquez, and an electric tapas-and-nightlife culture
- Andalusia: Flamenco's spiritual home, the stunning Alhambra palace in Granada, Seville's cathedral and festivals, and Córdoba's Mezquita
- Basque Country: San Sebastián's legendary pintxos bar scene and cutting-edge gastronomy, plus Bilbao's Guggenheim Museum
- Galicia: The ancient Camino de Santiago pilgrim trail ending in Santiago de Compostela, exceptional Atlantic seafood, and Celtic heritage
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