UK
Sun, Style & Sangria
From flamenco rhythms and Moorish palaces to golden beaches and buzzing tapas bars, Spain offers a dazzling mix of culture, cuisine, and coastlines. It’s the UK’s favourite holiday destination—and for good reason.
Air Travel
Direct flights from London to Madrid, Barcelona, Malaga, and Alicante take 2–3 hours. The Balearic and Canary Islands are also easily reached with direct flights.
Airlines
British Airways, Iberia, easyJet, Ryanair, Jet2, and Vueling offer extensive coverage. Domestic flights are frequent and affordable.
Spain
Sun, Style & Sangria
Landmark
Travel Season
- March–May: Spring blossoms and mild weather
- June–August: Hot and lively, ideal for beach holidays
- September–November: Pleasant temperatures and fewer crowds
Currency & Money Tips
- Currency: Euro (EUR)
- Cards widely accepted; cash useful for small purchases
- ATMs are everywhere; contactless payments are common
- Tipping is appreciated but not expected (5–10% is standard)
Connectivity
- Free Wi-Fi in hotels, cafes, and public spaces
- Local SIM cards (Movistar, Orange, Vodafone) available at airports
- High-speed internet is widely available
Getting Around
- AVE high-speed trains connect major cities efficiently
- Metro systems in Madrid, Barcelona, Valencia
- Regional trains and buses for smaller towns
- Rental cars ideal for countryside and coastal drives
Time Zone
- Central European Time (CET) – GMT+1
Etiquette & Culture
- Greet with “Hola” and a smile
- Meal times are later—lunch at 2pm, dinner after 9pm
- Respect siesta hours in smaller towns
- Tipping is polite but not mandatory
Top Destinations
- Barcelona: Art, beaches, and nightlife
- Madrid: Museums, parks, and tapas culture
- Seville: Flamenco, festivals, and Moorish architecture
- Granada: Alhambra and mountain views
- Mallorca: Beaches and mountain villages
- Valencia: Paella and futuristic architecture
fastfood Food & Drink
- Must-try: Tapas, Paella, Jamón Ibérico, Churros with chocolate
- Regional specialities vary—don’t miss Basque pintxos or Galician seafood
- Tap water is safe to drink
- Wine and sangria are local favourites
personal_bag What to Pack
- Light clothing for summer; layers for spring/autumn
- Smart casual for dining out
- Power adapter (Type C/F plugs)
- Sunscreen and comfortable walking shoes
Best Time to Visit
- March–May: Mild and colourful, ideal for city breaks
- September–October: Warm and less crowded
- July–August: Beach season, but cities can be hot
health_and_safety Safety & Health
- Spain is very safe; watch for pickpockets in tourist areas
- Emergency number: 112 (police, ambulance, fire)
- Travel insurance recommended
- No special vaccinations required beyond routine UK jabs
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Barcelona
Book cheap flights from London, Manchester, Birmingham & more UK airports to Barcelona. Compare airlines, find direct flights, and discover the best time to travel from the UK to Barcelona.
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Madrid
Book cheap flights from London, Manchester, Birmingham & more UK airports to Madrid. Compare airlines, find direct flights, and discover the best time to travel from the UK to Madrid.