Spain is one of the world's most captivating travel
destinations — a land where ancient history, crystal-clear seas and legendary Mediterranean
cuisine converge to create an unforgettable experience. Whether you're searching for the
perfect greece vacation package, planning a romantic honeymoon or looking for a private tour
led by local experts, Spain delivers on every level.
At Antelope Travel, we've been specialising in Spain travel for over 20 years. Our Athens-based team provides insider knowledge, exclusive access
and completely bespoke itineraries — from the iconic sunsets of Santorini to the hidden coves
of Naxos and the culinary delights of Thessaloniki.
No visa is needed for tourist stays up to 90 days in any 180-day period. Your passport should be valid for at least three months after departure (six months is the safest standard). Border registration with fingerprints and a photo applies to non-EU visitors under the EU Entry/Exit System. ETIAS authorization for Americans is planned, so check europa.eu/etias for the current start date before booking flights.
April to June and September to October are the sweet spot for cities, beaches and the Andalusian towns. Summer in Seville, Córdoba and Madrid can reach 40°C (104°F), so it is better suited to beach destinations in the Balearic Islands or the north coast. Winter is mild in the Canary Islands and southern coast, while northern Spain is cool and green.
Ten to twelve days handles the classic trip: Madrid (3 nights), Barcelona (3–4 nights) and Andalusia (Seville, Granada and Córdoba, 4 nights). Fast AVE trains link the major cities in a few hours. Add a beach stay in Mallorca or the Costa del Sol for a relaxed ending.
Spaniards eat lunch between 2 and 4 pm and dinner often after 9 pm. Many restaurants do not open for dinner until 8:30 pm, though tourist areas offer earlier options. Tapas bars are lively from early evening, so you can graze instead of having a big sit-down dinner. Some small shops close for a midday break, especially outside big cities.
Book ahead for Barcelona's Sagrada Família and Park Güell, Granada's Alhambra and the Nasrid Palaces (timed entry that often sells out weeks or months ahead), Madrid's Prado and Royal Palace, and Seville's Alcázar and cathedral. We secure timed entries as part of your itinerary so you don't miss the highlights.
High-speed AVE trains connect Madrid with Barcelona, Seville, Valencia and more, and are often faster than flying once airport time is included. Cities have excellent metros, taxis and ride apps. Rent a car only for rural areas such as Andalusian white villages or the north coast, and carry an International Driving Permit with your U.S. license.
Spain is safe, but pickpocketing is common in Barcelona (La Rambla, the metro, beaches) and Madrid (Puerta del Sol, metro). Use a zip-up cross-body bag, never leave phones on café tables, and be wary of distraction tactics. Summer heat waves and wildfires can affect plans, so check forecasts, drink plenty of water and consider travel insurance. The emergency number is 112.
Spain uses the euro and cards are accepted almost everywhere. Tipping is modest: rounding up or leaving 5–10% for good service in restaurants is plenty. Barcelona and other parts of Catalonia, as well as the Balearic Islands, charge a per-night tourist tax at hotels, normally paid at check-in or check-out
English is common in hotels, major attractions and tourist restaurants, but less so in small towns and local bars. Learning a few phrases (hola, por favor, gracias, la cuenta) is always appreciated. In Barcelona you will also see Catalan, in the Basque Country Basque, and in Galicia Galician. A translation app helps with menus.
A romantic Spain trip can combine Barcelona's architecture and food with Andalusia's palaces, flamenco and whitewashed villages, then finish with a beach stay in Mallorca, Menorca or the Costa del Sol. For a quieter alternative, consider the Basque Country's San Sebastián for gourmet dining, or the Canary Islands for warm weather in winter. We tailor each stop to your pace and budget.
