Imagine large meadows filled with green grass and bright blue skies as far as the eye can see. A light breeze then rustles up against you as you stroll down a quiet side street.
Well, it’s not a dream because that is exactly what Spain can be for you – something that cannot be said about any other country in the world.
Because from the bright blue waters of Gibraltar to the golden beaches of Ibiza to the ruins of ancient civilizations, all of this and more can be found in the great country of Spain.
A passionate football-loving nation that is truly a dream destination for any and all the die-hard football fans out there.
And believe it or not, the best time to visit Spain is actually either during the spring or autumn, especially the months of April, May, September, and October.
Additionally, Spanish visas can be applied for directly online or through various travel agents. If you want, you can also apply through a government embassy in your home country.
However, you may want to apply for a visa through a travel agent since they tend to get better deals for tourists visiting the country for the first time and can help speed up the process of attaining a visa. Once approved, a tourist visa will then be valid for a period of 90 days once you enter the country
Things to keep in mind when applying for a Spanish visa:
- Get travel insurance when applying for a Spanish visa.
- It is also important to prepare a budget for your trip to Spain s that you can avoid overspending.
- You will need proof of a guarantor while staying in Spain. It can be a family member or a friend or even an employer (when applying for a work visa in Spain) but it’s basically anyone who is willing to make a promise to the head of the embassy/consulate that you, the visa applicant, will stay legally in Spain. And if it’s your very first time in Spain, then your travel agent can act as your guarantor too.
Out of the Box Non-Touristy Things to do in Spain
A sailboat docked in the turquoise waters along the coast of a Spanish village.
1. Visit smaller cities to beat the hordes of tourists
This will help you better experience what Spain is really like for locals. Places like Ibiza, the Canary Islands, and Seville all offer truly authentic Spanish experiences through their dynamic ways of life.
So, when planning your very own trip to Spain, add a mix of primary and secondary cities to your itinerary. This will help keep things interesting and exciting while you’re in Spain.
Some possible destinations include the following –
- Ibiza – Located on the beach, Ibiza is famous for its amazing parties and incredible social gatherings. They typically last for at least a few days (at a minimum) and are most frequent throughout the warm summer months. However, if you want to avoid the crowds that inundate the area during peak tourist season, then the best time to visit would be between October and November. There is still a party atmosphere about Ibiza but it’s just a lot quieter and prices are much more affordable,
- Seville – Seville is a quaint Andalusian town. It serves as a premier destination for anyone who loves new and exciting cultural experiences. A dream come true for travelers who love exploring. So, take a river cruise down the Guadalquivir River and immerse yourself in a truly one-of-a-kind, romantic experience. While you’re here, you can also visit the Plaza de Espana and see authentic, pre-modern Spanish architecture.
- Canary Islands – The Canary Islands are easily one of the greatest beach destinations in all of Spain and sit much closer to the African coast than they do to the coast of Europe. Places to visit while in the Canary Islands include Teide National Park (it’s home to the third-largest volcano in the world) and the beaches of Grand Canaria. They are truly a sight to behold with beautiful golden sand and crystal blue water. That’s also why these beaches are some of the most well-visited beaches in the Canary Islands. And while you’re here, be sure to enjoy fun and exciting activities like scuba diving and parasailing off the coast – a truly thrilling experience for anyone looking for an adventurous holiday.
- Malaga – Lying in the Southern part of Spain is Malaga, a city with a Mediterranean climate that offers visitors a truly classic Spanish experience. Enjoy a wealth of fun activities here like hiking, admiring the local architecture, visiting art museums, and relaxing on one of the area’s many pristine beaches. The city also has a ton of excellent cuisine for you to try and is home to many shopping centers that are filled with delicious local delicacies. It also has a more laid-back feel to it than either Madrid or Barcelona, making it a must-visit city while you’re in Spain.
- Valencia – This city features a dynamic mix of old and new world architecture. So, to get the most out of your visit, stop by the Rococo Nobility Palace. It still retains much of the grand opulence that it once had and offers a series of intricate carvings and decorative items that are just waiting to be discovered. Plus, believe it or not, the Royal family actually still lives in the part of the building that is not open to tourists. Afterward, admire the classic architecture of Plaza del Ayuntamiento and marvel at all of the exquisite art that can be found inside the Valencia Institute of Modern Art.
- If you have time, you could also take a trip to Murcia and experience some of the best things to do in the Murcia region.
Parc Guell Barcelona Spain
2. There’s no better way to experience a country than through its food! So, when in Spain, visit some of the country’s authentic food markets. Because numerous small food markets can be found throughout the country and feature a diverse array of local cuisine that you absolutely must try.
3. Rent a bike and ride throughout the countryside, soaking in the beauty and serenity of the lush fields all around you. You can also sign up for a group tour or just solo travel your way through Spain.
4. If you are a history and architecture buff, then visit the ancient museums, cathedrals, and Romanesque/Gothic style towers that dot the country’s major cities.
5. Sign up to live with a host family here in Spain for an authentic Spanish experience. Staying with a local family will give you an insider’s look at the true beauty of the Spanish people – something that cannot be found anywhere else in the world.
6. Similarly, you could also book a stay at a loca hostel Hostels give you the unique opportunity to meet new people and create new friendships that will last a lifetime. Hostels also provide you with a youthful space where you can make amazing and lasting memories.
7. Go to a local winery and try the unique selection of wines that they offer. Many wineries also offer private tours of their vineyards that can make a truly memorable experience. Bottles of Spain wine also make great gifts and are something that you can bring back to your loved ones from Spain.
8. Watch a live flamenco show. Flamenco is a traditional style of dance that is typically performed throughout the southern regions of Spain. It is highly expressive, is done to the tune of a guitar, and is performed in front of a live audience. Generally, the performer will wear beautiful, vibrant, flowing dresses and will express their emotions through a series of intricate foot movements.
9. Spain is a country that is absolutely brimming over with local culture since there are so many new and exciting things to experience. So, be sure to check out any local fairs and festivals that are organized in cities both big and small. In fact, Feria de Abril is one such festival and features a selection of local women who wear brightly colored flamenco dresses. Several tents within the festival also have a variety of authentic local arts and crafts for you to try.
10. Love fabrics? Then visit the silk markets, which are all organized in a traditional Spanish style and attract fashionistas from all around the world. The quality of the silk found here is also exquisite and unique to Spain itself, making this a truly perfect Spanish souvenir.
11. Enjoy some fun in the sun and take the family to one of the one of the best hotels with waterparks in Spain.
Some of the charming, white villages that you’ll find in Spain.
As you probably already know, Spain is a dream destination for travelers from all across the globe. So, visit Spain today if you want an experience that feels like something straight out of a fairytale – complete with cobbled streets and amazing cafes serving decadent treats and delicious coffees.
However, to truly get the most out of your trip to Spain, always be open to spontaneity and explore all of the exquisite beauty that this country has to offer.