MAKE YOUR SPAIN TRIP A REALITY
Curious what Spain tastes like off the beaten path? We provide our core travel planning services — private day tours and custom itinerary planning - in Spain.
Imagine yourself strolling through the sun-soaked streets of Seville, sipping vermouth at a hidden tapas bar in Madrid, or watching the sunset over the Mediterranean with a glass of Cava in hand. Spain is a country where food is a way of life—from the jamón-slicing counters of Barcelona’s markets to rustic farm tables in the hills of Rioja. With every region offering its own flavors, rhythms, and traditions, there's no better way to explore than its cuisine.
We craft curated travel experiences throughout Spain, from Michelin-starred meals in Basque Country or winery visits in Penedes to street food crawls in Barcelona, market visits in Madrid, fishing on the Costa Brava, or cooking classes in Girona.
WHY TRAVEL TO SPAIN?
Spain pulses with soul—where every region has its flavor, every meal is a celebration, and tradition meets creativity at every turn. From vibrant food scenes to rich culture and passionate local makers, it’s a place that leaves a lasting imprint. Our Spain vacation planning services are designed to help you experience it all, whether traveling solo, with family, or planning a once-in-a-lifetime group getaway.
UNIQUE SPAIN TRAVEL ITINERARIES
We design custom travel experiences across Spain that blend food, culture, and connection. Our clients go pintxo hopping in San Sebastián, wine tasting in La Rioja, flamenco dancing in Seville, sailing the Balearic Islands, and cooking paella in Valencia. Whether you're craving city energy or countryside charm, we'll tailor your trip to your style. As a boutique travel agency with deep roots in Spain, we plan journeys across the country but most often focus on:
Barcelona & Catalonia | Barcelona, Costa Brava, Girona, Priorat, and Montserrat
Basque Country & Northern Spain | San Sebastián, Bilbao, La Rioja, Asturias, and Galicia
Madrid & Central Spain | Madrid, Toledo, Segovia, and Ribera del Duero
Andalusia | Seville, Granada, Córdoba, Cádiz, and the White Villages
Valencia & the Mediterranean Coast | Valencia, Alicante, Albufera, and the Costa Blanca
Balearic Islands | Mallorca, Menorca, and Ibiza
Spain Travel Planning Services
Our team of Spain travel experts has over a decade of experience creating personalized, food-focused itineraries with five-star service.
We’re a team of travel advisors who’ve worked and traveled extensively across Spain—and we’re passionate about helping you discover its depth and flavor. Whether you want a romantic getaway, a family trip, or a once-in-a-lifetime food and wine experience, we’ll bring it to life.
From private tapas tours and boutique wine tastings to hands-on cooking classes, flamenco experiences, or adventures like sailing, hiking, and biking through vineyards, we’ll craft an itinerary unique to you.
SPAIN TRAVEL EXPERTS
Our team lives and breathes Spain—we’ve traveled from coast to coast and return regularly to stay connected with what’s new and what’s timeless.
As a boutique travel agency, we tap into an extensive network of chefs, sommeliers, local guides, and creatives to bring you one-of-a-kind experiences that go far beyond the ordinary.
We’re certified travel advisors (each of us is a FORA advisor), so we handle all the essentials—hotels, trains, car rentals—. Still, it’s the details we love most: private tapas crawls, insider wine tastings, backdoor market tours, and curated routes tailored to how you want to travel.
“We LOVED working with Salt & Wind Travel! They suggested amazing under-the-radar restaurants and experiences, and helped us make the most of the time we had to visit different parts of Spain and really see as much of the culture, food and drink as possible. My husband and I both work full time and have a young child (hence the need for a vacation) and we never could have devoted the time to plan a trip as amazing as this one. THANK YOU!”
FREE SPAIN TRAVEL TIPS
Need some travel advice? Download our free Spain Bucket List, including unique itineraries, travel tips, and our clients’ favorite travel resources.
MORE Spain Travel ADVICE
Stoke your Spain travel dreams by diving into our most popular travel tips, recipes, and articles about Spain!
A Brief History Of Churros And Where To Eat Them In Spain
Bocadillo Antxon | Shoestring Fry Chorizo Egg Sandwich Recipe
Essential Travel Tips Before Traveling To Spain
How To Make A Spanish Style Gin And Tonic Cocktail
Spain Travel FAQs
Below you’ll find answers to general travel questions about visiting Spain. For questions on a specific region of Spain, please email us at travel@saltandwind.com.
GENERAL SPAIN TRAVEL INFORMATION
How do I start planning a trip to Spain?
The easiest way is to contact us, and we’ll craft a custom travel plan for you. If you prefer to research before reaching out, check out our Spain travel guides covering wine regions, road trips, and culinary experiences.
What are the best apps for traveling to Spain?
Here are a few must-have apps when visiting Spain:
Citymapper: Great for navigating public transportation in Paris and other major cities.
Google Maps: Download offline maps for seamless navigation.
Google Translate: Download French for offline use.
Renfe: Essential for booking high-speed train tickets.
Cabify: A reliable rideshare alternative to Uber in Spain
Bolt: Available in major Spanish cities.
XE Currency Converter: Helps track the exchange rate between euros and your home currency.
When is the best time to travel to Spain?
Spain has distinct seasons, each offering something unique:
Madrid & Central Spain: Best visited in spring (April-June) and fall (September-November) to avoid summer heat.
Barcelona & Catalonia: Pleasant year-round, but best in May-June and September-October.
Andalusia: Avoid the extreme summer heat (July-August); spring and fall are ideal.
Basque Country & Northern Spain: Best in summer (June-August), as winters can be rainy.
The Balearic Islands: The peak season is summer, but September is excellent for fewer crowds.
Do I need a passport to travel to Spain?
Yes, travelers need a valid passport, and a visa may be required depending on your nationality. U.S. and Canadian citizens can stay visa-free for up to 90 days.
Do I need travel insurance to travel to Spain?
While not required, we highly recommend it for medical coverage, trip cancellations, and unexpected emergencies. Some credit cards, like AmEx and Chase Sapphire, include travel insurance as a perk.
What is the time zone in Spain?
Spain follows Central European Time (CET, UTC+1) and observes daylight saving time from late March to late October.
What are the electrical outlets in Spain?
Spain uses Type F plugs with a voltage of 230V. Travelers from North America will need a power adapter and a voltage converter for specific devices.
SPAIN TRAVEL ETIQUETTE
Dos and Don’ts
Do:
Learn some basic Spanish phrases; locals appreciate the effort.
Greet people with a friendly "Hola" and say "Gracias" when thanking someone.
Make restaurant reservations in advance, especially in popular areas.
Dress stylishly, especially when dining out in the evening.
Respect the siesta hours; some businesses close in the afternoon.
Don't:
Expect dinner before 8 PM; Spaniards eat late.
Be overly loud in public places.
Assume everyone speaks English.
Tip excessively; service is typically included.
MONEY MATTERS
How much does a trip to Spain cost?
A mid-range trip for a solo traveler can cost €3,500 for a week, broken down as follows:
€600 for flights (varies by departure location)
€200/day for lodging
€700/week for meals
€800/week additional for activities, fine dining, transportation, and shopping
What is the currency in Spain?
Spain uses the Euro (€). Check www.xe.com for current exchange rates.
Do I need cash in Spain?
While cards are widely accepted, small businesses, markets, and rural areas may prefer cash. We recommend carrying around €50 in cash for small expenses.
Can I use credit cards in Spain?
Yes, but Visa and Mastercard are more widely accepted than American Express. Chip-and-PIN cards are the standard.
How much should I tip in Spain?
Restaurants: Service is included, but rounding up or leaving 5-10% for excellent service is appreciated.
Cafés and bars: Rounding up your bill is customary.
Hotels: Tip porters €1-2 per bag and housekeeping €2 per day.
Taxis and ride-shares: Round up or tip 5-10%.
HEALTH & SAFETY
Is pollution an issue in Spain?
Air quality is generally good, though Madrid and Barcelona can experience pollution spikes. If you have respiratory issues, check air quality forecasts before your trip.
Does Spain experience natural disasters?
Spain is relatively safe but can experience occasional heatwaves and wildfires in the summer. Coastal regions may be affected by storms in winter.
Is COVID-19 still a concern in Spain?
Spain has managed COVID-19 well, but travel restrictions and entry requirements may change. Check the latest guidelines before your trip.
GENERAL TRAVEL SAFETY
Is it safe to travel in Spain?
Yes, but as in any major tourist destination, be mindful of pickpockets in cities like Madrid and Barcelona, particularly at landmarks, train stations, and metro stations.
Can I travel alone in Spain?
Absolutely! Spain is safe for solo travelers, especially women. Stay alert at night and be cautious when using rideshares or public transport alone.
Can I drive in Spain?
Yes, but you’ll need an International Driving Permit (IDP) if your license isn’t in Spanish. Spanish highways are excellent, but parking in cities can be challenging.
How do I reach the police or authorities in an emergency in Spain?
Dial 112 for emergencies.
HAVE ADDITIONAL QUESTIONS?
Contact us at travel@saltandwind.com