Park Güell, Barcelona
Plaza de Espana, Seville
Alhambra Palace
Granada
Cordoba
El Retiro Park, Madrid
Segovia Cathedral
City of Arts, Valencia
Guggemheim Museum, Bilbao
Spain

Barcelona & Catalonia Travel Guide & Holiday Packages

With 45 UNESCO World Heritage Sites, picturesque villages, stunning countryside as well as boasting over 5,000 kilometers of diverse coastline; there are many reasons why Spain should be on everyone’s holiday list.

Fun Facts About Barcelona & Catalonia 

Barcelona, the vibrant capital of Catalonia, seamlessly merges culture, art and a cosmopolitan atmosphere with sun-kissed beaches and world-class resorts.

 

Catalonia, an autonomous community of Spain, boasts a unique identity, including its own language, Catalan, and intriguing traditions like the human towers, or "Castells." The city's architectural wonder, the Sagrada Família, remains a work in progress, a testament to Barcelona's dedication to art. Quirky traditions like the "Tió de Nadal" add charm to Catalan culture, and the region's culinary delights, including "paella" and "crema catalana," draw food enthusiasts. Barcelona also showcases the Montjuïc Magic Fountain and an array of unusual buildings, while Catalonia's historical heritage is intertwined with Roman ruins. Each October, Tarragona hosts the Human Tower Festival, and the region is renowned for its cava production in the Penedès region. Discover the charm of Barcelona and Catalonia with help from our travel experts! 

Barcelona & Catalonia Holiday Packages

Step into the heart of the Catalan culture, from its distinct language to its exuberant festivals, with our Barcelona and Catalonia holiday packages. We offer a range of packages tailored to various travel styles, ensuring an unforgettable experience for all.

REGIONS OF SPAIN

BARCELONA & CATALONIA

Barcelona, the vibrant cosmopolitan capital of Spain’s Catalonia region, known for its art and Gaudi's architecture. The eclectic Sagrada Família church and other modernist landmarks designed by Antoni Gaudí dot the city. Museu Picasso and Fundació Joan Miró feature modern art by their namesakes. City history museum MUHBA, includes several Roman archaeological sites. The Barri Gotic (Catalan for "Gothic Quarter") is the centre of the old city of Barcelona and also known for its popular markets, Mercat de La Boqueria, one of Europe's largest food markets, packed with tempting...

BASQUE COUNTRY & NORTHERN SPAIN

The Basque Country has its own language, its own culinary traditions, and a quaint geographic and cultural landscape. From magical villages and modern architectural landmarks to world-class food and wine, there is more than one reason to visit Basque Country. The road from San Sebastián to A Coruña is one of the big cities, pretty fishing towns, high cliffs and raging sea. It skirts the rugged Basque coast, runs through lush Cantabria and Asturias, and ends up in Galicia, on the wildly beautiful Costa de la Muerte. You can't miss San Sebastián​, a lovely seaside metropolis, widely considered one of the best...

COSTA DEL SOL & SOUTHERN SPAIN

Southern Spain is where all of the Spanish stereotypes come to life, home to Flamenco, paella and rustic tapas dishes. Travellers interested in history will be enchented by the stories that built the south. Founded by Romans and then ruled by Islamic Moors over 800 years, Andalucia is a living tribute to Moorish heritage with its Alcazars, Mosques and whitewashed hilltop towns, threaded by winding, cobblestone streets. Well worth a guided visit, is the last stronghold of the Moorish Kingdom, the most visited site in southern Spain, the mystical Alhambra in Granada.

MADRID

Discover the vibrant capital of Spain, Madrid. With its preserved architecture, beautiful gardens, world-class museums and art galleries, Madrid is a must-visit city when you are travelling to Spain. Take the opportunity to enjoy a guided tour of some of the famous museums of the city, the Reina Sofia art museum, El Prado or the Thyssen Bornemisza. Among the monuments not to be missed in Madrid are the central square "Plaza Mayor" of Renaissance style, the Royal Palace built in the 18th century, and the adjacent Sabatini Gardens, and the "Puerta del Sol" (gate of the sun), dating from the 15th century.

SPANISH ISLANDS

From the glitz and glamour of Ibiza to the multi-faceted charm of Tenerife. to Mallorca - the favorite spot of Spain's royal family, the stunning Spanish islands offer you the best experiences dipped in hues of green and blue. Spanish islands are known for their impeccable hues of green and blue lapped by sunlit charm and vibrant seafront fares. From the glitz and glamour of Ibiza to the multi-faceted charm of Tenerife to Mallorca - the favorite spot of Spain's royal family, our team has shortlisted the best of Spanish islands and handpicked the best tours and experiences where you can explore.

Helpful Information

When to visit

Spain is a country with a mild climate all year round but still preserves its seasonal contrasts. 

  • High Season (Jun–Aug): Daytime temperatures are usually over 30 degrees centigrade. In inland areas and in the south, temperatures may be over 20 degrees at night. The north has a milder climate with cooler temperatures.

  • Shoulder (Mar–May, Sep & Oct): this is the best season for visiting Spain. There are more hours of sunshine for enjoying the outdoors during strolls, evenings on the terraces, nature getaways.

  • Low Season (Nov–Feb): Generally it is cold in central Spain; rain in the north and northwest. Mild temperatures in Andalucía and the Mediterranean coast. Great season to enjoy ski resorts.

Getting Around

Spain’s network of train and bus services is one of the best in Europe and there aren’t many places that can’t be reached using one or the other. The tentacles of Spain’s high-speed train network are expanding rapidly, while domestic air services are plentiful over longer distances and on routes that are more complicated by land. Renfe is the excellent national train system that runs most of the services in Spain. 

The romantically inclined could opt for an opulent and slow-moving, old-time rail adventure with numerous options across the peninsula.

Al- Andalus his is a luxurious train journey that loops through Andalucía, taking the slow route between Seville, Ronda, Granada and Córdoba among other stops. Options vary from three to six nights.

Transcantabarico train for a journey on a picturesque narrow-gauge rail route, from Santiago de Compostela (by bus as far as O Ferrol) via Oviedo, Santander and Bilbao along the coast, and then a long inland stretch to finish in León. The food is exceptional, with some meals being eaten on-board but most in various locations.

A number of cities have introduced public bicycle systems with dozens of automated pick-up and drop-off points. These schemes involve paying a small subscription fee, which then allows you to pick up a bicycle at one location and drop it off at another.

Most of the major cities have excellent local transport. Madrid and Barcelona have extensive bus and metro systems, and other major cities also benefit from generally efficient public transport. By European standards, prices are relatively cheap.

Madrid has the country’s most extensive metro network. Barcelona has a reasonable system. Valencia, Zaragoza, Bilbao and Seville have limited but nonetheless useful metro (or light rail) systems. Tickets must be bought in metro stations (from counters or vending machines), or sometimes from estancos (tobacconists) or newspaper kiosks.

Self drive holidays give you the freedom to explore your own way in your own time. No early starts, no crowds or being herded around. Main roads in Spain are sealed and in good condition. To rent a car in Spain you have to have a licence, be aged 21 or over and, for the major companies at least, have a credit card with you. The widest choice of car-hire depot is at Barcelona, Madrid airports and main cities. 

 

General Advices

  • Planning to hire a car in Spain? Be aware travellers from other countries than EU should obtain an International Driving Permit (IDP). 
  •  Cover shoulders, torso and thighs when visiting churches and other religious monuments. 

Things to Do in Spain

Spain offers many treats to travellers, thanks to its balmy weather, cultural landmarks, world-class culinary scene and stunning scenery. 

Spain is home to notable artists like Pablo Picasso, Francisco Goya and Salvador Dali. You can see the magnificent artworks of these masters in Spain’s various museums and galleries.

See culture come to life as you watch flamenco performances. This Spanish folk music incorporates polyrhythmic hand-clapping, finger-snapping and guitar playing to songs and dances. You can catch different performances in Seville, Madrid and other cities. 

Don’t leave Spain without sampling an authentic tapas meal with your travel companions or newfound friends. You won’t have trouble looking for one because tapas bars are everywhere. The menu might be overwhelming at first, but you can go wrong with batatas bravas (fried potatoes in spicy sauce), pimientos de padrón (fried green peppers) or the world-renowned jamón iberico. 
 

Must-visit Attractions in Spain

Book our Spain holiday deals to explore these must-visit attractions.

The Guggenheim Museum in Bilbao is a magnificent example of 20th-century architecture. Designed by famous architect Frank Gehry, the gallery’s exterior is waved and curved to catch the sunlight. The building is a marvel on its own, and as you step inside, you will be enthralled by magnificent art pieces from Rothko, Jeff Koons, Louise Bourgeois and many more.

Gran Canaria is a 60 kilometre stretch of sun-soaked beaches, and one of the most popular is Playa de Las Canteras. Its several sections make it an ideal destination for every traveller, whether you prefer surfing, snorkelling among tropical fish or basking under the sun.

Located on a high granite hill amongst the deep gorge of the Tagus River is a spectacle of Renaissance, Gothic and Moorish architecture. The history-rich profile of Toledo’s Old City is undeniably a sight to behold.
 

Best Time to Visit Spain

Enjoy pleasant weather and sparser crowds when you book a Spain holiday package from March to May or September to November. If these months don’t work for you, don’t worry because we have diverse offerings all year round.

The best time to visit Spain depends on the activity you want to do. If you want to see how Semana Santa or Holy Week is celebrated in different Spanish cities, make sure that your trip lasts until the last week of the Lenten season, which happens around the second week of April. Music lovers who want to enjoy the International Festival of Music and Dance should go to Spain in June or July.
 

Known Destinations in Spain

Spain remains a top tourist destination for many travellers.

Architecture lovers won’t pass up the chance to see the Temple Expiatori de la Sagrada Familia, an unfinished church by Antoni Gaudí.

Spain also doesn’t fall short of art museums. In fact, art enthusiasts will rejoice in the many galleries in The Prado alone, such as the Reina Sofia National Art Museum, Thyssen-Bornemisza Museum and CaixaForum. It’s no wonder that it is called El Pase del Arte or the Boulevard of the Arts.

Plaza Mayor is located at the heart of Madrid. The town square has been a stage for several ceremonial events, such as proclamations of new kings, burning of heretics and canonisation of saints. On regular days, the streets are abuzz with activity. Enjoy a cup of coffee or a delicious meal in the many cafes and restaurants peppered across Spain.
 

Best Hotels in Spain

Check in the most luxurious accommodations and boutique hotels as you book our Spain holiday deals.

Hotel Arts Barcelona is a high-rise luxury hotel towering 44 floors above sea level. It is best known for its iconic 52-metre Peix fish sculpture built for the 1992 Barcelona Olympics. The gold-coloured sculpture serves as a canopy for the casino and restaurants of the hotel.

Stretching along the coastline lies the spectacular fortress of Cap Rocat Mallorca. This hidden gem and its 19th-century design were transformed into a hotel to showcase Mallorca luxury. It serves delicious Mediterranean cuisine. It also has a private rock cliff beach with direct access to the sea. 
 

Post Lockdown in Spain

Travellers aged 12 to 17 can enter Spain as long as they provide a negative PCR test result. Vaccination certificates are only valid for 270 days after the last dose. You must show proof of a booster shot if your most recent shot exceeds that period and complete a health control form 48 hours before travelling. A COVID-19 recovery certificate is valid between 11 to 180 days of diagnosis. Lastly, wearing masks and practising social distancing are mandatory, especially in public places.

About Us

Welcome to Spain! Our Spain division was formerly known as Spain & Portugal Travel Connection, then in 2019 we amalgamated all of our brands under Entire Travel Group.  We have been operating for more than 50 years, you can learn more on our About Us page.

Beautiful cities such as Seville, Valencia, Madrid, Barcelona and Granada should be on your itinerary however don’t think the cities are all there is to see! The beautiful Mediterranean coast, mountainous Basque region and the plains around Madrid all provide ample stomping ground for us travellers to see and explore a different aspect of this stunning country.

Spain boasts almost 8,000 kilometres of coastline where travellers can discover quaint little fishing villages or the grand seaside towns of the north. It is also home to the unspoiled coves lapped with blue-turquoise water nestled between forests, like the ones in the Balearic Islands, and pristine, volcanic beaches in the Canary islands or the white sand beaches of the Mediterranean.

Art, History and Culture are fundamental features for most travellers when planning a trip to Spain. Aspects of famous artists such as Picasso, Dali and Miro are found throughout Spain. Culturally Spain has something special to offer its visitors of each region. Spanish cuisine is famous the world over because it is flavoursome, healthy, traditional, creative and varied, and also because of its popular restaurants and fine dining, as demonstrated by the international recognition of its chefs. A visit to Spain offers the freshest array of tapas, paella and ham, accompanied by Spanish wines and sangria.

Other Destinations

Hoping for additional European travel options? Explore a variety of destinations with our Europe holiday packages.

Flying to Spain

Flying to Spain

Main International Airports in Spain are - Adolfo Suárez Madrid-Barajas Airport (Madrid) The Metro is 30 minutes to the centre and runs from 6.05am to 1.30am; the Exprés Aeropuerto bus (30 to 40 minutes) runs 24 hours between the airport and Puerta de Atocha train station or Plaza de Cibeles. Private transfers take around 30 minutes depending on traffic; El Prat Airport (Barcelona) Buses and Trains take 30 minutes to the centre run half-hourly from 5.42am to 11.38pm. Private transfers reach the centre in 30 minutes.

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