Welcome to Spain

Bold and beautiful, Spain is a vacation for your senses. Surrounded by lively music, boisterous locals, tapas and wine, you’ll soon be feeling la vida Espanola, the Spanish life.

In vibrant Madrid, stroll through gorgeous plazas and world-class museum, including the famous Prado and Reina Sofia. In Barcelona, admire Antoni Gaudi’s masterpieces and shop the boutiques of Calle Avinyo. Head to Seville to visit the Moorish-style Alcazar, the longest inhabited royal palace in Europe, and the 15th-century Cathedral. Take a flamenco lesson or experience the unbelievable Las Falles of Valencia, a UNESCO-recognized, artistic fireworks show.

Visit the famed Alhambra in Granada to view its renowned Mudejar art and Christian and Islamic architectural style unique to Spain. If you’re up for the rowdy crowds, attend an FC Barcelona versus Real Madrid football match, colloquially called El Clasico. Consider hiking a segment of the historic pilgrimage route, Camino de Santiago de Compostella. Wherever you go, savor Spain to the last drop.

Unique Facts

• Don Quixote was written by Spaniard Miguel de Cervantes. It holds the title of best book in history and is considered the first “modern” novel.
• Spain is UNESCO’s third largest heritage country with 47 UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Among the most famous of the sites if the Sagrada Familia cathedral in Barcelona – construction began in 1882 and is expected to culminate in 2026.
• Spain is home to the world’s second most widely spoken language, Spanish. An estimated 440 million native Spanish speakers live around the world.
• Spain is the world’s largest producer of olives. The average Spaniard is estimated to consume almost six cups of olive oil per year.
• Mount Teide is the highest mountain in Spain but it’s not on the mainland – it’s located on Tenerife on the Canary Islands.

Language

Spain’s official language is Spanish.

When To Go

Spain has a great climate year-round. Spring and fall are the best times to go for good weather and smaller crowds. If you want to attend one of Spain’s many festivals, consider visiting in the weeks leading up to Lent: the biggest events are in Cadiz, Sitges, Madrid, Barcelona and Santa Cruz de Tenerife.

Airports

Madrid Barajas Airport
Barcelona Airport
Palma de Mallorca Airport

Passport Validity

Passport must be valid at time of entry for six months beyond arrival date.

Visa Required By US Citizen?

None for stays of 90 days or less.

Vaccinations

The CDC recommends the following vaccines for most travelers when visiting Spain: Hepatitis A, Hepatitis B and Rabies vaccines.

Electrical Outlets

Power plugs and sockets: types C and F. Standard voltage: 230V. Frequency: 50Hz.

Currency

Official local currency: Euro

Getting Around

Be aware that road conditions differ significantly from those in the United States. Traffic in Madrid and Barcelona is fast paced. Rural traffic is heavy in July and August.

Spain has an excellent public transportation in the larger cities. Only use clearly identified cabs. App-based shared-car services are in use in Madrid and Barcelona. Rail service and intercity bus service are comfortable and reliable.

Driver’s License

A valid US driver’s license and international driving permit are required.

US Embassy Info

U.S. Embassy Madrid
Calle Serrano, 75
28006 Madrid, Spain
Telephone: (34) 91-5872-200
Emergency after-hours telephone: (34) 91-587-2200
Fax: (34) 91-587-2303
askacs@state.gov

Local Visitor Info

Tourist Information Center
Plaza Mayor
27 (Casa de la Panaderia)
Madrid
28012
Tel: 34 91 578 78 10

Local Emergency Phone Numbers

General Emergency: 112

Safety and Security

Street crime occurs primarily in major tourist areas, including pickpocketing and theft. Do not leave belongings unattended.