Spain
“I would sooner be a foreigner in Spain than in most countries. How easy it is to make friends in Spain!”
Absolutely captivating culture and some of the most beautiful weather makes Spain an allure that few destinations can match! This European country is rich in diverse landscapes and diverse cultures, and it is a mix that truly stirs the soul. Spain’s geography contains 17 autonomous regions for your wanderlust desires. Whether you’re headed towards fresh ocean breezes in the northern Basque country, exploring Barcelona in the spring, or soaking up heat and sun ☀️ in Mallorca, here’s what to pack and our best travel tips for Spain!
The best luggage for Spain:
Make sure you choose the right luggage for your trip to Spain! Although many people travel with roller bags in Spain, it’s not generally the best choice because:
Most Airbnbs and hotels don’t have elevators: Plan on being able to carry whatever you bring for luggage up flights of steps!
Cobblestone roads: They’re hard on luggage wheels and kind of annoying to drag a piece of luggage that creates a roaring “DUT DUT DUT” for 20 minutes straight.
Instead, opt for a duffel bag or backpack in addition to your personal item on the plane. This will also encourage packing light which is good! Learn to pack minimally to make traveling a breeze!
For more tips on how to travel light and only with a carry on, click here.
Double Expansion Travel Satchel
Encompass Convertible Weekend Duffel
Base Camp Medium Duffel Bag
Traveler Visetos Duffel Bag
Travel backpacks:
A travel backpack is really useful to have as part of your luggage while traveling in Spain. You’re going to be wandering streets of very beautiful, but very roughly paved, villages. It’s important that your backpack is properly designed to make the weight you’re carrying comfortable and functional. We don’t prefer the backpacks that look traditionally touristy, though. We think a cuter one keeps your outfit looking good and you enjoying using it. So get one that is both functional and stylish! And since pick-pocketing is always a concern during travel, make sure your backpack is one that cannot be unzipped/opened without you knowing!
The Rowledge
A gorgeous larger sized pack with many compartments and a sleeve to slip over suitcase handles.
Ellie Leather Studded Backpack
Mini Macaroon Colorblock Water Resistant Backpack
The cutest!
Fjallraven Kanken Backpack
The beauty of Fjallraven backpacks is they pack down flat when not in use!
Spain packing tip: Leave room for SOUVENIRS
Visiting Spain is the time to buy souvenirs to bring home with you, even if you’re not typically a “souvenir” person! Why? Because Spain has amazing goodies so leave room in your bag to fill. Or bring a collapsible duffel in your suitcase to fill it up with all your finds for the trip home! Whether you buy cheese, coffee, olive oil, turron, a flamenco dress, espadrilles, a paella pan, handmade trinkets, etc., trust us you’ll want to be able to bring it all home. If you don’t plan ahead for that you probably will end up leaving behind some of your own items to make room!
What to pack for Spain:
The weather in Spain consists of hot days and cool nights in the summer, and mild but windy days in the winter. Both the Mediterranean and Atlantic coasts of Spain have wonderful beaches. If you travel there between May and September, don’t forget your bathing suit!
Plan for outdoor adventure:
Spain has some of the best rock climbing in the world (hola, Mallorca!), famous hiking trails, biking routes, kayaking, rafting, as well as snow and water sports. So if you’re a climber, cyclist, hiker, or whatever, bring the essential gear you’ll need to enjoy an outdoor adventure in Spain. But think twice about hiking boots. Unless you’re doing some serious trekking, a pair of trainers or trail runners will be fine.
Even with all the outdoor activities you may be participating in while visiting Spain, avoid wearing that clothing around town for casual wear. That’s a sure way to look like a tourist! Avoid anything that looks like it came from REI and you’ll be fine.
Reconsider shorts:
Shorts are fine to wear in Spain, but are mostly reserved for outdoor activities and the beach. If you wear them around town, it’s not a problem — just a little touristy. Instead, do as the locals do and embrace the ease of cool summer trousers, dresses, and rompers and pack a couple of those to keep cool.
Visiting churches:
You’re likely to visit the many churches in Spain. Bring a blouse that covers the shoulders so that you won’t offend anyone! Also, very short shorts or low cut dresses are not a good idea for churches. Spain can be surprisingly conservative when it comes to revealing clothing!
A nice outfit:
You’ll find a lively nightlife and eateries throughout Spain, so be like the locals and stay out until 2 a.m. enjoying it (taking a siesta during the day helps). Bring at least one nice outfit for dinners or dancing, it doesn’t need to be anything very fancy!
what to wear
Usually when traveling it works best to bring a lot of neutral, basic clothing for maximum versatility. But Spanish fashion is rich in color, print, texture, and interesting volume! Embrace “La Piel de Toro” and wear your own version. You will feel so stylish and part of the culture — it will definitely enrich your experience of this magical place.
Little dresses:
In warm weather what’s easier to wear or pack than little dresses?! Bring a couple dresses on your trip to Spain. Try dresses with color like pink, red, emerald green, light blue, or golden yellow. Or print such as funky stripes, floral prints, or polka dots. Or try texture like lace, or volume, especially flouncy pieces with a bohemian vibe!
Cute skirts:
A skirt with a lot of character is a great addition to your Spanish travel wardrobe! As with dresses, think print, color, volume or flounces! Pair these with off-the-shoulder tops, ruffle blouses, or tees.
Bold Accessories:
If you haven’t yet noticed, fashion in Spain is pretty bold! Have fun with a bold hat or earrings, or even colored tights!
Cooler weather:
When it’s colder in Spain, translate a lot of the same fashion elements to your outfits as described above. Go for color, print, texture — a colored fur coat, plaid pants, a funky striped sweater, colored heels, a bright bag. Or you can choose a more minimal approach as well, with touches of the Spanish feel.
what to do
Spain is a uniquely beautiful, interesting, and dynamic country with a lot of regional variety. Barcelona and Madrid are trendy and energetic cities, Granada has a Moorish touch, and the Basque Country up north contrasts itself to Southern living. The Spaniards are welcoming to visitors and love hosting strangers, drinking great wine, sharing good meals with good laughs, and just enjoying life. People live in the present here and aren’t in a rush.
1. Join the Running of the Bulls
July in Pamplona is when the famous Running of the Bulls takes place, attracting the ultra-daring from around the world. Even if you’re not taking part in the actual running, it is still a great place to go eat good food, drink sangria, and celebrate wearing a red scarf in true Spaniard fashion! Join in on the multi-day celebration.
2. Relax on the Costa Del Sol
Hang out on the beach to relish in the famous laid-back life of Spain. Southern Spain is popular with tourists for good reason — gorgeous beaches and fun nightlife. Malaga is a large city there but further down there are other great places!
3. Go to Valencia
Want a classic Spanish town with fantastic paella, seafood, history and soccer? Wonderful Valencia will satisfy you!
4. Wander through Seville
Seville is an amazing city with great palaces, churches, and many historic sites. Highlights of Seville are great shopping, the Jewish Quarter and the monument built to honor to the different regions of Spain.
5. Walk The Camino
If you love walking, go for the 800km pilgrimage route El Camino de Santiago which stretches from the border of France down to Santiago de Compostela in North-Western Spain! Also known as The Way of Saint James, it can be a month-long walk for those dedicated to the journey, taking its travelers through some less-seen areas of Spain.
6. Visit Gibraltar
Tiny Gibraltar is actually a United Kingdom overseas territory, located on Spain’s border. Here you’ll find influences from Spain, Britain, and North Africa, and if you take the cable car up to the peak of the Rock of Gibraltar you can view two countries — Spain and Morocco.
7. Hike in the Sierra Nevada
One of the most rugged but pretty areas for outdoor activities in Spain is the Sierra Nevada! It’s a great place for hiking in the summer with a range of different trails and guided tours. In the winters there’s skiing too, and year-round you can explore the various small towns!
8. Visit San Sebastián
If you desire beaches and awesome nightlife, try the San Sebastian Basque area of Spain. This beautiful city also has some of the most wonderful architecture, making it quite a unique place!
9. Hike the Pyrenees
The Pyrenees is the original start of The Camino and is a chain of mountains that serves to wall off France. You can walk and hike the mountainous trails, go skiing, and see the great medieval villages along the way!
10. Great Cathedral and Mosque
Cordoba was once under Muslim influence and the Mezquita de Cordoba is exquisite evidence of it. Be taken back in history with the cathedral’s jasper columns, huge arches, marble floors, gilded prayer niches and domed shrine, and beautiful Byzantine mosaics.
11. Salamanca
Unwind in the small-town of Salamanca which is remote but still has vibrant life (including nightlife)! It is a university city and attracts many backpackers.
12. Visit the Guggenheim
The Guggenheim Museum in Bilbao is one of the most famous in the whole world! Marvel at the modern art exhibits (even if you’re not a fan of modern art normally) and the world-class architecture. It is one of the famous Frank Gehry’s special undulating architectural designs, and when seen in person it is breathtaking.
13. Enjoy Barcelona
Many world travelers say Barcelona is either their favorite or one of their top favorite places they’ve traveled to! It’s full of the most wonderful architecture including Gaudi’s masterpieces. Colorful markets, cobblestone lanes, Mediterranean beaches, gilded music halls, innovative eateries, dance clubs all contribute to the vibrant Catalan life!
