SPAIN: RESOURCES GUIDE
About Spain:
Spain, a vibrant and enchanting country in Southern Europe, offers visitors a captivating blend of rich history, breathtaking landscapes, lively festivals, and mouthwatering cuisine. From the bustling streets of Barcelona to the sun-drenched beaches of Costa del Sol, Spain is a destination that never fails to impress.
One of the most iconic cities in Spain is Barcelona, renowned for its unique architecture and vibrant atmosphere. Visitors can marvel at the extraordinary works of Antoni Gaudí, including the famous Sagrada Familia and Park Güell, or stroll along the bustling promenade of Las Ramblas. Barcelona's lively street markets, delectable tapas, and bustling nightlife make it a city that truly comes alive.
Madrid, the country's capital, offers a rich tapestry of history and culture. The Prado Museum showcases masterpieces by renowned artists like Velázquez and Goya, while the Royal Palace and Plaza Mayor exude grandeur and elegance. Madrid's lively neighborhoods, such as Malasaña and La Latina, are filled with charming cafes, vibrant nightlife, and a distinct Spanish flair.
Andalusia, the southern region of Spain, is a treasure trove of Moorish influence, stunning architecture, and captivating landscapes. Seville, with its grand cathedral and majestic Alcázar, captures the essence of Andalusian charm. Granada, home to the magnificent Alhambra palace and the labyrinthine streets of the Albaicín neighborhood, transports visitors back in time to the era of Al-Andalus.
For sun-seekers, Spain's coastline offers a multitude of beach destinations. From the glamorous shores of Marbella in Costa del Sol to the picturesque beaches of Costa Brava and the vibrant nightlife of Ibiza, there is a beach for every taste. The Balearic Islands, including Mallorca, Menorca, and Ibiza, entice visitors with their turquoise waters, hidden coves, and vibrant cultural scenes.
Spain's culinary delights are a feast for the senses. From savoring authentic paella in Valencia to indulging in tapas in the narrow streets of San Sebastian's old town, Spanish cuisine is a culinary journey of its own. Sample the exquisite flavors of regional dishes like gazpacho, jamón ibérico, and patatas bravas, complemented by world-class Spanish wines and refreshing sangria.
Spain's cultural heritage shines during its lively festivals. The Running of the Bulls in Pamplona, the flamboyant Carnival in Santa Cruz de Tenerife, and the vibrant La Tomatina festival in Buñol are just a few examples of Spain's spirited celebrations that showcase the country's love for fiestas and traditions.
Spain is a captivating destination that enthralls visitors with its rich history, stunning architecture, breathtaking landscapes, vibrant festivals, and delectable cuisine. Whether you're exploring the cosmopolitan cities, lounging on golden beaches, or immersing yourself in the rich tapestry of Spanish culture, Spain promises a truly unforgettable travel experience that will leave you yearning to return.
Welcome to Adventure Fares' Resources and Information Guide. These guides are compiled to provide a great "starting place" for planning. Here, we try to help you with the 4 big planning goals for any destination: Where to Stay / Where to Eat / What to See and Do / How to Budget. We even try to include some great itinerary links. Have fun planning your travel adventure! These resource pages are always being updated. If you would like to see a country / city / place not already in our resource guides, please email your requests or suggestions to: [email protected]
BUDGET RESOURCES:
We typically go to Budget Your Trip to research budgeting! We highly recommend their website. They do a fantastic job of compiling data from thousands of travelers around the world! This data is so useful for anyone who’s wanting to make the most of their travel budget. If you sign up and enter your own expenses - you contribute to the data and also get to access their fantastic planning tools - with charts, maps, graphs, and tables of your trip finances. Bookmark their site, and go there for a lot more in-depth budgeting research: BudgetYourTrip.com
With this chart, we just wanted to give you an idea of how your budget might look compared to a few familiar places here in the U.S
Rentals / Hotels / B&B Lists
Finding the perfect accommodation can make or break a trip. That's why we compile so many lodging lists - to help you find reliable and affordable recommendations for AirBNBs, VRBOs, boutique hotels, and B&Bs. These lists should give you a great starting place, and hopefully make that trip even better!
AIRBNB LISTS
VRBO LISTS
(coming soon)
AIRBNB Resources:
airbnb.com - It has become a very popular resource for travelers. We try to limit our lists to rentals in great locations, with good pricing, and great views when we find them. We use AirBNB a lot. ALWAYS double-check reviews and avoid "new" listings most of the time. Be sure to double check for air conditioning in the summer, and feel free to reach out to the owner for tips / questions!
VRBO Resources:
vrbo.com - VRBO is another great one to use. Sometimes you find rentals here you won't see on AirBNB - its always great to have more options, especially during peak seasons when rentals book up fast. Always double-check reviews and avoid "new" listings when possible. The VRBO system won't let us filter neighborhoods as well as some others, so always double check location after finding a good property.
Bed and Breakfast Resources:
Booking.com - this is often our “go-to” for this category. We find their customer reviews to be very reliable!
bedandbreakfast.guide (B&B Guide) - this one screens out the worst-reviewed places, so their lists are pretty reliable.
bnbfinder.com - this one is promising, but they don’t have near as many listings as the others here. We hope they grow!
Boutique Hotels Resources:
BoutiqueHotel.me - this one is usually our favorite. However, their list will only provide you with hotels who allow booking through booking.com - so some great hotels won’t be on their lists.
MrandMrsSmith.com - This is fantastic and inspirational resource for finding places to stay around the world. Much of their focus is on premiere hotels (and not what we would call “budget” finds), but it can be a fantastic place to search. It’s fun to just click on their “Inspiration” tab and find some new places around the world.
TheHotelGuru.com - This site also links to booking.com, and can be a complimentary resource.
GreatSmallHotels.com - Another resource the books through booking.com, this one tends to go a little more upscale, especially in large European cities.
Some More Interesting Lodging Guides:
gounusual.com - Great Resource for those trying to find unique places to stay: Castles, igloos, boats, more!
eruoglamping.com - Just what it sounds like - a resource of upscale camping places in Europe:
goglamping.net - GoGlamping / More upscale camping experiences - UK and Europe
NOTE: No matter what form of lodging you book, we recommend you always confirm your booking one last time a week to 10 days ahead of your travel.
Restaurants / Dining Lists
Choosing dining options can be confusing and intimidating. We've compiled these lists to help you start planning some memorable meals. Lists are organized by city and include some of the best and most affordable dining destinations in each city/area. Every adventure deserves some great meals!
MICHELIN
https://guide.michelin.com/us/en/aragon/zaragoza/restaurants
TripAdvisor Dining Lists:
TripAdvisor.com - We recommend using TripAdvisor’s dining directories whenever you find yourself needing good food in a place with which you’re unfamiliar. They have a huge volume of reviews, great genre help, and mapping.
Michelin Guide - Dining Lists:
Michelin Guide - For respected and relevant reviews of restaurants around the world, Michelin has been the Iconic dining guide since the 1800s. If you find a 1 star near you, book it. If you find a 2 star, you’re in for a treat. If you find a 3 star - make a travel detour if you need to and get there!
Wanderlog Dining Lists:
Wanderlog.com - Wanderlog is an interesting site - compiling lots of travel planning possibilities. Their trip-planning features are worth checking out, but we’ve come to really like their restaurant lists. They’re just a little pickier than TripAdvisor, but not as exclusive as Michelin. They’re worth checking out in most towns.
When trying to get a nicer restaurant into your travel plans, we recommend making reservations at least a couple of weeks ahead of time. Some of the Michelin star restaurants might even require more advance (varies).
Things to See and Do Lists
Finding what to see and do is always a travel priority. We've compiled lists/links from the world's most credible sources to help you find the best adventures for your destination. These lists will help you find the most popular attractions (and some hidden gems) for your travel adventures.
Things to See and Do Resources:
These are a few resources we trust. They will give you some great places to start. Rank your priorities (and your travel friends' priorities), see what works for your schedule, and plan an amazing travel adventure. *Don't try to cram too much in - it's those "unplanned" moments that often product the best adventures.
FodorsTravel.com - In our experience, Fodor’s is the best overall place to start when planning a trip. Once you search and find their guide to a city - they break the guide down into Sights, Nightlife, Shopping, Performing Arts, and Sports and Acitivities. There’s not tons of inspiration here, but good, reliable information. There are ads, but they do a good job of keeping the content credible. They also have a great “Map View” feature for the different sections so you can always check to see what’s close. Their Hotels and Restaurants guides are also pretty good.
RickSteves.com - Rick Steves has been an awesome resource for budget travelers for decades, and his content just keeps getting better. His reviews are reliable, his itineraries are fantastic, and his reputation for credibility is great. We check out his information on any destination we're thinking about visiting.
AtlasObscura.com - This is our favorite guide source! We don’t know how the team at Atlas Obscura finds so many cool, interesting, and odd things to see around the world - but they do it. It’s easy to find those top few things to do in any location, but these guys go beyond - and get you some off-the-beaten path adventures.
TripAdvisor - Trip Advisor is pretty commercial in nature, but they have really high traffic - so it's easy to see what's popular pretty much anywhere in the world. That can be helpful for planning what to see, and sometimes what to avoid. It's one of our go-to resources for seeing what might be in the town ahead on a road trip.
Wanderlog.com - Wanderlog is an interesting site - compiling lots of travel planning possibilities. Their trip-planning features are worth checking out, and we really like their “THINGS TO DO” lists. They’re pretty much ranked from most popular to least - so its a great place to figure out a priority list of things to see.
GetYourGuide.com - We really like this one! Get your guide is becoming a great source for planning as well as inspiration for travel adventures. Even if you aren’t looking for things to do on your trip, it’s a good place to get new trip ideas and browse exciting things to do. They have some "decent" pricing on local activities - worth considering for booking.
Nomadicmatt.com - Matt travels as much as any blogger / content creator we follow. He's a good writer, a good planner, and delivers entertaining content. We certainly recommend you check out his travel guides. If he's been somewhere, he shares great stuff!
OTHERS WORTH CHECKING OUT:
The Crazy Tourist - This is a travel resource that covers destinations all over the world. Just type the name of a country or city in their search section, and they have good
CultureTrip.com - This one is pretty commercial (lots of ads), but its also pretty reliable. They’ve been a travel industry leader for a long time, so there are enough reviews on things to know if you’re making good decisions. We always check out the Culture Trip guide for any location we’re planning on visiting.
Itineraries to Get You Started
Building an itinerary for your travel adventure can be a daunting task. Here are a few resources to help you get started without all the "noise" associated with online research. These are sample itineraries from travel pros who are credible, reliable, and know the places they're writing about. Itineraries are made to be broken, but hopefully these will start you out on the right path.
If you're planning a trip to Spain, there's so much to see and do that it can be overwhelming to know where to start. To help you plan your itinerary, here's a comprehensive checklist of must-see destinations and off-the-beaten-path gems to explore. Below our checklist, you'll find several sample itineraries we recommend.
DON’T MISS:
- Barcelona: Explore the vibrant city known for its unique architecture, including the famous Sagrada Familia and Park Güell.
- Alhambra, Granada: Visit this stunning palace complex showcasing Islamic art and architecture, with beautiful gardens and breathtaking views of the city.
- Prado Museum, Madrid: Discover one of the world's most renowned art museums, housing masterpieces by Spanish artists such as Velázquez, Goya, and El Greco.
- Seville Cathedral: Marvel at the largest Gothic cathedral in the world, home to the tomb of Christopher Columbus and a stunning bell tower, La Giralda.
- Santiago de Compostela: Experience the historic pilgrimage destination and visit the magnificent Santiago de Compostela Cathedral, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
- Valencia: Explore the City of Arts and Sciences, a futuristic complex with impressive architecture and various attractions, including an opera house and a science museum.
- Montserrat: Take a day trip to this mountain range near Barcelona, where you can visit the Montserrat Monastery and enjoy panoramic views of the surrounding landscape.
- Costa Brava: Discover the stunning coastal region with picturesque beaches, charming fishing villages, and breathtaking cliffs.
IF YOU HAVE MORE TIME:
- Costa del Sol: Relax on the beautiful beaches of the southern coast, known for its pleasant climate and vibrant resorts like Marbella and Malaga.
- Toledo: Step back in time in this medieval city known for its well-preserved architecture, historic synagogues, and the imposing Toledo Cathedral.
- San Sebastián: Indulge in culinary delights in this food lover's paradise, known for its pintxos (Basque-style tapas) and picturesque beach.
- Gran Canaria: Explore the Canary Islands' popular destination with its diverse landscapes, from stunning beaches to towering dunes and lush mountains.
- Cordoba: Visit the historic city with its magnificent Mezquita, a mosque-cathedral showcasing stunning Moorish architecture.
- Ibiza: Experience the vibrant nightlife, beautiful beaches, and charming Old Town of this famous Mediterranean island.
- La Sagrada Família, Barcelona: Admire the intricate details of Antoni Gaudí's masterpiece, an ongoing construction that embodies Barcelona's unique architectural style.
- Ronda: Discover the picturesque town perched atop dramatic cliffs, known for its stunning views, ancient bullring, and the Puente Nuevo bridge.
OFF THE BEATEN PATH
- Cádiz: Visit the historic port city with its charming old town, beautiful beaches, and lively carnival celebrations.
- Cuenca: Explore the "hanging houses" of this cliffside town, which seem to be suspended over a deep gorge, and visit the famous Cuenca Cathedral.
- La Rioja: Embark on a wine-tasting adventure in this renowned wine region, visiting vineyards and wineries to sample the excellent local wines.
- Mérida: Discover the Roman heritage of this ancient city, home to well-preserved ruins such as the Roman Theatre and the impressive Mérida Aqueduct.
- Guggenheim Museum, Bilbao: Immerse yourself in modern and contemporary art at this iconic museum designed by Frank Gehry.
- Tenerife: Experience the Canary Islands' largest island, known for its volcanic landscapes, diverse ecosystems, and the impressive Mount Teide.
- Burgos: Explore the historic city with its magnificent Burgos Cathedral, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and stroll along the charming medieval streets.
- Costa de la Luz: Relax on the pristine beaches of this unspoiled coastal region, known for its golden sands and tranquil atmosphere.
ITINERARIES FOR SPAIN:
Itineraries can be tough to build, but the process can also be really fun to research. We read hundreds of these a month - and are always looking for better ones for our resource guides. Here are a few we found that might be helpful to get you started. Some of these are from favorite sources, and few we just found for this country. Start planning that adventure!
10 Days in Spain: What to Do & Where to Go / Treksplorer
10 Days in Spain: Itinerary for First Timers / Savored Journeys
The Best of Spain by Train / Eurail
10 Days in Spain: The Perfect Itinerary / RoadAffair
3 Week Spain Itinerary for Adventurous Travelers / WineTraveler
Rick Steves / 3 Days - 25 Days / Spain Itinerary
Best Spain Tours and Itineraries / kimkim
3 Days in Barcelona: The Perfect First Visit Itinerary / Earth Trekkers
Barcelona Itinerary / Nomadic Matt
The Perfect 3 Day Granada Itinerary / Nomadic Matt
Suggested Itineraries in Spain / Frommers
The Ultimate 10 Days in Spain / Our Escape Clause
MORE RESOURCES:
Spain Travel Guide / Earth Trekkers
Nomadic Matt: Spain Budget Travel Guide
Nomadic Matt: Valencia Budget Travel Guide
Nomadic Matt: Barcelona Budget Travel Guide
Nomadic Matt: Madrid Budget Travel Guide
Nomadic Matt: Seville Budget Travel Guide
Nomadic Matt: Geneva Budget Travel Guide
Nomadic Matt: Granada Budget Travel Guide
Rick Steves: Spain Travel Guide
Backpacking Spain Travel Guide / The Broke Backpacker
Best Backpacking Trails in Switzerland / AllTrails
Spain Travel Guide / Treksplorer
Top Sports for Hiking and Trekking in Spain / Culture Trip
Hiking in Spain: 10 Epic Hikes you Need to Do / AdventureinYou
Best 10 Trails and Hikes in Spain / AllTrails
Top 10 Must Ride Cycling Destinations in Spain / Eat Sleep Cycle
Spain's Top 10 Road Bike Routes / Travel
Thousands of Great Photo Spots in Spain / LocationScout
VIDEOS TO WATCH:
SPAIN 4K - SCENIC RELAXATION FILM / SCENIC RELAXATION
TOP 20 PLACES TO VISIT IN SPAIN / RYAN SHIRLEY
SPAIN TRAVEL GUIDE / VAGABROTHERS
TOP 10 THINGS TO DO IN BARCELONA / VAGABROTHERS
RICK STEVES' ANDALUCIA: THE BEST OF SOUTHERN SPAIN
12 THINGS TO DO IN SEVILLE, SPAIN / KRISTINA'S TRAVELS
WHAT IS THE BASQUE COUNTRY / VAGABROTHERS
BEAUTIFUL BASQUE COAST: EUROPE'S HIDDEN GEM / VAGABROTHERS
ROAD TRIP IN NORTHERN SPAIN / ANYONE CAN TRAVEL
10 MOST BEAUTIFUL TOWNS IN SPAIN / LIFESTYLE HAL
SANTILLANA DEL MAR / MEET ME IN MADRID
*photos from pixabay.com, pexels.com, unsplash.com and Darrell Potts
LOCATION SCOUT / PHOTOS
Resource Tip! Whenever we're considering going to a places we've never been, I like to pull it up on https://www.locationscout.net
Location Scout shows you pics from thousands of places around the world - just to give you a visual of where you're considering going. This is a photography-based website, with pics - and locations where the pics were taken (maps). Here's a snapshot of what you see when you look up this country. We highly recommend you browse this site before any adventure: https://www.locationscout.net
EMAIL Us - We Want to Hear From You!
We believe that the best travel advice comes from those who have experienced it firsthand. That's why we're inviting our members to share their travel tips, and recommendations with us. Whether it's a hidden gem of a restaurant, a must-see attraction, or an off-the-beaten-path adventure, we want to hear about it. Your contributions are helping us build a new database of "Member Suggestions." Email us when you get a chance - links, maps, and reviews all help! Email us at [email protected]
These resource pages have been fun to work on! We hope they keep getting better. Are we missing something? Are we missing one of your favorite travel resources? Please email me - I'd love to learn anything that can help make travel adventures even better! Darrell Potts.
