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The Best Places in Spain to Visit in Summer
Spain is easily one of the best and most popular countries to visit in Summer. With beautiful beaches, bustling cities, incredible food, and many activities, you will be busy from the moment you wake up until you fall asleep. Here are a few of the best destinations you should put on your travel list.
Barcelona
Famed for its art and incredible architecture, Barcelona is one of the most well-known cities in the world. It combines the old and the new seamlessly and has everything from world-class restaurants to even better sports teams.
When you aren’t busy with activities, you will have to visit a camera store for film cameras and memory cards as you will be astounded by how much you want to photograph. It is an excellent city for a couples retreat, a family holiday, or a fun weekend and partying with friends.
For international travelers setting their sights on this vibrant city, the primary gateway is through Barcelona-El Prat Airport. It’s important for visitors to familiarize themselves with a guide to Barcelona airport, as this knowledge can significantly enhance their travel experience. Understanding the airport’s various terminals, transit options, and amenities ensures a smooth and stress-free arrival, allowing travelers to dive into the wonders of Barcelona right from the get-go. Whether you’re here for a romantic getaway, a family holiday, or a lively weekend with friends, starting your journey with a good grasp of the airport’s layout and services sets the tone for an unforgettable visit to this architecturally rich and culturally vibrant city.
Madrid
Another city that you should visit that needs no introduction is Madrid. Considering it is the capital of Spain, there isn’t much you can’t find in this breathtaking city. With impressive buildings, food, museums and galleries, activities, and a bustling nightlife, there is something for everything.
The one downside is that Madrid is centrally located in Spain, so you must travel a couple hundred miles to the nearest beach. However, if you use it as your starting point and then travel out, you can experience the best of what Spain has to offer.
Malaga
If you head south towards the coast, you will come across the often-overlooked city of Malaga. Missing out on this not-so-hidden gem is a huge mistake, as it is packed with a ton of Spanish history and culture.
Filled to the brim with ancient historical sites, you will also find various quirky restaurants and cafes serving up some of the best seafood you have ever eaten. On your lazy days, the Malaga beaches are perfect for an afternoon swim and a few drinks while you listen to the waves crashing and watch the sunset.
Valencia
Valencia is another city that is often not on many people’s itineraries. However, it is the perfect spot if you want to experience what a more modern Spain has to offer. Combining history with futuristic buildings, the city embraces modernity in the most stunning way.
It offers incredible nightlife, great food, tons of free museums, and there are several stunning beaches only a short drive away. Not only that, but you may find yourself enjoying a relatively quiet holiday as it is often just a stopping point for many tourists, as opposed to somewhere they stay for an extended period.
Ibiza
Finally, if you want to party and have an unforgettable break that is filled with fun in the sun, you need to head to Ibiza. One of the most famous party capitals of the world, the island has much more to offer than just world-class nightclubs.
With a plethora of amazing beaches, restaurants, hotels, etc, it is also a great spot for a family vacation. Don’t let the party reputation fool you; Ibiza offers everything you need for a complete holiday.
What to Remember When Visiting Spain this Summer
You should keep a few things in mind when visiting Spain during summer. While there aren’t many massive cultural differences compared to other European countries, there are still some differences to be aware of.
It’s Busy
While this may sound busy, many people are still surprised by just how busy the main metropolitan areas and islands get during summer. It is the most popular time to visit Spain and is also the time when many locals spend a lot of their days outdoors, eating out, etc.
Because of this, it is important to research what you want to do and book or buy tickets ahead of time to avoid disappointment, especially if you want to visit some of the more popular restaurants.
Pack Warm Clothes
Even in Summer, you still need warm clothes when visiting Spain. There are more colder months in Spain than warm ones, and unless you are visiting at the height of Summer, you can find yourself getting very chilly once the sun sets.
Pickpockets
Much like most major cities, Spain has its fair share of pickpockets. They typically operate in major cities, with the massive crowds providing the perfect cover. Therefore, be wary of your belongings, don’t leave bags unattended, and have locks on backpacks.
Knowing Spanish Helps
While English is common in major cities, such as Barcelona and Madrid, it becomes much less common once you move out to smaller towns and into the countryside. Considering many locals in these areas don’t need English, you will struggle to find someone who is fluent in it.
Therefore, it is important to have at least a basic understanding of Spanish and be able to communicate, once again, on a basic level. You can also download a translation app for your phone or have a phrase book on hand.
Public Transport
Finally, Spain has an excellent public transport system, especially in the major cities. Walking is common, as you can reach almost everything you need by foot, but if you need to go further, there are multiple trains, buses, and taxis that will get you to most places.
