Backpack Europe and Budget Travel: Traveling in Spain
Traveling in Spain
Spain is a beautiful country, and cities like Barcelona and Madrid are unforgettable.
Backpacking Spain - Quick Facts
Local Language: Spanish is very similar to other Latin based languages such as French and Italian - You'll find similarities. In and around Barcelona though, the language is Catalan which can be very different from Spanish.
Visa Requirements:Canadians are allowed in Spain for 90 days without a visa.
Health Risks: None
Costs: Spain is generally cheaper than most of Western Europe however tourist cities such as Barcelona and Madrid can certainly eat up your wallet if you're not careful. Watch out for the night life especially - Sometimes drinks get more expensive after 11pm. Budget at least $40 Canadian.
Gaudi's Garden - Barcelona, Spain
My Travels in Spain
Spain is a very interesting country, with beautiful landscapes and really, really great night life. Just walking around the cities and watching the people and soaking in the culture will make you want to step back and say "wow.."
I spent several days in both Barcelona and Madrid, and I'd love to go back again for awhile. I didn't nearly scratch the surface of all that Spain has to offer. Madrid has an extremely interesting history, if you're at all familiar with the Spanish civil war. Barcelona is loaded with museums, architecture by Gaudi and the olympic village from the summer olympics. If you're in Barcelona be sure to check out the Picasso museum as well.
The best way to get around Spain is by train, but I've heard numerous stories of people having things stolen on night trains so be extra careful. You don't need to be paranoid, but be aware. Night trains are always packed as well, and it's a good idea to make a reservation where ever you go in Spain. Summer time gets crowded and it's no fun sitting on the floor of a train.
Hotels and Hostels in Spain
Spain gets VERY busy during the summer months. Make a reservation everywhere you go, be it Barcelona, Madrid, or elsewhere. You'll want to call a hostel or hotel at least a week in advance. It's really that busy. Spain is a wonderful country to travel in and everyone knows it.
Hotels in Spain
For hotels in Spain, check out the link below:
Cheap Hotels and Hostels in Spain
Barcelona and Madrid
Barcelona is on everyone's must-see list, and there's good reasons why. The incredible architecture, the crazy night-life and the beautiful scenery and weather are just a few.
One of the most awe inspiring sites I saw was the Sacred Family church, Sacrade Familia (I'm probably spelling it wrong). It's a huge huge church designed by Gaudi, and hasn't been completed yet. Just the textures of the building and the sheer size of it is truly incredible. It's one of many building in Barcelona designed by Gaudi. Another one of my favourites was the Gaudi park, with it's different styles all mixed into a beautiful park overlooking Barcelona. By far those were my favourite highlights.
Also there are many more attractions Barcelona has to offer. Sites include the Picasso museum and the Olympic village among many others. Also close by are the beaches on the sea.
The heart of Barcelona centres around La Rambla, a boulevard full of shops and cafes and bars, lined with street performers and merchants. It's also lined with pick pockets, so keep alert. I met a guy who wandered down an alley off La Rambla one night, a little drunk, and someone tried to take his wallet. A little fight ensued and the would-be thief took off. But just be aware of your surroundings.
Madrid is just as full of sites and attractions. I wish I had spent enough time to check them all out! The Spanish royal family has their palace here, and you'll most likely take a photo in front of it with the other tourists. There are many parks and gardens in the area as well, nice to wander around on a sunny summer day.
Most accommodations are found downtown around the Puerta del Sol, which is also where much of the night life is centred. Getting around Madrid is pretty easy as well, with the Metro and other public transport. Madrid is such a major transportation hub that you'll find yourself in the train station at some point if you're traveling around Spain. Take a few days and Madrid is sure to grow on you.
For Spanish and European travel guidebooks, check here:
Spain and European Guidebooks
Trains to Barcelona and Madrid
Make a reservation! Many trains to Barcelona fill up very quickly and it took me two tries before I could finally get a reservation. Make one as soon as you can and you'll be off. Madrid is a little bit easier, but like Barcelona many of the trains are night trains. Be prepared for a long night as these trains are packed with backpackers.
Eurail passes cover Spain, and are definitely worth purchasing as the train is the best way to get around the country. You'll have to pay extra for reservations (recommended) and reservations are mandatory on many trains.
Cheap Train and Eurail Passes
For more information about the Spanish rail system itself, click here:
http://www.renfe.es/
For car rentals in Spain try:
Flights to Spain
Spain has several destinations and many flights. It's often possible to get cheap last-minute deals to many of the islands such as Ibiza and Mallorca, as well as flights to Madrid and Barcelona.
Spanish Language
Spanish is similar to most latin languages, such as Italian and French. You'll find a lot of similarities between them. And like France and Italy, there aren't too many English speakers in Spain. It'll be a good idea to pick up a few words in Spanish to help you get by.
Canuck Abroad's Spanish Travel Dictionary
One of Madrid's many historic buildings
Spain Travel Links
Spain tourism - Official tourism site of Spain
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