Europe
Spain
One of Europe's easiest solo destinations: late social evenings, cheap high-speed trains, good food at fair prices and large nomad communities. Inland summer heat and Barcelona's pickpockets are the trade-offs.
- US travel advisoryLevel 2Exercise increased cautionDetails
- Visa93 of 198passports can visit visa-freeDetails
- CurrencyEURUS$1 ≈ €0.89Details
- Price level64%of US prices (World Bank PPP)Details
- English3/5Common in tourist areasDetails
- PlugsType C, F230 V, 50 HzDetails
- Emergency112Police 091 · Ambulance 112 · Fire 112 · All emergencies 112
- Tap waterYes, drinkableSafe nationwide.Details
- LGBTQ+Marriage equalityAmong the world's most accepting countries: Madrid Pride is huge, and Sitges, Torremolinos and Maspalomas are LGBTQ+ favourites.Details
- Internet263 MbpsMedian fixed broadband · mobile 84 MbpsDetails
- DrivingOn the rightNon-EU visitors may drive six months on their licence; most, including US licence holders, also need an IDP.
- Digital nomad visaYesInternational Telework Visa (digital nomad visa)Details
Where to go in Spain
37 places with full guides. Comfortable monthly budget for one person, rent included.
| Place | Safety | Month, comfortable | Best months | Value |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| BarcelonaCity | 4/5 | $2,700–3,710 | May–Jun, Sep–Oct | 22/100 |
| MadridCapital city | 4/5 | $2,480–3,380 | Apr–Jun, Sep–Oct | 25/100 |
| SevilleCity | 4/5 | $1,910–2,700 | Mar–May, Oct–Nov | 47/100 |
| ValenciaCity | 4/5 | $2,140–3,040 | Apr–Jun, Oct | 36/100 |
| MálagaCity | 4/5 | $2,250–3,150 | Apr–Jun, Sep–Oct | 36/100 |
| MallorcaIsland | 4/5 | $2,700–3,710 | May–Jun, Sep–Oct | 22/100 |
| IbizaIsland | 4/5 | $3,150–4,500 | May–Jun, Sep–Oct | 13/100 |
| TenerifeIsland | 4/5 | $2,030–2,930 | Jan–May, Oct–Nov | 44/100 |
| Gran CanariaIsland | 4/5 | $1,910–2,700 | Oct–Apr | 52/100 |
| GranadaCity | 4/5 | $1,690–2,360 | Apr–Jun, Sep–Oct | 57/100 |
| Costa del SolRegion | — | $2,140–3,040 | Apr–Jun, Sep–Oct | — |
| PalmaCity | 4/5 | $2,700–3,710 | Apr–Jun, Sep–Oct | 22/100 |
| Las PalmasCity | 4/5 | $1,910–2,700 | Oct–Apr | 51/100 |
| LanzaroteIsland | 4/5 | $2,030–2,810 | Oct–May | 47/100 |
| San SebastiánCity | 5/5 | $2,930–4,050 | Jun–Sep | 21/100 |
| BilbaoCity | 5/5 | $2,360–3,260 | May–Jun, Sep–Oct | 35/100 |
| AlicanteCity | 4/5 | $1,910–2,700 | Mar–May, Oct–Nov | 45/100 |
| FuerteventuraIsland | 4/5 | $1,910–2,700 | Oct–Apr | 50/100 |
| CórdobaCity | 5/5 | $1,690–2,360 | Mar–May, Oct–Nov | 60/100 |
| MarbellaCity | 4/5 | $2,590–3,710 | Apr–Jun, Sep–Oct | 24/100 |
| MenorcaIsland | 5/5 | $2,480–3,600 | May–Jun, Sep–Oct | 30/100 |
| CádizCity | 4/5 | $1,690–2,480 | Apr–Jun, Sep–Oct | 56/100 |
| ToledoCity | 5/5 | $1,690–2,360 | Apr–Jun, Sep–Oct | 62/100 |
| Santiago de CompostelaCity | 5/5 | $1,580–2,250 | May–Sep | 66/100 |
| BenidormTown | 4/5 | $1,690–2,480 | Apr–Jun, Sep–Oct | 58/100 |
| Costa BlancaRegion | — | $1,910–2,700 | Apr–Jun, Oct–Nov | — |
| Costa BravaRegion | — | $2,030–2,930 | May–Jun, Sep–Oct | — |
| MaspalomasBeach town | 4/5 | $1,910–2,700 | Nov–Apr | 52/100 |
| SitgesTown | 4/5 | $2,480–3,600 | May–Jun, Sep–Oct | 25/100 |
| SalamancaCity | 5/5 | $1,460–2,140 | Apr–Jun, Sep–Oct | 71/100 |
| GironaCity | 5/5 | $2,030–2,930 | May–Jun, Sep–Oct | 47/100 |
| TarifaTown | 4/5 | $1,910–2,700 | May–Jul, Sep–Oct | 47/100 |
| RondaTown | 5/5 | $1,580–2,250 | Apr–Jun, Sep–Oct | 66/100 |
| NerjaTown | 4/5 | $1,910–2,810 | Apr–Jun, Sep–Oct | 47/100 |
| FormenteraIsland | 5/5 | $3,940–5,630 | May–Jun, Sep–Oct | 7/100 |
| TorremolinosTown | 4/5 | $1,910–2,810 | Apr–Jun, Sep–Oct | 47/100 |
| MurciaCity | — | $1,580–2,250 | Mar–May, Oct–Nov | — |
When to visit Spain
April–June and September–October. Inland summers (Seville, Madrid, Córdoba) often pass 40°C; the north coast stays cooler and rainier. The Canary Islands are warm year-round.
Good to know
Entry
- Schengen rules: 90 days in any 180 across all Schengen countries; passport issued within 10 years, valid 3 months past departure.
- The EU Entry/Exit System has replaced passport stamps since April 2026: fingerprints and photo at your first entry. Allow extra time.
- ETIAS, the planned €20 online authorisation, isn't required yet (October 2026); check travel-europe.europa.eu for its start date.
- Border police may ask for a return ticket, accommodation proof, insurance and funds (about €120 per day). Hotels must register your passport.
Laws visitors break by accident
- Drinking alcohol in the street is banned in many cities, with on-the-spot fines.
- Wearing swimwear or going shirtless away from the beach is fined in Barcelona and many resorts.
- Police can ask for photo ID at any time and hold you until it's confirmed; carry it.
Etiquette
- Dinner rarely starts before 21:00; lunch runs about 14:00–16:00.
- Greet with 'Hola' or 'Buenos días' when entering shops and lifts.
- In smaller towns many shops close for a long afternoon break.
Tipping
Not expected. Round up at bars and leave 5–10% for good restaurant service; check whether service is already included.
Neighbouring countries
Sources
- US State Department travel advisory
- BOE: Law 28/2022 (international telework visa)
- GOV.UK: Spain travel advice
- EU: Entry/Exit System (EES)
- Speedtest Global Index: Spain
- EF English Proficiency Index: Spain
- World Bank open data
Country facts are researched by SoloSquare; advisory levels, crime, health and visa figures come from the sources listed. Compiled and reviewed by SoloSquare. How we compile and score this. Spotted something out of date? Tell us.