Why visit
Spain offers Madrid's museums, Barcelona's Modernisme, Seville's flamenco, San Sebastián's pintxos, Granada's Alhambra, and Balearic and Canary islands. Nights start late; dinner at 9pm.
Country · Europe
Spain
culturefoodhistorybeachcity
At a glance
Location
40.0°, -4.0°
Coast
Has coastline
Country area
505,992 km²
195,365 mi²
Country population
47.9 million
95/km²
Subregion
Southern Europe
Currency
Euro (€)
EUR
Dial
+34
Language
Spanish
Demonym
Spanish
Internet
.es
UN
Member state
ISO code
ES / ESP
Where in the world
40.0° · -4.0°
Spain
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Did you know
- Spain has the second-most UNESCO World Heritage Sites in the world.
- La Tomatina: the giant tomato fight: happens in Buñol on the last Wednesday of August every year.
- Spanish (Castilian) is the most spoken Romance language in the world.
- The Royal Palace of Madrid has 3,418 rooms: the largest by floor area in Europe.
Bordering Spain
Traveler notes
- AVE high-speed rail connects Madrid, Barcelona, Seville, Málaga
- Schengen visa; 90 days in 180
- Semana Santa and April Feria define spring in Andalusia
Plan checks
- Start research with the capital Madrid, then compare two or three other regions.
- Check passport validity, visa rules, health requirements, and travel insurance for current conditions.
- Verify swim safety, ocean conditions, and water-quality reports by month.
- Reserve top restaurants 2–4 weeks out and plan two standout meals per city.
Signature travel cities in Spain
Barcelona
Barcelona pairs Gaudí's Sagrada Família, Park Güell, and Casa Batlló with Gothic Quarter alleys, a walkable beach, and one of Europe's strongest food cities.
Seville
Seville holds the world's largest Gothic cathedral, the Alcázar's Moorish palace, flamenco peñas, and Semana Santa. The richest Holy Week in Spain.
San Sebastián
San Sebastián has more Michelin stars per capita than any city on earth, a crescent of sand at La Concha, and pintxos bars that are closer to an Olympic sport than dining.
Explore more
Frequently asked about Spain
What is the capital of Spain?
Madrid is the capital of Spain.
What currency does Spain use?
Spain uses the Euro (€), ISO code EUR.
What languages are spoken in Spain?
The primary language is Spanish.
Is Spain landlocked?
No, Spain has a coastline.
What countries border Spain?
Spain borders Andorra, France, Portugal, Morocco.
What is the international calling code for Spain?
The calling code is +34.
When is the best time to visit Spain?
Apr–Jun, Sep–Oct. Check current weather and local events before booking.
Other Europe destinations
Oxford
Oxford is 38 medieval colleges, the Bodleian Library, Radcliffe Camera, and a river you can punt on. A complete day-trip from London or a slower weekend.
Manchester
Manchester is industrial-revolution roots, two major football clubs, Northern Quarter's indie scene, and some of the UK's best restaurants outside London.
Lyon
Lyon is France's gastronomic capital. Bouchons for traditional food, Vieux Lyon's Renaissance old town, and traboules (hidden passageways) used by silk weavers.
Nice
Nice is the French Riviera base. Promenade des Anglais, Cours Saleya market, and short trains to Monaco, Cannes, and Antibes.
Marseille
Marseille is France's most Mediterranean city. Vieux Port, Calanques national park, Panier's narrow streets, and the MuCEM waterfront museum.
Porto
Porto is port wine at Vila Nova de Gaia, the Ribeira riverfront (UNESCO), Livraria Lello's staircase, and francesinha sandwiches that should probably be illegal.