Spain Holiday planner
Capital: Madrid
Currency: Euro
Language: Spanish (Also Catalan, Galician, Basque)
Climate: Spain’s climate is remarkably diverse. Much of the country enjoys a classic Mediterranean pattern with hot, dry summers and mild, pleasant winters. In contrast, the rainy northern coast experiences an oceanic climate, while the inland plateau shifts toward a more continental influence, marked by greater temperature extremes between seasons. From sun‑soaked southern shores to cooler mountain regions and lush Atlantic landscapes, Spain offers some of the most varied climate zones in Europe.
Electricity: Powersockets and plugs of type C (two round pins) and Type F (two round pins with grounding clips) -230V at a frequency of 50Hz
Safety: Spain is generally very safe, with low violent crime, but petty theft (pickpocketing, bag snatching) is common in tourist areas, especially big cities like Madrid and Barcelona, requiring vigilance for your belongings. Be cautious of demonstrations, follow local warnings (especially for coastal hazards), secure valuables, and watch for distraction tactics by thieves.
Transportation: Spain boasts a comprehensive transport system with extensive high-speed rail (AVE), modern metros in major cities (Madrid, Barcelona), a vast road network, and numerous domestic flights for fast travel, complemented by affordable inter-city buses and ferries, offering diverse options for navigating both urban centers and rural areas efficiently.
Cycling in Spain is genuinely enjoyable. Spanish drivers tend to be very considerate toward cyclists, giving plenty of space and showing real awareness on the road. In all the years I’ve ridden across the country, I’ve never had a single issue — just smooth roads, beautiful scenery, and a sense of safety that lets you focus on the ride.
Currency: Euro
Language: Spanish (Also Catalan, Galician, Basque)
Climate: Spain’s climate is remarkably diverse. Much of the country enjoys a classic Mediterranean pattern with hot, dry summers and mild, pleasant winters. In contrast, the rainy northern coast experiences an oceanic climate, while the inland plateau shifts toward a more continental influence, marked by greater temperature extremes between seasons. From sun‑soaked southern shores to cooler mountain regions and lush Atlantic landscapes, Spain offers some of the most varied climate zones in Europe.
Electricity: Powersockets and plugs of type C (two round pins) and Type F (two round pins with grounding clips) -230V at a frequency of 50Hz
Safety: Spain is generally very safe, with low violent crime, but petty theft (pickpocketing, bag snatching) is common in tourist areas, especially big cities like Madrid and Barcelona, requiring vigilance for your belongings. Be cautious of demonstrations, follow local warnings (especially for coastal hazards), secure valuables, and watch for distraction tactics by thieves.
Transportation: Spain boasts a comprehensive transport system with extensive high-speed rail (AVE), modern metros in major cities (Madrid, Barcelona), a vast road network, and numerous domestic flights for fast travel, complemented by affordable inter-city buses and ferries, offering diverse options for navigating both urban centers and rural areas efficiently.
Cycling in Spain is genuinely enjoyable. Spanish drivers tend to be very considerate toward cyclists, giving plenty of space and showing real awareness on the road. In all the years I’ve ridden across the country, I’ve never had a single issue — just smooth roads, beautiful scenery, and a sense of safety that lets you focus on the ride.
Must see & do attractions
Altamira:
The cave of Altamira is famous for its prehistoric paintings and engravings, hence the reason the cave was designated a UNESCO world heritage site in 1985. The cave, which is 296 meters in length, has an entrance hall , main gallery and side hall, and contains some of the worlds finest examples of prehistoric rockart.
The drawings which are dated back some 14,480 years ago show bison, deer, boars, horses,... They are painted using natural, red-coloured ochre and outlined in black using charcoal.
The cave of Altamira is famous for its prehistoric paintings and engravings, hence the reason the cave was designated a UNESCO world heritage site in 1985. The cave, which is 296 meters in length, has an entrance hall , main gallery and side hall, and contains some of the worlds finest examples of prehistoric rockart.
The drawings which are dated back some 14,480 years ago show bison, deer, boars, horses,... They are painted using natural, red-coloured ochre and outlined in black using charcoal.
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Barcelona:
Barcelona is the capital of Catalonia. Being recognized as a “Global city ” for its great cultural, historical and architectural richness and as a financial, commercial and tourist city, Barcelona is worth a visit. From a stroll around the many markets to admiring some of Gaudi's best work to sampling the delicious food on offer, this lively city should be on your bucket list.
Barcelona is the capital of Catalonia. Being recognized as a “Global city ” for its great cultural, historical and architectural richness and as a financial, commercial and tourist city, Barcelona is worth a visit. From a stroll around the many markets to admiring some of Gaudi's best work to sampling the delicious food on offer, this lively city should be on your bucket list.
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Caceres:
Caceres, a Roman city located in Extremadura, is a must visit Unesco world heritage site. The city retains evidence of many different cultures.
The walled old town, Ciudad Monumental, is truly remarkable. With a mix of gothic and Renaissance architecture, the old town is protected by 12th Century Moorish walls which up until this day stand fully intact. Narrow cobbled streets meander through the old town where old palaces and mansions grace the landscape. The many towers, turrets and spires overlook the town, many of them having nesting storks on them.
Caceres, a Roman city located in Extremadura, is a must visit Unesco world heritage site. The city retains evidence of many different cultures.
The walled old town, Ciudad Monumental, is truly remarkable. With a mix of gothic and Renaissance architecture, the old town is protected by 12th Century Moorish walls which up until this day stand fully intact. Narrow cobbled streets meander through the old town where old palaces and mansions grace the landscape. The many towers, turrets and spires overlook the town, many of them having nesting storks on them.
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Cudillero:
Cudillero is an idyllic fishing village in Asturias . The tiny port has stayed unchanged, its many pastel-coloured houses clinging to the steep hillside. The amphitheatre shaped town overlooks the main central Plaza de la Marina where many restaurants await the many tourists that visit this beautiful fishing village.
Cudillero is an idyllic fishing village in Asturias . The tiny port has stayed unchanged, its many pastel-coloured houses clinging to the steep hillside. The amphitheatre shaped town overlooks the main central Plaza de la Marina where many restaurants await the many tourists that visit this beautiful fishing village.
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El Rocio:
El Rocio is located in Huelva province, in the heart of the Doñana park. It will remind you of a Wild-West-style town as all the roads are unpaved (lose sand) and in front of every house is a wooden rail where you can tie your horse on. For a few days in late May or early June, Catholic brotherhoods and countless others flock from all over Andalucia, Spain, and beyond, to the town, to pay tribute to the Virgin del Roció, housed in her own church in the town.
El Rocio is located in Huelva province, in the heart of the Doñana park. It will remind you of a Wild-West-style town as all the roads are unpaved (lose sand) and in front of every house is a wooden rail where you can tie your horse on. For a few days in late May or early June, Catholic brotherhoods and countless others flock from all over Andalucia, Spain, and beyond, to the town, to pay tribute to the Virgin del Roció, housed in her own church in the town.
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Isla de Cies:
These islands are situated in Vigo's estuary in Galicia. It exists out of 3 islands, Monte Agudo , o faro and San Martino.
The first 2 islands are connected by a long strip of sand called Rodas beach. This beach was voted best beach in the world by The Guardian.
The islands are a nature reserve and limited number of visitors are allowed to enter the islands on an annual basis.
These islands are situated in Vigo's estuary in Galicia. It exists out of 3 islands, Monte Agudo , o faro and San Martino.
The first 2 islands are connected by a long strip of sand called Rodas beach. This beach was voted best beach in the world by The Guardian.
The islands are a nature reserve and limited number of visitors are allowed to enter the islands on an annual basis.
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Fiesta de Los Reyes:
Festival of the Three kings. Malaga has an amazing 3 kings parade around dusk every year on the 5th January where colourful floats
see the arrival of Melchor, Gazpar and Baltasar.
The floats are loaded with sweets, and believe us, you won't go home with empty hands.
Festival of the Three kings. Malaga has an amazing 3 kings parade around dusk every year on the 5th January where colourful floats
see the arrival of Melchor, Gazpar and Baltasar.
The floats are loaded with sweets, and believe us, you won't go home with empty hands.
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Generalife and Alhambra - Granada:
The Generalife was once the Country residence to the Sultan. The colourful and outstandingly beautiful Acequia Courtyard serves as the entry point into the premises which consists out of two structures that are located at each end of a large courtyard, with a pool in the middle.
The fertile land created by diverting a river surrounds the palaces and was used to provide food to the palaces.
The Alhambra is a stunning complex of buildings and gardens that once served as the largest political and aristocratic centre of the Moslem West. It was the largest political and aristocratic centre of the Moslem West. The Palace premises comprise beautiful rectangular courtyards and numerous fountains, as well as the Nasrid buildings that served as living quarters for the monarchs and their servants.
The Generalife was once the Country residence to the Sultan. The colourful and outstandingly beautiful Acequia Courtyard serves as the entry point into the premises which consists out of two structures that are located at each end of a large courtyard, with a pool in the middle.
The fertile land created by diverting a river surrounds the palaces and was used to provide food to the palaces.
The Alhambra is a stunning complex of buildings and gardens that once served as the largest political and aristocratic centre of the Moslem West. It was the largest political and aristocratic centre of the Moslem West. The Palace premises comprise beautiful rectangular courtyards and numerous fountains, as well as the Nasrid buildings that served as living quarters for the monarchs and their servants.
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Frigiliana:
Frigiliana is a whitewashed village 6km North of Nerja which is very popular with tourists. But if you arrive early before the buses arrive, you get to discover a true gem where the white houses with their red slates are in stark contrast with the blue sky.
A village where the views towards the coast are just fabulous.
Frigiliana is a whitewashed village 6km North of Nerja which is very popular with tourists. But if you arrive early before the buses arrive, you get to discover a true gem where the white houses with their red slates are in stark contrast with the blue sky.
A village where the views towards the coast are just fabulous.
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Ronda:
Ronda is one of the oldest cities in Spain. Balancing on the edge of a canyon, there are plenty of narrow streets to wander around. The 98- meter high Puento Nuevo is a sight to be seen, with many of the house their balconies overhanging the Ronda Gorge. The old quarter with its narrow cobbled streets decorated with geraniums is a charming place to walk around . Admire the stunning old buildings like the Mondragon Palace or Giant's House.
Other spectacular buildings within the town are the Moorish palace and the Arab baths. These baths go back to the 13th Century and they are one of the best preserved on the entire Iberian Peninsula.
Ronda is one of the oldest cities in Spain. Balancing on the edge of a canyon, there are plenty of narrow streets to wander around. The 98- meter high Puento Nuevo is a sight to be seen, with many of the house their balconies overhanging the Ronda Gorge. The old quarter with its narrow cobbled streets decorated with geraniums is a charming place to walk around . Admire the stunning old buildings like the Mondragon Palace or Giant's House.
Other spectacular buildings within the town are the Moorish palace and the Arab baths. These baths go back to the 13th Century and they are one of the best preserved on the entire Iberian Peninsula.
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Santillana del Mar:
Santillana del Mar looks like a film set of a medieval movie. The cobble stoned streets which are kept traffic free together with the houses with flower filled balconies are postcard perfect. Located on the northern pilgrim's route to Santiago de Compostela, Santillana Del Mar is labelled as one of the best preserved medieval towns in Cantabria.
This medieval town originates back to the VIII century where the town was developed around the church of Santa Juliana, an example of well preserved Romanesque architecture. In Plaza Abad Francisco Navarro, you can still admire the old Lavadero where ones people washed their clothes.
Santillana del Mar looks like a film set of a medieval movie. The cobble stoned streets which are kept traffic free together with the houses with flower filled balconies are postcard perfect. Located on the northern pilgrim's route to Santiago de Compostela, Santillana Del Mar is labelled as one of the best preserved medieval towns in Cantabria.
This medieval town originates back to the VIII century where the town was developed around the church of Santa Juliana, an example of well preserved Romanesque architecture. In Plaza Abad Francisco Navarro, you can still admire the old Lavadero where ones people washed their clothes.
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Most spectacular walk
El caminito Del Rey:
El caminito del rey is a walkway pinned to the walls of a steep gorge . It is not for the faint hearted, altough since extensive renovations took place between 2011 and 2015, the walkway has been made very safe.
in the past, it was known as the "worlds most dangerous walkway" due to the fact that 5 people fell to their death in 1999 and 2000.
But don't worry, since an investement of 9 million euro, the walkway is open again to the public.
El caminito del rey is a walkway pinned to the walls of a steep gorge . It is not for the faint hearted, altough since extensive renovations took place between 2011 and 2015, the walkway has been made very safe.
in the past, it was known as the "worlds most dangerous walkway" due to the fact that 5 people fell to their death in 1999 and 2000.
But don't worry, since an investement of 9 million euro, the walkway is open again to the public.
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Must try dish
Pulpo a la Gallega (galician octopus)
Pulpo a Gallega is Galicia's signature dish. The dish itself is paprika flavored octopus served mainly on a wooden plate.
Pulpo a Gallega is Galicia's signature dish. The dish itself is paprika flavored octopus served mainly on a wooden plate.
Toughest sport event
Transgrancanaria
With 16500 metres of ascent over 265Km, Transgrancanaria is one of the toughest ultra races in Europe.
Website: www.transgrancanaria.net/en/
With 16500 metres of ascent over 265Km, Transgrancanaria is one of the toughest ultra races in Europe.
Website: www.transgrancanaria.net/en/
