Some of the most famous ancient ruins and interesting architecture in Spain include the Alhambra in Granada, a stunning palace and fortress complex with beautiful Islamic architecture. The Roman aqueduct in Segovia is another impressive site, …
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Backpacking Spain in 2025
A complete guide for backpacking in Spain with best places to go, best time to visit, what to bring and safety advice.
Visit Spain
Welcome to Spain, where the vibrant energy of flamenco meets historic charm under the Mediterranean sun. Pros? Revel in the diverse landscapes, from lively cities to tranquil beaches, with efficient transportation making exploration a breeze. Spain offers a robust backpacker infrastructure and a vibrant nightlife scene. However, some tourist hotspots can be crowded, impacting the authentic experience. For backpackers seeking a blend of culture, history, and lively ambiance, Spain's unique regional identities and festive spirit make it an enticing destination, where each tapa and siesta unveils a piece of this Iberian gem.
Why to go?Why backpacking in Spain
Architecture
Beach life
Spain is great for beach life and snorkeling because it offers a diverse range of coastal landscapes, from the stunning beaches of the Costa del Sol to the rugged coves of the Costa Brava. The country boasts over 5,000 miles of coastline, providing …
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Mountains
The Sierra Nevada mountains in Spain are great to explore. Located in the southern region of Andalusia, they offer stunning landscapes, diverse flora and fauna, and a range of outdoor activities. The highest peak, Mulhacén, reaches over 3,400 …
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Backpackers
The backpacker scene in Spain is vibrant and diverse, offering a unique experience for travelers. The country is a popular destination for backpackers due to its rich history, beautiful landscapes, and vibrant culture.
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Food
The food in Spain is so good because of the country’s rich culinary history, diverse regional cuisines, and high-quality, fresh ingredients. Spain’s cuisine has been influenced by various cultures, including the Moors, Romans, and Celts, …
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Scenery
Spain offers a diverse range of stunning sceneries that are worth exploring. One of the most popular destinations is the Costa del Sol, which boasts beautiful sandy beaches and crystal-clear waters. The region is also known for its vibrant nightlife …
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People
The people of Spain are known for their warm and welcoming nature, often going out of their way to make visitors feel at home. Whether it’s inviting strangers into their homes for a meal, offering directions to lost travelers, or simply striking …
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💡 HighlightsTop-5 things to do in Spain
- Visit the Sagrada Familia in Barcelona: This iconic basilica, designed by Antoni Gaudí, is a must-see attraction. Its unique architecture and intricate details make it a masterpiece of Catalan modernism.
- Explore the Alhambra in Granada: This stunning palace and fortress complex is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Its exquisite Islamic architecture, beautiful gardens, and breathtaking views of the city make it a must-visit destination.
- Experience the Flamenco in Seville: Seville is the birthplace of Flamenco, a passionate and expressive Spanish dance. Watching a live Flamenco performance is a cultural experience that should not be missed.
- Discover the Prado Museum in Madrid: This world-renowned art museum houses an impressive collection of European art, including masterpieces by Goya, Velázquez, and El Greco. Art enthusiasts will appreciate the vast range of styles and periods represented in the museum.
- Relax on the beaches of Costa del Sol: The Costa del Sol, located in the southern region of Andalusia, offers beautiful sandy beaches, crystal-clear waters, and a vibrant nightlife. It is the perfect destination for sunbathing, swimming, and enjoying the Mediterranean atmosphere.
But Spain offers more...
× Spain
Traveled route: Malaga, Tabernas, Alhambra, Granada, Ronda, Asturias, Cangas de Onís, Cordiñanes de Valdeón, Caín de Valdeón, Refugio Vega de Ario, Lago Enol, Refugio Vegarredonda J.M. Remis, Refugio de Vegabaño, Cordiñanes de Valdeón, Playa de Cuevas del Mar
🌤️ When to go?Best time to go backpacking Spain
The best time to visit Spain for backpacking is during the spring (April to June) and autumn (September to October). During these months, the weather is pleasant with mild temperatures, making it ideal for outdoor activities and exploring the cities. Additionally, the tourist crowds are smaller compared to the peak summer months, allowing for a more authentic and immersive experience.
Risk level: low (33%)Safety advice for Spain
- Terrorist attacks in Spain are likely. The national terrorism alert level for Spain is 'high'. Attacks could be indiscriminate and could occur anywhere, any time and without warning. Take official warnings seriously and follow the advice of local authorities.
- Demonstrations and strikes can occur and disrupt transport. Sometimes, protesters clash with police. Avoid unrest.
- Watch out for bag snatching, pickpocketing and theft from cars in large cities. Petty crime is a serious problem in Barcelona. Take care at tourist spots, beaches and on transport.
- Taking part in the Running of the Bulls in Pamplona is dangerous. Check your travel insurance covers you.
- Spain experiences earthquakes, volcanic eruptions, severe storms and forest fires. Monitor local media for updates.
source: smartraveller.gov.au
SpainMy tips to get you on the way!Does Spain sound like your next backpacking destination? Use these steps to get you on the way.
Get inspiration 📚
While guidebooks used to be the backpacker’s holy grail for finding accomodation, nowadays that’s more conveniently accomplished online. However, guidebooks remain an excellent resource for familiarizing oneself with the country, gaining inspiration, and discovering itineraries. I enjoy reading them before my travels and then leaving them behind at home when I embark on my journey.
While guidebooks used to be the backpacker’s holy grail for finding accomodation, nowadays that’s more conveniently accomplished online. However, guidebooks remain an excellent resource for familiarizing oneself with the country, gaining inspiration, and discovering itineraries. I enjoy reading them before my travels and then leaving them behind at home when I embark on my journey.
Prepare your trip ✅
Before embarking on your journey, several essential checks are crucial: passport, visa, vaccinations and insurance. Some countries mandate that your passport remains valid for 3 to 6 months post your return. Additionally, it is important to verify the specific visa requirements for Spain. These differ per country of origin. While you can handle visa arrangements independently, online visa services streamline the process as they know exactly what’s needed for each country. Spain may require certain vaccinations. Make sure to timely check which ones you still need. Lastly, if you don’t have a travel insurance yet, Safety Wing is a good choice as they are tailored for backpackers.
Before embarking on your journey, several essential checks are crucial: passport, visa, vaccinations and insurance. Some countries mandate that your passport remains valid for 3 to 6 months post your return. Additionally, it is important to verify the specific visa requirements for Spain. These differ per country of origin. While you can handle visa arrangements independently, online visa services streamline the process as they know exactly what’s needed for each country. Spain may require certain vaccinations. Make sure to timely check which ones you still need. Lastly, if you don’t have a travel insurance yet, Safety Wing is a good choice as they are tailored for backpackers.
Book your flight ✈️
The flight may be the most expensive part of your trip. Therefore it’s worth spending a bit of time finding the right one. Flight search engines like Skyscanner and Kayak are the best to compare all possible options. A good tip is to be flexible with your exact travel dates. Traveling one or two days earlier/later may save you some bucks. Also booking about three months in advance can help making the best deal for you (though I’m not the best one myself to follow this advice as I tend to decide last-minute). A final tip would be to check airports in neighbouring countries. Not necessarily for cost saving but it can be intriguing to journey into Spain, travel overland to one of its neighbours and fly back home from there.
The flight may be the most expensive part of your trip. Therefore it’s worth spending a bit of time finding the right one. Flight search engines like Skyscanner and Kayak are the best to compare all possible options. A good tip is to be flexible with your exact travel dates. Traveling one or two days earlier/later may save you some bucks. Also booking about three months in advance can help making the best deal for you (though I’m not the best one myself to follow this advice as I tend to decide last-minute). A final tip would be to check airports in neighbouring countries. Not necessarily for cost saving but it can be intriguing to journey into Spain, travel overland to one of its neighbours and fly back home from there.
Book your first night(s) 🛌
Depending on your travel style, you can either plan a detailed day-to-day route and pre-book your accommodations, providing peace of mind, or opt to book them spontaneously, offering greater flexibility to adjust your plan. Personally, I am a big fan of the latter approach, but I always ensure to book the first night(s) in advance.
Depending on your travel style, you can either plan a detailed day-to-day route and pre-book your accommodations, providing peace of mind, or opt to book them spontaneously, offering greater flexibility to adjust your plan. Personally, I am a big fan of the latter approach, but I always ensure to book the first night(s) in advance.
My personal packing list 🎒
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Over the years, I’ve learned the importance of packing minimally. It’s so much easier to jump on the back of a truck or squeeze yourself into the last spot of a minibus without that supersized backpack. If you’re headed to a warm destination, leave your winter jacket at home; for colder regions, opt for thin thermal underlayers. Instead of packing your entire wardrobe, bring just three sets of clothes, as laundry facilities are available everywhere.
Money & Documents
Clothing
Electronics
Health
Others
Over the years, I’ve learned the importance of packing minimally. It’s so much easier to jump on the back of a truck or squeeze yourself into the last spot of a minibus without that supersized backpack. If you’re headed to a warm destination, leave your winter jacket at home; for colder regions, opt for thin thermal underlayers. Instead of packing your entire wardrobe, bring just three sets of clothes, as laundry facilities are available everywhere.Money & Documents
Clothing
Electronics
Health
Others
Moneybelt
[Amazon]
“Best way to carry your important documents”
Quick dry pant
[Amazon]
“Nothing beats these quick dry and light pants when traveling”
Light rain jacket
[Amazon]
“Hiking in rainy season? These keep you dry”
Thermo underwear
[Amazon]
“Less weight and volume than bulky sweaters or jackets”
Quick dry towel
[Amazon]
“Normal towels get smelly and heavy when traveling”
Power bank
[Amazon]
“Pick a small and light one, with 10.000mAh or more”
Travel adapter
[Amazon]
“Needed as each country has its own electricity plugs”
Number lock
[Amazon]
“No chance of losing your key; handy for lockers in dormitories”
Packing cubes
[Amazon]
“Keep your wet or dirty clothes separate from the rest”
Travel pillow
[Amazon]
“Light and great for flights and long bus journeys”
last page update: 28 September 2024