Our Guide to Traveling in Spain

From Paris, it takes about 2 hours to fly to Madrid or Barcelona, and a little longer to destinations in the south. Round-trip airfare generally ranges from 80 to 250 euros, depending on the season, the airline, and the destination. Traveling to Spain by train is simple and comfortable; the well-developed rail network makes it easy to travel between major cities and explore the country at your own pace.

We recommend a trip lasting 7 to 14 days to explore Spain at your own pace. The country is also perfect for city breaks in Madrid, Barcelona, or Seville, but a longer stay is ideal for exploring a region in greater depth—from cities to nature to the coast—and fully enjoying the local culture and cuisine.

Spain is a member of the European Union and the Schengen Area. French citizens can travel there freely with their national ID card or a valid passport. No visa is required for tourist visits.

The official language is Castilian (Spanish), but other co-official languages are spoken depending on the region: Catalan in Catalonia and the Balearic Islands, Basque in the Basque Country, and Galician in Galicia. English is widely understood in tourist areas. 

Some useful words:

• hola (hello),
• gracias (thank you),
• por favor (please),
• buenos días (good morning),
• sí (yes),
• no (no),
• adiós (goodbye),
• perdón (excuse me).

Spain uses the euro (€), the same currency as France. So you won't need to exchange money. Credit cards are accepted almost everywhere, even in small shops. However, be sure to have some cash on hand for markets, small bars, or tips.

Spain can be visited year-round, but the ideal seasons vary by region. Spring (April–June) and fall (September–October) are the best times to visit cities and inland areas, with pleasant temperatures and fewer crowds. Summer is perfect for the coast (Costa del Sol, Barcelona, the Balearic Islands), but can be very hot in cities like Seville or Madrid.

Spanish cuisine is rich, inviting, and varies from region to region. Among the must-try specialties are paella, tapas to share, jamón ibérico, Andalusian gazpacho, and tortilla de patatas. It’s a sun-kissed cuisine, perfect for discovering the local culture through simple, authentic flavors.