In this comprehensive travel guide, we will share everything you need to know so you can visit Spain like a professional traveller. Explore the rich and diverse history of the country, discover the top travel destinations and dive into its incredible culture, whether you’re looking for a relaxing holiday on the coast or a trip filled with thrills, excitement and adventure – we’ll make sure you’re prepared for it all!
Want to explore the best that Spain has to offer with a group of like minded internationals? Don’t forget to check the calendar of our upcoming trip packages that range from quick and easy day trips from Madrid, to 3 day weekend adventures.
Keep reading to soak up everything we have to share with you about our favourite country or skip ahead to the topic you’re most interested in by using our detailed Content Overview.
1. Travel Through Spain – Citylife’s Spain Tours
Whether you want to go north or south, to the coast or into the mountains, we promise that Citylife Madrid has a trip package for you! Spain is our home and we love to share its dynamic culture, delicious cuisine and breathtaking landscapes with everyone who visits. You can enjoy quick day trips to charming small towns just outside of Madrid, or longer weekend adventures to the many regions beyond. Take a look at all of our upcoming Spain tours so you can explore with other young internationals!
2. Spain City Guides – Best Places to Visit in Spain
Spain is arguably one of the most diverse countries in Europe, with every region offering its visitors a new aspect of incredible landscapes, history, and culture. Below we’ve pulled together our vast collection of articles covering the top things to do in our favourite cities all across Spain. In hopes that our insights and recommendations will inspire anyone planning a visit to this beautiful country!
Madrid, the capital of Spain, is a cultural epicenter that we love to call home. In addition to being the country’s largest metropolis, politcal and financial capital, Madrid is also the historic headquarters of the Spanish Royal family and the Parliament (Corte Generales).
The city’s importance to Spain as a nation, also makes it an incredibly interesting place to visit. From its majestic royal palaces, world-renowned museums, bustling tapas bars and non-stop nightlife. Madrid offers an endless supply of attractions that cater to every type of traveler.
Check out our incredible guide to travelling to Madrid as well as our Ultimate Madrid Bucket List! Whether you’re stopping by for a short visit or planning to stay for a few months to work, study or just live life – we promise we have something in there for you!
Additionally, make sure you don’t miss the many social and cultural activities that we host throughout the year!
2.2 Exploring Andalucía – Spain’s Fiery South
Andalucía, formally known as the Kingdom of Al-Andalus, is the Southern region of Spain where Europe and Africa come together. Home to famous sites like the incomparable Alhambra Palace in Granada, Sevilla’s historic bell tower, and Cordoba’s breathtaking mosque/cathedral hybrid. Making it a mandatory stop for anyone planning a trip to Spain.
But Andalucía is more than just its iconic cities. Its rugged mountains, whitewashed villages, golden beaches and endless olive groves make the region feel like something from a postcard. All this, and we haven’t even mentioned its incredible food scene – seemingly endless tapas with huge portions for incredible prices. And of course, we can’t forget about Flamenco, which was born in the heart of the region and can be enjoyed around every corner.
Keep reading below to find out some of our favourite things to do in Spain’s southern region of Andalucía. In these guides, we will cover the top cities of the region and what you simply can’t miss while visiting!
Explore the south of Spain with us on our weekend packages to Granada, Sevilla and Córdoba!
2.3 Exploring The North of Spain – Galicia & The Basque Region
País Vasco, or The Basque Country is a small region in the North of Spain. It’s a region unlike any other you will see in Spain, in more ways than one! Formally known as Vasconia, the Basque Country was sought after by powerful civilizations like the Romans, the Visigoths, the Franks and even the Vikings, because of it’s access to the ocean and its strategic location along the border of Francia (Medieval France). The region today is famous for it’s incredible food, having its own language (Basque) and being home to some of the most breathtaking shorelines in the country
To the east of the Basque Country lines the lush and enchanting region of Galicia. Known as the Ireland of Spain, Galicia’s deep Celtic heritage has imprinted onto the culture and still thrives today in many different ways.With its picturesque fishing villages, rugged coastlines, green countryside, ancient forests, lively music and local festivals.
Keep reading below to dive into the mystical regions of Galicia and The Basque Country. Each guide will tell you exactly what you have to see during your trip!
Explore the Basque Country with us on our weekend packages to Bilbao, San Sebastián and Navarre.
2.4 Discovering Catalonia & Valencia – Spain’s Cultural Gems
Catalonia, located in the northeastern corner of Spain, is a vibrant region famous for its unique blend of rich history, unique artistic heritage, and its tendency to lean towards a more contemporary culture. Catalonia easily stands out among its counterparts due to having its own language (Catalan) and a strong sense of identity that is equally reflected across the region in its festivals, cuisine, and traditions.
Valencia, the third largest autonomous community in Spain (behind Madrid and Catalonia) is home to a beautiful, fiercely independent culture and community. Being the birthplace of Paella, home to the largest aquarium in Europe, the famous Fallas festival and the supposed Holy Grail has put Valencia at the top of Spain’s tourism destinations.
Keep reading below to discover even more about Catalonia. In these guides, we will cover the most famous cities and everything you have to see while there!
Escape to the coast with us on our weekend packages to Valencia!
2.5 Day Trips from Madrid – Discover Spain Through Its Small Towns
Spain’s capital is vibrant and exciting with what seems like an endless list of possibilities of things to do at all times of the day and night. But not far outside this metropolis are many wonderful little places just waiting to be explored.
From small towns and villages and stand-alone castles, palaces and monasteries. To hiking trails, natural pools, and golden coastlines. There are several no-fuss excursions available from Madrid that every visitor should take advantage of during their time in the big city!
Keep reading below to explore all the possible day trips you can enjoy from Spain’s Capital of Madrid. All you need is a train or bus ticket and you’ll be off!
Planning a long-term trip to Madrid? Use our comprehensive guide to travelling to Madrid to prepare everything you need before your flight!
Explore the charming towns outside of Madrid on our day trip packages to Toledo, Segovia, Salamanca and more!
3. Things to do in Spain – Expert Tips
Spain is a country where every corner offers something exciting. From deep historic roots and a proud, vibrant, culture. To incredible cuisine and incomparable landscapes. In this section we will show you our favourite things to try and top places to visit so you can make sure your trip to Spain is everything you dreamed of.
3.1 Exquisite Spanish Wine Regions
While most people tend to think of Italy or France when it comes to top European wines, Spain is actually a treasure trove that shouldn’t be overlooked, especially by wine enthusiasts! With its diverse climates and landscapes, Spain’s wine regions offer an incredible variety of flavors and styles that represent the diversity of the country itself.
In this section, we will outline some of Spain’s top wine regions that you should visit if you’re planning a trip and which bottles we recommend you pick up for yourself!
