Travelling to Spain
Spain pairs world-famous beaches with vibrant cities, flamenco, tapas and some of Europe's best-value sunshine — an easy, year-round escape from the UK.
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Why you should travel to Spain
- Sunshine all year round — even Madrid's winter is mild compared with London.
- Rich cultural mix — Moorish palaces in Andalusia, Gaudí's surreal Barcelona, and Basque pintxos.
- Great-value food and drink — generous tapas portions, fresh seafood and local wine.
- Easy to explore — high-speed AVE trains connect Barcelona, Madrid, Seville and Valencia.
Where to go & things to do
The places worth your time when you fly out to Spain.
Barcelona
Sagrada Família, Park Güell, the Gothic Quarter and the beach — the city's calling cards.
Madrid
The Royal Palace, Prado Museum and grand plazas in Spain's buzzing capital.
Seville
Home of flamenco, orange-tree patios and the majestic Alcázar palace.
Valencia
Birthplace of paella with futuristic architecture and one of Spain's best beaches.
Granada & the Alhambra
A fairytale Moorish fortress with snow-capped Sierra Nevada views.
Life in Spain
- Larger cities keep long hours — shops may close for a siesta but restaurants run until late.
- Cost of living is lower than the UK; property and dining are particularly good value outside cities.
- Well-connected metro, bus and high-speed rail make inter-city travel easy without a car.
- Locals are warm and expressive; regional languages such as Catalan are proudly used.
Popular flights
Frequently asked questions
Do UK citizens need a visa for Spain?
No, for tourist stays of up to 90 days in any 180-day period. Your passport must be valid for at least three months beyond your departure date from Spain.
How long is the flight from London to Barcelona?
Direct flights from London Heathrow to Barcelona El Prat (BCN) take around 2 hours 15 minutes. Numerous airlines compete on this very popular route.
When is the best time to visit Spain?
April–June and September–October are ideal for sightseeing and beaching. July–August is hot on the coast and lively; winter suits cities and the Canary Islands.
What currency is used in Spain?
The Euro (€). Card payments are accepted almost everywhere, though small bars and markets still prefer cash.