TripSuggest

Things to do in Spain

12 destinations in Spain, when to visit each, and what a trip actually costs.

Places to visit in Spain

Best time to visit Spain

When flights to each destination are cheapest.

Barcelona
January through early March and November are the cheapest months to fly to Barcelona, with round-trip fares from major US hubs often 30-45% below summer peak prices. Mid-week departures (Tuesday/Wednesday) consistently beat weekend fares by $50-120 per ticket.
Bilbao
January through March and November offer the cheapest flights to Bilbao, with round-trip fares from US hubs running 25-35% lower than July-August peak; mid-week departures (Tuesday/Wednesday) typically save another $50-80 versus weekend flights.
Granada
The cheapest months to fly to Granada are November through February (excluding Christmas), when transatlantic fares to Málaga or Madrid can run 25-40% below summer peaks. Flying midweek, Tuesday or Wednesday departures, typically saves another 10-15% versus weekend travel.
Ibiza
Flying in May, early June, or October cuts costs by 30-50% versus July-August peak, with shoulder-season round trips from major European hubs available for $60-150 versus $250-400 in summer. Midweek departures (Tuesday/Wednesday) consistently offer the cheapest fares.
Madrid
The cheapest months to fly to Madrid are January, February, and November, outside of holiday windows, where you can find round-trip fares 30-45% lower than peak summer (June-August) or Easter. Flying midweek (Tuesday or Wednesday departures) typically saves an additional 10-15% over weekend flights.
Malaga
January through March and November are the cheapest months to fly to Málaga, with round-trip fares from US hubs sometimes 30-40% lower than July-August peak; midweek departures (Tuesday/Wednesday) consistently beat weekend prices by $50-100 per person.
Mallorca
Fly in May, early June, or October for the lowest fares, typically 30-45% cheaper than July-August peak, while still enjoying warm, sunny weather ideal for beaches and hiking. Tuesday and Wednesday departures consistently undercut weekend flights by 10-20%.
Marbella
Flying in November through March (excluding Christmas/New Year) is cheapest, with fares from major hubs often 30-40% lower than July-August peak; mid-week departures on Tuesday or Wednesday can save an additional 10-15% over weekend travel.
San Sebastian
January through March and November are the cheapest months to fly, with transatlantic fares sometimes 35-45% lower than summer peaks; mid-week departures (Tuesday/Wednesday) shave another 10-15% off fares. July and August are peak season for beach crowds and highest prices, shoulder seasons of May-June and September-October offer the best balance of good weather and reasonable fares.
Seville
The cheapest months to fly to Seville are November through February (excluding Christmas week), when fares from major US hubs can run 30-45% lower than April-May peak Feria and Semana Santa season. Flying midweek (Tuesday or Wednesday departures) shaves another 10-15% off typical round-trip prices.
Tenerife
January through March (excluding Carnival week) and October through November are the cheapest months to fly, with round-trip fares from US hubs sometimes 25-35% lower than the July-August peak. Flying midweek, Tuesday or Wednesday departures, can shave another $50-80 off compared to weekend travel.
Valencia
January through March and November offer the cheapest flights, typically 30-40% below July/August peak, with mild weather still suitable for sightseeing; mid-week departures (Tuesday/Wednesday) save an additional 10-15% over weekend travel. Avoid the week of Las Fallas (mid-March) when flights and hotels spike dramatically despite it being the city's most spectacular festival.

Is Spain expensive?

A day on the ground for one person travelling alone, before flights: somewhere to sleep, food, something to do and getting around.

Barcelona
About $46 a day on a shoestring, about $243 comfortably.
Bilbao
About $43 a day on a shoestring, about $243 comfortably.
Granada
About $37 a day on a shoestring, about $208 comfortably.
Ibiza
About $47 a day on a shoestring, about $270 comfortably.
Madrid
About $41 a day on a shoestring, about $223 comfortably.
Malaga
About $43 a day on a shoestring, about $233 comfortably.
Mallorca
About $45 a day on a shoestring, about $255 comfortably.
Marbella
About $46 a day on a shoestring, about $245 comfortably.
San Sebastian
About $50 a day on a shoestring, about $241 comfortably.
Seville
About $40 a day on a shoestring, about $233 comfortably.
Tenerife
About $41 a day on a shoestring, about $220 comfortably.
Valencia
About $43 a day on a shoestring, about $231 comfortably.

Set your dates, budget and home airport on any destination below for a total that includes flights.

Free things to do in Spain

  • Barcelona: Barceloneta Beach Miles of free Mediterranean sand steps from the city center
  • Bilbao: Walk the Abandoibarra Riverfront Stroll past the Guggenheim, Zubizuri bridge, and Euskalduna Palace along the beautifully regenerated Nervión riverside.
  • Granada: Tapas Bar Hopping Every drink purchase comes with a free tapa, a Granada tradition that can constitute a full meal across several bars.
  • Ibiza: Wander Dalt Vila's Ramparts Free access to the ancient walls offers panoramic views over the harbor and open sea.
  • Madrid: Stroll the Gran Vía Madrid's grand boulevard buzzes with architecture, street performers, and people-watching at any hour.
  • Malaga: Paseo del Parque & Jardines de Pedro Luis Alonso Lush tropical gardens running along the port with exotic palms and sculptures, a perfect free morning stroll.

Cheap eats in Spain

  • Bar Cañete in Barcelona, Croquetas de jamón and patatas bravas at the bar Plates $4-8
  • Bar Txepetxa in Bilbao, Anchovy pintxos, the definitive version in the city Plates $2-4
  • Bar Los Diamantes in Granada, Fried fish and prawns (pescaíto frito) Plates $4-8
  • Bar Costa in Ibiza, Bocadillo de jamón and a cold Estrella Plates $4-8
  • Casa Dani in Madrid, Tortilla española, widely considered the best in Madrid Plates $4-8
  • El Pimpi in Malaga, Boquerones fritos (fried anchovies) with a glass of house Málaga sweet wine Plates $4-9

More in Europe

Slovakia, Slovenia, Sweden, Switzerland, Turkey

All destinations in Europe