Things to do in Spain

Places to visit in Spain

• Things to do in Barcelona city, beach, food
• Things to do in Bilbao food, culture, city
• Things to do in Granada culture, city, food
• Things to do in Ibiza beach, city, relax
• Things to do in Madrid city, food, culture
• Things to do in Malaga beach, city, food
• Things to do in Mallorca beach, relax, nature
• Things to do in Marbella beach, relax, city
• Things to do in San Sebastian food, beach, culture
• Things to do in Seville city, culture, food
• Things to do in Tenerife beach, nature, relax
• Things to do in Valencia beach, city, food

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?

It depends on the city and how you travel. Open any destination below and set your dates, budget and home airport to get an estimated total for flights, stays and day-to-day spending, rather than a generic average.

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.
• Mallorca: Palma Old Town walk Wander Arab baths, Renaissance courtyards, and the Plaça Major without spending a cent.
• Marbella: Paseo Marítimo stroll A 7km seaside promenade lined with sculptures, gardens, and free beach access, stunning at sunset.