- Ideal trip length
- 8 to 12 nights
- Best time to go
- April to June; September to October
- Time zone
- GMT+1, GMT+2 in summer (Central European Time)
- Currency
- Euro (EUR)
Entry update
The EU's Entry/Exit System is now in use at Schengen borders: travellers from outside the EU have fingerprints and a photo taken at their first entry, which can mean longer queues at busy times. ETIAS, the pre-travel authorisation, has no confirmed start date and is not yet needed.
About Spain
Madrid and Barcelona make a natural pair, linked by fast trains in about two and a half hours. Madrid is for the Prado, the Retiro and long, late dinners; Barcelona is for Gaudí, the Gothic Quarter and the sea. Andalusia adds Seville, Granada and the Alhambra, and San Sebastián is one of the best places in Europe to eat.
For a beach finish, Mallorca combines mountain villages, coves and very good hotels, a short flight from either city. Spain runs late, with lunch at 2pm and dinner after 9pm, so I plan days around that rhythm rather than against it.
When to go
Spring and autumn are ideal for the cities, when it is warm enough to dine outdoors without the intense heat of July and August in Madrid and Seville. The islands are best from May to October. Winter is mild in Barcelona and the south, and quieter everywhere.
Places to go
Madrid
The Prado, the Retiro and a famously late dining scene.
See hotelsBarcelona
Gaudí's buildings, the Gothic Quarter and the beach, all in one city.
See hotelsMallorca
Mountain villages, quiet coves and boat days, a short flight from the mainland.
See hotelsAndalusia
Seville, Granada's Alhambra and white villages in the hills.
Ask me about hotels hereMy picks in Spain
The hotels I'd start with, and who each one suits.
2 MICHELIN KeysForbes Five-Star
Rosewood Elite
Rosewood Villa Magna
Madrid, Spain
3 MICHELIN KeysForbes Five-Star
Mandarin Oriental Fan Club
Mandarin Oriental Ritz, Madrid
Madrid, Spain
2 MICHELIN KeysForbes Five-Star
Mandarin Oriental Fan Club
Mandarin Oriental, Barcelona
Barcelona, Spain
2 MICHELIN Keys
Belmond Bellini Club
La Residencia, A Belmond Hotel
Mallorca, SpainBefore you go
Arriving
Getting there
Madrid and Barcelona connect easily through the Gulf or another European hub. Mallorca is a short flight from either city.
Getting around
High-speed trains link Madrid with Barcelona, Seville and Málaga. A driver is best for Mallorca's mountain roads and Andalusia's villages.
Visa and entry
Singapore, UK, US, Australian and many other passports get visa-free stays of up to 90 days in any 180 days across the Schengen area. The EU's Entry/Exit System now takes fingerprints and a photo at your first entry, so allow extra time at the border. ETIAS pre-travel authorisation has no confirmed start date yet. Check the official source before you travel.
Checked November 2026
Money and culture
Money
Cards and contactless are widely accepted. Barcelona and the Balearic Islands add a tourist tax per person per night.
Tipping
Tipping is modest. Rounding up or leaving 5 to 10 percent for good service is appreciated.
Local customs
Lunch is the main meal, from about 2pm, and dinner rarely starts before 9pm. Book the Alhambra and Sagrada Família well ahead.
On the ground
Language
Spanish. Catalan is also spoken in Barcelona and Mallorca, and English is widely spoken in hotels.
Plugs and power
Type F, with Type C also used. Bring an adapter from Singapore.
Safety
Spain is safe for visitors. Pickpockets work busy areas such as Las Ramblas and the Metro, so keep bags closed and phones secure.
Spain: quick answers
When is the best time to visit Spain?
April to June; September to October. Spring and autumn are ideal for the cities, when it is warm enough to dine outdoors without the intense heat of July and August in Madrid and Seville. The islands are best from May to October. Winter is mild in Barcelona and the south, and quieter everywhere.
How long should I spend in Spain?
8 to 12 nights is a good length for a first visit. Tell me what you enjoy and I'll shape the route around it.
Which luxury hotels do you recommend in Spain?
My picks are Rosewood Villa Magna (Madrid), Mandarin Oriental Ritz, Madrid, Mandarin Oriental, Barcelona and La Residencia, A Belmond Hotel (Mallorca). Each hotel page has my write-up, what guests say and the benefits I can add.
Do I need a visa for Spain?
Singapore, UK, US, Australian and many other passports get visa-free stays of up to 90 days in any 180 days across the Schengen area. The EU's Entry/Exit System now takes fingerprints and a photo at your first entry, so allow extra time at the border. ETIAS pre-travel authorisation has no confirmed start date yet. Check the official source before you travel.
Updated November 2026
I pair Madrid and Barcelona by fast train, add Andalusia or San Sebastián for food lovers, and finish on Mallorca when the trip needs a beach.
- Benefits arranged before you arrive.
- One point of contact from start to finish.
- Hotels matched to how you travel.