Travel experiences in Spain

Spain is diverse and unique, and Lugarex travel curators can tailor your travel experience to match your preferences and needs.

Whether you are looking for a cultural, family, beach, gastronomic trip, or experiencing the different traditions, Spain is the destination for a dream vacation. Throughout the country, you will be able to find authentic experiences resulting from ancient traditions, so anywhere you go, you will always find exciting stories during each visit. 

In Spain, you find worldwide renowned destinations, such as the cities of Madrid, Barcelona, ​​and Seville. Here, you can enjoy the unique architecture, such as that of Gaudí and the Sagrada Familia, and art like that of the Prado, Reina Sofía, and Thyssen-Bornemisza museums, gastronomy, such as the olive oil and Ibérico ham of Southern Spain. Each place and each experience you come across are blended into an unforgettable trip. 

In addition, close to these big cities, we find other destinations incorporating centuries of history and different cultures: Ronda, Granada, Cordoba, Toledo, Girona, Montserrat, and many others. Not missing these extraordinary places when you visit Spain would be best. These are all destinations you can explore during a day trip from other larger cities, or, if you prefer towns over cities, you can stay overnight and discover them further.

If you are after a relaxing journey, you must experience the Spanish coast—Malaga, Marbella, Valencia, Costa Brava, the Balearic Islands, or the Canary Islands, all worth exploring beyond the usual tourist route. There are also more secluded and less developed regions where gastronomy, wilderness, and water sports combine perfectly, namely the Basque Country, Cantabria, and Galicia.

Something interesting about Spanish gastronomy is that you will find typical dishes and cooking styles in each region. For example, although Spanish paella or the Ibérico ham might be the most known, Spain has a great variety of local and authentic products. So, a fun and delicious way to experience Spain is through our gastronomy and tapas tours that will help you discover the culinary peculiarities of each region, town, or city you visit during your trip.

We cannot leave aside the wines and cava of Spain: Rioja, Ribera del Duero, Penedès, and Jerez are some of the most famous Denominations of Origin in Spain. The advantage of such vast diversity and quality makes it feasible to combine a winery visit during any of the regions you travel to and experience the production process to learn why Spanish wines are so famous worldwide. But, of course, beyond learning, you cannot miss the best part - the enjoyable wine-tasting sessions at the end of tours.

Finally, before traveling to Spain, we recommend you check your dates or consult with your travel agent about the events taking place during that period. For example, you may combine your visit with a fair such as the one in April in Seville, the Fallas in the Valencian Community, Holy Week with its processions, or many other festivals that take place throughout the year.

For all the variety Spain can offer, we recommend chatting to our travel curators and explaining your interests, preferences, and likings so we can help you design a unique and personalized itinerary that leads to a fantastic and tailor-made journey through Spain.

Spain has gastronomic varieties for all tastes. From spoon dishes perfect for the winter, authentic tapas that you will only find here, to delicious delicacies prepared by the minds and hands of geniuses, with many Michelin stars harvested throughout the years.

Beyond the most typical dishes of the world-renowned Spanish gastronomy, Spain enjoys a fascinating diversity. They say that the Mediterranean diet makes us one of the longest-lived countries in the world, and it is a great deal thanks to our diet.

If it is a question of summarizing a few recommendations about some of the most typical dishes and their place of origin (making a list a tad more special), here you'll find some of our favorites. 

The paellas and rice dishes from the Spanish Levante are perhaps the most internationally recognized of Spanish cuisine. The Madrilenian stew, the pintxos from the Basque Country, the polbo á feira (meaning fair-style octopus), the Cordoban aubergines, the sardine skewers from the Costa del Sol, the calçots or the pan amb tomaquet from Catalonia, the Segovian suckling pig, camón from Guijuelo, Jabugo or Los Pedroches and many others that stand out in each region.

It is impossible to list them all here, and we have left many dishes unnamed. But, surely, you get the idea of ​​the diversity of tastes that Spanish gastronomy has and the culinary peculiarities of each of the regions. Without a doubt, there are many more dishes and areas where you can enjoy yourself, which are still authentic in terms of cooking, even if they are not as famous.

For this reason, we always recommend that travelers, as long as they have the time, try visiting at least three different Spanish regions during their journeys with us. Then, try the peculiarities of each of those places you visit and take home some delights of Spanish cuisine.

For general conditions and requirements to enter Spain, please refer to Spain's Tourism official website - https://www.spain.info/en/travel-tips/visa-passport/ 

Moreover, since reopening the borders almost a year ago (early June 2021), Spain has welcomed vaccinated travelers uninterruptedly. If your doubts are specifically about covid-related entry requirements, please refer to this link for detailed information - https://travelsafe.spain.info/en/faqs/  Link to the ministry of foreign affairs - https://www.exteriores.gob.es/es/Paginas/index.aspx

Spain is somewhere you don't simply go on a holiday; you go to experience life!. We often think (and hear from our customers) that every sense is stimulated when traveling through our country. So, expectedly, during your visit to Spain, you'll feel (more than once) tempted to take away part of what you are living, seeing, tasting, smelling, or experiencing. So whether you want a small souvenir of your trip as a treat to yourself or a gift to your loved ones, here are some ideas of authentic and valuable Spanish-favoured souvenirs. 

Iberian cured ham: our gastronomy is so rich that unless you plan to purchase additional suitcases to carry all you might want to bring back home, the Ibérico Ham might be the best, tastier and lightest option. Vacuum-packed and comfortable to carry makes this the perfect present. You'll thank yourself later when treating yourself to lovely tomato and Ibérico ham toast on a given day, just as you did during that unforgettable breakfast in Spain. 

Wines: with over 90 protected Designation of Origin wines in Spain, a bottle of good wine is a souvenir you won't want to miss out on. What can be a more delicious way to take a nibble of the land home than an enological souvenir? Moreover, remember that we have our Spanish version of champagne, so if you are shopping for a nice red or white wine, make sure to throw in a bottle of cava, especially if you are into sparkling wines. Finally, don't forget to pop in a bottle of sherry, our worldwide famous fortified wine. You'll be taking home sherry right from where it was invented. What can be more original? 

Turrón: although it is mainly popular during Christmas time, you'll find this nougat-like sweet year-round if you know where to look for it (and for that, you have us). This tasty treat, mostly made with almonds, honey, and egg whites, is one sweet way to remember Spain. 

Flamenco outfits: while Jerez and Seville both claim to be the place where flamenco was born, what is clear is that this dramatic and passionate music and dance expression started in Southern Spain. You can find flamenco dresses, shawls, shoes, and accessories throughout the country, and these make for a thoughtful and colorful souvenir of Spain. 

Olive oil: often referred to as liquid gold thanks to its nutritional properties, a bottle of Spanish olive oil at home can quickly bring the essence of Mediterranean gastronomy to your table. Did you know that Spain is the world's top olive oil producer? Some of the world's best olive oil is produced here, and trust us when we say this is the type of gift appreciated by pretty much everyone. 

Spanish fan (abanico): especially if you visit Spain during the warmer months, you can't help but notice many local ladies (and plenty of tourists) using the traditional abanico to freshen themselves. In addition to being practical, these ultralight souvenirs are also colorful and can brighten up a corner at home and add to the décor. So, even though they might seem like a bit of a stereotype, this is one of the most beautiful gifts you can take back home. 

Bota (wineskin): have you ever tried wine from a traditional wineskin? The traditional bota is a tear-shaped wineskin, formerly made from goatskin with a waterproof lining known as pez (a type of vegetable resin) and closed with bull horn stoppers. Today, these are made from a variety of synthetic materials. And, despite its humble origins when men used them to refresh themselves during a hard day's work in the fields, the bota is now synonymous with fiestas and get  together among friends and family. So, if you are thinking of a useful, original, and typical Spanish present, think no more. 

Spanish guitar: with a hefty price tag (some can reach up to 15 thousand euros), this is not the type of souvenir you pick in the airport before boarding your flight. But, if you feel you have the next rock star in your family, this is, undoubtedly, a way to let them know how much you believe in their talent.

We like to say that any time of the year is good for visiting Spain, and we genuinely believe that to be the case. So whether you are looking for culture-history focused journeys, a gastronomic experience, a romantic or beach holiday, fun and adventure or a carefully crafted mix of all, Spain is exciting year-round. 

Spain is among the sunniest European countries, and many of its cities top the list of the most hours of sunshine per year. So, thanks to the typically lovely weather and long sunny days, together with the welcoming people, you are bound to enjoy Spain regardless of when you choose to visit. 

Visiting in the winter has an upside that many travellers feel offsets the low temperatures: since significantly fewer people visit Spain in the winter, touring is much more comfortable and personal. Without experiencing it, Spain might not seem like the place to spend a traditional Christmas; however, a Spanish Christmas holds many of the same traditions as other Western countries and many customs of its own. Spanish people look forward to the season; with its traditional Christmas markets and the magical atmosphere surrounding them, you will find a country transformed for the occasion. 

Traveling in the spring is a lovely experience; you get to enjoy pleasant temperatures, and the country has an incredibly natural beauty during this time of the year. May and June, in particular, between the end of the spring and the start of the summer, offer lovely weather, natural beauty, and so many options throughout the entire geography. 

The summer is when sun-kissed Spain is at its best for beach lovers and people who enjoy time on or near the ocean. In Spain, you find some of the best beaches in Europe and miles of coastline. But, beyond the renowned coastline, prepare yourself to discover a land of incredible natural beauty, millenary history, awe-inspiring architecture, world-class art exhibitions and museums, superb gastronomy and a thriving leisure and nightlife scene.

As the warmest days are left behind, and the pleasant temperatures begin to set in again, the country with its lovely shade of colours typical of the autumn season is possibly at its best. At the end of September and all through October, travellers have the luxury of enjoying sunny and still long days with lovely temperatures. You can still make the most of the beaches in Southern Spain and the islands and explore the rest of the country and its many highlights.  

Ultimately, it is up to you and your interests. Of course, specific tours, experiences, or places are best done during a particular time of the year. Still, tailor-made travel to Spain with Lugarex will inspire enduring memories, no matter when you choose to visit. 

So, we don't lie when we say that Spain is the ideal choice for European travelling year-round. Our travel specialists will help you design the custom-made trip to Spain that is right for you.

With card/phone payments widely available throughout the country, you'll be surprised how little you'll need to check your pockets or pull a wallet out to pay with cash. Today, paying with bank cards or your mobile phone is one of the most common payment methods. 

Still, we think that carrying some cash with you can come in handy, especially for tipping at tapas bars, small restaurants, or cafes, where cash tips are usually appreciated and sometimes the only way to recognize the staff for a job well done. Moreover, if you are traveling with us and taking part in privately guided tours and experiences, the tour guides and the drivers will be grateful to receive a token of appreciation for their job. 

Please know that you don't need to exchange money back home and bring euros unless it is beneficial for you; a much simpler way is to withdraw cash from an ATM once you have arrived in the country. All main airports have ATMs conveniently available before you even exit the airport. You will also find a wide range of bank machines available in the cities throughout Spain.

Privately guided tours, in general, are an excellent way to get to know new countries, and ours are the best way to discover the Iberian Peninsula. During them, you can uncover the history, culture, art, or gastronomy at the hands of knowledgeable and passionate locals.

Therefore, if you want to get the most out of your trip, we recommend combining Spain and Portugal. You can discover the essence of each country and get to know the different cultures and their cities during the same trip. But, of course, if you prefer a more focalized trip, visiting each country at a time will undoubtedly keep you busy and astonished. 

An eight or nine-night journey is enough to explore three of the most emblematic cities on the Peninsula. Imagine a combination between Madrid, Lisbon, Barcelona, or Seville and Porto if you prefer journeys to smaller, more authentic places. If your travel expectations are higher or different, let us know how long you have, and we can design your trip to include more regions and memorable tours and experiences.

One of the advantages of combining Spain and Portugal, in addition to visiting two countries, is that it can be done simply, in a single trip with our integrated, personalized services, whether in transport, tours, experiences, or hotels. As a result, you will enjoy an equally consistent and worry-free top travel experience, ensuring top-quality and a personalized trip throughout both countries.

Discover the different cities of Spain and Portugal and reach medieval and magical corners such as private tours through Toledo, Sintra, or Montserrat. Tapas or petiscos gastronomy tours. Or allow yourself to be amazed by a flamenco or fado performance. Regardless of your interests, you are bound to find what you look for during our customized holidays to Spain and Portugal.