Spain Travel Guide –

A Complete Journey Through the Land of Flamenco, Architecture, and Mediterranean Charm

Spain, one of Europe’s most culturally vibrant and historically diverse nations, offers a spectacular blend of medieval cities, sun-soaked coastlines, Moorish palaces, world-class art museums, dramatic mountains, and Mediterranean culinary traditions. From the architectural genius of Antoni Gaudí in Barcelona to the royal splendour of Madrid, from the Moorish marvels of Andalusia to the serene beaches of Costa Brava, and from the spiritual journey of Santiago de Compostela to the nightlife of Ibiza—Spain is a destination that celebrates life at every corner.

This comprehensive guide presents an in-depth overview of Spain’s major attractions, distances between key cities, transportation systems, accommodation options, visa process for Indian travellers, and suggested travel routes from Kolkata or Delhi. It serves as a complete reference for planning an unforgettable Spanish holiday.

Overview of Spain

Spain is located in southwestern Europe, occupying most of the Iberian Peninsula alongside Portugal. It is known for its diverse geography—mountain ranges, deserts, islands, and expansive coastlines along both the Mediterranean Sea and the Atlantic Ocean.

The country includes 17 autonomous regions, each with its own unique culture, cuisine, and dialect. The most significant regions for travellers include:

• Catalonia – Barcelona, Costa Brava
• Madrid Region – Madrid city & nearby royal sites
• Andalusia – Seville, Granada, Córdoba, Málaga
• Valencia – Valencia city, Costa Blanca
• Basque Country – Bilbao, San Sebastián
• Galicia – Santiago de Compostela
• Balearic Islands – Mallorca, Ibiza
• Canary Islands – Tenerife, Gran Canaria

Major Attractions in Spain

Spain’s attractions range from architectural masterpieces to historic palaces, golden beaches, vineyards, and cultural festivals. Below are the country’s most essential highlights.

1. Madrid – Spain’s Royal Capital

Madrid is known for its magnificent boulevards, royal palaces, iconic museums, lively plazas, and vibrant nightlife. It represents the heart of Spain’s artistic and historic heritage.

Main Attractions:

• Royal Palace of Madrid
• Plaza Mayor
• Prado Museum
• Retiro Park
• Gran Vía
• Santiago Bernabéu Stadium

Distances:

• Madrid to Barcelona – 620 km
• Madrid to Seville – 530 km
• Madrid to Valencia – 350 km

2. Barcelona – Architectural Masterpiece of Spain

Barcelona is a fusion of Gothic architecture, modernist creativity, Mediterranean beaches, and cosmopolitan energy.

Main Attractions:

• Sagrada Família
• Park Güell
• La Rambla
• Gothic Quarter
• Casa Batlló & Casa Milà
• Camp Nou Stadium

Distances:

• Barcelona to Valencia – 350 km
• Barcelona to Zaragoza – 313 km
• Barcelona to Girona – 100 km

3. Seville – City of Flamenco & Moorish Grandeur

Seville represents the essence of Andalusian culture—flamenco, bullrings, orange trees, and Moorish masterpieces.

Main Attractions:

• Seville Cathedral & Giralda Tower
• Alcázar of Seville
• Plaza de España
• Santa Cruz neighbourhood

Distances:

• Seville to Granada – 250 km
• Seville to Córdoba – 140 km

4. Granada – Home of the Alhambra Palace

Granada is one of Spain’s most picturesque destinations, dominated by the Alhambra—a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the finest examples of Moorish architecture.

Main Attractions:

• Alhambra Palace & Generalife Gardens
• Albaicín Historic District
• Mirador de San Nicolás

Distances:

• Granada to Málaga – 133 km
• Granada to Madrid – 420 km

5. Valencia – City of Arts & Sciences

Valencia combines futuristic architecture, sandy beaches, historic quarters, and Spain’s famous dish—paella.

Main Attractions:

• City of Arts and Sciences
• Valencia Cathedral
• Oceanogràfic
• Malvarrosa Beach

Distances:

• Valencia to Barcelona – 350 km
• Valencia to Madrid – 350 km

6. Bilbao – Gateway to Basque Culture

Bilbao rises from its industrial heritage to become a centre of modern art and cultural revival.

Main Attractions:

• Guggenheim Museum
• Old Town (Casco Viejo)
• Ribera Market

Distances:

• Bilbao to San Sebastián – 100 km
• Bilbao to Madrid – 400 km

7. Ibiza & Mallorca – The Balearic Islands

The Balearic Islands offer pristine beaches, scenic bays, lively nightlife, luxury resorts, and Mediterranean charm.

Main Attractions:

• Ibiza Town
• Es Vedrà viewpoint
• Mallorca’s Serra de Tramuntana
• Palma Cathedral

Distances:

• Ibiza to Barcelona – 270 km (ferry/flight)
• Mallorca to Valencia – 280 km

How to Reach Spain from India

Spain is accessible through its major international airports:

• Madrid Barajas Airport (MAD)
• Barcelona El Prat Airport (BCN)
• Málaga Airport (AGP)
• Valencia Airport (VLC)

From Kolkata

• Kolkata → Delhi → Madrid/Barcelona
• Kolkata → Mumbai → Madrid/Barcelona
• Kolkata → Dubai / Doha → Madrid/Barcelona
• Kolkata → Istanbul → Madrid

From Delhi

• Delhi → Madrid (one-stop via Dubai/Doha/Istanbul)
• Delhi → Barcelona (one-stop routes)
• Delhi → Paris → Madrid/Barcelona (train or flight connection)

Average flight duration: 10–15 hours depending on the number of stops.

Spain Tourist Visa Guide for Indian Travellers

Spain is a Schengen member state. Indian travellers must obtain a Short-Stay Schengen Tourist Visa (Type C) for tourism purposes.

Documents Required

• Valid passport (minimum 6 months validity)
• Schengen visa application form
• Recent passport-sized photographs
• Confirmed return flight booking
• Hotel booking or accommodation proof
• Travel insurance (minimum €30,000 coverage)
• 6-month bank statements
• Income tax returns
• Employment/Business proof
• Detailed day-by-day itinerary

Where to Apply – Spain Visa Office (VFS Global)

Spain Visa Application Centre – New Delhi
VFS Global Spain Visa Centre, International Trade Tower, Nehru Place, New Delhi

Other centres: Mumbai, Kolkata, Pune, Ahmedabad, Chennai, Hyderabad, Bangalore, Chandigarh.

Visa Processing Time

• Standard: 10–15 working days
• Peak season: May take up to 30 days

Transportation System in Spain

Spain has one of Europe’s best-connected transportation networks, including high-speed trains, domestic flights, metros, buses, and ferries.

AVE High-Speed Train Network

• Madrid → Barcelona (2 hrs 30 mins)
• Madrid → Seville (2 hrs 20 mins)
• Madrid → Valencia (1 hr 40 mins)

Local Transport

• Extensive metro systems: Madrid, Barcelona, Seville, Valencia
• Trams in cities such as Valencia and Zaragoza
• Buses in all major towns
• Ferries connecting mainland Spain to islands

Accommodation Options in Spain

Spain provides a broad range of accommodation categories for travellers. No contact numbers are mentioned, as requested.

Madrid

• Luxury hotels near Gran Vía
• Boutique stays near Plaza Mayor
• Modern business hotels near Atocha

Barcelona

• Beachfront hotels
• Design hotels near Passeig de Gràcia
• Historic boutique properties in Gothic Quarter

Seville

• Moorish-themed boutique hotels
• Traditional Andalusian courtyard properties
• Riverside stays

Valencia

• Modern hotels near Arts & Sciences complex
• Charming old town inns
• Coastal resorts near beach

Costa Brava, Ibiza & Mallorca

• Beachfront resorts
• Luxury seaside villas
• Chic boutique hotels

Best Time to Visit Spain

1. Spring (March – May)

Ideal weather, blooming landscapes, fewer crowds, excellent for sightseeing.

2. Summer (June – September)

Peak beach season; perfect for islands and coastal trips.

3. Autumn (October – November)

Mild climate, scenic foliage, cultural festivals.

4. Winter (December – February)

Best for southern Spain, Christmas markets, and skiing in the Pyrenees.

Suggested 10-Day Spain Itinerary

Day 1: Arrive in Madrid – City tour
Day 2: Museums, Royal Palace, evening flamenco
Day 3: Madrid to Seville – Explore Cathedral & Alcázar
Day 4: Day trip to Córdoba
Day 5: Travel to Granada – Alhambra Palace
Day 6: Granada to Valencia – City of Arts & Sciences
Day 7: Valencia to Barcelona – Gothic Quarter
Day 8: Sagrada Família & Park Güell
Day 9: Montjuïc & Magic Fountain
Day 10: Departure from Barcelona

Conclusion

Spain is a nation where history, modern culture, and natural beauty blend harmoniously. Whether beginning your journey from Kolkata or Delhi, Spain promises a smooth and enriching travel experience. From the majestic palaces of Madrid to the artistic wonders of Barcelona, from the Moorish beauty of Andalusia to the island serenity of the Balearics, Spain offers a voyage filled with colour, warmth, architecture, and unforgettable memories.