5 summer travel hacks for a holiday to Spain

Spain promises a summer full of relaxation, food and culture. So you’re in the know for your trip this holiday season, we’ve covered some of our top summer travel hacks for your adventure. From tips and tricks for day trips to dining out, make your holiday unforgettable.

Trying to align your summer schedule with flight times, property availability and great weather can feel almost impossible sometimes. To make your planning a bit smoother, here are some of the ways you can time your trip to perfection this summer.

Flights price alert

Make your planning as smooth as possible with Booking.com’s flight price alert. As a Genius member, you’ll be alerted when flight prices are increasing or decreasing via our app so you can find your best deal. Stay alert with ease and plan smart – no constant browser refreshes needed.

Flexible flight fares

We know that life happens and your holiday shouldn’t be impacted by a fixed flight time. If you purchase a flexible flight ticket, you can change your flight time or date up to 24 hours before your departure time with selected airfares.

Travel to Spain with the same airline and route you originally planned and you’ll only have to pay for the fare difference, if there is any.

Still not sure when you want to go to Spain this summer? Well, you can now browse a selected date range to compare prices within a specific month or up to six months in advance. 

Knowing how to pack for a holiday to Spain can make your trip unforgettable. So you’re in the know, here are a few travel tips for summer packing.

Essentials for the Spanish summer

If there’s one useful travel tip to know about a Spanish summer, it’s that it’s hot. Summer months typically see inland temperatures regularly exceed 35ºC, so packing the following can help to keep you on the cooler side: 

• A dry bag – if you fancy getting up to some watersports this summer, having a dry bag can help to keep your valuables safe. Great for relaxing on the beach too, a dry bag will help you keep your most precious belongings safe.

• A camera (and a waterproof case) – Spain promises a summer of unforgettable memories and what better way to capture them than on a camera? If you fancy taking some snaps on the beach, having a waterproof camera cover will mean you can take photos in confidence.

• Sun cream – keeping your skin protected from sun damage is sure to make your trip both safe and enjoyable.

Comfortable clothing tips

Keeping on the theme of heat, packing the right clothes can make your adventures as seamless as your planning. So, consider bringing:

• A light scarf – this simple accessory can help you elevate an outfit, keep you warm on cooler evenings and help you abide by dress codes of religious sites if you plan a spontaneous day trip. Talk about versatility!

• Comfy shoes – having shoes that are light, airy and most importantly, comfortable will keep you cooler this summer. Sandals and flip-flops are great for warmer areas and walking shoes are great for exploring cities with uneven terrain.

• Sunglasses – the summer sun in Spain can be glaring. Keep your eyes protected with a pair of sunglasses.

Spain has plenty of popular cities. From Barcelona to Málaga, these destinations have a metropolitan bustle that’s great for a city break. Yet, if you’re in search of a coastal holiday, knowing the quieter side of Spain is sure to help you relax.

Praia Arnela, Galicia

Praia Arnela’s lack of crowds is what makes this beach so peaceful. Paired with the scenery of the coastline, you’ll be on to a winner. 

Thinking of exploring a historical site after a day in the sun? Well, Torre de Hércules is a mere 40-minute drive away from the beach. This UNESCO-listed ancient Roman lighthouse is Spain’s second tallest lighthouse standing at 55 metres.

Cala de Enmedio, Andalucía

Accessible by either foot or boat, the strenuous journey to Cala de Enmedio in Andalucía is well worth the views. This spot is somewhat popular with hikers but still grants seclusion at certain times of the day. 

Also great for those who prefer the shade, the cove features a white cliff that casts a shadow, sure to keep you cool on afternoons. The views here are nothing short of breathtaking either: expect views of Mesa Roldán Hill with its lighthouse and castle.

Calas de Conil, Cádiz

If walking is your go-to travel style this summer, the Conil coast in Ćadiz is sure to be the secluded beach for you. Expect wide, long coastlines perfect for strolling up and down.

Spain’s culinary scene is diverse, delicious and perfect for sharing. However, there are some useful travel tips to make your dinners unforgettable. 

Tips for finding authentic Spanish dining experiences

Ask the locals 

While this can feel daunting, locals know the best spots, so asking where to go is sure to make your dining experience as authentic as they come. If you don’t feel comfortable asking the locals, simply have a look at who’s eating at restaurants as you walk past, if it’s mostly locals – you’ve probably found a traditional spot.

Also, knowing a few staple phrases to ask your server can make your experience even more traditional. Some phrases to know include “¿Qué me recomienda?” (What do you recommend?) and “¿Cuál es su plato favorito?” (What is your favourite dish?). 

Check the opening times

Opening times are a great indicator of authenticity. Typically, Spaniards eat lunch at around 14:00–16:00 and dinner around 21:00–23:00. If you find a dinner spot that is open and busy at 18:00, this will likely be a tourist hot spot.

Look at the menu before deciding

Menus are your insight into how traditional your dining experience will be. If you know the regional specialities of the area you're visiting in Spain, check if they're on the menu. If they are there, you’ve probably found an authentic spot. 

Similarly, look for classic Spanish dishes such as patatas bravas (potatoes in a spicy sauce), gambas al ajillo (shrimp with garlic) and tortilla española (Spanish tortilla or omelette). These are a good indicator of authenticity. 

The different types of tapas

If you’re a food lover, one of the most important things to know before visiting Spain is the different kinds of tapas. Knowing their differences can help you to find your perfect restaurant. 

Pintxos

Taking the form of a small appetizer, pintxos – or pincho as it’s sometimes known – are small bites usually held together with a toothpick and a slice of bread. These are especially popular in northern Spain and more specifically, the Basque Country. Eateries who serve pintxos typically display all their delicious sandwiches, rather than offering a menu. 

Montaditos

Similar to pintxos, montaditos are also open-top small sandwiches, but they’re toothpick-less and normally a bit larger than pintxos. 

Cazuelas

Cazuelas (or cazuelit) are warm tapas dishes that are normally served with a sauce of some kind in a clay pot. They can consist of stews or saucy ingredients like meatballs in sauce or garlic shrimp. They're the perfect, traditional delicious dish to try on your Spanish adventures.

Banderillas

If visiting a local supermarket is a must-do activity on your holiday, banderillas are the tapas for you. Typically served pre-packed in supermarkets and freshly made in restaurants, this kind of tapas is a small cold skewer full of ingredients like prawns, cheese and olives.

Going on an adventure is half the fun of a summer holiday and Spain certainly lends itself to adventure. 

With so many cities, towns and villages all waiting to be explored, here are some summer travel tips to consider when planning a day trip: 

• Consider hiring a car – if you’re looking to venture to Spain’s more secluded areas, car hire can grant you the freedom to explore on your own terms. Areas such as the Pyrenees mountains and certain regions of the interior of Catalonia are harder to reach via public transport. This isn’t to say that Spain’s public transport should be avoided. In fact, if you’re travelling to bigger cities, the transport systems are excellent. From buses to metros and trains, Spain is a well-connected country.

• Plan around the temperature – so you can keep cool on your adventures, setting off bright and early means you’ll have more time to arrive at your destination before the hottest point of the day. Spain is usually at its hottest between 14:00–17:00 in the summer. Similarly, if you notice a temperature drop in the evening, plan to travel back before it gets cooler.

• Check local itineraries – in the summer, Spain is no stranger to local events. From musical festivals to food markets, planning your day trips around local itineraries can help you to make the most of your holiday.

With these travel tips for Spain, your summer holiday will be in full swing in no time. By finding your best flight options and embracing Spain’s culinary scene, your Spanish summer promises a traditional getaway that’ll help you create lifelong memories. So what are you waiting for? It’s time to take these summer travel hacks and travel to Spain.