After a honeymoon in Spain, you’ll likely not want to return home. Spain is the perfect destination to experience everything from sprawling beach towns and rich culture to excellent cuisine and hospitable locals.
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Is Spain a Good Place for a Honeymoon?
Spain is one of the most popular honeymoon destinations. It has something to offer every traveler. For newlyweds, there’s more than you can experience in one honeymoon. You’ll enjoy thousands of years of history, rich culture, beautiful beaches, snow-capped mountains, world-renowned dishes, and serene getaways.
What Activities Can You Do on a Honeymoon in Spain?
- Explore Spain’s history, art, and architecture: Whether or not you’re a history lover, Spain has some of the most iconic buildings where you can learn, stroll and take pictures. Some of the most beautiful places you can visit include the Alhambra Palace in Granada, the Gothic Quarter in Barcelona, and the famous Royal Palace in Madrid.
- Go hiking: Spain has numerous hiking trails to enjoy the lush greenery and enchanting waterfalls. The best places to enjoy beautiful landscapes are in the Canary Islands, particularly Garajonay National Park and La Gomera.
- Try Spanish cuisine: Spaniards are famous for their culinary skills. Whether fancy candle-lit dinners by the beach or snacking by the roadside, you’ll enjoy world-class hospitality as you savor delectable flavors.
- Enjoy the enchanting beaches: Spain is surrounded by the Atlantic, Cantabrian, and Mediterranean Seas. It has numerous beaches where you can enjoy all kinds of water sports and beach resorts. The most popular include Playa de Alcudia in the Balearic Islands and Barceloneta in Barcelona.
- Helicopter and hot air balloon rides: Take a helicopter or hot air balloon trip and enjoy the country from above for an unforgettable experience.
What Is the Best Month to Visit Spain?
The best time to visit Spain is spring (march to May) and fall (September to November). These months offer the best weather (not too hot or cold), longer days, and lighter crowds, meaning you can enjoy most outdoor activities and the beaches.
Generally, Spain is a year-round honeymoon destination. However, summer (June to August) is usually crowded and hot, hence not the ideal time for romance.
Is a Honeymoon in Spain Expensive?
Spain is moderately cheaper than other European countries because Spain has a lower cost of living. On average, a lavish two-week honeymoon in Spain may cost you $8,000 per couple, while a budget trip may cost about $4,000.
However, this depends on several things, such as:
- Cities you visit: A honeymoon in Madrid is more expensive than the smaller cities.
- Food and accommodation: Eating and staying in luxury hotels is more expensive than eating at local cafes and restaurants.
- Activities: Cruises, helicopters, and hot air balloon rides are more expensive than hiking or exploring the beaches.
How To Plan a Budget Spain Honeymoon
- Plan your honeymoon during the Spanish off-season. Winter (before or after Christmas and new year) is good, but for warmer weather, late fall (October to November) and early spring (April to May) are perfect.
- Avoid touristy areas in big cities such as Madrid and Barcelona.
- Opt out of round trips. This allows you to fly into one city and home from another.
- Look out for packages and discounts on flights and accommodation.
- Consider budget accommodations such as hotels and vacation rentals where you can cook meals.
- Use public transport instead of taxis.
5 Best Places to Visit In Spain
Madrid
Madrid is Spain’s capital city and lies at the center. It’s the perfect first stop since it’s easy to connect to other destinations.
It has much to offer, especially for art lovers, since it is home to several museums, including the famous Prado and Reina Sofia. This Spanish city is also perfect for world-class nightlife, as well as cultural activities such as the flamenco show, world heritage sites, and Spanish delicacies.
Where to stay: La Latina, Puerta del Sol, Huertas
Barcelona
Barcelona is one of the most romantic places for a honeymoon getaway. It offers beautiful beaches, architecture, food, and art. This European city is where you find the most beautiful buildings, such as the Sagrada Familia by Gaudi and Parc Guell.
If your heart beats for sand beaches, you have plenty of scenic places to explore along the Mediterranean coast. Barcelona is also perfect for nightlife and delicacies in world-renowned restaurants or the street food scene.
Where to stay: Gothic Quarter, El Born, Plaza de Catalunya
Seville
Seville is one of the most historic cities in southern Spain. You’ll love its Moorish buildings, such as the Royal Palace and the Alcazar. In addition to the architecture, Seville is a vibrant city perfect for exhilarating nightlife.
Alternatively, you can enjoy serene evening walks at the palace or the lush gardens. To give your loved one a memorable honeymoon experience, you can organize a boat ride along the canal at Plaza de Espana or a relaxing treat in the Arab baths.
Where to stay: Barrio Santa Cruz, Macarena, El Arenal
San Sebastian
San Sebastian would easily pass as the city of foodies and fun lovers. It’s one of the most romantic places in northern Spain, thanks to its gorgeous beaches lined with famous restaurants. You’ll love the food whether you dine in Michelin-starred restaurants or eat from street food kiosks.
Outdoor activities include romantic walks and strolls along the beaches or the old town while exploring idyllic parks, museums, and architectural gems. This Basque country is also packed with mountains for hiking and panoramic city views.
Where to stay: Playa la Concha, the historic quarter, Old Town (centro romantico)
Balearic Islands
The Balearic islands make the perfect honeymoon spots if you aim for a beach vacation. The most famous include Ibiza, Mallorca, Formentera, and Menorca. They’re home to some of the most beautiful beaches, coves, and UNESCO world heritage sites.
In addition to water sports, outdoor activities include island hopping and day trips to explore castles and world heritage sites like Serra de Tramuntana. While Ibiza and Mallorca are the most touristic, Menorca and Formentera are equally scenic but less crowded.
Where to stay: Palma de Mallorca, Ibiza town, Binibeca in Menorca
What Is the Best Way to Travel to Spain?
Flying is the best way to travel to Spain. You can directly fly from most cities, such as Miami, New York, Chicago, and Los Angeles. These flights land in Spain’s big cities, including Madrid and Barcelona.
Traveling Within Spain
Traveling within Spain is easy and cheap using various means of transport. The most popular include:
Train: The train is the most convenient way to connect from big cities such as Madrid to smaller ones like Valencia and Malaga.
RENFE (Spanish national train network): This company operates high-speed regular train lines across the country. Ensure you buy advance tickets which are cheaper, especially for long distances.
Bus: Buses are the best way to travel on a budget or when you want to connect to smaller towns without the train lines.
Ferries: Ferries are popular when island hopping or moving to mainland Spain, but they’re slower than flying.
Flying: Most Spanish cities have airports operating regular local flights. Also, you can fly from the mainland to various islands such as Tenerife and Ibiza.
Taxi/car service: You can hire a car for a more romantic escapade or hire a taxi for comfort.
What Types of Honeymoon Accommodations Are Available in Spain?
Spain offers various types of accommodation depending on your budget and taste, including:
- Unique accommodation: Spain can give you a fairy-tale honeymoon with its most unique accommodation, including:
- Medieval castles
- Teepees
- See-through bubbles
- Eco domes
- Luxury accommodation: Ranging from villas in the big cities to beach resorts with ocean views and boutique hotels.
- Budget hotels: These are available in small towns and big cities alike. They may not have luxury amenities, but they are spacious, clean, and hospitable.
- Tourist apartments/ hostels/ serviced flats: Best for a budget honeymoon without compromising the experience.
5 Local Foods to Try in Spain
- Tapas: Small portions of popular food throughout Spain. Tapas typically include mixed olives, fried baby squid, meatballs, and chorizo.
- Paella: Valencia’s most popular Spanish dish includes saffron-flavored rice, meats, and vegetables. There are two types: paella Valenciana (with rabbit and chicken) and seafood paella.
- Jamon: Salted Spanish ham hung to cure for at least a year.
- Tortilla: Also known as Spanish omelet. It includes thinly sliced potatoes, eggs, onions, and olive oil.
- Gazpacho: A tomato-based soup served cold. It includes tomatoes, peppers, garlic, bread, and olive oil.
Are There Any Cultural Experiences to Include in a Spanish Honeymoon?
- Take a flamenco class: Flamenco is an expressive Spanish dance from Andalusia.
- A couples cooking class: Take a cooking class and learn to make Spanish staples.
- Architecture/history tour: The Sagrada Familia is one of many unique and unusual architectural sites designed by Antoni Gaudí.
- Guided tours in museums: The museums are the best places to explore Spanish art.
- Bullfighting: If you don’t mind the controversy, you watch a bullfighting match in one of the many arenas.
What to Pack For a Honeymoon in Spain
Packing for a honeymoon in Spain depends on your destination and preferred activities. That said, ensure you include the basics such as:
- Travel and identification documents
- Suitable clothing to match the weather
- Beach essentials
- Hiking gear
- Backpack
- Reusable water bottle
- Charger and powerbank
- Travel adapter
- Personal items
Is Spain Safe to Visit?
In 2021, Spain was named the safest place to visit in the EU. Therefore, you need not worry about safety, provided you exercise caution to avoid petty incidents. Here are some tips to get you started:
- Be wary of pickpockets when walking the streets.
- Avoid scams in the name of free gifts.
- Avoid restricted areas.
- Keep your belongings safe.
- Use licensed taxis.
- Avoid sharing too much information about you or your accommodation.
- Avoid deserted areas, especially at night.
Do You Need a Visa to Visit Spain?
US citizens don’t need a visa to visit Spain. Upon arrival, tourists are typically granted 90-day visas.
Bonus Info for Your Trip to Spain
- The local language is Spanish, but most people speak English.
- At the time of writing, 1 USD translates to 0.94 Euros.
- Most locals eat dinner around 10 pm.
- Credit cards are widely accepted.
- It’s cheaper and more convenient to buy your train tickets ahead of time.