The Wave Temple II

Welcome to Spain, a country blessed with 300 days of sunshine a year, friendly fast-talking locals and where deep-fried dough dipped in chocolate is an acceptable breakfast. Here UNESCO world heritage sites meet cool, arty cities and the hedonistic nights of Ibiza partying. From never-ending beaches in Andalucía to top notch Tapas and gothic Gaudi architecture, Spain is a sunny mix of rich cultural heritage, natural beauty and enjoying the best things in life.

Hostels in Spain are located across top cities Barcelona, Madrid, Seville and more, with many in the city-centre, making exploring the sights (and the nightlife) easier. For pure sun-seekers you’ll also find Spain hostels across the islands in Mallorca, Tenerife and Ibiza, complete with pool parties and DJs. Many hostels offer free activities that will have you snorkelling with turtles and swimming in rock pools. Some hostels in Spain even offer free paella and sangria for a truly authentic Spanish experience on a budget.

Spain’s regional diversity means backpackers and travellers are spoilt for choice. From the white sand beaches and world-famous nightlife of the Balearic Islands to northern Spain’s edgier, industrial Basque country. Then there’s the Andalucia region’s rich history against the backdrop of traditional white-wash villages, port towns and Flamenco that have come to be synonymous with all things Spanish.

Thanks to this diversity, there’s no shortage of things to do whether it’s pure sun and sea you’re after or Gaudi’s still-in-progress Sagrada Familia. Soaking up the culture is easy - foodies should head to Valencia to try the OG paella and if you time it right, the famous tomato-throwing festival ‘La Tomatina’. Hit up Seville for some traditional Flamenco or pay a visit to the ancient Alhambra palace in Granada. For adventure, hike the lush green landscapes of Galicia and follow in the footsteps of thousands before to the end of the Camino in Santiago de Compostela. If you’d rather chase waves, then Santander is a surfer’s dream.

Spain has an extensive network of trains, buses and trams so getting around within big cities like Madrid are a breeze as well as travelling between other cities and towns. Main cities like Barcelona have metro links to and from the airport and high-speed train service AVE operates between the major cities. There are plenty of domestic flights from the mainland to reach popular islands such as Ibiza and regular buses and trams will get you around once you are there. Learn more about visiting this charming European destination, with our guide to solo travel in Spain.

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