Travelling to Spain: documents, seasons, money and practical tips

Spain has almost everything – Gaudí's architecture, Moorish palaces, medieval towns, islands with crystal-clear water, volcanoes and one of the tastiest cuisines in Europe. Travelling there is easy, but there are a few local quirks worth knowing. For what to see, read our article Spain: the most beautiful places.

Documents and health insurance

• No visa: Spain is in the EU and Schengen – Bulgarian citizens travel with a valid ID card or passport, which you must carry at all times.
• Children: every child needs their own document. If a minor travels without a parent or with only one, a notarised consent letter may be needed – check in advance.
• EHIC: the European Health Insurance Card is valid in Spain for necessary public healthcare. It does not cover private clinics, repatriation or lost luggage, so travel insurance is a good idea too.
• Vaccinations: none are required.

Citizens of non-EU countries should check whether they need a Schengen visa. The ETIAS travel authorisation for visa-exempt travellers has not been introduced yet, and as of November 2026 no start date has been announced.

When is the best time to visit Spain

There is no single ideal season for the whole country – the south is much hotter, the north is green and rainier, and the Canary Islands are good almost all year.

• Spring (March – May): ideal for cities – especially Seville, Córdoba, Granada, Madrid and Barcelona. Also the season of the big festivals in Seville and Valencia.
• Summer (June – August): for beaches and islands – Mallorca, Ibiza, the Costa del Sol. Seville, Córdoba and Madrid can be extremely hot, though. The north (Bilbao, San Sebastián) is more pleasant.
• Autumn (September – October): the sea is still warm and cities are pleasant for walking. A great time for Andalusia, Valencia and Barcelona.
• Winter (November – February): for museums and calm city breaks, skiing in the Sierra Nevada and Pyrenees, and warm weather in Tenerife.

For a first trip we recommend May, June, September or October. For the beach – June and September.

How to get to Spain

• By plane: there are direct flights from Sofia to Barcelona, Madrid, Málaga and Valencia, and seasonally to other cities. The flight takes about 3.5–4 hours. Other destinations are reached with a connection.
• Trains: AVE high-speed trains link Madrid, Barcelona, Valencia, Seville, Córdoba and Málaga – often faster than flying.
• Buses: for smaller towns without a convenient rail link.
• Islands: Mallorca and Ibiza by plane or ferry from the mainland, Tenerife by plane.

Money and tipping

• Currency: the euro.
• Paying: cards are accepted almost everywhere, but keep some cash for small shops, markets and family-run places. Dollars are not accepted.
• Tipping: not required. In a restaurant you can round up the bill, in a café leave a few coins. Check whether a service charge is already included.
• Bargaining: prices in shops and restaurants are fixed. At flea markets and craft stalls you can politely ask for a discount.

Water and food

Tap water is safe to drink, although in some areas it tastes different because of minerals. In a restaurant ask for agua del grifo (tap water) or agua embotellada (bottled).

• Choose seafood from restaurants with a good reputation.
• If you have allergies, tell the staff in advance.
• In the hot months avoid food that has been left out of the fridge for long.

Sun and clothing

The sun in Spain is strong, especially in summer in the south. SPF 30–50 sunscreen, a hat, sunglasses and water are a must, and in the hottest hours seek shade – just like the Spaniards do.

• Spring: light clothes, a thin jacket for the evening and a raincoat for the north.
• Summer: cotton and linen, sandals and comfortable shoes. For churches and cathedrals – clothes that cover your shoulders.
• Autumn: T-shirts and a light jacket, more rain in October.
• Winter: a coat for Madrid and the north, lighter for Andalusia and Tenerife (but warm layers for Mount Teide).

Electricity and sockets

Sockets are type C and F, 230 V – the same as in Bulgaria and most of Europe, so no adapter is needed.

Useful tips

• Time zone: mainland Spain and the Balearic Islands are one hour behind Bulgaria, the Canary Islands two hours.
• The Spanish rhythm: lunch is between 1 and 3:30 pm and dinner after 8 pm. Some small shops close at midday.
• Language: besides Spanish, regional languages are spoken in Catalonia, the Basque Country and Galicia. A few Spanish phrases always help.
• Pickpockets: watch your bags and phones on the metro, at markets and around major sights.
• Bookings: buy tickets for the Sagrada Família, the Alhambra and the Prado in advance – especially the Alhambra, where visits are limited.
• Emergency number: 112.

Tip: respect the locals' peace – in many neighbourhoods of Barcelona, Palma and Málaga residents are sensitive to tourist noise, especially in the evening.

Frequently asked questions

Can I travel to Spain with an ID card?

EU citizens, including Bulgarians, can travel with a valid ID card.

Which Spanish cities have direct flights from Sofia?

Barcelona, Madrid, Málaga and Valencia, and seasonally other cities. Schedules change, so check before booking.

Do I need a plug adapter?

Not if your devices use European plugs.

When is the best beach time in Spain?

June and September – a warm sea without the worst heat and crowds. For winter sun – the Canary Islands.

Need help planning?

The Clio Travel team will help you with flights, hotels, trains and tickets for Spain's sights. For ideas on what to see, read Spain: the most beautiful places.