Backpacking Spain is a superb option for backpackers and solo travelers. Spain is filled with many attractions – amazing landscapes, interesting museums, mesmerizing architecture, and bustling cities.
Spain has a vibrant culture with fascinating locals, many expats, and travelers, meaning there are always events happening or people to meet if you do feel like socializing on your Spain backpacking route.
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For more inspiration, read about the 20 most beautiful places in Spain.
Spain Backpacking Route
Spain has an abundance of stunning beaches and iconic islands, plenty of parties, and vast history with a Moorish influence, medieval architecture, impressive Catholic Churches and cathedrals.
The ultimate thing about backpacking around Spain is its many regions: the traditional Andulucía, the proud Basque nation, historical Galicia, and many more.
This guide will provide you with all the information on how to travel around Spain, with the perfect Spain itinerary and travel tips. At the end of this guide, you may want to look at these fun Spain bucket list experiences too.
If you’d rather drive around the country, make sure to check our road trip itineraries in Spain.
Mediterranean Coast
The East Coast is a well-visited destination for travelers backpacking through Spain.
The Mediterranean Coast is a place where Spanish lands meet the Mediterranean Sea, including the coastal beaches like Barcelona, Almeria, and Valencia found along the coastline.
Murcia and Tarragona should be added to your Spain backpacking itinerary.
There are long stretches of coastline, a perfect place for backpacking through Spain, as there are plenty of locations and you are able to continue down to Andalucia if you want, and move throughout the Costa del Sol.
Obviously, Barcelona is a popular destination amongst backpackers. Good news – it’s possible to travel to Barcelona on a budget.
Northern Spain
A visit to Northern Spain is often overlooked by most people backpacking in Spain, which means you will be backpacking a less touristy area.
Northern Spain is one of the most fascinating areas, the character and culture are unbelievable!
Even Galicia has cultural spots that are intriguing and beautiful. While still traveling the area, places such as Santiago, Vigo, and Coruna are must-visits!
While you’re in the north, you can also visit Basque country. You can visit Cantabria and the seaside town of Santander.
Due to the lower tourist rates compared to the rest of the country, northern Spain is great for your backpacking Spain budget.
Andalucia
Next head to Málaga, the white town coastal town by the Mediterranean Sea. Málaga has an international airport in the South of Spain on the Costa Del Sol.
If your backpacking Spain route allows, you must visit Ronda. It is just a couple of hours out Málaga, and the other whitewashed villages in this area are something out of a postcard.
A visit to Andalucia works well if you intend to see Morocco on your trip, why not hop over to Africa for the day? You can purchase a day trip ticket to Morocco from Malaga!
You can then visit the most beautiful city in Spain, the city of Seville well known for its winding alleyways, flamenco, great tapas, and scorching hot weather, from here you can visit Córdoba for a day.
Next, visit Granada and enjoy its unique Moorish heritage. There is so much to do and see in Granada, famous for the Alhambra, free tapas, and stunning views!
Spain Backpacking Itinerary: Best Cities To Visit In Spain
The best city to start your backpacking through Spain is… Barcelona! It’s possible to finish your journey in Malaga and bask in the Costa Del Sol.
If you’re starting in Barcelona – you should also take a look at these best day trips from Barcelona! You can also read more about the beautiful Sagrada Familia.
This Spain itinerary includes the very best Spanish cities and can be done in between 2-3 weeks. Begin your Spanish backpacking trip in Barcelona.
After, you can head to Madrid, the capital city for a Couple of Days. From Madrid, you can take an overnight bus to historical Córdoba before visiting Moorish Granada and Seville.
Still unsure about whether Barcelona is worth visiting, our guide will talk you through it.
Spain Travel Tips
Make sure to note these essential Spain travel tips for your Spanish backpacking adventure.
Best time to visit Spain: The best time to visit Spain is between April and June in the summer months and September – October in the wintertime, allowing you to miss the big crowd of tourists.
Siesta: Remember, between the hours of 2 pm-4 pm most shops, will close for a few hours for lunchtime.
Eating hours: Spanish tend to eat later in the day, you should expect cafes to open for breakfast later, lunch is usually served after 2 pm and restaurants and plazas get busier with diners after 9:00 pm.
Is Spain safe? Spain is safe, but like most big cities there are risks of being pickpocketed – especially in the infamous streets of Barcelona! Be aware, and keep your belongings hidden.
Spain Backpacking Budget Tips
Spain is an ideal country to visit on a budget, with plenty of easy ways to save your Euros.
Read our backpacking Spain Budget tips:
- Free Tapas In Granada: for every alcoholic drink you can score free tapas! Beers and free food? Why not give it a go and save your Euros!
- Use the Metro Spanish metro system: it’s easy to use and incredibly cheap.
- Book in advance: Book your flights to Spain in advance, budget airlines offer cheap flights around Europe months before the travel date.
- Car Share: Spanish are really into their car-sharing, saving you money and helping the environment. Bla Bla Car is an amazing app that lets you share a car journey around Spain for day trips and even long road trips from city to city.
- Getting around Spain: Spanish buses offer great routes, allowing you to travel around the country comfortably and on a budget. Make sure you book your bus seats in advance! In fact, any kind of traveling within the country should be booked in advance if you want to save money. You can get around Spain using Omio. This website helps you compare and book the best trains, buses, or flights to get around the country (and in Europe).
- Menu Del Dia: If you want to eat on a budget, choose the Menu Del Dia which will provide you with a tasty local meal and is what the locals usually choose for their lunch too.
Final Thoughts On Backpacking In Spain
The ultimate reason why Spain remains one of the world’s top travel destinations could be down the vibrant variety of unique cities, traditional and fascinating culture, delicious food, and its budget-friendly, laid-back way of life!
Backpacking Spain is a fun journey and as you can see, there are many Spain backpacking routes available.
