What to pack for Spain
Most of Spain has hot, dry summers and mild winters, but it is a big, high country. The inland cities such as Madrid get very hot in summer and properly cold in winter, the north coast is mild and rainy, and the Canary Islands are warm all year.
That is the long-term pattern, not a forecast. Weather in any given week can be warmer, colder or wetter than usual, so check the forecast a few days before you leave — Wayfold does this automatically and adjusts the packing list for your actual dates.
Pack with Spain in mind
- Breathable, loose clothing for inland summer heat
- A warmer layer for winter in Madrid and the mountains
- Sunscreen, sunglasses and a sun hat
- One smarter outfit — dinner starts late and people dress up a little
Start from a full checklist
Combine the points above with a complete list for the kind of trip you are taking:
- Beach vacation packing list · 51 items
- City break packing list · 48 items
- Bachelor & bachelorette party packing list · 49 items
What to eat in Spain
These are dishes most visitors to Spain will meet, with the usual recipe’s diet flags. Use them as a starting point for menus and for asking questions — not as a guarantee of what is in a particular plate.
Paella valenciana
Saffron rice with chicken, rabbit and beans; seafood versions are common too.
Tortilla española
Thick potato and egg omelette, often served by the slice.
Vegetarian-friendlyEgg
Jamón ibérico
Cured Iberian ham, thinly sliced.
Contains pork
Gazpacho
Chilled tomato and vegetable soup, often thickened with bread.
Vegetarian-friendlyGluten
Patatas bravas
Fried potatoes with a spicy sauce, often with alioli.
Vegetarian-friendlyEgg
Pulpo a la gallega
Boiled octopus with paprika, olive oil and salt.
Shellfish
Churros con chocolate
Fried dough sticks dipped in thick hot chocolate.
Vegetarian-friendlyGlutenDairy
Avoiding pork? In this list, Jamón ibérico usually contains pork.
Meal times, tipping and water
| Breakfast | 08:00–10:30 |
|---|---|
| Lunch | 14:00–16:00 |
| Dinner | 21:00–23:00 |
| Tipping | Not expected. Rounding up or leaving small change is common. |
| Tap water | Generally safe to drink |
| Halal food | Moderate |
| Vegetarian food | Moderate |
Lunch is the main meal and dinner starts late. Tapas bars fill the gap.
Local chains you will see
Well-known local names — handy for a quick, predictable meal or coffee:
- 100 Montaditos — Small sandwiches and cheap drinks.
- Rodilla — Madrid sandwich and café chain.
- VIPS — Casual all-day restaurants.
- Lizarran — Pintxos bars with small snacks on bread.
- Telepizza — Pizza delivery and takeaway chain.
General guidance — check locally. Recipes vary between kitchens; always ask about allergens. Checked 30 September 2026. In the app, the food guide marks which dishes fit each traveller’s diet and can show a diet and allergy card in the local language.
Entry rules for US and UK passport holders
A summary of the passport and travel-authorisation rules Wayfold reminds travellers about for Spain. Rules change, and your exact situation (other nationalities, long stays, work or study) may differ.
US passport holders
- Passport valid 3 months beyond departure. Check the expiry date on every passport in your group before you book — airlines can refuse boarding if a passport does not meet the rule. European Commission (opens in a new tab)
- Up to 90 days in any 180 without a visa. Short stays for tourism or business are visa-free for your passport. Days in all Schengen countries count together. European Commission (opens in a new tab)
- ETIAS — not required yet. The EU travel authorisation (€20, valid 3 years) is not live yet; launch is now expected in 2027. We will remind you when it starts. European Union — ETIAS (opens in a new tab)
- Entry/Exit System at the border. Your fingerprints and a photo are taken at your first entry. Allow extra time at passport control. European Union — Entry/Exit System (opens in a new tab)
UK passport holders
- Passport valid 3 months beyond departure. Check the expiry date on every passport in your group before you book — airlines can refuse boarding if a passport does not meet the rule. European Commission (opens in a new tab)
- Up to 90 days in any 180 without a visa. Short stays for tourism or business are visa-free for your passport. Days in all Schengen countries count together. European Commission (opens in a new tab)
- ETIAS — not required yet. The EU travel authorisation (€20, valid 3 years) is not live yet; launch is now expected in 2027. We will remind you when it starts. European Union — ETIAS (opens in a new tab)
- Entry/Exit System at the border. Your fingerprints and a photo are taken at your first entry. Allow extra time at passport control. European Union — Entry/Exit System (opens in a new tab)
This is general guidance, not legal advice. Rules change — always check the official source before you travel. Rules last reviewed 29 September 2026. For the bigger picture, read what ESTA, the UK ETA and ETIAS are.
Quick answers
Is tap water safe to drink in Spain?
Generally safe to drink. Tap water is generally treated to a safe standard, though some travellers prefer bottled water for taste. General guidance — check locally. Recipes vary between kitchens; always ask about allergens.
Do you tip in Spain?
Not expected. Rounding up or leaving small change is common.
Is it easy to eat halal or vegetarian in Spain?
Halal food: moderate. Vegetarian food: moderate. Vegetarian-friendly classics include Tortilla española, Gazpacho, Patatas bravas and Churros con chocolate. Recipes vary between kitchens, so always ask.