eSIM for Spain
Mobile data from the moment you land, no roaming fees and no SIM swap.
What makes Spain special
Spain is really several countries stitched together.
Barcelona and Madrid are about two hours from Zurich, and from there the trip can go almost anywhere, from Gaudí and a city beach in Catalonia to museums and late dinners in the capital, or Moorish palaces and whitewashed villages in Andalusia.
Beach people head for the Balearics or the Canaries, which stay mild in winter. Meals run late, with lunch after 2 pm and dinner after 9 pm, and a rental car or the high-speed train makes linking regions easy.
Ideal for: City breaks, Beach lovers, Road trippers, Night owls
When to travel
January
Low season
Low season. Usually quiet, but some offers run on reduced schedules or pause.
February
Low season
Low season. Usually quiet, but some offers run on reduced schedules or pause.
March
Outside the months we recommend. Write to us if you want to travel exactly then.
April
Shoulder season
Shoulder season. Often pleasant and quieter than high season.
May
Shoulder season
Shoulder season. Often pleasant and quieter than high season.
June
Shoulder season
Shoulder season. Often pleasant and quieter than high season.
July
High season
High season. Beaches and sights are usually busier, so it pays to book accommodation and transport early.
August
High season
High season. Beaches and sights are usually busier, so it pays to book accommodation and transport early.
September
Shoulder season
Shoulder season. Often pleasant and quieter than high season.
October
Shoulder season
Shoulder season. Often pleasant and quieter than high season.
November
Low season
Low season. Usually quiet, but some offers run on reduced schedules or pause.
December
Low season
Low season. Usually quiet, but some offers run on reduced schedules or pause.
By region
Catalonia and Valencia
Spring and early autumn are mild, while high summer is crowded and humid. June to September suit swimming.
Madrid and Andalusia
July and August get very hot inland. April, May and October suit cities such as Seville and Granada far better.
Balearic and Canary Islands
The Balearics have a summer swimming season, while the Canaries stay mild through the winter.
The weather now and in the coming days
Weather currently unavailable
Weather data: MET Norway, CC BY 4.0
What you need to enter
Pick your passport and we show you the entry rule.
Entry rule
No visa needed
For Swiss citizens
Spain is part of the Schengen area, so Swiss citizens do not normally need a tourist visa. An ID card or passport is usually enough to enter, and you should check its validity before you book. The FDFA information takes precedence over this text, which we pass on without guarantee.
No guarantee – the official authority is binding.
Money and budget
- Currency
- Euro (EUR)
- Exchange rate
- Rate currently unavailable
Daily budget per person
Frugal
CHF 90
per day
Comfortable
CHF 150
per day
Generous
CHF 270
per day
Guide values excluding flights, in CHF.
How to get there and get around
Flight time from Zurich
approx. 1 h 50 min
To Barcelona, 2 h 15 min to Madrid, 2 h 5 min to Palma, 4 h 30 min to the Canary Islands
Getting around
High-speed trains link Madrid, Barcelona, Valencia and Seville, and it pays to book them early. In cities you use the metro, buses or ride-hailing. For coasts, countryside and islands a rental car makes sense. Spain drives on the right, and many motorways have toll sections.
Connected and mobile on the ground
Car rental in Spain
Compare rental cars and explore on your own schedule.
Airport transfer
Fixed price, driver waiting: a relaxed ride from the airport to your stay.
Activities in Spain
Secure tours and tickets in advance.
Partner links: we may earn a commission, the price stays the same for you.
Where to go
Barcelona and Catalonia
Gaudí's buildings, the Gothic Quarter and the city beach, plus trips to Girona or the Costa Brava. Reserve tickets for the major sights in advance.
Madrid and central Spain
The Prado, Retiro Park and tapas streets, with day trips to Toledo or Segovia. Nightlife starts late.
Andalusia
Seville, Granada with the Alhambra and Córdoba carry the Moorish heritage. Add whitewashed villages inland and beaches on the coast.
Balearic and Canary Islands
Mallorca has coves and mountain villages, while Menorca and Ibiza each have their own mood. The Canaries offer volcanic scenery, dunes and walking trails.
Photos: Hemispheric - Valencia, Spain - Jan 2007 by Diliff, CC BY 2.5; Sagrada Familia Barcelona 2 by kallerna, CC BY-SA 4.0; Madrid, Plaza Mayor, 2016, (02) by Draceane, CC BY-SA 4.0; Alhambra in the evening by Jebulon, Public Domain. Cropped and compressed. This adaptation is also licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Where to sleep
Cities
Small hotels, guesthouses and apartments near the old town
Coast and islands
Holiday flats, fincas and hotels, book early in summer
Countryside
Country hotels and paradores in historic buildings
Travel well prepared
Travel advice
Current travel advice and the security situation are published by the Swiss Federal Department of Foreign Affairs.
View FDFA travel adviceHealth
Entry does not depend on any vaccinations. In summer it gets very hot, especially in the south and inland, so plan a siesta and plenty of water. Pickpocketing happens in Barcelona and Madrid, so keep valuables close to your body. The European Health Insurance Card may help with treatment, but check what it covers before you travel.
We are happy to advise you on travel insurance.
Good to know
- Language
- Spanish
- Plugs
- Type C, F
- Dialling code
- +34
- Traffic
- Drives on the right
- Tipping
- Tipping is not expected, though some people leave a few coins for good service in restaurants. The bill generally comes only when you ask.
- Internet
- Signal is strong in cities and on the coast and patchier in the interior. Check whether your Swiss plan already includes roaming, otherwise an eSIM is an option.
- Customs
- Spain uses the euro, and cards are accepted nearly everywhere. Sockets are types C and F, so a flat Euro plug works while a Swiss three-pin (type J) needs an adapter. The Canary Islands sit under special customs and tax rules, so ask customs about goods you carry. Beachwear stays at the beach, not in churches or shops.
How long to stay
Recommended length
7 to 14 days
Suggested route
- Barcelona (3 nights) for Gaudí and the city beach
- Madrid (3 nights) for museums and tapas
- Seville and Granada (4 nights) in Andalusia
- Optionally Mallorca or Tenerife (4 to 5 nights) for beach days
Frequently asked questions
When is a good time for city breaks in Spain?
April to June, plus September and October. In July and August the south is very hot, though the coast is good for swimming.
How much does a day in Spain cost?
Around CHF 90 to 150 for simple to comfortable travel, closer to CHF 270 with nicer rooms and excursions. Barcelona and the islands are pricier in high season.
Is my ID card enough to enter?
Usually yes, as long as it is valid. If you are unsure, bring your passport and read the FDFA advice shortly before you leave.
How do I get between cities?
By high-speed train between Madrid, Barcelona and Seville, and by bus or rental car away from the lines. You reach the islands by plane or ferry.
What should I watch out for in Barcelona and Madrid?
Pickpockets in the metro, at sights and in crowds. The emergency number is 112.
When do people in Spain eat lunch and dinner?
Lunch is often between 2 and 4 pm and dinner from about 9 pm. Tourist restaurants serve earlier if you do not want to wait.
How many days should I plan?
One city needs 3 to 4 days. A round trip through several regions takes 10 to 14 days.
We plan your trip to Spain
In a free intro call we cover your wishes, dates and budget. Afterwards you receive a quote with options.
Pick a slot in the calendar right away – or message us wherever suits you best.
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