Spain

Regions and cities

Barcelona combines Gaudí's architecture — the Sagrada Família, Park Güell — with the Gothic Quarter and La Rambla promenade. Madrid, at the heart of the country, offers the Prado museum, Retiro Park and Gran Vía for shopping and nightlife. Andalusia in the south opens up a different world: Seville with the Alcázar palace and authentic flamenco, Granada with the Alhambra on its hill, and Málaga with the Costa del Sol. The Balearic Islands — Mallorca for families, Ibiza for nightlife — remain a beach option apart, while San Sebastián in the north is known for pintxos and Basque cuisine. Valencia itself, beyond its fame as the birthplace of paella, offers city beaches and the modern City of Arts and Sciences complex.

When to go

Spring and autumn are the strongest windows for Madrid and Seville, where summer can easily pass 40°C. Summer belongs to the coast and islands, when the beaches of the Costa del Sol and the Balearics fill with travellers from across Europe. Holy Week (Semana Santa) in Seville and the Feria de Abril bring a distinctive atmosphere, though with far larger crowds than usual.

Food

Tapas remain the Spanish way of eating — small plates shared at the table — while paella, born in the region of Valencia, remains the dish best known abroad. Jamón ibérico, local cheeses and sangria round out the table, while in the north, in the Basque Country, pintxos (the Basque take on tapas) are served on slices of bread in every bar. In the north-west, Galicia is known for its seafood, particularly octopus prepared in the pulpo à feira style.

Getting around

The AVE high-speed train connects Madrid, Barcelona and Seville within a few hours, far more practical than driving for long distances between the main cities. Both major cities have an extensive, easy-to-use metro network. Reaching the Balearic Islands needs a domestic flight or a ferry from Spain's eastern coast. One local habit that often surprises visitors: many small shops close for a few hours around midday and reopen in the late afternoon.

Visa and practical notes

Spain is part of the Schengen area, so biometric Albanian passports enter visa-free for short stays — it's still worth checking current conditions before you travel. Albanian travellers often ask whether Spain can be combined with Portugal (yes, by train or car between the border cities), and which Balearic island suits families versus couples better — Mallorca tends toward the former, Ibiza toward the latter.