Backpacking in SpainBackpacking in Spain is a popular and a rewarding destination with plenty to engage travellers. Spain is one of Europe’s largest countries and it is also very much a country of contrasts, both geographically (with coasts on both the lively Atlantic, and the sun-baked Mediterranean) and culturally (with the cosmopolitan Mecca of Barcelona versus the age old towns and villages that pepper the interior of the country). It is also a country with a reputation for cultural pride and some idiosyncratic habits (bull fighting for example). It is very well prepared for backpackers, and all of the cities have plenty of hostels and a definite backpacking scene. Plus, if you’ve spent time in Northern Europe, then the summertime temperatures are certainly a draw for many backpackers looking to hit the beach. Where is it and what’s there?Spain is on the western side of Europe, it borders France to the north-east, and Portugal is tagged onto its western side. It shares part of the Pyrenees with France (and consequently has some good skiing), and much of the northern coast is in the Basque region (a disputed territory that crosses the border into France). The northern coast is highly seasonal and becomes increasingly rugged as you head west.The southern coast lies in the Mediterranean Sea and could hardly be more of a contrast. It is temperate year round, and its guaranteed recipe of summertime sunshine and warm water attracts holiday makers from across Europe. Spain’s capital, Madrid, lies on the Manzanares River in almost the exact geographical centre of the country, and is one of Europe’s most dynamic capitals.
The ClimateSpain’s climate is dictated by the waters that surround it. The northern coast is exposed to the Atlantic weather systems that tend to cross over throughout the winter months, so it can be wet and cold. The further west you go the more pronounced this effect is, with Galicia – Spain’s westernmost region – being pretty wild during stormier times of the year.In contrast, southern Spain’s climate is world renowned, with the coastal resort towns having average summer temperatures of over 30°, and the weather about as dependable as it gets in Europe! Plus the Mediterranean Sea’s temperature hovers around the high 20s – so roundabout right for cooling off when it gets too hot on the beach! The centre of Spain has a seasonal climate, with very warm and arid conditions through the summer (Madrid’s summer averages are in the mid 30s), and cooler winters. Getting thereFlying to Spain from anywhere else in Europe is straightforward. The country has over 30 airports, most of which link up with other popular European destinations. If you’re not bothered where you begin backpacking in Spain, then your best bet is to just find the cheapest flight and start from there! If you’re beginning your European tour backpacking in Spain, then there are comprehensive international links from the larger airports (Madrid and Barcelona being the most popular).If you are travelling by train then it’s easy to travel into Spain from France (you can travel on the high speed TGV network from some cities), and there are also bus routes that travel across the border from larger cities in France. Or if you’re in southern France you can catch a bus to any of the larger cities just over the border and go from there. If you’re heading to Spain from the UK, then there are ferries that travel across the Bay of Biscay. The journey takes 24 hours and is expensive, but if you are travelling by car and want to get south quickly then definitely worth considering. Getting aroundThere is one main train operator in the country: Renfe. They provide comprehensive links throughout the country and – if you’re doing a lot of backpacking in Spain – it is worth considering buying one of their ‘unlimited’ travel cards.The bus system links all main towns and cities and is an inexpensive way of getting around. Hiring a car is also worth considering, especially if there are 3 or 4 of you. You may be able to pick the car up from one airport and leave it at another if you are travelling across and flying out of a different airport. Things to do while backpacking in SpainYou could easily spend a few months backpacking in Spain and still be surprised by what you came across. The country has many different faces and many different experiences for backpackers and the great thing is that you can easily choose between beach and rugged and cultural and cosmopolitan!Madrid – Made the capital of Spain purely due to its position at the centre of the country, Madrid rose to the challenge and, today, has all of the dynamism that you’d expect from a modern capital. The suburbs aren’t pretty and it’s really only the older centre of the city that has any attractions for backpackers. But those attractions are significant: one of the busiest and most exciting cities in the world with ‘going out’ time around midnight and nobody home much before mid morning the following day! Guggenheim Museaum – Bilbao, on the north coast, sits between San Sebastian and Santander and all three of these coastal cities have their attractions. The Guggenheim museum, however, has made Bilbao famous and the glistening space-age structure really does make this town worth a visit. Plus, as with the rest of this part of the country, the Basque culture and people give it a feel poles apart from the rest of the country. Football – The Spanish are very passionate about football. Their top teams are routinely amongst the best in Europe and their league (La Liga) is one of the most competitive in the world. If you want to see Spanish passion at its rawest then get to a game! Tarifa – Officially the windiest place in Europe, Tarifa attracts windsurfers and kitesurfers from around the world. It is a bustling and manic place – not least because of the relentless wind – but well worth a visit whether wind sports are your thing or not... Rioja – Some would argue that Rioja wine is Spain’s most important export! The region is beautiful, and there are plenty of ‘bodegas’ which have tours and tastings – what better way to while away a lazy Spanish afternoon?! Barcelona - Spain’s cosmopolitan ‘second’ capital, Barcelona is a popular destination for people on weekend breaks from all over Europe, and for chic Spaniards too. The beaches are teeming during the summer, and there are some stunning museums (including the Picasso Museum) if the beach is too much for you. After hours (not that it’s ever really ‘after hours’ in Barcelona!) there are hundreds of bars, restaurants and clubs and thousands of people looking to keep going until sunrise! Galicia - The antithesis of cosmopolitan Spain, Galicia could almost be from another age. You could spend a few days wandering around the staggering coastline and endless empty beaches and not see another person. Beware of the notorious ‘seventh wave’ however – said to have been the downfall of many a Spanish fisherman who strayed too close to the Atlantic Ocean... Backpacking in Spain is on most European itineraries and has enough to keep even the most manic backpacker occupied. It offers incredibly varied cultural and geographic options and a few nights out ‘Span style’ are a must for any backpacker worth their salt! Return from Backpacking in Spain to Backpacking Europe Return from Backpacking in Spain to the Home Page
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