what we actually use
Travel Resources for Spain
We live in Spain and have tested all of these ourselves. No fluff, just the booking sites and tools that consistently deliver good prices, reliable service, and hassle-free experiences.
Disclosure: Some links on this page are affiliate links. We may earn a small commission if you make a purchase, at no extra cost to you.
Flights
Google Flights →
Always our first stop. The calendar view makes it easy to spot the cheapest days, and the price tracking alerts have saved us serious money on peak season flights.
Best DealsSkyscanner →
The 'cheapest month' feature is brilliant if your dates are flexible. We've found flights to Málaga for under €30 from other European cities using this.
Kayak →
Good all-rounder for comparing flights, hotels, and car hire in one search. Their price alerts are handy if you're flexible on dates and want to wait for a drop.
Multi-CityKiwi.com →
Best for piecing together multi-city routes across Europe. If you're flying into Barcelona and out of Málaga, or adding a stop in Seville, Kiwi handles those combinations better than anyone.
Aviasales →
A flight comparison tool that sometimes finds deals the bigger sites miss. Worth running a quick search alongside Google Flights to make sure you're not overpaying.
From the AmericasIberia →
Spain's national airline and the best option if you're flying from the Americas. Direct routes to Madrid from most major US cities, with easy connections south.
Budget CarrierVueling →
Our go-to for short hops within Spain and Europe. Based in Barcelona with solid coverage to Málaga, Seville, and Granada. Budget-friendly but a step above Ryanair.
Ryanair →
Love them or hate them, they fly to practically every airport in Spain for next to nothing. Just watch the baggage fees. If you pack light, Ryanair is hard to beat on price.
Hotels & Accommodation
Booking.com →
What we use for 90% of our stays. The free cancellation policy has saved us more than once when plans changed last minute. Coverage across Spain is excellent, even in smaller towns.
Airbnb →
Best for longer stays in cities like Madrid, Barcelona, or Seville where you want a full apartment with a kitchen. For short trips or rural Spain, Booking.com usually has better options.
Price ComparisonAgoda →
Often has cheaper rates than Booking.com for the same hotels, especially if you pay upfront. Worth checking for city stays before you commit elsewhere.
Hotels.com →
Their rewards programme is genuinely useful. Stay 10 nights and get 1 free. If you're doing a multi-city trip across Spain, those nights add up fast.
Flight + HotelExpedia →
Useful if you want to bundle flights and hotel together for a discount. Their package deals to Spain can sometimes undercut booking separately.
Budget PickHostelworld →
Madrid, Barcelona, Seville, and Granada all have great social hostels. If you're travelling solo or on a budget, this is where to look.
Vrbo →
Good for villas and larger properties if you're travelling as a group or family. The selection along the coast and in the Balearic Islands is solid.
Unique ExperienceParadores →
Spain's state-run hotels in converted castles, monasteries, and palaces. The Parador de Granada is inside the Alhambra grounds. Not cheap, but genuinely unforgettable.
Rural & CountrysideRuralidays →
Cortijos, fincas, and country houses you won't find anywhere else. Perfect for rural Andalusia, the Alpujarras, and the Spanish countryside.
Compare PricesTripadvisor →
We don't book directly through Tripadvisor, but it's the best place to compare prices across all platforms in one search before committing.
Activities & Tours
GetYourGuide →
We use this for skip-the-line tickets at busy spots like the Alhambra and the Alcázar. Also great for guided tours when you want context, not just a map.
Viator →
Similar to GetYourGuide but sometimes has exclusive tours you won't find elsewhere. Worth comparing prices between the two before booking.
Klook →
Often has the best prices on attraction tickets and transport passes, especially if you're booking multiple activities. A good one to check alongside GetYourGuide and Viator.
City PassesGo City →
City passes for Madrid, Barcelona, and Seville that bundle attractions into one price. If you're hitting 3 or more paid attractions, these usually save you money.
Book EarlyAlhambra Tickets →
The official booking site for the Alhambra. Tickets sell out 2-3 months in advance, especially the Nasrid Palaces slot. Book this before anything else.
Getting Around
Renfe →
Spain's high-speed AVE trains are genuinely brilliant. Madrid to Málaga in 2.5 hours, Madrid to Seville in 2.5 hours. Book early for fares from around €20 one way.
ALSA →
Spain's biggest bus network and the only way to reach a lot of smaller towns. The bus from Málaga to Nerja runs hourly and costs a few euros. Reliable and cheap.
Car RentalDiscover Cars →
Where we compare rental car prices. A car is almost essential if you want to explore the white villages, the Alpujarras, or anywhere off the main train routes.
Omio →
Compares trains, buses, and flights in one search. Handy when you're deciding between the AVE and a budget flight, or figuring out if the bus to Granada is actually faster than driving.
NavigationGoogle Maps →
Download offline maps before you arrive. Mobile data can be patchy in rural Spain, and Google Maps is the most reliable way to navigate small towns, find restaurants, and check opening hours.
Public TransportMoovit →
The best app for local public transport in Spanish cities. Real-time bus, metro, and tram schedules with step-by-step directions. More reliable than Google Maps for bus times.
Travel Insurance
World Nomads →
The most popular option among travellers we know. You can buy it after you've already left home and extend it on the go. Covers adventure activities too.
Best for NomadsSafetyWing →
If you're spending a few months in Spain or working remotely, this is the one. Monthly subscription so you're not paying for a full year upfront.
Europe-BasedHeymondo →
European-based, so they understand the Spanish healthcare system. Competitive prices and their app makes filing claims easy.
Money & Communication
Wise →
If you're coming from outside the eurozone, Wise gives you the real exchange rate with minimal fees. Much better than your bank's rate.
Stay ConnectedAiralo →
An eSIM you can set up before you land. Useful if you're coming from outside the EU and don't want to deal with roaming charges or buying a physical SIM at the airport.
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These platforms have helped us plan hundreds of trips across Spain. While we may earn a small commission when you book through some of these links, we only recommend services we genuinely use and trust.