Cheap Flights to Spain: Book Airline Tickets at the Best Prices

Winter is the ideal time to find cheap flights to Spain from Portugal. Prices drop significantly between December and February, except during Christmas and New Year holidays. Visit Madrid to explore museums like the Prado without crowds, or discover the magic of Barcelona with mild temperatures. The ski resorts of Sierra Nevada and the Pyrenees are at their peak. Try hot chocolate with churros in traditional cafés and enjoy winter gastronomy like cocido madrileño. Andalusian cities like Seville maintain pleasant weather, perfect for walking tours. Christmas markets in Barcelona and Madrid create enchanting atmospheres.

Spring transforms Spain into a paradise of colors and festivals. Between March and May, the weather is perfect for exploring cities and beaches without the intense summer heat. Flight prices start to rise but are still reasonable, especially in March. Visit Valencia during Las Fallas, a spectacular festival with giant sculptures and fireworks. Holy Week in Seville offers impressive processions and centuries-old traditions. Andalusian fields are covered with wildflowers. Mild temperatures make it perfect for walking the Camino de Santiago or exploring pueblos blancos. Try the first strawberries from Huelva and fresh asparagus at local markets.

Summer is high season in Spain, with higher flight prices but unforgettable experiences. June to August bring intense heat inland but perfect weather on the coasts. The Balearic and Canary Islands reach peak popularity. Book in advance to find better fares. Enjoy the beaches of Costa Brava, Costa del Sol and paradise beaches of Ibiza and Mallorca. Summer festivals include San Fermín in Pamplona and La Tomatina in Buñol. Nights are long and perfect for tapas on terraces. Visit night markets and enjoy the culture of dining late. The interior can be very hot, but coastal cities offer refreshing breezes.

Autumn is the secret season to visit Spain with cheap flights and fewer tourists. September to November offer still pleasant weather and authentic experiences. Prices drop after summer, making this time ideal for budget travelers. Participate in grape harvests in La Rioja and Ribera del Duero, tasting new wines. Mild temperatures are perfect for exploring cities like Toledo and Salamanca. Enjoy gastronomic festivals celebrating mushrooms, chestnuts and autumn products. Mediterranean beaches still allow swimming in September and early October. Visit local markets full of fresh seasonal produce. The golden autumn light creates perfect scenery for photography.

As a Portuguese citizen, traveling to Spain is extremely simple thanks to the Schengen Agreement. You don't need a visa and can enter with just your valid Citizen Card or Passport. Minors must travel with their own identification document and parental authorization if traveling unaccompanied. Although border controls are rare, carrying valid identification is mandatory at all times. For stays exceeding 90 days, you must register with local authorities. It's recommended to have the European Health Insurance Card for access to healthcare. There are no customs restrictions between Portugal and Spain for personal goods. Always verify the validity of your documents before traveling, even for short weekend trips.

Spain has an excellent public transport network. The AVE high-speed train system connects major cities in just a few hours, being a comfortable alternative to domestic flights. In large cities like Madrid and Barcelona, the metro is efficient, economical and operates until late. Urban buses perfectly complement the metro network. To explore rural or coastal areas, renting a car offers greater flexibility, with competitive prices and roads in good condition. Taxis are regulated and safe, but apps like Uber and Cabify offer alternatives in major cities. Between cities, companies like ALSA operate comfortable and economical buses. Buy transport tickets in advance online to save money. Many cities offer tourist cards that include unlimited transport and attraction entries.

Spain offers accommodation for all tastes and budgets. International chain hotels guarantee known standards, while boutique hotels provide unique experiences. Spanish hostels are modern, clean and perfect for young travelers or those on a limited budget. Tourist apartments through platforms like Airbnb are ideal for families or extended stays, offering their own kitchen. Traditional guesthouses maintain authentic charm at affordable prices. In rural areas, rural houses provide immersive experiences in local culture. Book in advance during high season (summer and holidays) for better prices. Neighborhoods like Malasaña in Madrid or El Born in Barcelona offer central location at more reasonable prices than tourist areas. Consider staying slightly away from the center to save significantly, taking advantage of excellent public transport.

Spain is generally very safe, with crime levels similar to Portugal. In major tourist cities like Barcelona and Madrid, watch out for pickpockets in crowded areas, public transport and tourist attractions. Keep valuables in inside pockets or bags in front of your body. Avoid displaying expensive phones or flashy jewelry. Common scams include people offering unsolicited help at ATMs or selling fake tickets to attractions. At night, stay in well-lit and busy areas. Be careful with drinks in nighttime bars and never leave them unattended. Keep digital copies of your documents. In case of emergency, call 112. Spanish authorities are helpful and many speak English. Take out travel insurance even for short stays. Register expensive electronics before traveling.

Although Portugal and Spain are neighbors, there are interesting cultural differences. Spaniards dine very late, generally between 9pm and 11pm, and have lunch between 2pm and 4pm. The siesta is still practiced in some regions, with shops closed between 2pm and 5pm. Greet with two kisses on the cheeks, even in semi-formal contexts. Tips are not mandatory but appreciated, leave 5-10% in restaurants if service was good. Speaking loudly is normal and not considered rude. Learn some basic words in Spanish, although many understand Portuguese. Avoid comparisons between Portugal and Spain, especially about football. Respect quiet hours in residential buildings. Dress appropriately when visiting churches and cathedrals. Spaniards value social and family life, with prolonged gatherings in cafes and restaurants.

Spanish cuisine is diverse and delicious, varying significantly by region. Try tapas in traditional bars, where each region has unique specialties. Authentic Valencian paella is unmissable, but avoid very touristy restaurants. Try jamón ibérico de bellota, considered the best ham in the world. Andalusian gazpacho refreshes on hot days. Churros with chocolate are the perfect breakfast or snack. Visit local markets like La Boqueria in Barcelona or Mercado de San Miguel in Madrid for fresh products and authentic atmosphere. Lunch menus del día offer economical complete meals. Drink local wine, each region produces excellent varieties at affordable prices. Try vermouth in the late afternoon, a Spanish tradition. Ask for free tap water in restaurants. Avoid eating in very touristy areas where quality is inferior and prices inflated.

Planning your itinerary well maximizes the experience in Spain. For a first visit, focus on 2-3 main cities avoiding excessive rushing. Madrid and Barcelona deserve a minimum of 3 days each. Combine a large city with a coastal or rural destination for variety. Book tickets online in advance for popular attractions like Sagrada Família or Alhambra, avoiding huge queues. Consider tourist passes that include transport and entries. Visit museums on free days or discounted hours. Schedule outdoor activities for mornings and afternoons, leaving midday for rest. Spaniards do everything later, adapt to local schedules. Leave free time in the itinerary for spontaneous discoveries. Use apps like Google Maps offline by downloading maps previously. Check calendar of holidays and local festivals that may affect availability. Consider traveling in mid-season for better balance between weather and prices.

Pack smartly considering the season and regions to visit. Comfortable footwear is essential, Spanish cities require lots of walking on irregular pavements. In summer, bring light clothing, hat, sunglasses and strong sunscreen, the heat can be intense especially in the south. A reusable water bottle saves money and is ecological. Power adapter is not necessary, Spain uses the same system as Portugal. Bring a light jacket even in summer for strong air conditioning in transport and buildings. In winter, layered warm clothing is more practical than very heavy coats. Personal medications in original packaging with prescription if necessary. Portable phone charger is useful for long sightseeing days. Small backpack for daily outings. Appropriate clothing for religious sites. Swimsuit if planning to visit beaches or pools. Documents in waterproof folder. Avoid excess luggage, Spain has excellent shops if you need to buy something.