Historic monuments
Cathedrals, royal palaces and UNESCO sites. The Alhambra, the Alcázar, the Sagrada Família.
18 itinerary ideasStay next level, Stayforlong.
Spain, for longer,
for less.
Everything you need to know before you go: 10 essential cities, experiences you shouldn't miss, the food, practical tips and the best hotels for long stays.
10 cities
KEY DESTINATIONS
6 nights
AVERAGE STAY
From the 3rd night
THE PRICE PER NIGHT DROPS
Destinations
The 10 cities to put at the top of your list
Chosen for their cultural richness, their food and their atmosphere. Each city moves at its own pace — give yourself time to feel it.
Barcelona
Sagrada FamíliaParc GüellBarceloneta
Avg.
£162
/ night
Madrid
Avg.£149/ night
Seville
Avg.£117/ night
Valencia
Avg.£131/ night
Granada
Avg.£80/ night
Benidorm
Avg.£99/ night
Salou
Avg.£93/ night
Lloret de Mar
Avg.£93/ night
Marbella
Avg.£195/ night
Torremolinos
Avg.£110/ night
| City | Price / night | Median stay | Best season* |
|---|---|---|---|
| Barcelona | £162 (avg) | 5 nights | Summer (Jun-Aug) |
| Madrid | £149 (avg) | 4 nights | Autumn (Sep-Nov) |
| Seville | £117 (avg) | 4 nights | Winter (Dec-Feb) |
| Valencia | £131 (avg) | 3 nights | Summer (Jun-Aug) |
| Granada | £80 (avg) | 2 nights | Autumn (Sep-Nov) |
| Coast and beach resorts | |||
| Benidorm | £99 (avg) | 5 nights | Summer (Jun-Aug) |
| Salou | £93 (avg) | 5 nights | Summer (Jun-Aug) |
| Lloret de Mar | £93 (avg) | 5 nights | Summer (Jun-Aug) |
| Marbella | £195 (avg) | 4 nights | Summer (Jun-Aug) |
| Torremolinos | £110 (avg) | 5 nights | Summer (Jun-Aug) |
Source: Internal Stayforlong data. Analysis based on aggregated bookings over the trailing 12 months. Provided for informational purposes. GBP prices are converted from EUR at an approximate rate (27 Aug 2026) — to be reconfirmed before publication.
Major cities
Average price per night in Barcelona
£162 / night on average
Choose a city
Coast and beach resorts
Average price per night in Salou
£93 / night on average
Choose a city
Source: Internal Stayforlong data. Analysis based on aggregated bookings over the trailing 12 months. Provided for informational purposes. GBP prices are converted from EUR at an approximate rate (27 Aug 2026) — to be reconfirmed before publication.
Selection
The top 10 hotels, city by city
Our detailed ranking for each of the 10 cities: the best addresses based on location, value for money and traveller reviews.
Barcelona
Best hotels
See the ranking
Madrid
Best hotels
Coming soon
Seville
Best hotels
Coming soon
Valencia
Best hotels
Coming soon
Granada
Best hotels
Coming soon
Benidorm
Best hotels
Coming soon
Salou
Best hotels
Coming soon
Lloret de Mar
Best hotels
Coming soon
Marbella
Best hotels
Coming soon
Torremolinos
Best hotels
Coming soon
Activities
Things to do in Spain
Choose based on your mood. Everything is within easy reach of your hotel — you don't have to choose between culture and the sea.
World-renowned museums
The Prado, Reina Sofía, Picasso Museum. Allow at least a full day per cultural capital.
42 museums listedFlamenco shows
Andalusia, live musicians, an authentic tablao. Book on a weekday for a less crowded show.
12 partner tablaosMediterranean beaches
Costa Brava, Costa del Sol, the Balearics. Water at 22-26°C between June and September.
60+ rated beachesHiking & nature
Sierra Nevada, the Pyrenees, Camí de Cavalls. Waymarked trails from beginner to expert.
25 detailed trailsFood tours
Local markets, tapas tastings, paella workshops. Do it on day 2, never day 1.
36 experiencesLocal festivals
Las Fallas (March), Feria de Abril, San Fermín (July). Book 4-6 months ahead.
14 major eventsFood & drink
What you'll actually eat
Six dishes to know before you go. Try them in their home region — the difference is real.
25+
regional specialities
listed in the guide
listed in the guide
Paella valenciana
ValenciaSaffron rice with chicken, rabbit and green beans. The seafood version exists and is delicious, but it's not the original recipe.
Tapas
EverywhereSmall dishes to share: croquetas, gambas al ajillo, patatas bravas, boquerones en vinagre.
Jamón ibérico
Andalusia · ExtremaduraCured Iberian ham, aged 24 to 36 months. Bellota, from acorn-fed pigs, is the pinnacle.
Gazpacho
AndalusiaA cold soup of tomato, cucumber, pepper and garlic. Essential in summer, when the temperature climbs past 35°C.
Pulpo a la gallega
GaliciaBoiled octopus with smoked paprika, olive oil and potatoes. Served on a wooden board, eaten standing up.
Tortilla española
EverywhereA thick omelette with potatoes and onions. A national debate: with or without onion. Pick a side.
Practical tips
What you need to know before you book
Eight short guides to sort out budget, climate, transport and safety, with no surprises.
Best time to visit
Spring (April-May) and autumn (September-October): mild weather, moderate crowds, reasonable prices.
See temperatures month by monthDaily budget
Backpacker £30-43/day · Mid-range £51-86/day · Comfort £103+/day. Eating and getting around remain affordable.
Calculate your budgetDocuments & visas
No visa needed for the EU/Switzerland. Valid passport required. Outside the EU: 90 days max in Schengen — check your nationality's rules.
See the requirementsSIM & connectivity
eSIM available on arrival, Movistar/Orange/Vodafone in stores. Excellent 4G/5G coverage everywhere.
Compare plansGetting between cities
The AVE (Spain's high-speed train) covers Madrid-Barcelona in 2h30. Flixbus is the budget option. A car is useful beyond the big cities.
Compare routesSafety
Very safe overall. Watch out for pickpockets on the metro and in crowded tourist areas. Emergencies: 112.
Read our recommendationsWhere to stay
3-4-star hotels: £60-128/night. The price per night drops progressively on longer stays with Stayforlong.
See the best dealsUseful phrases
About fifty key phrases in Spanish. Most people speak English in tourist areas.
Download the mini phrasebookTraveller profiles
A guide for every way of travelling
Ten profiles, ten approaches. Find the one that fits you and get our tailored recommendations.
Digital nomad
Coworking & reliable wifi
Seniors
Relaxed pace, accessibility
Family · babies
Equipment & services
Family · kids
Activities & safety
Family · teens
Adventure & discovery
Travelling with pets
Pet-friendly hotels
LGBTQI+
Inclusive destinations
Solo travel
Safety & meeting people
Solo female travel
Safe neighbourhoods & tips
Business travel
Long stays, remote work
Spain: the quiz that finds your destination.
Stay next level, Stayforlong.
Three questions, one recommended city based on our booking data. You're in control: change your answer or skip straight to search at any time.
Guided search
Which city suits you?
When are you travelling?
How long are you planning to stay?
What appeals to you most?
Quick search
Book your stay
Destination
Spain, all cities
Check-in → Check-out
12 May → 19 May 2026
Travellers
2 adults, 1 room
Frequently asked questions
We answer before you even ask.
What's the best time to visit Spain?
Spring (April-June) and autumn (September-October) offer the best conditions: 18-25°C, light crowds and moderate prices. Summer is ideal for the beaches, but Madrid and Seville can top 40°C. Winter stays mild on the southern coast.
Do I need a visa to travel to Spain?
EU and Swiss nationals don't need a visa. For other nationalities, the Schengen area allows 90 days in any 180-day period. Beyond that, a long-stay visa is required. Check your situation with the Spanish consulate.
How does the Stayforlong long-stay discount work?
The longer you stay, the lower the price per night. The discount kicks in from the 3rd night and increases with the length of your stay, depending on each hotel's pricing policy. The rate updates automatically when you adjust your dates in the search.
What are the best neighbourhoods to stay in Barcelona?
Eixample for Gaudí's architecture and shopping, the Gothic Quarter for a medieval atmosphere, Gràcia for a bohemian, local feel, Barceloneta for the beaches. Avoid the streets immediately off the Ramblas at night.
How do you get between Spain's major cities?
The AVE (Spain's high-speed train, run by Renfe) connects Madrid to Barcelona in 2h30. Flixbus and ALSA run a full bus network, cheaper but slower. Domestic flights are sometimes competitive. A car is only really useful for the inland areas.
Is cancellation free?
Most of our hotels in Spain offer free cancellation up to 3 days before check-in. The deposit rate (£21 at booking, balance paid on site) remains valid up to the deadline shown on your confirmation.
About the author
Nadia Elgabu
Brand Content Manager
Travel has always been my passion. After living in Japan — an experience that changed how I see the world — I've kept a strong bond with Spain, my home country. The queen of insider tips, I share my perspective and advice on my favourite regions, with the honesty of someone who really knows the country. My goal: to give you authentic advice, straight up.
Full transparency: I used AI as an assistant to translate this page and save time. Don't worry though — the content has been reviewed and verified.
